• June 5 - The Annual Toronto Flying Tigers tournament was held this past weekend and it was extremely well organized and everything ran smoothly as always.  Thank you to the TFT organization for their hospitality and effort.  Our Red and Blue teams did well in the tournament and the results of the tourney can be found here. 

About Chinese 9 Man Volleyball:

9-Man volleyball, also known as nine-man, is a unique variant of volleyball that originated within the Chinese-American community in the early 20th century. It developed as a response to the limitations and exclusion faced by Chinese immigrants in mainstream volleyball competitions. The game's roots can be traced back to the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles in California, where Chinese immigrants formed athletic clubs and organized their own sports leagues.

To understand the origins of 9-Man volleyball, it is necessary to delve into the historical context of Chinese immigration to the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of Chinese immigrants arrived in the United States, primarily seeking economic opportunities during the California Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. However, they faced significant racial discrimination and social exclusion, leading them to form their own self-supporting communities.

Within these communities, sports became a way to maintain cultural identity, foster camaraderie, and assert a sense of belonging. Traditional Chinese games such as dragon boat racing and mahjong were popular, but Chinese immigrants also embraced American sports like basketball, softball, and volleyball. However, existing leagues often imposed racial restrictions, preventing Chinese players from participating fully.

It was in this context that 9-Man volleyball emerged as a unique sport tailored to the needs and preferences of Chinese-American players. The game provided an avenue for Chinese immigrants to showcase their athleticism and skill while also fostering community spirit. It allowed for larger teams and a more dynamic, fast-paced style of play compared to traditional six-player volleyball.

The exact origins of 9-Man volleyball are difficult to pinpoint, as the game evolved gradually through the collective efforts of Chinese-American athletes and community leaders. However, it is believed to have emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Early versions of the game were played on the streets of Chinatowns, with makeshift nets strung between lampposts or other convenient structures.

The name "9-Man" refers to the number of players on each team. Unlike traditional volleyball with six players, 9-Man volleyball allows for nine players per side. This feature accommodated the large number of players eager to participate and added a unique element to the game. The larger teams and the modified rules gave rise to a distinctive style of play characterized by agility, speed, and teamwork.

In the early years, 9-Man volleyball was primarily played within the Chinese-American community, with teams representing different social clubs and athletic organizations. Tournaments and leagues were organized locally, and competitions often became vibrant cultural events, drawing large crowds of spectators from the Chinese-American community.

Over time, 9-Man volleyball gained recognition and popularity beyond the Chinese-American community. Non-Chinese players and teams began to participate in the game, attracted by its fast-paced and competitive nature. Today, 9-Man volleyball is played by diverse communities across the United States and Canada, with numerous tournaments and leagues organized at the local, regional, and national levels.

The growth of 9-Man volleyball has also led to the formation of the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament (NACIVT), which is the largest and most prestigious tournament for the sport. The NACIVT, established in 1947, brings together teams from different cities and regions, fostering friendly competition and cultural exchange.

9-Man volleyball originated as a response to the exclusion and racial discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants in mainstream sports. It provided a platform for the Chinese-American community to showcase their athletic prowess and foster a sense of unity. Evolving from street games to organized tournaments, 9-Man volleyball has become a dynamic and inclusive sport embraced by diverse communities across North America.

9-Man rules can be found here - Player and Ref!