The whole world has been brought to a halt including the annual tournament VNL which was suspended last year due to the global pandemic situation. As the world is thirsty for international volleyball game, VNL 2021 kicked start the very first international competition since 2019, also being the only head to head encounter amongst some of the participating national teams ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games in August.
Health and safety always comes to the top priority. VNL organiser has implemented a set of comprehensive measures to minimise the health risk without hindering the enjoyment of the audience. Below are some of the key logistics specially arranged for this year’s edition:
Venue
1. No live audience allowed while online streaming pass is available instead.
2. Competition is held at specially modified pavilions of the Rimini International Fair, within which two playing courts plus a number of warm-up areas and training facilities have been set up – all inside a secure ‘bubble’
3. Media activities go virtual. Reporters can submit questions for each team’s captain and the interview will be coordinated by the organiser after each match instead of a physical press conference.
Game Format
1. All teams will compete three days on with three days off to complete their 15-match obligations in the single round robin pool. The top four teams in the standings after completion of pool play will meet in crosswise semifinals, followed by the two medals matches.
2. No line judges and ball retrievers. Players have to pick up the sanitised ball on their own before serve.
3. No swapping of court between sets.
Have you noticed any interesting arrangements other than the above? Please share with InstaVolley your observation.
