What exactly IS OOzeball?
OOzeball is UConn’s annual Mud Volleyball Tournament. OOzeball is volleyball played in 8 inches of mud. Each year over 1,000 players and spectators come out to watch UConn’s finest get "down & dirty." 2008 will mark the 25th running of OOzeball, making it the longest running tournament of it’s kind in the nation. OOzeball has also been recognized three times by Sports Illustrated:
- "Best Mud Volleyball in the Country" – SI Best of College Sports
- #33 on the "Top 100 Things Gotta Do Before You Graduate: No Matter The Cost" – SI On Campus
- "Best Use of Dirt" – SI On Campus
Where & how do I register?
Your team captain must register your team online. The online registration form will be posted on the first day of registration. The captain must also print the liability waiver from their confirmation e-mail and have it signed by all players and submitted at the captain's meeting. Registration forms can also be downloaded here and submitted at the UConn Alumni Association building located between Hilltop Dorms and the Foundation building.
OOzeball registration is limited, so register early!!!
How can I pay for OOzeball?
You must have a credit card/debit card to register online. Paper submissions can only be paid for with cash or check. If you are paying by check, it is asked that only ONE check be submitted for the entire team. Please make checks payable to: UConn Alumni Association.
Who can play?
Any current UConn student with a valid student ID or UConn Alum is welcome and encouraged to play OOzeball. A UConn alum and student CAN play on the same team. However, one UConn student must be on the court at all times. UConn staff and faculty are also welcome to play.
Why is OOzeball $14 a person?
In order to cover all of our expenses for OOzeball (350 tons of dirt alone is $5,400!!), we have to charge you $14 per person. However, in addition to admittance to the tournament, your $14 gets you a free official OOzeball T-shirt, a free team photo, free Coca-Cola products and a chance at a tournament Grand Prize of $300 or a Consolation Prize of $200.
Why do I need 3 guys & 3 girls?
In response to a suggestion given to us many years ago, in order to keep the teams as fair as possible, we ask that all teams have a minimum of 3 guys and 3 girls on their team (and on the court) at all times. By enforcing this rule, we can try and make the tournament "match-ups" as fair as possible to all players.
What is the Captain’s Meeting & why is it mandatory?
The Captain’s Meeting is an official meeting held, Monday, April 21st, 7:00 pm, in CLAS 108. The captain of each team (or a replacement member) is required to attend this meeting. At this meeting we will announce start times, court placements, necessary name changes, unveil the official OOzeball T-shirt, address any registration and money issues, discuss official rules for the day of the event, and answer any questions. Attendance is mandatory as start times and court placements are assigned at this meeting. Also, OOzeball is limited to the first 256 teams and therefore should you miss the meeting your team automatically forfeits and will be replaced by a team on the waiting list. If you have additional questions regarding the Captain’s Meeting please contact us.
How are starting times determined?
Once team registration is complete all teams are placed in a "hat" and pulled out at random to determine start times. Starting times begin at 9am and end at 11:45am and are assigned at 15 minute intervals.
How are court placements determined?
Court placements are determined in the same manner as starting times. As starting times are assigned, that team will be placed on an OOzeball Court (1-8) and placed in the official bracket. Once Court 1 is full we move on to Court 2 and so on until all 256 spots on the scoreboard are full. We do not accept requests for teams to play each other. This is done completely at random and is designed after a March Madness Tournament Bracket.
Why are there restrictions on team names?
While all of us do enjoy your creativity and would love to be able to accept everything you come up with, this one goes beyond us. The winner of OOzeball is published not only in the Daily Campus, but also in Member Extra (the Alumni Association’s official magazine), online at the UConn Alumni Association’s website, and in many other university publications. In order to keep politically correct, we must screen and approve all names before the are placed on the official bracket. You will be told either at registration or at the Captain’s Meeting if your team name needs adjustment. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
How do I get involved with the planning of OOzeball?
There are several ways to get involved with the planning of OOzeball! The best way to make sure you’re involved in every aspect of the tournament is to become a member of the Student Alumni Association, as we are the sole planning committee behind OOzeball. In addition to this, we are always looking for volunteers for the day of the event. In fact, if you’re willing to help us, we’re willing to help you. Come help us set-up for OOzeball on the Friday prior and receive FREE registration (a value of $14 per person) and one of the LATEST OOzeball starting times. This is limited to the first 12 people on a first come-first served basis. Please e-mail us if you are interested.
Who are this year’s official sponsors?
Please check back for more information on these sponsors.
Is lunch offered?
Yes, Dining Services will be having a barbeque throughout the day. They will accept FlexPasses and cash payment.
What is the prize for winning OOzeball?
The Grand Prize for OOzeball is $300 and the Consolation Prize is $200. Official prizes will be announced the day of the event.
Injuries & Lost/Stolen Items
Upon signing your official OOzeball Registration Form, you agree to the fact that the Student Alumni Association, the UConn Alumni Association, and the University of Connecticut are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the OOzeball Tournament. You also agree to the fact that the Student Alumni Association, the UConn Alumni Association, and the University of Connecticut are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Therefore, we encourage you to leave valuables at home and only bring what is necessary for admittance into the tournament.
Official OOzeball Rules & Regulations
Please download and read the Official OOzeball Rules & Regulations PDF.
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