Sand volleyball is an adult recreational league that plays 6v6 volleyball under the sun at Highland Park.
Important Dates: Summer 2023
- May 13th to May 31st • Online Registration at LeagueApps Portal (Sold Out)
- Tuesday, June 20th • Captains Ref Meeting @ Brewers Bar
- Wednesday, June 21st • Volleyball Kickoff Party @ 5801
- Thursday, June 22nd • Virtual Town Hall & Captains Ref (Make Up) via Zoom
2023 Season Dates
- June 25th • Week 1 (1-5pm)
- July 2nd • No Games, Happy 4th of July!
- July 9th • Week 2 (1-5pm)
- July 16th • Open Play/No Official Games (1-5pm), Stonewall National Tournament in Philadelphia
- July 23rd • Week 3 (1-5pm)
- July 30th • Week 4 (1-5pm)
- August 6th • Week 5 (TBD)
- August 13th • Week 6 (TBD)
- August 20th • Playoffs (TBD)
- August 27th • Playoffs (Rain Date)
Rules
The rules for the 2023 Sand Volleyball season is under review by the new board and we will provide the updates prior to the start of the season. Please don’t worry, we are not making any drastic changes to the rules, we are just refining and simplifying the rules for both players and refs.
Location
Games are played in Highland Park next to the Highland Park Pool and across from the off leash dog park. The courts don’t have their own address on Google Maps, but 151 Lake Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 will direct you to the neighboring pool.
Health & Safety Guidelines
Please read the Stonewall Sand Volleyball Pittsburgh Health & Safety Guidelines.
Contact
For more information about sand volleyball, please use the Contact the Commissioner of Sand Volleyball form, or e-mail the commissioner at harry.caskey@stonewallsportspgh.org.
Sand Volleyball Leadership Team
Harry Caskey (He/Him), Commissioner
Assists all board members in their responsibilities, oversees all responsibilities to run the league including but not limited to: acquiring permits, sets the schedule for the season, purchases equipment, t-shirts, and swag, sets up registration for the season, manages the shirt color assignments, sets the rules for the season. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Beth Kappel (She/Her), Head Referee
This role is responsible for score keeping, and inputting the scores into the ranking database. After each match, the up-ref should tell the Head Ref the scores to be documented. After the games and scores are registered the Head Ref is responsible for posting the ranking each week. They are also responsible for managing the rules of play, if there is a challenge, or question about the rules of play, the Head Referee has final say if the Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner are not present. The Head Ref is in charge of planning the pre-season meeting to go over the rules and reffing guidelines with team captains, managers, or team representatives. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Sarah Warner (She/Her), Courts and Equipment Chairperson
This role’s primary responsibility is when there is inclement weather, the chairpersons assess the courts if they are safe and playable. If the courts aren’t suitable, they will relay that information back to the board to decide on cancellations or delays. They are responsible for bringing the equipment to each game, and taking it with them after the games. If they are not able to bring the equipment for a week, that can always be coordinated with another board member to share responsibilities. They evaluate the equipment that is available for our league and make recommendations on new purchases. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Jimmy Miller (He/Him), Membership Chairperson
This role’s primary responsibility is to assist with helping free agents find teams to join. Plan and coordinate recruitment activities with the Marketing & Events Chairperson & Community Outreach Chairperson. Responsible for coming up with the music playlist. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Donovan Genutis (He/Him), Support Chairperson
This supportive role follows a checklist for day of coordination activities, such as reminding the board about common items, such as bottled water, bringing trash bags, sunscreen, and equipment. All very important things to have a successful day. They are also able to step in if another board member needs help or is unable to complete a given task. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Vacancies
Assistant Commissioner
Assists the Commissioner in shared responsibilities, and is able to step in when the commissioner is unavailable. In the instance where a board member is absent or unable to complete their duties, it is expected that the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner will step in and help in their absence. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Community Outreach Chairperson
This role is to establish strong bonds with our community, both with our sponsors and community partners by helping plan outreach events. Such as volunteer efforts to rally sand volleyball membership to help with organizations like Gay4Good. Community health screens with Central Outreach Wellness Center. If the City of Pittsburgh permits it, coordinate to have community food trucks available for game days. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Marketing & Events Chairperson
Assists with communications, marketing for our league, and planning events. Such as the Season Kickoff Party, End of Season Fundraiser & Drag Show Competition, Sports Mixers, Happy Hours, Arcade Game Night (Alcohol Free), Family & Friends Day (Cookout). Posts the schedule online the day of game play, as well as contacts team captains when there is an update, delay or change to the schedule. Coordinates with the Community Outreach & Membership Chairpersons. Other responsibilities may include setting up the courts before games, and tearing the courts down after the last game.
Join the SSVB Board
We are still looking for a few board member positions listed below. If you are interested in making a difference this summer by helping build an inclusive, fun and competitive volleyball league, please apply. Summer is approaching fast, and would love for you to join us! If you’re interested, you can apply here with this Google Form.
