Further changes to the FIVB beach volleyball calendar were announced today following the evaluation and reassessment of its international events in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The FIVB has been regularly monitoring the global situation and, following discussions with the relevant National Federations and promoters, has decided on several revisions to the beach volleyball calendar. As always, the protection of the health and wellbeing of players, officials, and fans remains the FIVB’s top consideration in all decisions taken.
The FIVB and event organisers have mutually agreed to the following changes to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour calendar:
• U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships scheduled for 10-15 November in Roi Et, Thailand – postponed to 24-28 March 2021
• Previously postponed 4-star event in Yangzhou, China – cancelled
• Previously postponed 1-star events in Satun, Thailand and Tuan Chau Island, Vietnam – cancelled
• 2-star event in Larnaka, Cyprus, originally scheduled for 18-20 September 2020 – cancelled
It is important to note that the age limit for the postponed U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships will remain the same as it was for the 2020 event. As such, participating athletes must be born on 1 January 2002 onwards.
The FIVB looks ahead with optimism to the return of beach volleyball action with several events already being held safely across Europe. Continued assessments are taking place in regards to health and safety protocols, international travel restrictions and policies.
The FIVB Ranking System has been frozen since 16 March 2020. The FIVB will continue to monitor all global travel restrictions and access to competitions ahead of every single World Tour stop. As the situation is constantly evolving, further announcements will be made in the coming weeks on the possible resumption of the Ranking System. This will depend on securing fair access for all eligible participants to events, and details will be communicated in the Event Regulations of each scheduled event.
In addition, the FIVB recently published its guidelines to help Continental Confederations and National Federations create a safe environment to restart beach volleyball activities, but only if permitted by local health and government authorities.
The FIVB has also launched the application process for the 2020/2021 calendar, including the FIVB U21 World Championships in 2021, and is aiming to feature as many 1 to 5-star events across the globe as possible. The revised terms and conditions for hosting FIVB World Tour events have also been communicated to all stakeholders and posted on the FIVB website.
