According to Advanced Event Systems, the software and website that tracks hundreds of junior volleyball tournament results, Mizuno Long Beach 18 Rockstar J has forfeited their first match of the USAV 18 Open National Championships before they have started play, 25-0, 25-0.
In cases pertaining to forfeiture prior to play, USAV rules require a coach or team representative to list a numbered roster for the tournament staff to approve, thereby allowing the team to play. This is standard practice for all teams attending any USAV national event, including qualifiers. Most of the time, this rule is followed the night before play.
In the case of Long Beach Rockstar, however, it’s not as if their flight was delayed. An easy 45 minute drive to the play site would alleviate any issues.
What does this mean? If there are any tiebreakers, according to the USAV rules manual, that affect seeding on the final day of play that does NOT keep a team from entering into the Gold (top) bracket, the tiebreaker may come down to point percentage, which will give a large advantage to Absolute Black 18-1, a club from northern California, the beneficiary of Long Beach Rockstar’s oversight.
Updates are forthcoming.
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