Team Selection Criteria
Monday League - 2026-2027
1. Objective
Provide the team selection committee with a fair and transparent tool for prioritizing teams based on their experience, composition and commitment, while taking the intended level of play into account. This process takes place before the start of each season.
2. Determining the team type
- Returning team: at least 50% of the players who were on the team during the previous season are still registered with that same team (return rate).
- Otherwise, the team is considered a new team, placed on the waiting list and assessed according to the criteria that apply to new teams.
3. Prioritizing returning teams
Returning teams are given priority over new teams.
If the number of eligible returning teams exceeds the number of available spots, they are ranked using the following criteria, in this order:
- Percentage of players who participated in the previous season;
- Team size;
- Number of women, non-binary or trans people on the team.
The selection committee may require a team assessment if there is any doubt about the team’s actual skill level.
4. Prioritizing new teams (waiting list)
New teams are assessed according to the following criteria:
- Percentage of players who participated in the previous season (return rate);
- Team size;
- Number of women, non-binary or trans people on the team;
- Individual technical assessment of players, if required by the committee.
The return rate includes active members from the previous season as well as officially declared substitute players, across all levels. The technical assessment does not award points; it is used only to confirm the required skill level.
5. Team value calculation method
The committee calculates a priority score of 0 to 110 points, based on three components.
In the event of a tie: the committee compares the return rate, team size and diversity scores in that order. If the teams remain tied, the committee makes the final decision.
6. During the season
- A team assessment may be required if a significant skill-level gap is observed.
- Development recommendations will be provided.
- A formal adjustment period will be established.
7. Important dates - Fall 2026 season
- August 5, 2026: team submissions open.
- August 20, 2026 at midnight: team submissions close.
- August 20 to 23, 2026: team selection and assessments, if required.
- August 30, 2026 at midnight: deadline for full payment of packages, affiliations and memberships.
- Monday, September 14, 2026: season begins.
Qualified returning teams will be notified first. New teams will be notified after the scoring and selection process has been completed.
From August 20 to 23, 2026, submitted team rosters may not be changed. Any change made after August 23 may result in a review of the team’s qualification.
8. Important dates - Winter season
To be announced.
Questions and Answers
Registration and deadlines
When do I need to submit my team?
Submissions open on August 5, 2026 and close on August 20, 2026 at midnight. The submitted roster is then locked during the selection period, from August 20 to 23.
Can a team change its roster after submissions close?
The roster cannot be changed during the selection period. Any change made after that period may result in a review of the team’s qualification.
What happens if my team’s roster changes after August 23?
The team’s qualification may be reviewed because the original decision was based on the roster submitted and assessed during the official selection period.
What happens if someone withdraws after the team has been selected?
The team must notify the committee promptly. If the withdrawal changes the criteria that supported the team’s qualification, including its size or return rate, the selection may be reassessed.
Team composition
How many people are needed to submit a team?
A team of 6 people may be submitted. However, a team with at least 7 players will receive more selection points.
Why are teams with 7 or more players given an advantage?
A larger roster accommodates more members and makes absences easier to manage during the season. A team of 7 receives 15 points, while a team of 8 or more receives 30 points for the team-size criterion.
Prioritization and criteria
How will teams be prioritized?
Returning teams are first identified by a return rate of at least 50%. Teams are then ranked according to return rate, team size and diversity. New teams are assessed using the same priority score.
Does the 50% threshold apply to every level?
Yes. The return rate includes active members from the previous season and officially declared substitute players, across all levels.
I played a season of Open Play. Does that participation count toward the return rate?
No. Only participation in the Monday League is included in the return-rate calculation. You may still join a team and take part in its selection under the other applicable criteria, including team size and diversity.
Do substitute players from the previous season count toward the return rate?
Yes, provided they were officially declared as substitute players during the reference season.
How are two partial teams from the same former team handled if both want to register again?
Each team is assessed separately. The team with the higher ranking is prioritized. If the teams remain tied after each criterion is compared, the selection committee makes the final decision.
How does the committee rank teams with the same priority score?
The committee compares the results in weighting order: return rate, team size, then diversity. If no difference emerges, the committee makes the final decision.
Can a technical assessment change the ranking?
The technical assessment does not award points and is not part of the priority score. It may still be required to confirm that the team or its members have the skill level required for the intended league.
Mission and rules
Why is the number of women, non-binary or trans people taken into account?
This criterion supports Volley Boréal’s inclusive mission and promotes more diverse representation within teams. It can award up to 20 points in the priority score.
Will the rules be adapted based on this criterion?
Volley Boréal already applies gender-neutral rules during its regular activities and tournaments. No other changes are planned as part of this process.
Appendix A.1 - Reference table
