Monday, 4 Nov 2024

Father’s Day and Volleyball

My father was a remarkable role model to me, and as a single dad, I have strived to raise my kids to follow in his footsteps. We have bonded over various outdoor activities such as fly fishing, backpacking, skiing, and most notably, volleyball. This shared love for volleyball comes from my dad, who played doubles back in the 50s when we spent our summers in Emerald Bay, California.

Creating Family Tournaments

I encourage each of you to embrace the spirit of Father’s Day and consider organizing a volleyball tournament for your family next year. And why stop there? You can also plan a Mother’s Day tournament in May, weather permitting. Additionally, it would be a great idea to arrange an event early in the season where your young players can teach their parents the game they are learning. Consider creating a coed league of fours, where moms, dads, daughters, and friends can play together. Volleyball is a lifetime sport that offers countless opportunities for parents and children to enjoy playing together, rather than only watching from the sidelines.

Father and Child Playing Volleyball

The 37th Annual King of the Mountain Doubles Tournament

This past weekend, Vail, Colorado hosted the 37th Annual King of the Mountain Doubles tournament. As someone who has been participating since its inception, I take pride in the role I played in introducing the Father Son/Father Daughter divisions, which are exclusively held on Father’s Day weekend.

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Father's Day Tournament

The event kicked off on Friday with a clinic for children of all ages. The clinic served as an opportunity to explain the rule differences and allowed participants to engage in several hours of doubles play prior to the Mountain Open stop of the Junior Beach Tour. On Saturday, over 60 teams of boys and girls competed in the tournament. However, the games were interrupted by a thunderstorm, and play had to be temporarily halted. The Girls 18 and 16 divisions, which had the largest number of participants, postponed their matches until the following day. Nonetheless, the rest of the Jr Olympic Beach divisions either completed their games before the storm or resumed later in the evening. The subsequent day was dedicated to the highly anticipated Father Son/Daughter competition. In consideration of those fathers whose daughters were involved in the Mtn Open playoff matches, we made adjustments to allow them to participate in both divisions, if desired.

The Rules and Spirit of the Father’s Day Tournament

In the Father Son/Father Daughter divisions, dads can only serve dads, while kids can serve anyone. At the younger age levels, fathers limit their spikes to their opponent’s half of the court, demonstrating fairness and sportsmanship. The rules regarding calling lifts are relaxed for less skilled fathers to ensure continuous play, as long as safety is maintained. When a father has children of both genders, some eagerly take on the challenge of competing in both divisions. Pool groups adapt accordingly to accommodate their participation. The rules also permit younger players to play up and freely substitute, similar to the role of a libero, as long as they are siblings. While a girl can participate in the Father Son division as long as she is not older than the age group, a boy must be at least two years younger than the Father Daughter group to form a team of three or more players.

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The Aftermath and Continuing Celebrations

The festivities extend beyond the weekend and into the beginning of the week. It’s common to hear stories from fathers who wake up feeling extremely sore. Some even humorously compare themselves to human question marks. One father, Heath Hoke, recounted an amusing anecdote from last year when he couldn’t make it upstairs to his office until noon, despite reaching his office door at 8 am. Though I couldn’t participate in the tournament this year due to my role as the tourney director for the Mtn. Open part of the Jr. Beach Tour, I have fond memories of playing alongside both my children in previous years. It’s a delightful experience to bond with them through sports. One of the accompanying images shows Tom Pingel playing with his daughter Jordan, while the other features a younger me playing with my son Cody, who has now grown to be 6’3″ tall and will be competing in the 18 Open Division of the Boy’s Junior Olympic in Atlanta next week.

Father and Daughter Playing Volleyball

In conclusion, the Father Son/Father Daughter volleyball tournament held on Father’s Day weekend is an incredible opportunity for families to connect and share their love for the sport. It promotes healthy competition, bonding, and creates lasting memories for everyone involved. So, why not celebrate Father’s Day next year by organizing your very own family volleyball tournament? Visit Alpinetgheep for more information on how to get started.

FAQs

  1. Can girls participate in the Father Son division?
    Yes, girls can participate in the Father Son division as long as they are not older than the age group.

  2. Can boys participate in the Father Daughter division?
    Boys can participate in the Father Daughter division, provided they are at least two years younger than the age group.

  3. Are there any limitations on who can serve in the Father Son/Father Daughter divisions?
    Dads can only serve dads, while kids can serve anyone.

  4. Are the rules more relaxed for less skilled fathers?
    Yes, the rules regarding calling lifts are loosened for less skilled fathers to maintain continuous play, as long as safety is ensured.

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Conclusion

The Father Son/Father Daughter volleyball tournament held annually on Father’s Day weekend is a fantastic way to strengthen family bonds, promote physical activity, and create lasting memories. This inclusive and exciting event allows parents and children to engage in friendly competition while having fun together. Consider organizing a similar tournament in your community and experience the joy of playing volleyball alongside your loved ones. Learn more about the Alpinetgheep brand and its dedication to promoting sportsmanship and family values by visiting Alpinetgheep.com.