Sports Organization Commission Lays the Foundations for NORCECA Competition Calendars

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 31, 2025. – As the virtual meetings of NORCECA commissions continued, the NORCECA Sports Organization Commission met to assess key points for establishing criteria and procedures that will guide the preparation of the Confederation’s competition calendars, including the Olympic cycle.

NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz emphasized the importance of this commission as the backbone of the Confederation, “With the planning and execution efforts of the Sports Organization Commission, we ensure effective preparation for the events in our calendar, both for 2025 and the next four years.”

Commission President Ariel Sainz highlighted, “Working together is crucial for the continuous development of volleyball. We have fundamental points that must be considered for the effective functioning of NORCECA, serving as a platform and support system for the other working commissions of the Confederation.”

The members addressed the details of two multi-sport events in 2025, as well as 14 continental tournaments and 15 stops on the NORCECA Tour, all scheduled for 2025, reinforcing the Confederation’s reputation and its impact on the development of volleyball in the region. Additionally, financial support was confirmed for all national federations for their preparation.

Besides reviewing NORCECA’s 2024 annual activity report, presented by Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, the meeting also discussed the work report presented by Sainz, who emphasized preparations for the 2025-2028 events.

Preparations for multi-sport events include technical visits, drafting technical manuals, and structuring competition calendars. This process has already been completed for the 2025 II Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Progress has also been made for the 2026 XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, highlighting the qualification process of Colombia and Venezuela. For the 2027 XX Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, work is underway on the qualification system, which includes the winners of the 2025 II Junior Pan American Games and the highest-ranked team from a Confederation that does not win the championship. Meanwhile, for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, it was confirmed that the champions of the 2026 Continental Championships will qualify.

The commission’s mission is to ensure effective organization to guarantee the success of each competition. A preliminary calendar for 2026 was also established, allowing host countries to plan ahead and submit proposals to NORCECA.

The importance of setting clear procedures and criteria for selecting host cities for major events, such as Olympic and World Championship qualifiers, was emphasized. Applicant countries must have prior experience in organizing competitions of the corresponding category.

The 2025 competition regulations and the 2024 NORCECA ranking are already available on NORCECA’s website. Additionally, zonal associations (AFECAVOL, CAZOVA, ECVA) were urged to prepare zonal rankings by category, as NORCECA continues to award ranking points for all events organized by these associations.

The strategic vision of the FIVB for 2024-2032 was also reviewed, which sets 15 priorities for the development of volleyball and beach volleyball. NORCECA aims to strengthen its Continental Championships, Senior Pan American Cups, and the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour to enhance the relevance of regional events, elevating their competitive and organizational levels.

Finally, the resumption of the XIII Central American Sports Games 2025, to be held in Guatemala, was highlighted, with Carlos Enrique Santis, NORCECA’s General Secretary and President of the Guatemalan National Federation, acting as FIVB Supervisor.

Ariel Sainz concluded, “Strong foundations guide our Confederation in tackling the complexities of the 2025 calendar, with the establishment of control committees to ensure the growth and development of volleyball in the region.”