Who is eligible for Beach Nationals, and what are the playing up and down rules?

Eligibility (2026):

• Each team is two players, and a player can be on only one roster in one age category per event.
• Athletes must be registered, in good standing members of their Provincial/Territorial Association (PTA) and Volleyball Canada, in the province or territory where they live.
• Athletes must play their PTA championship, unless Volleyball Canada approves an exemption (for example NORCECA or FIVB circuit, Canada Cup, Provincial Team programs, Canada Games, National Team membership, extenuating circumstances, or the 17U Girls event). Exemption requests were due by July 20.
• Minimum age for athletes and team personnel is 11. Senior athletes must be at least 16, with exemptions possible in special circumstances.
• Teams can register for only one tournament (Toronto or Vancouver) before July 1.
• Athletes from different PTAs can play together, but the team declares which province it represents at registration.

Playing up and down:

• Playing down (a lower age group than at provincials) is not permitted, and a team found doing so must withdraw.
• Playing up is allowed, but seeding points are adjusted.

17U Girls: in 2026 this event is Canada's selection event for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. It is open to athletes born in 2009 or later, with no playing up or down restrictions and no provincial championship requirement.

Source: 2026 Youth Beach Nationals Competition Guide, section 1; 2026 Senior Beach Nationals Competition Guide, section 1.7.