ORGANISERS of the FBC TV National Volleyball Championship had to limit the number of teams competing in the event to ensure it ends on time.
Fiji Volleyball Federation general secretary Rosa Dalituicama said last year 60 teams registered for the tournament.
She said the number was cut down to 49 for the 2012 tournament which begins at the National Gymnasium today.
"We have taken into consideration the time it takes for us to finish one game," Dalituicama said.
"Unlike other sports, the duration of a volleyball game depends on points, not time, and a game of volleyball may go one for about 45 minutes or even close to an hour," she said.
"So taking in mind the duration of each game, we have limited the number of teams taking part to finish games on time."
Only three associations will take part in the tournament which was supposed to be played during the Easter weekend.
"Only two associations from the west had registered within the time-frame set by FVF and they are Topline from Lautoka and Nadroga team.
"The other majority of the teams will come from the Central Eastern Volleyball Association (CEVA).
Meanwhile, a five-year sponsorship deal signed with FBC TV on Tuesday will see the travel expenses for the western teams being subsidised.
"FBC TV will give us $2500 this year and will increase by $500 every year for the next five years and part of that money will go towards assisting in the transportations costs of the western teams," Dalituicama said.
The FBC TV National Volleyball Championship starts this afternoon at the National Gymnasium in Suva.