What is NORCECA?
NORCECA is the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation — the FIVB's continental body for the region. Conceived at the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan and formally created by the FIVB in 1968 when Canada and the United States joined, it held its first senior championship in Mexico in 1969.[1] [2]
How is it structured?
A Congress meets every two years and elects the president and board every four; beneath it sit four zonal associations — AFECAVOL, CAZOVA, ECVA and NCVA. Membership is 35 full members, or 41 counting the associate members admitted in 2009. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz of the Dominican Republic, also an FIVB executive vice-president, has led it since 2001 and was re-elected unanimously in 2024 for a term to 2028.[2] [3]
What does it run?
The NORCECA Continental Championships at senior, U19, U21 and U23 level; the Pan American Cup and its finals, staged with CSV; the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit; and the continental Olympic and world championship qualification tournaments. It also maintains a continental ranking and a set of technical, refereeing, medical and athletes' commissions.[1] [4]
Does it select athletes?
No. Its own constitution puts it plainly — national federations are responsible for volleyball in their own countries. NORCECA sanctions the event, checks eligibility against FIVB regulations, accredits and registers the named players on the official competition forms, and publishes rosters and rankings. It picks no players and issues no individual licence.[1] [2]
References
- NORCECA — about the confederation. Accessed August 2026.
- NORCECA — Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz re-elected president. Accessed August 2026.
- FIVB — NORCECA directory entry. Accessed August 2026.
- NORCECA — member federations. Accessed August 2026.