Season 19
Competitive League

Fall 2025

Cost

$120 per player‍

Financial aid may be available (see FAQ)

Location

Catholic University

DuFour Athletic Center

4400 John McCormack Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011

Dates

D1, D2, D3

Thursday evenings
Starting Sept 4

D4, D5, D6

Tuesday evenings
Starting Sept 2

Season in progress

Log into TeamArrange to see schedue and league details

Divisions

These divisions roughly correspond to NAGVA/USAV ratings, but an official rating is not required.

You must select at least 2 divisions when registering. The more divisions you select, the more likely that you will be drafted.

Division 1

AA, A, or high BB NAGVA/USAV rating

For very competitive and experienced players with superior volleyball skills and knowledge, including the ability to play various offenses and consistently run advanced plays.

Skill breakdown

Serving

Consistent serve capable of disrupting opponent’s offense.

Passing/defense

Consistent pass directly to the setter; frequent digs.

Blocking

Consistent 2-person block against advanced hit.

Setting

Consistent sets to middle, pins, and back sets, even when having to take multiple steps.

Attacking

Consistent high-level offense, frequently resulting in a kill; ability to adjust to any set.

Court position

In the proper position for defense/offense at all times; capable of running advanced plays.

Division 2

BB NAGVA/USAV rating

For competitive and experienced players with advanced volleyball skills and knowledge, including the ability to play standard offenses (5-1, 6-2, etc.) and run advanced plays.

Skill breakdown

Serving

Consistent serve resulting in occasionally disrupting opponent’s offense.

Passing/defense

Consistent pass for most serves; regular digs.

Blocking

Consistent 1- to 2-person block against most attacks.

Setting

Consistent sets to middle and pins, given a front zone pass.

Attacking

Consistent advanced offense, regularly resulting in a kill; ability to adjust to most sets.

Court position

In the proper position for defense/offense most or all of the time.

Division 3

B NAGVA/USAV rating

For moderately experienced players with basic volleyball skills and knowledge, including the ability to play standard offenses (5-1, 6-2, etc.).

Skill breakdown

Serving

Consistent serve.

Passing/defense

Consistent pass against some serves; occasional digs.

Blocking

Consistent 1-person block against most attacks.

Setting

Consistent sets to middle and outside, given a front zone pass.

Attacking

Consistent offense, occasionally resulting in a kill; ability to adjust to some sets.

Court position

In the proper position for defense/offense most of the time.

Division 4

C NAGVA/USAV rating

For moderately experienced players with basic volleyball skills and knowledge, including some experience playing standard offenses (5-1, 6-2, etc.).

Skill breakdown

Serving

Semi-consistent serve.

Passing/defense

Semi-consistent pass against most serves; occasional digs.

Blocking

Semi-consistent 1-person block against most hits.

Setting

Semi-consistent sets to middle and outside, given a front zone pass.

Attacking

Semi-consistent offense with a good set, occasionally resulting in a kill.

Court position

In the proper position for defense/offense some of the time.

Division 5

Does not correspond to NAGVA/USAV rating

For players with limited volleyball experience and knowledge, but with the desire to learn the game, including positions and standard offenses (5-1, 6-2, etc.)

Skill breakdown

Serving

Able to serve the ball over the net using an under- or overhand serve.

Passing/defense

Able to pass to a teammate some of the time; limited digs.

Blocking

Occasional 1-person block against an attack.

Setting

Able to semi-accurately set to a teammate with a good pass.

Attacking

Able to hit/tip, occasionally resulting in a kill.

Court position

Limited experience.

Division 6

Does not correspond to NAGVA/USAV rating

For players with little to no volleyball experience and knowledge, but with the desire to play the game in a friendly and social environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a captain?

In consultation with division representatives, the Board approves all captains for the Competitive League. The Board selects players who have demonstrated leadership skills, a dedication to the organization, and a commitment to promoting a safe and fun playing environment. If you’re interested in serving as a captain, please reach out to your division representative. Note that you are only eligible to be a captain in the division you played in the season prior.

Financial assistance

DCPVL is committed to making volleyball accessible to everyone. If you are facing financial challenges that might prevent you from participating in DCPVL, please let us know and we will work with you to schedule a payment plan for this season.

What rules does DCPVL play by?

You can find our league rules on our resources page.

What is the season format?

Here's the typical season flow:

Skills exhibitions
Captains draft teams
Team Announcement Party
8 weeks of regular season play
2 weeks of playoffs, with only winning teams playing the second week

Matches start at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM
1-hour time slots: 5 min to warm-up, 50 min to play, 5 min to clear the court
Play 3 sets from 4pts to 25pts, win by 2pts, or capped at 27pts

Schedule subject to change.

How are teams selected?

Before the main Draft, Skills Exhibition sessions will allow captains to observe players doing drills (serving, setting, passing, hitting, etc.), followed by playing mini-games. While these are optional, we highly recommend that new players attend to increase the likelihood of being drafted. This may sound intimidating, but it's not! Players can register for the skills exhibitions on the events page.

Afterwards, Captains draft teams of 8 players. The Draft starts with D1 captains selecting players for their team, following a snake draft format. Then, any player who wasn't drafted but also selected D2 will be eligible to be drafted by D2 captains. And onward for the other divisions.

Note that, for example, a player who selected D1-D2 only, and is not drafted in D1 or D2, they are out of the draft. For this reason, we encourage players to select multiple divisions as a safety net, if they really want to play.

Players who are not drafted in the main draft can either get a full refund, or remain in the pool of players that can be selected during the Supplemental Draft, for teams that may lose a player (due to injury, moving, etc.) If selected, players will start playing Week 4, and will receive a partial refund for the weeks missed. If not selected, they will receive a full refund.

Previous Season Winners

Last season's division champions will have received a credit in their TeamArrange account. If you do not receive the credit before registration launches, please email players@dcpvl.org.