Stay-to-Play

Volleyball “Stay-to-Play” Concept Explained

In volleyball tournaments, “Stay-to-Play” is a participation requirement that requires teams to book lodging through the event’s official housing partner and stay in approved hotels to remain eligible to compete. It is expected that all travel teams participate in the Stay-to-Play requirement of each event. Teams can be removed from any event by the tournament coordinators if they do not comply.

How It Works

  • Official Housing Partner: All hotel bookings must go through the tournament’s designated housing provider, not individual hotels.
  • Minimum Room-Night Commitment: Most tournaments require a set number of nights, often 18 room nights (e.g., 6 rooms × 3 nights). Smaller events may require fewer nights.
  • Booking & Compliance: Reservations must be made via the official reservation portal and appear on the event’s rooming list and compliance report.
  • Local Exemptions: Teams within a certain radius (often 75 miles) may qualify for reduced or waived requirements with proof of residency or special circumstances.

Why It Exists

  • Hotel Negotiation: Organizers can secure group rates 15–30% below standard prices, often including breakfast and waived resort fees.
  • Economic Impact: Tracking all room nights helps prove the event’s economic contribution to the host city, aiding in securing prime event dates.
  • Consistency: Ensures all participants stay in the same area, making travel and logistics easier for organizers and teams.

Benefits

  • Lower Costs for Teams: Group rates reduce per-night expenses.
  • Organizer Advantages: Guaranteed hotel traffic, better rates, and proven economic impact.
  • Event Stability: Helps secure future tournament dates by demonstrating consistent attendance.

Risks & Penalties

  • Non-Compliance: If a team books outside the official partner or fails to meet minimum nights, they may be ineligible to compete and face financial penalties.
  • Cure Period: Many tournaments give 24 hours’ notice to correct violations before removal.

Example

If your volleyball team books 6 rooms for 3 nights through the official housing partner, you meet the 18-night minimum. If you book elsewhere or don’t meet the nights, you risk losing your tournament spot.

Bottom line: In volleyball tournaments, “Stay-to-Play” is a structured lodging policy that benefits teams, organizers, and the host community, but it’s a strict compliance requirement that must be met to participate.

The Travel Coordinator

A dedicated travel coordinator will provide parents with all travel logistics, which include communications and schedules, and will ensure that each team is in travel compliance with all stay-to-play requirements.