In case anyone hasn't heard the news around what the rest of this season looks like, here is the communication from VV regarding the upcoming finalisation of the season and finals.

Regards

Andy

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ROUND 16 AND FINALS FIXTURE

The Round 16 fixture has been restructured in almost all divisions to allow the fairest possible mechanism to decide which teams will make finals and also which teams will secure the top 2 or top 4 positions. This restructure also includes the entire duty roster to ensure as close to an even count as possible across each division after taking into account the missed rounds.



The 2021 Volleyball Victoria State League season has obviously suffered from major interruptions and there were many different options considered as to how the season should conclude. This also includes the previously outlined ‘extended’ finals series with two extra teams qualifying for finals in each division. There is no perfect solution, especially within the time frame available to the competition, but after numerous discussions it was decided for the Reserves divisions to restructure Round 16 to have teams in a similar position on the ladder play each other in the last round. For Premier divisions the only change, excluding match times, is that the matches between Monash University and Phantoms have been moved to 7 August. For Juniors there have been numerous changes to match times and venues/courts.



This restructure has allowed Volleyball Victoria to have almost every team compete in the final round of the 2021 State League season as well as maintaining a full finals series. The restructure takes into account the current ladder positions of teams and offers the opportunity for those teams in finals contention to make the top 6 or top 8 and those entrenched in finals the opportunity to finish in the highest possible position on the ladder available to them.



For matches on 7 August, as previously outlined, it is expected that State League will be subject to the 100 people per indoor space restriction. With this in mind the most cautious approach has been taken for Round 16 and as such extra venues will be utilised to ensure there are only two active courts per indoor space per venue. As you can see from the attached fixture this also means there has been a change in match times for Round 16.



AT THIS STAGE WE ARE AWAITING CONFIRMATION FROM ONE VENUE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO UTILISE THIS VENUE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS WILL BE EXPLORED INCLUDING CANCELLING MATCHES THAT HAVE NO BEARING ON FINALS.



Fixture requests for Round 16 will unfortunately not be accommodated unless in extreme circumstances where an alternative solution has also been provided.



For finals, various alternative structures have been discussed with numerous stakeholders but after taking all factors into account it was decided that the finals would remain as per the current schedule.



The restructured fixture is attached and is also available via the online duty roster and Sports TG. This will allow clubs time to prepare for any changes to their match times and venue from the original fixture.



AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIXTURE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! It is expected that the fixture for Round 16 will be 100% confirmed early next week but there are still numerous factors to be locked in before this can occur. I ask that this is COMMUNICATED TO ALL MEMBERS as we will require flexibility and patience from all State League participants for the remainder of the season.

I understand that the restructure will be well received by some clubs/teams and for others it will be the complete opposite. This is the unfortunate nature of a COVID interrupted season. I do apologise that I was unable to consult clubs further but with the timeline we are facing, and after various lengthy discussions with stakeholders (as well as reviewing a large amount of emails), the above decisions were made to ensure that Volleyball Victoria followed through on our commitment to have as many teams playing volleyball as possible in the final round of the 2021 State League season! This restructure has achieved this commitment whilst also providing the fairest fixture achievable that is well within the COVID restrictions.

This will also allow the 2021 Volleyball Victoria State League season the opportunity to conclude with the full ‘extended’ finals series.