From the JVA Office: JVA Gives Back

When JVA began in 2006 with a volunteer board and one event, we had no staff.  We met in 2009 for a strategic planning session and wrote our mission.  Our main goal was to provide resources to clubs and help grow the sport.  “Never could I have imagined how much we could and would accomplish.  I am so very proud of our initiatives to “give back”.  I am thankful to our member clubs for their support and belief in our mission.  Working together, we can accomplish so much.”  ~ Jenny Hahn, JVA Executive Director

Before we turn the chapter on 2023, let’s reflect on what a positive, impactful year it has been. 

Officials Reward Program

In October 2022, the JVA launched the JVA Officials Reward Program (ORP) designed to recruit, retain and reward Officials that support JVA Volleyball Events. Through this program, Officials are recognized for reaching a certain level of achievement during the junior volleyball season, and rewarded for recruiting new Officials to the sport. In the first year, 856 Officials enrolled in the Official Reward Program, $3,400 in merchandise was awarded, along with $2,000 given to Officials as cash prizes. 

Last year Mark Eckart was extensively involved with the JVA, officiating in a number of tournaments, earning pointsin the JVA Officials Reward Program. After officiating eight qualifying JVA events, Mark was one of only two Officials to reach the Tier 3 Level in the Program, with 800 points, earning him a $300 bonus plus JVA swag.

“The JVA has many great people working for them and it made the tournaments run smoothly and enjoyable to be part of! The JVA association and the rewards program are both a benefit and incentive to work their tournaments. The tournaments are well organized and somewhat merit based, if you do a good job you get higher level games,” adds Eckart.

Sponsor Program

After taking a pause in mid 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the JVA Sponsor Program returned for the 2022-2023 season, giving nearly $200,000 back to JVA member clubs. The JVA Sponsor Program is designed to reward its members for promoting the JVA brand, supporting the JVA mission, and growing JVA at the regional and national level. This Program is one of the many ways the JVA creates collaboration, celebration, cohesion and camaraderie among junior volleyball leadership and athletes across the country.

“The fact that we are able to come out stronger after the pandemic and bring back the JVA Sponsor Program is a testament to the…