2026–2027 Team Formation & OVA New Club Expectations

TriCity Volleyball Club is proud to enter the 2026–2027 season as a newly approved Ontario Volleyball Association member club.
With that opportunity comes a responsibility to follow the OVA’s policies for new clubs, team formation, athlete commitments, and tryout timelines.

One important new rule families may hear about is sometimes referred to as the OVA 80/20 rule.

What does the 80/20 rule mean?

For newly approved OVA clubs, teams are restricted to a limited percentage of returning OVA athletes. In simple terms, this means new clubs are expected to build rosters primarily around athletes new to OVA club volleyball, while only a limited number of roster spots may be available to athletes who played in the OVA system during the previous season.

This rule helps ensure that new clubs create opportunities in the volleyball community, rather than simply drawing large numbers of athletes away from existing OVA clubs.

The OVA may waive this restriction at its discretion, but families should understand that TCVC must build teams in a way that respects the official OVA process.

What this means for TCVC athletes

For the 2026–2027 season, TCVC will focus on building competitive, development-first teams that reflect both athletes' potential and OVA requirements.

Roster decisions will not be based only on previous club experience.

Coaches will consider:

• Skill level and volleyball IQ

• Effort and work ethic

• Coachability

• Attitude and leadership

• Position needs

• Team fit

• Commitment to training and competition

• Long-term development potential

Every roster spot must be earned.
At the same time, TCVC is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes in Waterloo Region who are ready to train, compete, and grow within the OVA system.

Returning OVA athletes

Athletes who played for another OVA club during the previous season may still attend eligible open gyms, explore opportunities, and participate in the official tryout process in accordance with OVA timelines.

However, because TCVC is a newly approved OVA club, returning OVA athletes should understand that roster availability MAY be limited by the OVA’s new club requirements.

Families are encouraged to communicate clearly, ask questions early, and review the most current OVA policies before making decisions.

New-to-OVA athletes

The 2026–2027 season is a major opportunity for athletes who are new to OVA club volleyball.

TCVC is looking for athletes who are ready to learn, compete, and commit to a team environment.
Prior OVA experience is not the only pathway onto a roster.
Athletes who show strong effort, athletic potential, coachability, and commitment will be seriously considered.

Our goal is to help more athletes in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding communities access quality volleyball development and competitive opportunities.

Important OVA timeline reminders

Families should follow the official OVA tryout and commitment timelines for their athlete’s age division.

For TLS to 18U athletes, the OVA timeline includes:

• May 31: End of the OVA indoor season

• June 1–26: Re-signing period

• July 1–September 4: Open commitment period

• September 8–*15/16: Tryouts and OVA offer forms begin *date is based on age division

For 4v4 and 6v6 athletes, there is no open commitment period.
These athletes follow a different OVA tryout timeline, with tryouts and offer forms beginning in September.

Please always refer to the most current OVA policies for official dates, forms, and requirements.

Our commitment

TCVC is building something new for Waterloo Region volleyball.

We are committed to:

• Following OVA policies

• Communicating transparently with families

• Creating new opportunities for athletes

• Building development-first competitive teams

• Supporting athletes who are ready to work, learn, and grow

The opportunity is real. The standard is high.
And we are excited to build this next chapter with our athletes, families, coaches, and community.