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The History and Background of the JSVBA
The Jersey Shore Volleyball Association was conceived, created, and formed by Michael Borga, Walter Watson, and Doug Emich during a conversation at a local bar (Time Out Tavern in South Belmar, NJ). There is no doubt that the beverages imbibed had much to do with Mr. Borga's and Mr. Emich's commitment to participate. The determining factor and driving inspiration in our decision to form the JSVBA was the almost complete lack of events at the Jersey Shore in 1985.
An overriding principle in the formation of the JSVBA is a belief that no matter how good (or bad) a player you are we would try to offer a skill level that would allow you to be competitive. This principle became the "Mission" of the JSVBA. We vowed to keep our events open to all comers, unlike many other tournaments, where the main deciding factor in whether you could participate came down to who you knew or how good you were!
Regrettably, this principle has recently (2006) given way to the
reality of the business of the sport and we now conduct mostly
invitational professional events exclusively. We are pleased to
see that most (realistically, virtually all) of the innovations
first implemented by the JSVBA have continued to be used by the
current organizations conducting volleyball events.
Imitation is definitely the
sincerest form of flattery!
1986 - Belmar Youth Center Benefit
- The Jersey Shore Volleyball Association (JSVBA) is formed.
- JSVBA conducts first tournament at the 4th Ave. beach in Belmar, NJ. More than 300 players participate.
- First volleyball tournament to ever take place in Belmar with the Borough of Belmar City Council's approval.
1987 - JSVBA conducts 4 Tournaments
- In our second year, we expand the schedule to an impressive total of four events.
- Brave New World Surf Shop becomes a sponsor of the JSVBA, a tradition which continues still.
1988 - JSVBA becomes founding Member of FOVA
- The Jersey Shore Volleyball Association and many other outdoor volleyball associations and organizations from around the country unite to form the Federation of Outdoor Volleyball Associations. FOVA's stated purpose is to promote the sport of Outdoor Volleyball and the interests of the member regions.
- We conduct 12 events in 1988. More than 10,000 players participate.
- Attack of the Sand Sharks is instituted as the annual inaugural tournament
- Sites include: Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights
1989 - JSVBA conducts 14 events
- We conduct 14 events in 1989. More than 12,000 players participate.
- Sites include: Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Wildwood
1990 - JSVBA creates Computer Rating and Ranking System
- We create the JSVBA Computer Rating and Ranking system. (No More Sandbagging) Quite possibly the first functional rating and ranking system in the world for true seeding of Pro/Am Volleyball Events
- We create the Coors Light Pro/Am Series of four events with Equal (and substantial, $40,000) Prize Money for Men and Women
- First organization to employ the term "Pro/Am" to describe volleyball events
- We conduct 22 events in 1990. More than 15,000 players participate.
- Sites include: Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Wildwood
1991 - JSVBA conducts 22 Events
- Miller Lite becomes the umbrella sponsor of the JSVBA
- JSVBA is instrumental in getting the AVP Tournament to come to Belmar
- JSVBA holds AVP Qualifier Tournament
- We conduct 22 events in 1991. More than 15,000 players participate.
- Sites include: Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Wildwood
1992 to the Present
- JSVBA conducts 22 Events or more each year
- JSVBA creates the Men's Pro Grand Prix Pool with $5,000 or more in the Purse
- Arizona Iced Tea becomes a sponsor of the JSVBA
- Cuervo becomes affiliated with the JSVBA
- Samba becomes a sponsor of the JSVBA
- Nestea becomes a sponsor of the JSVBA
- Isuzu becomes a sponsor of the JSVBA
- Wilson Volleyballs become the Official Ball of the JSVBA
- Comcast Network Televises JSVBA Event
- NY Times, Asbury Park Press, Star-Ledger, MetroSports, Bergen Record, and many other newspapers cover the JSVBA and our Events
- Virtually every network TV affiliate in Philadelphia covers the JSVBA 4th of July Event in Wildwood
- PM Magazine- TV Show- covers the JSVBA
- NJN-TV covers the JSVBA
- AVP Tournament continues to come to Belmar every year
- AVP Tournament comes to Seaside Heights twice and both times the JSVBA conducts a tournament on the beach at the same time
- JSVBA holds AVP Qualifier Tournaments until the AVP stopped the practice.
- Budweiser 4-man tour comes to Seaside Heights twice and both times the JSVBA conducts a tournament on the beach at the same time
- Sites include: Belmar, Pt. Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Wildwood, Sea Bright, Ocean City, NJ, Long Beach, Long Island
- More than 100,000 Participants have played in a JSVBA Event
- More than 100 Million People have been Spectators at, Seen on TV, or read about JSVBA Events
- And Much, Much, More!
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