Australian Beach Volleyball Tour 2008/2009
Thursday, December 11, 2008 21:03The AVF has just released a statement concerning the tour.
I’ll let you read it and judge for yourself.
To all States, Beach Tour Players and interested parties
RE: NATIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR
As many of you may have now heard, the AVP advised us officially in early October that they will not be the promoters of the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour for 2009. Despite previously having agreed to a five year deal, the recent economic crisis has meant they have been unable to commit to be the promoters and bring along existing sponsors for 2009.
Since that advice was received we have been working directly with Crocs in an attempt to secure them as naming rights sponsor for 2009 and well into the future. These negotiations have been long and challenging. Unfortunately, we were advised this week that Crocs too is unable to commit to a tour for 2009 also due to the economic crisis, but are keen to continue discussions for 2010 and beyond.
It is unclear at this time what we may be able to achieve, but assure you as players, states and beach volleyball enthusiasts that we are doing everything possible. This may mean that for 2009 we deliver only an Australian Championships, but at this point nothing is guaranteed.
The AVF will continue to keep you informed as information comes to hand. In the meantime, we encourage you to participate in state beach events to the best of your ability, maintain your fitness and commitment to beach volleyball so that if any part of a National Tour is manageable you are ready to play.
For planning purposes the current calendar is listed below and our aim is to hold as many of these events as possible.
13 -15 February - Perth
27 Feb – 1 March – Manly
20-22 March – Sth. Melbourne
27-29 March – AdelaidePlease continue to check the AVF website on www.avf.org.au for further news as we are able to deliver it in the most timely fashion possible.
We appreciate your understanding, patience and support.
Wazza says:
December 11th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Seems to me that the AVF is lacking any real commitment to our sport.
They are basically saying: “No one will do it for us, so it’s too hard”
They should at least hold the events without sponsors and prize money. It’s not that expensive to set up 8 nets, and pay 4 referees and a tournament director for a weekend. Maybe the best teams won’t bother, but a lot of younger teams will.
Joel says:
January 14th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Hi all,
It’s disappointing, certainly. I wouldn’t blame the AVF, though. They’re our only hope. If anyone, blame the Yanks – with their lack of both priorities and a general sense of anything beyond the end of their noses ( Sorry, Hans S. – still love ya mate !).
Could I strongly encourage anyone in power who reads this to bring Port Macquarie back into the equation for 2010 and beyond ? The WCT Surfers all rate Fiji / Tavarua as the ’sickest event on the planet’. I’m sure that if the volley crowd were asked, their would be a similarly positive response reagrding the Port leg of the Aussie tour.
Good luck to all and fingers crossed.
Meantime, if anyone lives in southern Sydney and is keen for a hit, just let me know and we’ll set up the Elson at Cronulla.
Regards,
Joel
Roger says:
January 17th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
After having gone to the beach volleyball over the last few years at the Gold Coast, it is very disappointing to hear that there will be no tour this year on the Gold Coast. As the best place to hold a beach volleyball event this lack of promotion will put the sport back a few years.
I hope that AVP organize themselves and get the beach volleyball tour going again.
Tristo says:
January 17th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Hey Roger,
Everyone is dissapointed, but keep in mind, every state has a series of local tournaments, and without the National Tour, there will no doubt be a higher level of competition appearing in these tournaments.
Check out the links to State beach volleyball tours and calendars.
Tristo says:
April 21st, 2009 at 9:52 am
There are always a couple of international wild cards available. Your best bet would be to contact the AVF directly and register your interest. Just be careful about what they promise. There have been a few guys in the past who have traveled all the way from places like the USA on the verbal assurance that they will be allowed to play the tour, only to find that when they arrive the tour promoters have replaced them with some bigger names. If possible it might be best to have your federation contact the AVF on your behalf.
http://www.avf.org.au