April 10th, 2013

Beach volleyball players and fans are divided after the AVP released its first event of 2013 which is going to be in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 16th-18th. It’s the same weekend as the NVL’s Hermosa Event.

One of the vocal not-so happy camper is beach volleyball player, Tarin Keith. You can read her latest blog entry below.

First, here’s a must read statement from the AVP.

From The AVP as of 3 hours ago:

One of the most challenging tasks is setting our schedule. As part of the process, we must balance the needs of players, sponsors, broadcast partners, event promoters, and our host city partners. Without these key constituents, the tour would not be able to reach its full potential.

The AVP looks forward to bringing the 30th anniversary tour to five different cities this year and is excited to build on the momentum that was created by our two stops in 2012. Our events last season boasted over 30,000 attendees, and we’re confident that this is just the beginning of a very successful nation-wide tour and a great step in the re-launch and growth of professional beach volleyball here in the United States. The AVP is dedicated to providing our fans and players with world-class events, and will do so with all five of our 2013 tournaments. Players are excited for the re-emergence of the AVP tour and we all hope to see you out there!

Thumbs up on this statement!

Now, here’s something dramatic and interesting. Claws are out between Todd Rogers’ new partner, Ryan Doherty, and Tarin Keith.

Ryan posted this on his Facebook Page:

“I’m seeing some people are upset that the AVP announced their SLC event for the same weekend as the NVL in Hermosa. I’ll explain my thoughts in detail once the full schedule comes out, but for now, just know that this was a smart move by the AVP and the best thing for beach volleyball, fans and players alike.”

Then it generated some comments like this one from someone named Todd Gawronski:

“First off, players should be thrilled that there are two event options. 2nd of all, that should provide 250 players and opportunity to play. How is that bad? 3rd, why should any current tour give a rats ass what the players want? It’s their show, their money, their program. If the players don’t like it, don’t play. 4th and finally, competition is a good thing. If the AVP comes out strong and it happens to be the same weekend as another event, so what? As far as I’m concerned, put the best possible program out and let the market decide. And oh, I just learned who Tarin what’s her last name is today. That should say it all.”

Did Todd just take a jab at Tarin? Hah! Burn!

Tarin responds…

Ryan, I’m sure you didn’t sign a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) without having a check in hand. I’m curious to hear how you think that segmenting the players is in the best interest of the sport or provides a good experience for the fans. Think back to the days when you were hoping that someone would give you a chance…you might have felt differently.

Todd- I’m all for competition. What I don’t appreciate is that the AVP is saying one thing and doing another. I will continue to let the volleyball world know what is happening.In the meantime, it will be interesting to see what they have to say for themselves on Friday…

Ryan…

I have not received any compensation of any kind from the AVP, aside from what I earned in tournaments. Can you say the same about Al-B and his Volleyball Vacations?

Did Ryan just reveal to the world Tarin’s affiliation with the NVL?

Tarin…

I was an employee of Volleyball Vacations for 2 years. I worked 40+ hours a week to help grow the sport and it was my chance to give back. Most of our pros came on these trips for the exact same reasons… Anyone who knows me or AL-B knows that we had our differences. But what it comes down to is that we shared a passion for this sport. I have coached, run tournaments for the CBVA and put in plenty of hours on the sand giving back. So questioning my credibility is not in your best interest. I would be saying the same thing about the NVL if their actions were questionable, but I hope that I will never have to…

Ryan…

“I was questioning your credibility any more then your “without a check in hand” line questioned mine. And I just think you should have disclosed that you have a financial incentive to support the NVL over the AVP.”

Tarin…

I have absolutely zero financial incentive at all. The only money I make (for volleyball) is my tournament winnings, which isn’t much. I haven’t worked for AL-B for over 2 years now. I have a real job in NYC and play volleyball because I love it. Make sure you have current info before you attack my credibility again.

Ryan…

Again, I didn’t question your credibility any more then you did mine.

TIMEOUT!

Hah!

We enjoy hearing both sides but at the same time we hope every beach volleyball entity in the US of A to just work together – if possible – and just do what’s best for the sport.

For sure there’s more drama in the coming days.

Stay tuned…

Tarin’s Keith’s blog entry posted on April 10th, 2013:

April 10th, 2013

Time To Take A Stand

Disappointment abounds over the announcement of the 1st AVP event of 2013. Hooray! There’s another event…oh, what’s that? It’s on the same weekend as the Hermosa Beach NVL event…that was scheduled 3 months ago? I wish I could say I’m surprised.

I’m not trying to be negative…I’m trying to bring some light to this ridiculous situation. So far in 2013, there are 4 events on the calendar for the NVL and 1 for IMG/USA volleyball. They have been there for months. You would think that the AVP staff would be capable of looking at the season and try to setup an event that does not conflict with a pre-existing date. Instead, they are paying the top players to show up and once again segmenting the sport. I would love to know how this is supposed to help develop a sustainable future for our sport.

Where is the so-called “governing body” of USA volleyball? Why isn’t someone stepping in to say, sorry new kid on the block…we aren’t going to sanction that event. Does someone have their hand in the cookie jar, again? Or has our sport just turned into a free-for-all? No wonder the FIVB has been avoiding an event in the US. We can’t even work together when there are only 5 scheduled domestic events!
The sport of beach volleyball has seen the rise and fall of many professional domestic tours. Unless Donald Sun has a bottomless pot of gold, the newest version of the AVP will be another flash in the pan. The common cause of their failure is the un-willingness to work together with others.

The last time I checked, this business model does not last. It only serves as a payday to those few close minded, short-sighted people at the top of the food chain. Those are the same people who grant last minute entrance into a tournament to a player because of their status. Unfortunately, that same group of players who get preferential treatment are enabling these so called business men, to use and abuse their short lived power trip. I understand that the top players have to make a living and that the easiest, most immediate way to do that is to play for the highest bidder. That’s the way it has always been. Even though the volleyball world is a very small community, those at the top rarely look out for those under them. This leaves the other 95% of the players frustrated and voiceless. (unless you have a blog, like me).

The ONLY way that our sport will ever flourish, is if the fans and players band together and take a stand. Please go to the AVP facebook page, USA volleyball page and the NVL page and leave a comment. We have to let these people know that we care. Our passion for this sport is the only reason that beach volleyball has survived as long as it has. The greed and misuse of assets is going to kill our sport once and for all if we don’t speak up.