Volleyball tourney set for Minerdome

VOLLEYBALL Ballarat’s Annual Skins tournament goes at the organisation’s new home at the Mars Minerdome this weekend.

Played over a round-robin format and featuring 24 teams, the skins comp will see squads compete for $4000 in prize money. If one side can win a set by 25-12 or better in any match, they get cash. If that doesn’t happen the money jackpots for the next round.

Damon Minotti, president of Volleyball Ballarat, said that trying to provide something different was behind the skins concept.

“In the 90s we were looking for a point of difference and looked at other sports, like golf, that ran competitive formats,” he said. “We decided to go with skins, and it’s been successful ever since.”

With Volleyball Ballarat finding a new home at the Minerdome, Minotti said that the location had many benefits.

“It gives us one venue where we can operate in. Previously we’d been split over two or three venues,” he said. “Having it all in one place is great. Being in a venue that’s licenced and has a bistro, there’s a big social element.”

Ballarat will be represented by two men’s teams made up of local league players in Division 2 and state league representatives in Division 1.

Regardless of whether you’re a volleyball expert or just interested to see what the fuss is all about, Minotti said the Skins comps was a great way to enjoy the sport.

“It gives you a really good understand of the levels volleyball that are available,” he said. “We’ve got teams that are social players, right up to players from Premier Leagues.

“Then you can have a chat to one of our representatives if you’re interested in playing or getting kids playing juniors.”

The event spikes down this Saturday and Sunday, 16 and 17 November, 8am to 8pm at the Minerdome.

Contact Peter Hassell on 0417 065 655 or Damon Minotti on 0447 667 365 for more information.