In Cooperation with the FIVB.

The 2006 Beach Volleyball calendar disclosed with nearly US$ 7million prize money and FIVB bonus pool!

Lausanne, October 7 2005 - The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Council convened in Lausanne, organizers and players alike, in search of a further development of Beach Volleyball.

In summing up his conclusions after the sessions, FIVB President Acosta stated: 'the FIVB has shown itself to be stronger than ever. The meetings made important decisions that will benefit all parties involved such as players, promoters, National Volleyball Federations and consultants. We are very proud to be part of a structure, having a constituency made of our affiliated National Volleyball Federations".

The Swatch-FIVB World Tour 2006 calendar was approved with 31 events on 5 continents, including 3 Grand Slams (France, Norway and Austria), with a total prize money of more than 7 million dollars (see attachment for dates and countries), including new host countries such as Thailand and the UAE. The Swatch-FIVB World Tour 2005-2008 growth plan envisages over 120 events, 2 World Championships and more than US$ 30million in prize money.

Development of National Tours will also receive special attention to further establish the sport. In line with the growth plan, a development plan for National Tours will be presented at the next World Congress in Japan in November 2006.

The World Council also decided the following:

- To announce the 2006 official calendar and tentative 2007 and 2008 calendars in order to better promote the events. It was also recommended to balance the number of Grand Slam events over the 2007 and 2008 Olympic qualification period.

- To adopt a revised players' agreement for the 2006-2008 period in response to the need of granting all players the same benefits and requiring them to participate in a minimum of 8 events within a season in order to receive FIVB benefits.

- To test on the occasion of the last 2005 Swatch-FIVB World Tour Open events in South Africa a competition format featuring 8 pools of 4 pairs each and 24 teams single elimination and consider applying such a format for the 2006 Grand Slam and 2007 World Championships. This system aims to better enhance the TV appeal of the matches by knowing well in advance the competition schedule. All Opens will continue to use the double elimination system.

- That the World Ranking will incorporate the Challenger and Satellite tournaments for entry purposes.

- To introduce a new appealing top for the men in 2006 and if the promoters agree, to not use the men's top. The athletes committed also to make a proposal on the ideal uniforms for them. - To test a new rule concerning allowing the touch of the net if the touch does not interfere with the game.

- To definitely reject coaching on the field of play after having carried out a test in Athens.

At the end of the meetings, all the members congratulated each other because they considered this World Council the most successful in the history of Beach Volleyball.

All details concerning the Swatch-FIVB World Tour calendar are available on the below link:

2006 Calendar