3rd Cor Jesu Cup to feature all-to-play format

CEBU, Philippines — Driven by its commitment to equal opportunities and grassroots development, the 3rd Cor Jesu Invitational Volleyball Tournament will introduce an all-to-play format on November 7-8 at Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

The special no-benching rule requires every player on the lineup to see action, giving even less experienced players a chance to compete.

Ian Callet, a member of the organizing committee, said the new system aims to prevent coaches from relying solely on their more skilled players while others spend most of the match on the bench.

“Our goal is not to focus on players who already have skills, but to give everyone equal opportunities,” Callet said.

Under the modified rules, teams may field substitutes once the opposing team reaches 10 points or halfway through the set, allowing more players to gain valuable playing experience and build confidence.

Former SHS-AdC athletic director Ralph John Inot, who is involved in the tournament’s technical preparations, said the format would also challenge coaches to develop their athletes and manage their lineups effectively.

“This is a challenge and chance for coaches to develop also because of how he will set up his pieces on the court,” Inot said.

For the first time, the Cor Jesu Cup will feature a girls’ 10-and-under division, joining the 12-and-under and 15-and-under categories to give younger players their first taste of organized volleyball.

“The Cor Jesu Cup is really for our grassroots program. We have tournaments for our varsity players, but this one is for the kids to have fun and experience what a volleyball match is,” Inot said.