AFECAVOL Successfully Concludes General Assembly in Belize

BELIZE CITY, Belize, January 25, 2025.- The General Assembly of the Central American Volleyball Association AFECAVOL concluded after two days of intense sessions, during which key topics for the transformation and development of volleyball in the region were discussed.

AFECAVOL President Félix Ambrosio Sabio presented a detailed report highlighting the following:

·         Calendar Compliance: Although three events scheduled for 2024 were not held, a commitment was made to uphold responsibility and improve. Sabio emphasized the importance of reciprocity among federations in ensuring participation and taking on the challenge of hosting events.

·         Promoting Beach Volleyball: The need to restore the Central American Senior Beach Volleyball Championship was stressed, along with discussions about hosting the first Central American U23 Beach Volleyball Championship.

·         Sustainability: The president highlighted the importance of achieving self-sustainability and expressed gratitude to commission coordinators for their hard work.

·         Financial Aspects: The generation of resources, financial assistance provided by AFECAVOL to host countries, and the necessity for the organization to reduce dependence on financial support from NORCECA and FIVB were addressed.

ALBUM FOTOS: ASAMBLEA GENERAL AFECAVOL 2025

The Assembly also heard a Zonal Standardization Plan for the management of the game statistics system, presented by Manuel Calderón, a member of the NORCECA VIS commission. The proposal involves having each National Federation appoint its own VIS delegate to comply with FIVB international standards and strengthen volleyball's statistical area.

Commission Reports

·         Sports Organization: Events not held in 2024 were added to the 2025 calendar, and monetary prizes were proposed for the top three places in the Senior Beach Volleyball Championship.

·         Medical: Emphasis was placed on the need for training and collaboration in anti-doping programs for athletes and on ensuring the well-being of referees.

·         Press: The commission proposed strengthening social media presence and training communicators.

·         Development: Efforts will focus on scrimmage tournaments, children’s festivals, and developing championships for younger categories.

·         Beach Volleyball: The first Central American U23 Championship was approved, potentially to be held simultaneously with the U21 category. The Central American Tour will continue, aiming for FIVB standardization, and will be included again in the NORCECA Tour.

·         VIS: AFECAVOL has consolidated a group of VIS delegates, particularly from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, who have proven capable of managing statistical information. The referee commission’s support has been essential, and efforts will be made to expand this group to include more countries in the region.

·         Refereeing: Recognition was given to delegates for their work and for training in the use of technological tools. The use of the electronic score sheet was perfected in 2024. Efforts have been made to integrate new referees to assist with regional events.

·         Technical and Coaching: The commission proposed that AFECAVOL create a two-year competition calendar, allowing national federations to prepare their teams and plan better for hosting events.

·         Legal: Proposals included a disciplinary regulation and a framework to ensure member countries meet their commitments.

Event dates must be confirmed before February 10. The following competitions are set for 2025:

·         Volleyball: The 1st Central American U17 Men’s Championship, 7th Central American U23 Women’s Championship, 7th Central American U23 Men’s Championship, 15th U19 Championship, 2nd Women’s Final Four, 2nd Men’s Final Four, and the 23rd Central American Senior Cups (Men’s and Women’s) as part of the 12th Central American Games.

·         Beach Volleyball: The 3rd Central American U17 Championship, 4th Central American U19 Championship, 15th Central American U21 Championship, I U23 Central American Championship and 12th Senior Championship.

AFECAVOL will again endorse regional invitational tournaments, including the Summer and August Festivities Beach Volleyball Championships in Puerto Cortés and the U15 Women’s Indoor Championship in Nicaragua.

AFECAVOL President Félix Ambrosio Sabio closed the assembly by thanking the federation representatives and reaffirming his commitment to raising standards and popularizing volleyball. “I am pleased with the commitment of each national federation. We aim to achieve self-sustainability and help each country strengthen volleyball in the region.”

Meanwhile, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz emphasized the importance of organizing more events to strengthen the zone. “This assembly has been very productive. The more discussion brought to the table, the more we grow, leading to better results. I urge greater collaboration from AFECAVOL members in organizing NORCECA events that benefit the zone. AFECAVOL is a well-organized zonal organization.”

Marte Hoffiz concluded by thanking the Belize National Federation for their hospitality and AFECAVOL President Félix Sabio for his leadership, demonstrating the region's commitment to the development and growth of volleyball in Central America.