Tournament Seeding

Tournament seeding will be posted here by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15. Once seeding is released, teams will know whether they fall into Division 1 or Division 2, allowing them to book hotels accordingly when links go live on Tuesday, December 16.

Daily Schedule (Full Tournament Schedules can be found on AES located HERE)
 

Friday January 16
Division 1 (9:00am - 6:00pm)

Saturday January 17
Division 1 (7:30am - 3:00pm)
Division 2 (3:00pm - 10:30pm)

Sunday January 18
Division 2 (10:00am - 5:30pm)

Qualification:

• 18U Teams (of age) are guaranteed entry as long as they have competed in the Provincial and/or Challenge Cup as they must be listed in the post 18U Challenge Cup rankings (Overall Average).
  • *Unique scenarios may be reviewed for of age teams who have not participated in either the 18U Provincial or Challenge Cups*
• 17U Teams (underage) will be accepted to fill out the Boys (64 Team) and Girls (128 Team) tournament draws.
  • Underage teams will be accepted based on rank. Meaning the highest ranked underage teams will be accepted first based on the post 18U Challenge Cup Rankings (Overall Average)
    • An underage team who would like to participate in the New Year’s Open must compete in either the 18U Provincial Cup or 18U Challenge Cup in order to be included in the post 18U Challenge Cup Rankings (Overall Average). An underage team cannot participate in the New Year’s Open if it is their first 18U event of the season.
      • *Unique scenarios may be looked at if it helps fill out the tournament draw, and all other interested underage teams have already been accepted*

Seeding:

• Teams will be seeded into Division 1 or Division 2 based on the post 18U Challenge Cup Rankings (Overall average).
  • There is no realignment after the 18U Challenge Cup as the traditional Premier, Select, Championship & Trillium tiers do not exist in the 18U New Year’s Open.
• To clarify, teams that have only competed in either the 18U Provincial Cup OR Challenge Cup (i.e. 1 previous event) still qualify and are seeded based on the post Challenge Cup rankings (Overall average).
  • For example, if a team only competed in the 18UG Challenge Cup and finished 2nd in the Championship tier. They earned 775 points and will have an overall average of 775 points as their only finish.

Points:

• A new points structure will be introduced for this event weighted in a similar manner as the other four 18U regular season events. The full breakdown of points for this event can be found in section 5.9 of the Youth Competitions Manual located HERE.
• Points received at the New Year’s Open will count towards a team ranking just like any other 18U regular season event.

Realignment into future events:

• The post New Year’s Open Rankings (Overall Average) will be used to assign teams into tiers for the Furlani Cup (except for the GPQ):
  • Grand Prix Qualifier (aka Premier)
    • Top 12 ranked teams based on top 2 average
  • Select, Championship, Trillium White and Trillium Green:
    • Teams will be assigned into tiers based on the post New Year’s Open Rankings (Overall Average)
      • Please note – Section 4.10, 4.11 and 4.12 Initial Placement policies will be followed when creating the 18U Furlani Cup tiers to maintain competitive balance.
      • Step 3 of section 5.4 will also be taken into consideration for teams that did not participate in the New Year’s Open to ensure they are still placed in an appropriate tier for the 18U Furlani Cup to maintain appropriate competitive balance. 

Team Check-In

There is no  official team check-in. Teams can arrive whenever they like and can enter through any door. All EXTERIOR BUILDING DOORS open 1hr prior to 1st serve. 

Friday January 16th - Facility doors open at 8:00am
Saturday January 17th  - Facility doors open at 6:30am
Sunday January 18th - Facility doors open at 9:00am

Warm Up

• 8-4-4 for all teams first match of the day
• 2-4-4 for all other matches within the tournament
• There is 35,000 square feet of ball free warm-up space in Hall 2 allowing teams to arrive at their competition court warm and ready to go.

Side Switching

Hall 3 & 4 - No side switching in between sets

Hall 5 - There will be side switching in between sets due to a difference in the vaulted ceiling height. 

Tie Breaking Procedures for Pool Play Ranking 

Tie Breaking Procedure can be found in section 5.7 of the Youth Competitions Manual located HERE

Medals/Awards

Medals (All Tiers) will be awarded to teams in Hall 2 (next to Canuck Stuff). Please head over to Hall 2 immediately following your medal match. 

Video Streaming - Pixellot Cameras

• Pixellot Cameras will be setup on 6 courts (5, 13, 17-20)
• The content will not be live, however it will be recorded and uploaded. Morning matches will be uploaded early afternoon and afternoon matches will be uploaded in the evening.
• Teams are not permitted to setup their own Pixellot cameras between courts  due to the tight spacing in between courts.

To access the matches on these courts, follow these steps:

1. Go to: https://cbc.watch.pixellot.tv/
2. Sign up for a free account.
3. Click “Volleyball” in the top bar
4. Follow the “Ontario Volleyball Association”
5. The OVA will post on social media when the games are uploaded

Playing on Sport Court Rule

The playing area includes the playing court and the free zone. Each team must play within its designated playing area.

Sport Court: The area beyond the edge of the sport court is designated as a non-playing zone. Therefore, the last point of contact prior to contact with the ball must be on the sport court and the player must always play the ball on the sport court tile with BOTH FEET touching the Sport Court.

Examples:

• One foot on the sport court, one foot on the cement while playing the ball = play is whistled dead.
• One foot on the sport court and one foot in the air while playing the ball, momentum carries you off the court before the 2nd foot can make contact with the sport court = play is whistled dead.
• Jump in the air, play the ball, and land off the sport court = play is whistled dead.
• Leave the playing area and step on a chair and play the ball = play is whistled dead.
• Play the ball on the sport court with both feet touching the Sport Court, the momentum of the athlete carries them off the court = play continues.

Any service action must be initiated with at least one foot in contact with the Sport Court.

These rules are in place to minimize the risk to athletes.

Vendors

Canuck Stuff will be on site in Hall 2:

• Saturday January 17th (7:30am - 9:00pm)
• Sunday January 18th (10:00am - 5:00pm)

The event merch was so popular and it sold out quickly! CanuckStuff has extended the ordering to an online option post event. Please click the link below to order your New Years Open swag until January 25, 2026 at 11:59pm! 

Medical

There will be AT's (Athletic Therapists) on site for all 3 days In Hall 4 and Hall 5. 

• Hall 4 ATs are located below court 20
• Hall 5 ATs are located below court 12

The ATs will provide tape/ice for medical requirements. AT's will provide taping services for athletes who bring their own tape. 

Registered Massage Therapy:

Free Massage Therapy  (Athletes Only) located in Hall 2
- 9am - 5pm (2 RMTs)
- 9am - 5pm (1 - 2 RMTs on site)
- 10am - 6pm (4 RMTs on site)

Food

• The Main food/cafeteria area is located in Hall 2
• The small satellite Coffee Shop is located just outside of Hall 5 near court #8

Team Food Pre-Order Options

The International  Centre will be offering Pre-Order food options! This great way to beat the line and plan ahead!  Orders must be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday January 11th.   Click the order form below and follow the  directions on how to submit an order.  Here are a few notes for the Pre-Order Form. Please see the Team Order Notes section on the order form for more info:

• Questions and Orders should be submitted at Email: catering@internationalcentre.com
• Teams are to submit ONE order form per meal period / per day       
• Order pick ups will be at Hall 2 Retail Concession                                                                                                                     

Lunchroom space is set up in Hall 2 at the International Centre. Tables are not reserved. Please respect the space and remove personal belongings so all teams have a table to eat at. 

Remember: No outside coolers are allowed. No buffet-style set ups allowed. Athletes are permitted to bring in personal brown-bagged lunch/dinner options ONLY.  No food delivery permitted to be consumed inside the convention centre. 

**The Coffee shop in Hall 5 is near court #8

Craft Express Menu:

Cold Options:

• Smoked Turkey, Mild cheddar, Baby Arugula, Cranberry aioli, Onion sub bun - $ 11.50
• Maple glazed Ham, swiss cheese, Baby arugula, pickled red onion, Dijon mustard/Honey spread- $ 11.50
• Greek yogurt parfait cups (granola on the side) - $ 6.50
• whole fruit (bananas, apples, oranges) - $ 2
• Retail salad options (Chicken and vegan)

Hot Lunch Options

• Burgers - $ 12
• Hot dogs - $ 6.50
• Fries & Poutine – 
• Cheese or pepperoni pizza slices – 
• Chicken tenders + fries or chips - $ 13.50
• Mac n cheese, roasted root vegetables, crispy chicken - $ 14.50

Healthier Options

• Chicken & rice bowl options/alternate days/ $ 15.95
• Teriyaki chicken, Lemongrass/ scallion Jasmine Rice, roasted root veggies with sesame
• Piri-piri chicken, Lime/ Cilantro rice, roasted corn and yellow beans, shredded 

PARKING 

The International Centre offers complimentary parking with over 5,000 spaces available, making arrival easy and convenient. Please check which Hall your matches are in to choose the best parking area near Halls 3, 4, or 5.

The North and South lots include 55 accessible spaces, and a few Hypercharge EV stations are available near the Conference Centre entrance.

Facility Rules

• Crock pots, hot plates, coolers and “buffet tables” are not allowed to be set up and used in any of the facilities. Teams are allowed to bring personal “brown bag” lunches ONLY into all facilities.  Participants are encouraged to use the public spaces outside of the playing areas and designated “cafeteria” to feed their teams.  Remember to always clean up after yourselves.  
• Tables in the designated eating areas are not reserved table space. After your team has finished eating, please remove your belongings. Unattended bags that are left on tables without team’s present will be moved off to create space for other teams. Please be considerate of the space at the International Centre, as well as other teams.  
•  The OVA, the City of Mississauga and the International Centre are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.  Remember to always take your personal belongings with you and do not leave anything unattended. Any found items will be placed in the lost and found located just outside of Hall 5. 
• Please ensure your teams are not blocking any walking spaces by leaving their bags or team equipment in open spaces.   
• 15,000 square feet of ball free warm-up space is available in Hall 2
• There is no warming up in the hallways . No volleyballs are allowed anywhere except on the playing courts. If a volleyball hits an overhead sprinkler, the alarm will sound, and the entire facility will need to be evacuated and play will be suspended until the fire department gives OVA staff the approval to re-enter the building.  Please use the designated warm up areas indicated above.  
• As coaches and chaperones, we ask that you please supervise your athletes on and off the court to make it the most enjoyable experience for everyone. 
• As with most sporting events, spectators should enter at their own risk as volleyballs may leave the playing area at any time and may hit spectators. The Ontario Volleyball Association is not responsible for spectator injury incurred while watching volleyball matches.  
• The use of any type of noise makers (cowbells, air horns, drums, whistles, etc) is prohibited. Spectators will be asked to refrain from using these devices. If they continue to use them, they will be confiscated.  
• Only authorized photographers employed by the OVA are allowed on the playing area, sport court, or stand between courts due to liability reasons. Parents and/or spectators are not allowed to be in the playing area, on the sport court, or standing between the courts to take photographs. If they are found to be in violation of this rule, they will be asked to leave immediately. If parents/spectators disregard this rule multiple times, they will be asked to leave the venue by OVA Staff, Facility staff, the Head Official, Area Supervisors or the working referees.  

New Years Open - Booking Timeline & Links:
 

Tuesday December 16th  at 10:00am

• Teams travelling 400+km (one-way) will have early access to hotels. Link will be emailed directly to team contacts from the OVA.

Tuesday December 16th  at 2:00pm

• Live Hotel Link will be posted HERE at 2pm

Hotel Preview Link - can be found HERE

*Please note: hotel rooming lists are due by 12pm on Thursday December 18th

Hotel Booking Information

Hudson Travel Group (HTG)  is excited to be partnering with the OVA for the 2025-2026 regular season convention centre weekends. HTG  has secured hotel blocks at the hotels closest to each convention centre and throughout the city and look forward to working with your team to secure your room needs. Please be assured that they have worked to secure the lowest room rates possible in these hotel blocks. If you find a lower rate online, please let them know so they can address it with the hotels. 

HTG Contact (Melanie: Melanie@htgsports.com )

Please ensure your hotel bookings go directly through Hudson Travel Group vs the hotels directly for the OVA to obtain the best possible rates for the event.

Why Do I need to Book Through HTG?

The event expenses such as the convention center, shipping of equipment, officials, staff, and tournament coordinators who manage the event all roll up into the team registration fee. The participants renting hotel rooms within the group block all count towards lowering the cost of producing the event, especially related to the cost of the convention center. Organizations like the OVA need to show as many room nights as possible in their block which keeps costs lower and allows the Association to tap into tourism funding, all of which in turn help keep team registration entry fees as low as possible. Hotel contracts have provisions to provide the best rates possible based on a specific volume but the hotels need to see more guest rooms utilized for this all to work.

The OVA strives to prove its size and value for every event and takes its historical data to negotiate lower overall costs at the convention center and hotels. The OVA signs contracts for each event that specifies attendance and the number of hotel rooms needed for participants. This, in turn, is used to drive costs down for everyone and allows the OVA to access major event funding grants from Tourism Boards.  If we don't have these "heads in beds" stats, these events are not possible to deliver due to cost restrictions. 

Having a good history of “heads in beds” also helps to negotiate items such as complimentary or reduced parking, breakfast specials, and complimentary rooms to help house the staff and officials that support the event.

In the long run, the best way to keep your costs lower as a club director or a parent is to support the organization running the tournament.  Is it a perfect situation – no it is not. But the OVA is committed to providing the best overall experience for participating athletes and their parents.

How to Submit a Rooming List

After the hotel has been confirmed, teams will be able to access their hotel booking through the “login directly” link attached to the Hotel Confirmation email. This will bring them to their own personal team “Dashboard” with all hotel information and rooming list access. Team Managers will also see the “Book Another Team” button within the dashboard

Teams will receive another email with the “Rooming List Entry Link” that can be forwarded to any/all team members/parents to book and manage their individual room.

1. Under My Events, Select the Event, Select the Team Name you want to add the rooming list to
2. Click on “Your Confirmation” button in the middle of the screen. A new page will open.
3. Click on “Rooming List”.  At this point, you can enter your rooming list, one room at a time.
4. Click on one of your names and new window will pop open
5. Click on Modify
6. Replace your contact details with the name of one athlete that is in that room
7. Enter your credit card details
8. To add remaining guests to room, please enter their names in the special comment box.
9. Click Save and Close
10. Window will close
11. Repeat process for other rooms

All travelling teams (125kms+/one way) are required to book hotel rooms through Hudson Travel Group (HTG Sports) to be eligible to play in the EY Centre, International Centre or Niagara Falls Convention Centre 2-day tournaments. This policy is used to assist in actualizing the room night requirements for the OVA to receive discounted facility rentals as well as obtain grants through host cities to be able to afford large facility rentals.  Without Stay to Play, the OVA would not be able to obtain rentals for large facilities across Ontario.

• The Clubs address will be used to determine kms to the venue.
• Teams participating in single day Convention Centre events or any teams less then 125km away are not required to stay in a hotel but if they choose to stay in a hotel then they must book through HTG
• Teams located 550+km away will receive early access to hotel booking for the EY Centre 2-day events  and teams located 400+km will receive early access for the International Centre and Niagara Falls Convention Centre 2-day events. 
• The chart below identifies the number of required rooms per night for all travelling teams (125kms+/one way)  for 2-day events  at the EY Centre, International Centre or Niagara Falls Convention Centre to satisfy the Stay to Play policy. 

It is the team's responsibility to ensure their minimum room nights are hit.