EASTERN teams have been urged to start making registrations for the upcoming Fiji Bitter Marist Volleyball tournament.
Western-based teams, Fiji Sugar Corporation and Foster's Group Fiji Limited are the first western teams to confirm their booking.
Organisers say eastern teams have no excuse for late registration.
Tournament official Viliame Katia said it was encouraging to receive positive response from the western teams who are still recovering from the devastating flood.
"Last year we had to turn teams away because they were late, if the western teams can organise themselves early I do not see why those in the east which form the bulk of the participating teams cannot also start to register" Katia said in a press statement.
Twelve men's teams and three women's team have confirmed their bookings.
The men's winner walks away with $3000 while the women's winner pockets $1500.
The youth and business house winners will take home $800 each.
Business house defending champion Bank of South Pacific (BSP) faces a stiff challenge from FSC while Lautoka Foster's are competing in the men's competition.
Katia said they would be looking at methods to assist the western based teams after the recent flood.
"The committee is also looking at ways to provide incentives for the western-based teams to assist with travelling costs," Katia said.
The tournament is scheduled for June 7-9 at the National Gymnasium in Suva.
The last volleyball tournament held in Suva was the FBC Easter championships.