Luber’s Lounge reports that the Brandon University men’s volleyball team has come down softly on All-Canadian Paul Sanderson. The Australian left-side will miss just one match after getting into a physical altercation with a teammate … There had been speculation Sanderson might be suspended for the remainder of the semester. more
Archive for the 'It's not volleyball but ...' Category
sometimes I just want to say something about something else
Suspension
Posted by devo on November 18, 2008
Posted in Aussies Overseas, Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: Paul Sanderson | 2 Comments »
AVF annual report
Posted by devo on November 16, 2008
If you would like to read the Annual Report of the Australian Volleyball Federation you can download it here.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: annual report | No Comments »
Yahoo
Posted by devo on November 11, 2008
champagne
We clicked over the 300,000th page view today.
Lately we are averaging 340 unique visitors a day; 670 page views.
Time for a little celebration.
The table below shows the page views per month since we got under way.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 94 | 123 | 1,425 | 788 | 691 | 1,590 | 1,793 | 6,504 | |||||
| 2007 | 2,411 | 2,183 | 2,576 | 2,659 | 5,378 | 5,498 | 6,951 | 13,129 | 22,597 | 15,616 | 20,050 | 15,462 | 114,510 |
| 2008 | 11,804 | 11,457 | 14,046 | 14,238 | 18,179 | 20,030 | 17,078 | 22,875 | 23,686 | 18,683 | 6,978 | 179,054 |
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports | Tagged: devo's volleyball | 5 Comments »
US coach Australia bound?
Posted by devo on November 7, 2008
You find all sorts of stuff on Google. For example:
Less than three weeks after the end of the volleyball season, Northfield volleyball coach Adam Cress has called it quits with the Raiders. Cress resigned from his post earlier this week.
Cress decided to step away because of a chance to pursue other career opportunities that would take him away from Minnesota. He will either move to Australia to help coach with the national team there, or he’s going to move to Ohio to start a Junior Olympic club with a friend. more@NorthfieldNews
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Volleyball | 2 Comments »
Boo SMH
Posted by devo on November 1, 2008
… the keenest watchers of women’s beach volleyball (at the Olympics), according to the survey, were men aged 50 and above. In fact, as many as 70 per cent of males in this age group watched the sport during the Olympics, compared with 44 per cent of females in the 16 to 29 group. The proportion of older men tuning in may have been even higher than this, since some who watched may well have been too embarrassed to admit it in the survey. Was this the perv factor at work? Probably. What else could it be? How else can you explain the fact that more men aged 50 and over watched women’s beach volleyball at the Games - a sport few of them would have known much about … full article at SMH
I feel I have to defend myself. As a newly retired 55+ I watched a lot of the Olympics - I had the time to do it. And I watched a lot of the beach volleyball - even though regular readers would be aware that I am not a great fan of the sandy variety of the game. Does that make me a “purve”?
I chose the best - in my opinion - viewing at the time. This was usually the beach volleyball (okay, I was a little interested, and I had to tape it for Mrs Devo). The Sydney Morning Herald article does go on to conceed that … nearly all sports at this year’s Olympics had their biggest TV audiences in Australia in the 50-plus age range. The statistics were high because this was the biggest viewing group. We were the ones at home during the day. But the media have an obsession with combining beach volleyball with sex.
Surely it’s time for the media to get over the purve image of the beach game? It’s becoming monotonous - even for me. And I’m sure insulting for the athletes that play.
Posted in Australian Beach VB, It's not volleyball but ..., Olympics | Tagged: SMH | 1 Comment »
Spike Mag questionaire
Posted by devo on October 29, 2008
Over at the Spike Online site they are asking, Would you be interested in an electronic version of Spike Volleyball Magazine?
- Yes but only if it was free
- Yes no matter what
- No
Hop over to the site and give your vote. For my money, any way of getting the great Spike content back up and running will get my vote.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: Spike Magazine, Spike Online | No Comments »
Devo is back in his hobbit hole!
Posted by devo on October 21, 2008
I’m home.
A special thanks to those who contributed to the latest news post, and helped to keep people up-to-date. I intend to keep this feature going, with a weekly “sticky” post for people to add to. So if you have news, results, please get them on to the site.
I will start trolling the web again from next Thursday. I have a few other things to catch up on before I get back to the site.
And where have I been?
Posted in It's not volleyball but ... | Tagged: devo's volleyball | 1 Comment »
the hidden cost of cool toys
Posted by markleb on October 10, 2008
If you’re a coach you’ve probably thought about how much easier your life would be if you had one of those cool serving machines. I haven’t personally checked but I’m quietly confident that none of the companies selling serving machines publish ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photos for your brand new $85 Mikasa Olympic volleyballs.
The ‘After’ photo is after two weeks.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Volleyball, Volleyball Picture | 18 Comments »
libero shirts
Posted by markleb on September 23, 2008
From the club that last year brought us the Spiderman libero, this one is apparently called ‘Rubber‘. The article goes on to say that the Spiderman shirt was a popular item with the club selling more than 400 replica shirts.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Volleyball | Tagged: euro volley | 2 Comments »
Devo is on holidays
Posted by devo on September 18, 2008
I am going to be away from the computer for a few weeks. Holidays.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Volleyball | Tagged: devo's volleyball | 2 Comments »
Latest news
Posted by devo on September 18, 2008
While Devo is away, you can add any news, scores etc for people to read as a comment to this post. Have fun.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: devo's volleyball | 50 Comments »
The Australian University Games needs refs
Posted by devo on September 16, 2008
The Australian University Games are being held in Melbourne from Monday 29th September through until Friday 3rd October and an urgent need exists for experienced players or coaches to referee in this competition.
This is Australia’s largest annual multi-sport event comprising 28 sports in 18 venues, with in excess of 6000 participants. Volleyball, both men’s and women’s, is one of those sports and will be played at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Matches will be played on five courts at MSAC with the aim of providing first referees for all preliminary matches and all officials for finals on the Friday.
The number of available qualified referees to service this event is insufficient, so we are now seeking the services of experienced senior players to officiate at this event. Unqualified officials will be paid at the rate of $20 per match and reimbursement of fuel costs may be available to regional officials subject to their availability.
In addition, official’s accreditation will allow access to all AUG social functions scheduled during the week.
Additional information may be obtained by phoning Murray Mansfield on 0407 322215 or email to spike_mm@hotmail.com.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, State Volleyball, Volleyball | Tagged: referees, Australian University Games | No Comments »
Stats and the Olympics
Posted by devo on September 11, 2008
Stats. You’re either a stats person; or you’re not a stats person. Aussie volleyballer Phill DeSalvo is always telling me that the stats don’t tell the full story. And he’s right. Unless he’s passed at better than 70% perfect; then the stats are spot on! (Sorry Phill)
I’ve found that stats, used selectively, can be a great inspirer of junior players. Here is a target stat - try and reach it. Kids love it. They want to see the stats as soon as the match is over. To some, it is more important than the result. To liberos, it is unfortunately really the only benchmark they have. And yet stats are not a science. Two people doing stats on a game will come up with different figures. Mine were the correct ones!
Here in Oz, Dan Ilott is THE stats man. No one argues with his recording of the match. Another person who is into stats is Ross Sullivan. He has previously been involved in the VTAW and Oregon State University programs. He has compiled the women’s stats from the Olympics. This is really only me accessing information that was on web pages in relation to team makeup and VIS stats. Some of this information is notorious for its inaccuracy.
To see Ross’ stats compilation click on the following link: Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Olympics, Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: Ross Sullivan, stats | 12 Comments »
What do the Aussie navy do in Cambodia
Posted by devo on September 11, 2008
Play volleyball of course.
Besides a visit to the Cambodian naval base in Ream, Australian navy personnel will also face a busy sport competition program, including volleyball pitting them against Cambodian teams. more@KIMedia
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: Cambodia, Navy | No Comments »
A comment from Devo to those who post comments
Posted by devo on September 9, 2008
Please keep comments on posts “polite”. The vast majority of commentators do this. A few are getting close to crossing the line. Vigorous argument is encouraged. Personal abuse or “Flaming” is not. I will edit or delete these posts. more@COMMENTS
Be fair; be vigorous; be nice.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ... | Tagged: devo's volleyball | 1 Comment »
New volleyballers
Posted by devo on September 8, 2008
Our most recent poll here on devo’s volleyball didn’t come up with any surprises. As I expected, the biggest recruiters of new volleyballers are our schools. Almost two thirds of the respondents became involved in volleyball because of their school. Family connection supplied another 30%.
Clubs are responsible for introducing only 4% of new players to the sport. Surprisingly, friendship groups are not a major reason, but these figures may be hidden in the school figures. It was not surprising that watching volleyball was not a factor - where would you see it - Olympic years excepted.
| My school | 31 | 62% |
| My family | 15 | 30% |
| My club | 2 | 4% |
| Other | 1 | 2% |
| Watching volleyball | 1 | 2% |
| My friends | 0 | 0% |
Admittedly, this survey only covered 50 people; so what do we take out of these figures? Do we give clubs a hard time for their lack of effort? I know that some clubs do a great job promoting juniors; most clubs are abysmal.
Or do we work harder at our proven source - schools? For a starter, I’d be providing level one coaching courses and resources to any teacher who wanted to be involved in volleyball - for free. I’d be inviting representatives from non-volleyball schools to State Schools Cup and National Schools Cup. Throw in some free nibbles and a glass of wine with a little presentation.
But how would you grow our sport? Let’s hear your suggestions. Click on the Comments>> tag at the bottom of this post and have your say.
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., School Volleyball, Sports, State Volleyball, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: promotion | 2 Comments »
Another milestone
Posted by devo on August 31, 2008
Sometime today, someone will be the quarter of a millionth page viewer at devo’s volleyball.
Okay - 250,000th. But 1/4 millionth sounds better! Check the stat counter in the right hand column.
Thanks for your support.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ... | Tagged: devo's volleyball | No Comments »
devo away
Posted by devo on August 24, 2008
I am going to be away from the computer for the next few days. I’ll try and clock in occasionally.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ... | No Comments »
A new leader for volleyball
Posted by devo on August 24, 2008
Dr. Rubén Acosta officially transferred the FIVB presidency to Mr. Jizhong Wei today in Beijing after 24 years as leader of Volleyball’s world governing body. “I am retiring today from the presidency at the closing of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games so that a new era can unfold for the FIVB,” said Dr. Acosta. more@fivb
Posted in FIVB, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | No Comments »
Major league pro volleyball in USA
Posted by devo on August 23, 2008
With the success of both Men’s and Women’s USA Volleyball teams participating in the 2008 Olympics and verge of winning Gold medals, this is a perfect time to announce the Major League Volleyball League teams to the world. The inaugural season will have 16 teams in both Men’s and Women’s Leagues.
The league will be the standard 6 on 6, indoor volleyball, most of us are familiar with. The 2008-09 MLV season will begin in January 2009. The League is going to be extremely busy putting together teams, coaching staffs, sponsorships, and more. It will be a great opportunity for all involved. Player tryouts and workouts will be held regionally with a National Invite Only Pre-Draft Combine in late October in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The MLV has been long overdue. Volleyball is a fixture across high schools and most university programs in the USA but there is no American indoor Professional Volleyball league for players to partake in. Many players have to leave the country or convert to beach volleyball,” Dustin Boast, MLV League Founder and Spokesman said on Friday. “Also with the success of Arena Football Leagues, Professional Lacrosse, and other leagues we are confident that Major League Volleyball will find its niche and provide great competitive sports entertainment.” more@BumpSpike
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: Bump Spike, professional league, USA | No Comments »
for Vic junior players
Posted by devo on August 21, 2008
BVA Junior Tournament
The Bendigo Volleyball Association is running a One Day Junior Tournament on Sunday September 14. Open, Under 17 and Under 15 Divisions will be playing. Entry forms are now available. Promises to be a great event and teriffic warm up for State Schools Cup.
Entry forms are available from http://bendigovolleyball.com.au/1024px/
2008 Beach & Indoor Volleyball camp #1
1 – 3 October 2008 (during the Term 3 school holiday break)
Haileybury, Keysborough. (Melway: 88 J9)
9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day
*Please note that the camp is open to individuals from all schools and locations.
At Kidzphyz Australia we offer school holiday camps in a range of sports for kids of all ages.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., School Volleyball, Sports, State Volleyball, Volleyball | Tagged: Bendigo VA | No Comments »
I get emails
Posted by devo on August 21, 2008
I get the usually emails that every gets. Though my spam filter (Thunderbird) does a great job of getting rid of most of them. I am impressed that young Russian women are so interested in me! Sssssh - don’t tell Mrs Devo!
But occasionally I get quite legitimate requests from overseas players and coaches. Some with very solid CV’s - at least at face value. I send them a short reply setting out the amateur status of volleyball in Australia. That is, they can only earn pocket money.
But it occured to me that there may be some clubs out there who do want to contact these coaches / players. If you are, contact me. I am happy to pass on any mail that I get. Even the wedding invitations.
Posted in It's not volleyball but ..., Sports | No Comments »
Coaches’ Symposium
Posted by devo on August 21, 2008
11 days to register for EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT to this year’s Coaches Symposium
Check out http://www.avf.org.au/index.php?id=965 to get all the information you need for this year’s conference.
It is natural to ask: Is this conference really for me? I am just a high school coach? I am just a volleyball coach? The answer is definitively YES! YES! YES!
What is presented will help you raise the level of performance of your team or school program. The sessions will allow you ask questions and get answers from coaches who do this professionally. This is a great Professional-Development opportunity. If you are a junior elite coach, state coach, AVL coach, or state league coach this symposium is a natural fit in your professional development as a coach.
Posted in Australian Beach VB, Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., School Volleyball, Sports, State Volleyball, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: volleyball symposium | No Comments »
I’ve loved the volleyball
Posted by devo on August 21, 2008
I’ve loved the volleyball at the olympics. Most days I’ve sat back to watch at least one match, and usually two. And even some beach. Imagine what it would be like to do this all the time! Heaven. Latest polling is showing that whenever the Chinese women’s team has played at the Olympics it has been the top rating tv show of the day in China. You don’t have to convince the Chinese execs to put on some volleyball.
So, if you have enjoyed the Olympics volleyball, let SBS know. Show them that there is a market out here. Go on, click the link. It will only take a second.
Email: comments@sbs.com.au
Posted in Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Olympics, Sports, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: sbs | 5 Comments »
7 players on the court?
Posted by devo on August 18, 2008
UPDATE: originally posted 17/08/08
One of the beauties of volleyball is that the rules are not sacrosanct. The FIVB looks at the rules (usually every Olympic year) and is prepared to make changes. This has traditionally been to balance offensive and defensive advancements. In more recent times, to enhance the appeal of the game to television.
On his blog Andrea Zorzi canvases the case for 7 players on the court. The libero becomes a player, rather than a replacement. This would bolster the defense, and prolong rallies. What do you think?
Thanks to correspondent Russ you can look at the USA women’s team at the Sydney Olympics playing with 7 on the court. And they weren’t picked up!
Posted in FIVB, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: Andrea Zorzi, libero, rule change | 6 Comments »
Introducing Markleb
Posted by devo on August 13, 2008
For the one or two people who haven’t worked out who our new blogger Markleb is - check him out on the About Markleb tab at the top of the page.
Posted in Aussie Bloggers OS, Aussies Overseas, Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball | Tagged: devo's volleyball, Markleb | No Comments »
Luke Campbell on ABC Radio today
Posted by devo on August 12, 2008
UPDATE: Originally posted 8/08/08
Aussie Men’s Team player Luke Campbell was on on ABC 774 Radio coming live from Federation Square Melbourne from about 1.30pm AEST today. Luke did a great job talking about life in the Olympic Village in Athens, and giving volleyball a good plug.
You can listen to the interview on Lukes blog
Posted in Aussies Overseas, Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: Luke Campbell | No Comments »
New FIVB site
Posted by devo on August 8, 2008
Well I’m gob smacked! In time for the Olympics, the FIVB have set up their long promised new look web site. And it’s a beauty. Links to news, all the important tournaments, video from around the world. And an RSS feed!
And, of course, all the info from the Olympics. If you haven’t checked it out - do so now.
Posted in FIVB, It's not volleyball but ..., Olympics | No Comments »
I participate, I sacrifice and I feel happy
Posted by devo on August 8, 2008
There are 6 volunteers from Queensland at the Olympic Beach Volleyball. Apparently they are doing a great job, but the language can sometimes be a problem. And this can be interesting when THE PARTY is doing their thing.
What is interesting is that our Australian volunteers did not understand the pledges and the wording seems to exclude them. Some of the confusing volunteers took the chance to shoot videos or photos.
- I voluntarily serve the beach volleyball Games of the Beijing Olympics.
- Bring into play the Olympic spirit and implement the idea of voluntary service
- Actively move forward (jiji jinqu), serve with passion, unite and work together, and compete and work hard.
- I participate, I sacrifice and I feel happy.
- Add honor to the ancestor’s land and add color to the Olympics.
- Let the smile of volunteers become the best card of Beijing. read the full article
Posted in Australian Beach VB, It's not volleyball but ..., Olympics, Sports | Tagged: pledging, volunteers | No Comments »
National Volleyball Symposium
Posted by devo on August 7, 2008
Volleyball Australia now has a web page up with all the details for the National Volleyball Symposium.
Registrations are now open with an Early Bird rate closing August 31st. For all the details, go to the Volleyball Symposium page where you can dowload the full Symposium Schedule and Registration Form.
For more details contact Christain Stapff, Sports Development Manager, Volleyball Australia on sdm@avf.org.au or Ph 02 6247 6633
Posted in Australian Beach VB, Australian Volleyball, It's not volleyball but ..., Sports, Volleyball, Volleyball Australia | Tagged: Christain Stapff, National Volleyball Symposium | No Comments »
