Team Descriptions

Team Level Descriptions

In a club volleyball program, the terms National, Premier, and Regional are often used to describe different competitive levels, travel commitments, and expectations. The exact definitions vary by club, but based on the structure you described, they could be defined as follows:

Level Competition Level Travel Commitment Time Commitment Typical Athlete Profile
National Teams Highest level of competition within the club Extensive travel, including multi-state tournaments and national qualifying events Highest commitment with frequent practices, strength training, and tournaments Athletes seeking the most competitive environment and potentially pursuing college volleyball opportunities
Premier Teams Strong competitive level, just below National Moderate travel, including some overnight and out-of-state events Significant commitment, but slightly less demanding than National Athletes who are highly competitive and developing toward elite play
Regional Teams Developmental to competitive local level Primarily local and regional tournaments within driving distance Lower overall commitment and fewer travel weekends Athletes focused on skill development, local competition, and balancing volleyball with other activities
Expanded Team Definitions


  • National Teams

    • Represents the club at the highest competitive level.
    • Competes in the strongest tournaments and national qualifiers.
    • Faces top teams from across the country.
    • Requires the greatest commitment in terms of practices, conditioning, travel, and attendance.
    • Designed for athletes who want to maximize their development and compete at the highest club level.

  • Premier Teams

    • Competitive team that serves as the second tier within the club.
    • Competes in quality regional and select out-of-state tournaments.
    • Offers a high level of training and competition without the full National travel schedule.
    • Appropriate for athletes who are committed to improving and competing at a high level.

  • Regional Teams

    • Focuses on player development and local competition.
    • Attends tournaments primarily within the surrounding region and usually within driving distance.
    • Has a more manageable schedule and lower travel costs.
    • Suitable for athletes who want a competitive club experience while maintaining flexibility for other commitments.

 Sample Club Handbook Language


  • National Teams compete at the club's highest level and participate in elite regional and national events. These teams require the greatest commitment to training, competition, and travel.


  • Premier Teams compete at a strong competitive level and attend a combination of regional and select travel tournaments. They provide advanced training and competition while maintaining a more moderate travel schedule than National teams.



  • Regional Teams focus on skill development and local competition. These teams primarily participate in tournaments within the local and surrounding regions and offer a lower travel and time commitment.