UPA Newsletter: 1990 Apr

$3.00 VOLUME 10 • NUMBER 2

APRIL • 1990

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See more Photos on Pages 10, 11, 12.

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Clarifications

Questionnaire Results

See page 4

See page 14

upeomlng See page 6

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LmERS See page 17

OBSERVER

CERTIFICATION See page 7

See page 6

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Volume 10 • Number 2 • April, 1990

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETtER

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

uHe who is patient will

wait"

-Unknown

"On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait and, waiting, died. ~'

-Unknown

By Robert L. Rauch

T

he decade of the 1990's has certainly gotten off to a frenetic, startling beginning. The Berlin Wall has crumbled Ortega

loses the Nicaraguan election. Lithuania secedes. Mandela is released from prison after 27 years. Drexel Burnham goes out of business.

This i~ a watershed time for the sport of tntimate and the UPA as 'Mill. 'llle new dues proposal received overwhelming support from the membership in the questionnaire and is in effect immediately. The UPA office, along with a toll free •'soou number, bas alreadyj>een set up, staffed 9am to 5pm East ~t time five days a week. The rules of our games are being examined as never before and a variety of proposals will be tried throughout the year to see if any have

Crossroads try Ma<rcia Dutcher

T

he rite of spring, the psychedelic detonation of life, is one of the great mysteries that thoroughly confronts our human character, stimulating us to action. It is of no little consequence this seasonal event is needed to awaken us from the passive indifference oflate winter, that time when soft flannel sheets and goose down comforters are more cherished than hard muscles.

UPA membership and growth may likewise be threatened by a climate of passive indifference among its members. It isn't enough to etijoy playing. We are a

validity. Our observer SJh~m is being refined and structured and several tournament directors are going so far as to experiment with uActive Observers'' (spelled f 4 R-E-F·E·R·E·E-S"). We've contracted with a group to attempt to obtain the sponsorship required to produce a one hour feature on Ultimate to be shown on television~ and we are pursuing several other sponsorship opportunities for general purposes as well. Were looking to bUild upon our media coverage of last year. Bids are being solicited from several different insurance companies right now and a comprehensive UPA insurance program should be jn place by August. And some of you have probaly already used your new UPANisa card.

Yes, there have been a few things going on this first couple months of 1990.

I attended a confenmce in Miami in early March, sponsored by the U.S. Olympic Committee, entitled HThe Business of Sportsll. Of the thirty or so amateur sports represented there with a booth, Ultimate was the on1y non-Olympic sport.. A message came through loud and clear: if we want media attention and sponsorship funds, we need to upacka,ge" our sport better. What does this mean for us? We need to change some things this year.

At Nationals this year, the Coordinating Committee decided that all teams will be required to wear a full uniform, a.nd the fmalists will be required to wear numbers on the backs of their jen;ey's.

Directors at major tournaments are encouraged to promote media attention and spectators, so that games will need to start on time and flow smoothly, tickets might be sold (as they were at Nationals last year) and half-time shows will become de rigeur. In other \VOrds, at our major tournaments, we

young organization where its stature is detel"!}lined by the participation of its mern5ers. It is not written that the UPA prospers. In other words, all UPA members need a clear focus on the mechanisms that sustain growth and a clear and dedicated commitment to implement that growth.

An Ultimate player generation is about four to seven years long. Each succeeding newer generation of players must build on the footing laid in place by earlier players.

This, hopefully, occurs without Joss of the sport's quintessential charm and mutual respect between players on the field. The acknowledgement of this historical perspec· tive should not be underestimated if we hope to profit from the experiences of our collective past.

Our Association would benefit in many ways when more \\"'men members become involved in the following projects: 1. Encourage growth of the Junior Division i.e. Lay 'Thacher Program · 2. Promote summer/community leagues i.e. a Co-ed Division 3. Start local area frisbee clubs i.e.

Washington D.C. 4. Develop new women's teams i.e. New

are going to have to learn how to "package" our sport so that we are putting on an entertaining show, not just a sporting event.

Seventy per cent of the questionnaire respondents are in favor of the UPA obtaining sponsorship. We must assume that a majority is willing to support a change in the way some things are done.

Despite these somewhat dramatic changes, there is no need for alarm. The events affected by the above changes comprise less than 5o/o of all 'llltimate tournaments, probably less. There will be little impact on the local tournament, summer league game or Sectional Cham· pionship. Positively, there will probably be greater participation and interest in UJtimate being played given the greater exposure and recognition of the sport through our showcase events. But no one is going to come and change the way we want to play Ultimate at its grass root level, just as events in Eastern Europe or Nicaragua aren't going to impact us here in the U.S. on a day-to-day basis anytime soon.

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Having waxed philosophical, I'll maintain my heavy tone to complain about the

response to our Third Annual UPA Questionnaire. Our response rate slipped dramatically this year, to less than 12%.

This is one of the few ways the Coordinating Committee can be advised of membership opinion. This lack of participation calls into questjon our validity as a "players" association. Should we abandon our attempts to reflect member opinion and make decisi~ns based on personal whim? It would be easier that way, believe me. Or, does no one care because \\'e are doing everything right? Notwithstanding, I lost ,yty $1.00 bet with Carney Fby about our response rate for the second year in a row.

tournaments 5. Promote the College Division i.e. call in scores for 'lbp 20 6. Explore international exchange and cooperation Concerning the membership questionnaire mailed to 5,800 standing members, only 674 responses were received. Only 12'Yo of UPA membership felt the responsibility to provide thoughtful response to the important questionnaire issues. It is unfortunate that so few may decide the fate of so many. Given this indifference to future UPA direction, you may be backing blindly through the major policy crossroads 1 oblivious to the potential tragedy unguided apathy wi1l wreck on our future development.

Women Sectional Coordinators (WSC) are the grass roo~or channeling eommu· nication to the women members of the UPA. As you know, last year WSC's were established and became an integral part of UPA structure. WSC's are positioned to be responsible for providing local members with a voice to UPA management.

Conversely, WSC's are the point source for distribution of new UPA information and a direct liason to the Women Regional Coordinators.

We all have opinions and ideas about these issues but they are of no use unexpressed. Let's start talking to each other. Let's start promoting a wider more broadly diversified membership base.

Finally, let's steer a precise, thoughtful course out of the crossroads, one that accounts for aJl members and provides quick response and flexibility for an ever changing world. team

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Deadlin.e for submissions into next issue i$ June 30, 1990.

THE ULnMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

· Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

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UPA Contacts

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UPA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 1852 OJd Country &ad Riverhead, NY 11901

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1·800. UPA-GetH or (516) 369~0097

Regional Reports

UPA OFFICERS Executive Director. Robert L.. "Nob" Rauch 1852 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY 11901 1-800-UPA~GetH

Managing Director: Kathy Pufahl 1852 Old Country Road, Riverhead, NY 11901 1-80Q-UPA-GetH

Director of Development & Juniors National Director. Phil Vlahakis 310 West 106 Street New Yor~ NY 10025 212~86&3899

Director of Finance: Carney Foy PO Box 2331, Silver City, NM 88062 505-388·3111

Women•s National Director: Marcia Duteher 2930 CampbeU, Kansas City, MO 64109 816-753-4.878 College National Director: Frank Revi 484 N. Austin Blvd. #3, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-0220

Director of Public Relations: Catherine Hartley 101 Western Ave. Apt 67, Cambridge, MA 02139 617-868-1552

Business Manager: Gene 'Ireacy 017'>1

UI\M;,.,,.,.

~ltl\ltiP

312-675-7431

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UPA Archivist: John Caporali

147 Shenango Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 UPA REGIONAL COORDINATORS Central: Matt Parker 3714 N. Racine, No.3 Chicago, IL 60613 312·34S.5488 Central Women~s: Diana Pinkston 3740 State Line Rd. Kansas City, KS 66103 913432-7581 Mid-Atlantic: Eric Simon 3116 S. 12th St., Arlington, VA 22204 703,.S92-1279

l'tfid-Atlantic Women's: Sue Wallace 3116 S. 12th St., Arlington, VA 22204 703~892-1279

Northeast: Bruce Jacobson 48 Lowell St., Somerville, MA 02143 617-628-5678

ortheast Women•s: Anne Wescott 50 Gould St., Apt. 1, Stoneham, MA 02180 617-279·4487 South: Jeff Freeman 976 Baird Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808 504-766-4266 South Women's: Nina Rach 1908 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030 713-795--8560

West: Bob Pallares 220 Rankin St .. Santa Cruz. CA 95060 408-427-2682

West Women's; Peggy Hollinger 2055 Bowdoin St., Palo AJto, CA 94306 415--365-7911

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CENTRAL -Matt Parker Thanks for voting in the recent election for Central Regional Coordinator. 'lb succinctly state my feelings towards taelding the upcoming challenges of my new position; I'm pumped. I just upgraded my computer system and so have the latest technology on my side in my efforts to keep everyone informed.

On to business. I've appointed David O'Shea (Osh) to be the new Open Division Sectional Coordinator for the Eastern Plains section comprised of Ohio and Kentucky. Osh can be reached at (419) 478-9257. Moving on, the Central Region was represented by the following five teams at the New Year's Fest in Phoenix: Minneapolis 'lerrapins, Czeeh Ultimate from Chicago, Zont.als, Old Timers and Betty all from Lawrence Kansas.

Please feel free to call/write me for t ournament contacts and/or other information.

CENT S-Dw:naPi?&kstt.m As: th warms winds and rains of spring bring lite to our plains, so are the women's

teams of the Central Region shedding their winter gear and coming out in full force in anticipation of a dynamic spring season.

There was a good turnout of women at the Central Regional Captain's Meeting in Gebruary. The women met before the meeting to discuss issues relating to women's teams. Later, as we joined the general meeting, we were able to discuss some of our concerns with the open division teams. We are calling on the open division to support our effort to help organize more women's teams in our region by being aware of the ' 'goings on'' in our division and by actively participating in our eommwlication network.

Our Central Region is composed of 14 states and presently has 12 women's teams.

I have frequently heard rumors of scattered }X)Ckets of Ultimate women who scrimmage with the men or travel on their own to pick up with teams at tournaments. It would only take a little bit of effort on the part of Ultimate players in the Central Region to tap these women into our network and help them organize into a team. Each of our five sections has a Women's Sectional Coordinator in place to serve as a motivator and communication link for the women in their area. If anyone knows of any women in..our region that would like to ukey into our disc"plea.se give me a call or drop me a line.

The Central Region is already experi· encing some growth this spring. Although the FISHEAD team of Lansing, Michigan is going to be out of the ciricuit for a while due to the happy states of pregnancy of a couple of their players, (congrats to Dede Kobyla.rzck-Singer and Karen Thorne!).

1\vo new teams are at the University of Chicago in illinois, and the University of Dayton in Ohio. My hunch is that both of these teams will be ready to compete at Central College Regionals in Northfield, MN on April 28-29. This means that we have a possibility of naving 10 women's teams at this tournament! Get ready for a HOT tournament college women!

At least two Central Region women's teams were present at the tntimate Beach Bowl in West Palm Beach at the beginning •

of Marcil. and we will also have teams traveling to Washington, D.C. in early April.

II you are sponsoring a tournament that would be open to Some of our teams please send me along some information and I,ll get the word out. But .. . be prepared for some gutsy competition 'cause we are psyched.

MID-ATLANTIC -Eric Simon Shalom, Y'all! (Hey, I live south of the Mason-Dixon line, too.)

Are you looking for an exciting career in the UPA? Great pay and benefits! The.MidAtlantic is the place to be. There will be a bunch of positions opening up this year. One position we need ftlled ASAP is the Seetional Coordinator for Pennsylvania.

The UPA is a players organization; we need a player to step up here. Other positions will open up this summer.

In other news. Philly hosted another great East Coast Captains' Meeting; we covered a lot of topics. If you are a captain and haven't received a letter from me about the meeting, as weH as a new team list and a spring schedule, then you a.re not on the captains' Jist. Call me and we'll straighten it out.

Tips for a successful spring: make sure you understand the procedures for competing in a Sectional tournament. This is true for the College Series as well as the Open Series.You can not just show up at S~onals with a roster. Procedures are described in the letter you shouJd have received.

UPA Series Dates: For College: Sectionals: Apr 21·22; Regionals: April 28-29 at Princeton.

For Open: Sectionals: May 19-20; Regionals June 2-3 (site TBA}; Easterns; June 9-10 (Rider College, in N.J.).

Spring is finally here! Enjoy it to the fuJJest.

MID-ATLANTIC

draw, as usual. Expect more fun at Centex,

the Nashville Monkey Fest, and the Ultimate Bowl in Athens.

I'd like to welcome aboard our two newest UPA officials in the SOuthern Region: Nina Racb and Thrry Stricldand. Nina wiU fill out the remaining year ot Laura De La Garza's term as Women's Reg;onal Coordinator. 1 have great confidence in Nina's ability, and I believe she can get women's Intimate back on track here in the South. It's up to you to give her feedback to help solve our problems. Call your Southern sisters and pick a tournament where we can all meet and have fun. Communication with one another is key. Remember this magic formula: six could get us two. You'U have to call Nina or myself in order to find out tbe meaning of this.

Thrry is the new College Regional Coordinator. If }'OU have a college team and haven't heard from him yet then you need to call him at 409-696-7175. His letter to the region explains the process for qualifying for Regionils. Please get your rosters in early this year.

GUMBO: Pontijica.tion Department: Quite frankly, the Nob-0-Meter just rose another point and stands steady at 29 .. . Getty's Tips Fbr Better Ultimate #5: Never dive teeth-first onto St. Charles Street. It hurts alot! .. . Suck da head ... What is schlup? ..• Squeeze da tail ... Getty's dichotomy; Ultimate is fun.

Fun is addictive. Become an Ultimate junkie!. . . ~tty is now accepting bids for the 1990 Sollthem Regional 'lburnament from Section ill teams only ... Be -watching for the Bahamas Hat 'lburney. A cruise to the islands wi11 IOOSt defmitely be in order.

Has anyone seen my molars?

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SOUTHERN WOMEN'S -Nina &ch Greetings from the South! I've assumed position as Southern •Women's Regional Coordinator through 1990 from Laura DeLaGarza. I look forward to working with everyone this year and hope to see the southern women's teams increase in experience level. number/geographic distribution, and dedication to competition and the spirit of tntima~ I hope that we'll be able to attract many new women to the sport and continue to encourage all of those already playing. With everyone's help, we could have a very active year! I'd like to encourage a1J the northern teams to consider at least one southern road-trip in

-SU£ Wallace Greetings, fine women of the Mid· Atlantic. The Spring season is here; college teams get ready! We had only four wornens coll~ teams compete at College Regionals last spring, whieh was certainly an improvement over zero from the year before. However, I know we can get more this year-let's work toward the goal of a 60% increase, which is 6 teams. College teams shouJd call me ASAP if they are even the near future. remotely interested in going to Regionals.

As always, mild ~ter weather has We have a fairly open region- every team allowed many southern teams to continue has a good chance of qualifying for playing after Nationals. However, Nationals. Also, college women call in your tournament participation so far this winter scores to the 'lbp 20! Club teams-please has been light. Individual women from help your college sister team to propser this Austin and Houston competed on combo spring and to make it to Regionals.

I sent out a letter in late February to all • teams at Thmpe, AZ. Birmingham and Knoxville women competed at the Mudbowl team captains. If you didn't get one, you are tourney in Birmingham. Individual women not on my list. Call me to rectify that from Athens (GA), Atlanta, Baton Rouge. situation. Also. if your captain did not relate Dallas/Denton (TX). Houston/Clear Lake. the news from that letter and Eric's letter Shreveport (LA), and Pittsburgh combined to your team, bug her to do so. to form MS. MGU and played the Last but not least, consider running for 'Dunpa/Sarasota HUCKSTERS at the 3rd a UPA position. We need a Womens Sectional Coordinator for the North Section · Annual Mardi Gras Ultimate 'Iburnament in Baton Rouge. The la.I'g1!St women's (NJ, PA, DE), and open division positions division EVER was fielded in the Southern can be held by women too. An Open Region, at the tntimate Beach Bowl, West Sectional Coordinator is needed for the Palm Beach. Fburteen ~men's teams from Pennsylvania section. Call me if you are the Southern, Mid-Atlanti<; Northeast. and interested.

Central Regions attended.

According to the captains, we currently SOUTHERN -JeffFreeman have nine viabl~ women's teams in the Beat the drums! RoH out the barrels! Put Southern Region, distributed as follows: on your party hats, because here comes Atlanta (2 teams), Austin, Birmingham, another fun-filled season of tntimate, Gainesville, Houston/Clear Lake. Knoxville, Southern·styled! Southern tournaments 'llunpa/Sarasota, and West Palm Beach. are gaining huge popularity with our Only four of these. teams competed at friends from the colder regions of the Regional level in the fall of 1989; if we can country. The tnt.imate Beach Bowl in West all maintain cohesiveness through this Palm Beach drew over 40 teams, while spring and summer, we can DOUBLE the eighteen teams came to Mardi GtaS. This number of teams at Regionals this coming fall!

• is only the third year of existence for both tournaments! GainesviJJe had another big -Continued on nm PQDe WOMEN'S

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Continued from previous ~

NORTHEAST -Bruce Jacobson In the Northeast, many players started their spring season in West Palm Beach.

Here are a few thoughts about the upconr ing season as I fly, sunburned, home.

The tournament was held at the Palm Beach Polo Club. It's becoming dear that eventing and polo fields are gr-eat sites for Ultimate tournaments. A tournament director can fit at least 6 Ultimate fields onto 1 polo field. Site owners see the divots caused by 28 cleate<i feet as negligible compared to the damaged caused by 40 shod hooves. Many sites provide amenities and site owners are comfortable hosting large events. This good match should be exploited in the Northeast, where there is a dearth of sites where Ultimate players are welcome.

I mention an this because as of the beginning of March I know of onJy one non-college sponsored open division tour· nament scheduled f~r this spring in the Northeast. The preceding is intended as a prod and as a suggestion to potential t{)urnament directors. If your team wants to play. host a tournament.

It was great to see many Northeasterners in Florida. Nice going New York and Godiva.

NORTHEAST WOMEN'S-Anne W~tt The Women's Division has been hibernating the snowy Winter away. As the spring comes, so do the college teams out recruiting for new talent. College women were well represented at the East Coast Captain's Meeting in Villanova. For the first time. these teams will compete under the stricter UPA eligibility guidelines. This

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

has been an area of disappointment for some teams trying to get off the ground.

I sympathize with these \\'Omen as do most women who have trieg to organize a team.

In a11 honesty, however, it only seems fair that every college team competing must form their team meeting the same re· quirements or the division would lose it's "College" name. A reminder to all new coJiege-based teams that the Northeast offers several non-UPA sancioned CoUege 1burnaments which have no roster requirements. This may provide the avenue for the exposure your new team needs.

On the Women's Club front, I want to direct attention to the upcoming decision on Wild Card Bids to the FaJJ Nationals.

My opinion on this issue has changed over· time as I have discussed the various pro· posals with different NE players. Our region appears split between the 10 team format with quotas and the 12 team for· mat with quotas. I encourage you to review the Pro and Con articles in thls issue and share your opinion with your Coordinators.

-Bob Pall.ares WESTERN Once again Spring is upon us and things are taking off. The College season is star· ting and the region looks stronger than ever. With new teams in the Rocky Mountain Section and Pat Pohl's organization this should be another strong year for the West.

The Open division is looking just as strong with numerous teams hosting 'lburnaments fr'<>m Santa Fe, NM to Eugene OR. This Spring should be really in· teresting with many teams on the rise in the West. This was seen at Regionals with the highest level of competition in the West ever. Eight teams vied on an even level for

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

the flrst three spots. The most surprising feat of the weekend was by the Oregon Donors who took third after a first round loss. This Spring could prove to rearrange the power structur~ in the West because because a perennial power may lose.

This caliber of Ultimate can only help to encourage those younger teams who are not as competitive yet. Thams cannot improve unless they compete and unfortunately that equates to traveling to tournament. This has been proven by the Oregon, L.A., and Oakland teams who tnvel extensively and rank at the top of the region. So take advantage of this springs tournaments and compete.

I would like to welcome Eric Edgerton as the new &cky Mountain Section Coor· d:inator and the nomination of Brent Russell as the new Southern Cal Section Coordinator. I would also like to thank Rich Gallagher, who is stepping down as so Cal Section Coordinator, for an e.x:· cellent job. Last but not ]east, I would like to thank all those folks who are helping College teams grow; especially those who have created women's progress. This growth is essential to the preservation of the sport.

Well that's it. Remember with Open and Women's College National Champion, Women's Division National Champions, and Seeond in the Open Division the West is still the Best. The Western Region-why play anywhere else.

UPA Announcements Eastem s Easterns will be held on June 10,11 at Rider College in New Jersey. Thams from outside the Northeast and Mid· Atlantic are invited to submit bids for a tournament berth.

Complete rosters must be submitted to the UPA office by May 15, Geographic rules are in effect. Call the Managing Director at 800-UPA-GetH for more information.

College Committee Formed Student m.emher wanted. The purpose of the college

committee will be to focus on both general policies and specific decisions within the college division~ The committee will be made up of a handful of coordinators and Frank Revi. We are also looking for a current college student. You'll need to be interested in the detailed • workings of college Ultimate, and be ready to represent the colJege pla;yers from their own point of view when decisions need to be made. You'll be kept infonned of what's happening. on an ongoing basis, and may be asked to do things like call a few people or write a short opinion.

Interested college players should contact Frank Revi at 708-848-0220.

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NIRSA

UPA Joins Natimull Spqrt Club Organization NIRSA is the National Intramural and Recreational

.These Are Not Rules Changes Stall zero revoked, new proposals, experiments.

Pete McCabe, chairperson of 1M UPA Rules Committee, under norm4l circumstances would lu:we written this 4rtiele. Bu.t, as Pete fo;d to the west coast in 8earch of l-ave and adventure. he waa not available to render his services. He apol,ogiu$/M' any confusion tJw.t was cau.s«l as 4 result Q[his la3t artic/8. He will be back 'With m.ore suggestiowJ next issue. Pete's new number is (619} £7fl~5916.

In the last newsletter issue (vollO, no. 1) a number of rule proposals were descnbed as "Nle changes ~eetive immediately".

Misplaeed editorial ~rty in this case has created a great deal of confusion and for that, we apologize. The article should have read .. Rule Proposals". Astute readers of the UPA By-Laws realize that new rules can only beeome official with the release of a whole new rule edition which has been agreed upon by the membership. Those rules that were presented were only suggestions. Again, we are sorry for the confusion, and thanks to all of you who are trying the new suggestions on the field.

As part of the ongoing development of Ultimate and in light qf the recent pressure on the Spirit of the. Game, the rules are being examined as never before. The recently formed UPA Rules Committee will attempt m produce the tenth edition and: will from time to time'mlggest certain rule changes in the spirit of experimentation.

Remember that the'· N"mtb Edition is the only official version of the Nles for the present.

At the Coordinating Committee meeting, the rule proposals presented in January were evaluated based on member input and actual play experience. It was decided to eliminate the u stall zero" proposal from consideration as well as to present a rather radical umarker rule~~ The ustall-one" proposal was designed to eliminate instances where·..stalJ·zero" was said as one word thereby cheating a second off of the count. As long as a full second elap3e5 between "s~'' and "one", it is not n~essary to say "zero". Once again, th.ese •

rule PROPOSALS are not officially established for play. Rather, they are suggestions for UPA member trial at practices and at tournaments and evaluation. 'fry these new rules and give us your feedback. So read the following article for a recap and an update of rule happenings.

RULE PROPOSALS FOR

EXPERIMENTATION L The "Marker Ruleu: Any contact between the thrower and the marker is a foul on the marker.

2. The 41 Brick Rule"~ If a pull lands out of bounds anywhere outside of the receiving team's end zone. the player receiving the disc may put it into play at the middle of the playing field proper, 10 yards from the front of that goal line. The player indicates this option by raising two hands and calling "middle" before touching the disc and puts the disc into play by touching it to the ground at the appropriate point and calling "in play".

3. The Check: Play resumes with the marker tDuching the disc in the thrower1s profession.

4. Fast CountJDouble 'learn: At the first call of either "fast count" or "doubJe teamu, the marker must immediately reduce the stall count by two with no stoppage of play (for example, 11 four, fi~ six ... ftlsteount!" resumes with "five, six,.). The ieoond ca11 within the same count is a foul (play resumes with a check and new stall count starting at "stalling, one."

5. The stall count. A defensive player within three meters (ten feet) of the thrower may initiate a stall count, thus becoming a marker.

Note:~ in the ninth edition, the marker must initiate the count by calling "stalling" and counting at one second intervals from "one" to "ten". There must be a full second intervals from "stalling...one" or else fast count may be calJed. At the first utterance of t he word "ten", a turnover and check .msult. The stall count starts with ~~one", not "zero", as previously suggested.

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MORE EXTREME EXPERIMENTS ACTIVE OBSERVERS Some tournament organizers in the West are planning on experimenting with the use of "active observers" or perhaps more accurately, referees. Three major tournaments will feature officials in the semi's and finals of the open division; Cal States, Boulder and Labor Day. Many calls previously made by players on the field wi11 now become the domain of these individuals.

The newsletter will report on the results of this experiment but the Coordinating Committee is clearly on the record as rejecting the notion of referees as having a place in Ultimate. ~ OBSERVER CERTIFICATION The UPA will embark on a process of observer certification as outlined on page 7. Where appropriat"A; the use of observers is endorsed as an appropriate means of mediating disputes. It is hoped that the certification and compensation of observers will make the present system more effective.

MOVING THE MARKER BACK Inherent in the interpretation of the ninth edition of the rules is the conflict ~een the right of the thrower to pivot and the right of the marker to establish a defensive position. In an effort to resolve this conflict and minimize the increasing number of marker-thrower foul calls, this proposal should eliminate the ambiguity in determining who is at fault when there is contact and thus should speed up the game.

The rule proposal states th.a t "azw contact between a marker and the thrower is a foul by the marker'', This is potentially a controversial propooal which may materially impact certain aspects of the game. However, the Coordinating Committee feels it is a suggestion worth trying. Let•s experiment with it at practice and maybe at a few tournaments. See if it serves a purpose: to minimize marker and thrower foul calls and eliminate the possibility of dispute when there is contact, so that the game is resumed quicldy. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

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Sports Association, the group that club sports and IM directors belong to. They claim eveey uni:ve,n~-GQ! and junior college m ThetiS IS (or bas) a , as as a lot of Canadian schools and military bases overseas.

Joining NIRSA is a major step for the college division of the UPA. Benefits include exposure through free and paid listings and ads in their directory, journal, and other publications; though national and state conventions; and through the availability of mailing lists for direct mailings.

In addition. NIRSA can endorse and help us organize our championship series, and help us find sponsors for it. They can also help us prepare and distribute an officials kit to be used in intramural programs. The director of NffiSA is psyched about our system of observers and player responsibility.

Joining NIRSA establishes Ultimate as a club sport activity. The exposure and legitimization of Ultimate both within and between schools is the next step in the growth of the college <livision.

Online Serrieea- Computer Bulletin Boards The following are the computer bulletin boards currently serving the disc community. Call them up from }'Our computer via modem. mtimate Discs 812·333-9508 Sysop: Ernie Willvonseder (note new number) Photostar BBS 703·7744667 Sysop: Mike Overacker WFDF Forum 011-46-60-1153TI Sysop: Johan Lindgren

1990 UPA Nationals Logo Design Contest Design to be used on disc and T-Shirt $100 prize to

winner. Deadline for entry June 30, 1990'Ib Ultimate and Disc Association of Palm Beaches, 1861lfz Holman Drive, Juno Beach, FL 33408

Intimate Action Photo C.ontest Photos for Program 1990 UPA Nationals. $100 first place, $25 to each of four runners-up. Deadline June 30, 1990. Ultimate and Disc Association of Palm Beaches, 18511fr. Holman Drive, Juno Beach, FL 33408

Page5

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

College Captains Corner

..

COLLEGE REGIONAL COORDINATORS Mid-Atlantic: Bruce Lord 16 Collegeview Thrrace Ct. State College, PA 16801" 814·234-2108 South: Thrry Strickland 3007 Bluestem College Station, TX 77840 409·696·7175

Central: Joe Sackett

1249 Avon Drive Cincinatti, OH 45229 51~242-1249

West: Pat Pohl Las Positas CoUege 3033 Collier Canyon Rd. Livermore, CA 94550 415-373-5860

Northeast Jeff Brown Thfts Ultimate Frisbee Mayer Campus Center, 'fufts U. Medford, MA 02155 617-666-4269

Eligibility Revisited More on the Letter and Spirit of the Rules

COLLEGE SECTIONAL COORDINATORS SPRING 1990 CENTRAL Dave Feldman

Justin Lahart Kevin Pondy 'Michael Mastin Paul Divine

Section \VI , MN Mf

507-663-4690 313·996-5954 217·367-0747 913-749-5622 614-231-2413

IL, IN KS,MO

OH

MlD~ATLANTlC

Farren sumvan

3{) 1-583-2237

Central

Mary MoUy Thylor

Ste\-eGross

919·833-4810 215-694-9835

South North

NORTHEAST Brendan Freeman

410-521-0864

Eastern NE

914~251-7513

518-423·7984 802-860-6218

Metro NY Upstate NY Western NE

719-631-2104 619·276-9269 503-342-5421 408·429-4220

Rocky Mountain Southern CA Norhtwest Northern CA

Chuck Thies Dave Fause.l Pete RDsenberg

WEST Brian Murphy Dave Adelson Jay Janin Kevin Givens

-:

'

fry F-rank Revi

•

1990 UPA COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS May 25, 26 and 27 1990

Horseworld of Scottsdale Scottsdale, Arizona On site director, Dee Rambeau, (702) 746-1659

Asst. Director/local coordinator, Kevin Hatch, {602) 986-8584 RV's available on site for team rental.

Host Hotel nearby with excellent rates Camping available nearby.

Call for further information

At this writing, the Cooniinating Committee has reviewed 30 requests for clarification Cor the spring '90 collegiate series, in two sets. One

more batch will be dealt with just after the 15 March deadline. I'd like to share some thoughts on this here so everyone can get a sense of where we are all at with respect to eligibility.

Some players read my article about the spirit of the eligibility rules and concluded that the CC would be granting what amounts to "spirit exemptions" declaring players eligible because

CENTRAL REGIONAL The Centl'aJ Regional Captain's Meeting was held in Indianapolis, IN on February 10, 1990.

It is very important to realjze when reading this summary that all the region's teams were not represented at this gathering. Roughly 45 people attended all o! whom were not captains.

The best thing that came out of this meeting was a mutual feeling that the Spirit of the Game is \'ery healthy in the Central Regjon.

Keep in mind that aside from the last senteooe, rm merely presenting the opinions expressed at the meeting objectively.

DUES INCREASE Response was mostly negative, espeeialJy from the college captains. Most of the attendees \\.'ere angry at the way the decision was made. They felt that this meeting was going to give them a chance to debate the proposal and not just hear the announcement that the dues increase had been passed.

1.

Entries mu.st be received by April 20.

Winners receive program credit, 20 free discs, and one round trip ticket to tourney!

Send to: RSCVA 4590 S. Virginia St. Reno, Nevada 89502 tournament brought to you by BOLTERS . ..

The Ultimate in Apparel and ... Horseworld of Scottsdale

PLAN ON COMING TO THE 1990 UPA COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

circumstances.

The rules are designed to limit the college division to students with Jess than fi~ years of "significant" Ultimate experience; to ins~ a maximum (upper limit) of fi~-e years of eligibility, not to insure each player a total of five seasons. The gray area referred to in my previous article refers to playe~ who ha.w been playing for more than five years but not necessarily in UPA events. Is this experience ''significant"? These players are technically eligible according to the wording of the ruJes, but should themselves evalua~ whether their position is within the spirit of the rules.

As a Players assoeiabon, we rely on our fellow players, and respect them. to actively apply the letter and the intent of the rules to themselves. This is part of the Spirit of the Game applying off the field a.<> well as on.

May 25, 26 and 27 1990

Scottsdale, Arizona Special rates available at the Clarion Inn, Scottsdale (800) 695-6995 or {602} 994-9209

It's gonna be AWESOME, Dude!

Game will preclude the need for arbitration.

a disc's width.

9. NEWSLETTERS ~ot enough people are receiving them. Could this be due to the inherent tran.sienoe of college

3. Mens and wo-mens captains favored the proposal whereby 12 womens teams. 2 from each region and 2 wildcards. ·advance to Nationals.

1!1' 1 me.

•

10. SPONSORSHIP Another emotional subject. Most wanted some kind of screening process by the

4. Captains support a certification process for observers.

membership to prevent sponsorship from companies with questionable products and/or affiliations (tA, cigarettes, alrobol, inwstments in South Afri~ etc) One comment, why don't some members get some input and draft a position paper for the Cenb"al Region outlining the concerns of the region. Any \'Olunteern!

5. Most captains did not object

to

a

~ay

Nationals.

6. Moot thought UPA membership cards \Vere a workable way to ensure 100% memberslup at tournamen~ oavered by new UPA insuranoe.

1. Mid-Atlantic captains voted that they do

NORTHEAST AND ltDD-ATLANTIC

want to use Sectionals to eliminate teams for Spring RebrionaJs, and to continue to limit Spring Regionals to 16 teams.

by Sm Wall4ee

2. lNSURANCE Again, response was mostly negative. Many felt that this kind ofinsurance would be costly and only benefit a few people, especially members of the UPA Coordinating Committee (CC).

Of all the proposed changes, only one was

~

I'll be writing more on this in subscqtren1 newsletters. If )'00 have any thous.mts on subject, let me know!

Highlights of Regional Captains' Meetings

3. RULE CHANGES

UPA COLLEGIATE NATIONALS DISC DESIGN CONTEST

they somehow fit the spirit of the rules but not the letter. Not true. This would be kind or like calling a player in bounds who landed out but made a great grab. What w-e are looking at is whether the player's situation constituWs eligibility; figuring out where they actually landed and whether it was "in", not moving the line. When you write a clarification request, you're not asking for special status, you're asking for clarification where the rules are not definitive, for example in unusual registration

singled out as a bad idea: the STALL 0. All others were viewed as logical and acceptable.

4. UPA CREDIT CARD

Sure, why not?

5. SUMMER LEAGUES One centrally located swnmer league will tak&1>Jace in May & .June. Current membership

includes: Madison, Czech, Rockford, Geneva., Milwaukee; and possibly Oshkosh. Proposed dates and lsx:aQons are as follows: 5/19 ·Geneva (Chicago), 6/30 -Milwaukee last one). This leaves 6116 & 6116 & 6123 opent any wlunteers?

6. SAVAGE SEVEN LEAGUE TBD, Dave Adam is the contact (812) 988-6434.

7. FALL UPA SERIES A general disapproval with Regionals held so late in the year since the Contra! Region is the most adverse]y affected.

8. OBSERVERS NO WAY!!! The strength of Spirit of the

Captains and UPA officials from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic gathered for a weekend of co-ed ultimate and for the annual NEIMA captains meeting on February 10 & 1l at Villanova (Philly, PA). Many thanks to the Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance for organizing the tournament (8 teams) and securing the meeting rooms. 'lbpicsdiscussed by the approximately 70 team captains included the dues increase, the womens and college divisions, rules, UPA credit cardt UPA tournament sanctioning, Slli1U1'le:r leagues, next fall's UPA series tournaments, observers, development and high schools, P.R., the newsletter, the archives, Mid·Atlantic seetionals, sponsorship~ and of course the Spring tournament schedule.

Highlights and decisions from the meeting~ 1 An indecisive vote was taken on whether coUege students who meet all eligibility rules except the 5-year rule should pay the $15.00 student membership fee. or the full $25. ~ it stands any student ~ the Sl5 fee whether or not they play in the series provided proper student verification is given.

2. Votes on new rule proposals were favorable for the "check to ground on middle call" and "subtract two from count on fast count and

double team" proposals. The captains voted that they did not like the proposals on the new check (defense touches disc instead of hands it to offense}. initiating the stall count with zero, and moving the marker back further than

8. Interested >fid·Atlantic captains should

submi t sectional redrawing proposals (with maps) before Fall captains' meeting.

9. Most captains do not have a problem with a liquor company as a sponsor for Ultimate.

If you do not • receive your newsletter please contact The UPA at 1-800-UPA-GetH so that we can check our mailing list.

Page 6

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Highlights of ·coordinating Co1nrnittee Meeting The annual Coordinating Committee

meeting was h£ld in Washington, D.C. in February. From the philosqphical to the practical, many matters were discussed and im'[XYrl,ant decisi<ms made. Stay tuned for a synopsis.

REORGANIZATION In order to comply with corporate law and in accordance with the UPA By-laws, the structure of the decision making process within the Coordinating Committee was defined anew. 'Iechnically, the Coordinating Committee refers to those officers who are directly elected by the membership (five Regional Coordinators, Women's National Director) and the Executive Director. The Coordinating Committee makes all decisions directly affecting play (i.e., Rules,Regional Redrawing) and appoints the Board of Directors to deal with the day to day concerns of the corporation (i.e. budget).

Those members elected to the Board of Directors are two Regional Coon.iinators (Eric Simon, Bob Pallares), Executive Director, Managing Director, Women's National Director, College National Director, and the Director of Finance.

The most important aspect of this internal reorganizaton is the formation of Commit~ which will send their recommendations to the Board for approval. By relying on committees to develop proposals for consideration, we have the opportunity to incorporate the input of concerned individuals outside the scope of the UPA directors (and coordinators) and to involve only those directors (and coordinators) that have a strong int~rest in certain areas.

These committees' are the key to the entire success of the UPA. COMMITTEES The following committees have been formed: Management, 'Iburnament, Clubs and Community Leagues, College Eligibility, College, Womens, Business, Public Relations, Audit, Juniors and Lay Thachers, Regional Redrawing, Rules, Archive, Olympic, Observers, Nominating, Thchnology. You will be reading more about these committees in the newsletters to come but RIGHT NOW contact your Regional Coor· dinator for information. What these committees produce will determine the future of the sport and the UPA.

FALL UPA NATIONALS The Nationals for Open and Women will be a four day event this year taking place on N~mber8-11. Only the final games will occur on Sunday alloYiing for longer semi's and finals. Make your reservations for West Palm Beach now. It's going to be quite an event.

WOMEN'S WILD CARDS FOR FALL Whether ten or twelve teams will qualify for Nationals and how will be decided by May 31, 1990. Let your Regional Coominaror know how you feel beffn'e hei8M p[(LC88 his/her vote.

JUNIORS AND DEVELOPMENT Neil Brown has resigned as High School National Director due to serious restraints on his available volunteer time. The UPA is indebted to Neil for his hard work over the past year. Thank you. Neil.

With respect to this announcement, the Coordinating Committee assigned Phil Vlahakis, Director of Development, the additional responsibilities of the High School Division for the remainder of the year while a search is conducted for another candidate. Since the UPA secretary wiJ) be assisting Phil with a great many of his administrative tasks and due to inherent overlap between the two areas. development and juniors, exists, it was felt that this was the most expedient way to proceed.

In addition, from this point forward the High School Division will be referred to as the Juniors Division to maintain consis· tency with international parlance and to reflect the broad (under the age of 18) scope of the division.

Interested candidates for the position of Juniors National Director should contact Marcia Dutcher, chair of the Nominating Committee at (816} 7534878.

CANADA-UPA INVITATIONAL STILL OPEN For two more years, Canadian teams will be elig1ble to play in UPA series tourna· ments but the rosters collected from Cana· dian teams will not contribute to the regional roster count for the calculation of wild card a\Wl'ds. In 1992, the issue will be revisited.

Regional boundaries are drawn to include Canada.. Sectional participation is based on precedent and for new teams, at the discretion of the Regional Coordinator.

Please contact the Managing Director at

the UPA Office for

mor~

Upcoming 1burnaments

information.

UPA TOURNAMENTS May 25-27, 1990. UPA College Nationals. Scottsdale, AZ. Contact Site Director, Dee Rambeau at 702·746-1659.

June 10, lL UPA Eastems. Rider College, NJ Contact Managing Director, Kathy PufahJ for bids at 1·800-UPA-1396 or Dan Kirshner for local infonnation at 609·585·2081.

November S.ll, 1990. UPA Women's and Open Nationals. . ·West PaJm Beach, FL.

CLUB MEMBERSHIPS Support local clubs! The most effective avenue for generating enthusiasm and new players is to start an Ultimate club in your area. Director of Development and Juniors, Phil Vlahakis, is chairperson of the committee to develop a Club Program. The UPA would like to start a club registry, offer helpful developmental materials, discount on discs and insurance coverage. Are you interested? Are you an officer of an existing club? Contact Phil.

CENTRAL REGION April 21 & 22. Indians and Jellybeans. Contact Regional Coordinator for information.

April 28-29. UPA College Regionals. Northfield, MN. Contact Joe Sackett at 513-242·1249.

April 28 & 29. St Louis Ultimate Classic. Buder Park Polo Fields. Contact Allison at 314·863·7209.

May 5 & 6. Central Ultimate Championship. Kalamazoo, MI. Contact Drew Daniels at 313·651·8105.

June 9 & 10. Poultry Days. VersaiJies, OH. Contact Regional Coordinator for information.

June 2L First Annual Deer Creek Championship.

Indianapolis, I~ as part of Deer Creek Fair. 5-8:30 PM. • Limited to 4 teams. Must Contact David Hasbrook at 317·923 9005.

July28 & 29. Milwaukee, WI. Cooler Classic II. 16 open teams, 4 women's. Send +75 entry fee, team photo and 1/2 pg. bio by 7/13 to Scott Se\·erson. Box 352, Slinger, WI

UPA FORMATS Eric Simon is compiling a comprehensive collection of tournament formats, "UPA Approved 'Iburnament Formats", for use in UPA series tournaments. Starting with College Sectionals, only those formats described may be used Even for a format maniac like Eric, the task of devising formats for a variable number of different teams where any number of teams may advance was a daunting one. Many thanks to Erie for yet another UPA publication.

Contact the UPA office if you would like to purchase a copy.

MID-ATLANTIC April 21 & 22. UPA College Sectiona1s. Contact your • Sectional Coordinator.

April 28 & 29. Philadelphia., PA. Sat.-open, Sun.-"-"'Omen.

Contact Deb at 215-524-2975.

ApriJ 28 & 29. UPA College Regionals. Princeton, NJ. Contact Bruce Lord at 814·234·2108.

May 5 & 6. Lurn's Pond. Delaware. Contact AJ at 302-731·7415.

May 12 & 13. Mother's Day. Philadelphia. Sat.-openJ Sun.· women. Contact Steve at 215~828-9713.

May 19 & 20. UPA Open/Women's Sectionals. Contact your Sectional Coon.iinator.

June 2 & 3. UPA Regionals. Site TBA Contact Enc Simon or Sue Wallace a 70S. 1· 279. .-~ June 30.. July 2. 13th Annual Mars/Hampton lntimate • 'lburnament. Contact Ken Scott at 412·625·9083.

NORTHEAST April 14 & 15. New Women's Thurnarnent. Wesleyan, MA. Contact Lisa at 203-346-0934.

April 21 & 22. Cornell InvitationaL Contact Kathy at 607-253·2466 or Jed at 607-277-7425.

April 21 & 22. Yale Cup. 32 college teams. Contact Jeremy · • Weinberg at 203-436-0972.

April 28 & 29. Vermont State Championships. Contact Bob a.t 802·229·1262.

May 5 & 6. UPA College Sectionals. Contact Sectional Coon.iinator.

May 12 & 13. UPA College Regionals. Contact Jeff Brown at 617·666-4269.

• May 12 & 13. Boston. 32 teams. Contact Robin at 617-294-7690.

May 19 & 20. We have a Dream by NY U1timate. Staten Island. Contact Ken Dobyns. 212·666-2982.

• June 2 & 3. Open & Women's UPA Regionals. Site TBA. Contact. Bruiser at 617·628-6678 to reserve a spot.

June 18. Father's Day Gathering. Contad Jeff'Th.nnen at • 516-334·3690.

June 23 & 24. Montreal. Contact Nina at 514·279-4859.

REGIONAL REDRAWING If the committee on Regional Redrawing develops a proposal by June 1st this }'ear, the UPA will proceed according to the following timetable: Print proposals in July newsletter, solicit member feedback for November issue, present the issue in the January questionnaire and wte on the topic at the annua1 board meeting.

If you want to see this happen, ca11 comm1ttee chairperson, Brian Murphy at (719) 635-2104.

UNIFORMS The Coordinating Committe voted to require uniforms: matching shorts and jersies in light and dark colors, at the National tournament in the fall. In addition, those teams competing in the finals wiJl be required to wear numbers on their jerseys.

MERCHANDISE EXPANSION The UPA has signed a contract with John Capozzi of C Associates in Washington D.C. to merchandise a variety of Ultimate clothing and accessories via the newsletter.

Look for exciting new fashions in JuJy.

MASTERS ON THE ROAD mNORWAY Almost sixty applications were received for the 1990 UPA Masters team of which 25 were chosen and five alternates. The selection process was a difficult one for the Masters Committee. 'Tham members were chosen with regard to their playing ability as well as their contribution to the game.

Many thanks to all those that applied.

Based on such a strong reRponse and apparent enthusiasm~ it looks like the masters division will beoome a reality soon.

The following individuals will be traveling to Norway to compete in the World Ulti· mate and Guts Championship in July. Good Luck!

Phil Adams . ... . ... .. .. Stoneham MA Rick Airey ... . ............ Austin TX 'fracy Berg ........•••... Ardmore PA

Andy Borinstein ........ New York NY · Neal Dambra ............ Houston TX Mary Cremer ..•.•........ Denver CO

Suzanne Fields ........ Watertown MA Getty Freeman . . .... Batron Rouge LA

Steve Goodwin .... .... .. Arlington VA Pam Hageny ............. Madison WI

•

Dave Liewant ........... Brooklyn NY Anne Murray .......... Watertown MA

'Thd Naylon ............. Rochester NY Kathy Pufahl ........ Wading River NY Fly Russell ............ E. Lansing MI Mike PaSCBie .... . ...... Columbia MD

JR Reynolds ....... . .... Savannah GA Eric Simon ............. Arlington VA Gil Wernovsky ........ Newtonville MA

•

Pat Pohl at 415-373-5860.

May 12 & 13. First Annual Giardia Days 'Iburnament.

Logan, UT. Contact Kevin Kobe at 801~753·5031.

May 19 & 20. 12th Annual U1timeet. Albuquerque, NM. Contact Eric Edgerton at 505-247·8608.

• May 26-28. Ultimate Memorial 'Ibumament. Denver, CO. Hosted by Mountain Plastic Society. Thams on 2 days, open co-ed sign-up on third. Prize money. Contact Can Meyer at 303-863-1187.

July 7 & 8. Ultimate Fourth of July. Boulder, CO. 18 open, 14 women. Contact Louis Burke at 303·444-8635.

John Vorhaus .. ..... .. Los Angeles CA Sandy Koonce ...... . Poughkeepsie NY

Steve Courlang ....... San Fransico CA Joe Eto ................. Oakland CA Stuart Farquharson ....... Freeport TX

Will Longtain ............ Boulder CO

Tim Feeman .... . ........ Ardmore PA

Brian Murphy . ... Colorado Springs CO

SOUTHERN REGION May 12 & 1.3. First Annual May Day 'Iburnament. Houston, • TX. Contact open-Chr is 'Jersey' Lenzsh at 713·558-4947 and Women-Nina Rach at 713-795-8560.

May 12 & 13. UPA College Reg1onals. Both Georgia and Thx.as. Contact Regional Coordinator.

July 7 & 8. Smoky Mountain Ultimate 'lburnament.

Knoxville, TN. Contact Bob Nichols at 615-584-4945 or Karen Garrett at 615-675-7014.

WEST May 5 & 6. UPA CoHege Regionals. UC Daivs. Contact

Alternates:

The following individuals were chosen in the top 25 but unfortunately are unable to make the trip: Jim Kruidenier ...... Santa Barbara CA

Brian Dobyns ........... Columbia SC

n&.

•

INTERNATIONAL July 7-14. lntimate and Guts World Championship. Oslo, Norway. Contact Erik Peterson at 47·2-671547 .

•

Page7

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLE'ITER

Certified Observer Pool to be Established

by Robert L. Rauch

LAY TEACHER SIGN-UP FORM SEND TO UPA HEADQUARrERS

Name _____________________ Phone (d~,__ _ __ (night) _ _ __ Address _________ _________________

Current team affiliation ------------- - Describe your playing experience ----------

Describe any teaching experience (Ultimate, other sports, academics. etc.) ___· _ _ _ __

UPA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Nrume _____________________________ Address---- - - -------------

City ---------- - -- - - - - - - State - - - - - - - - - Zip---------Phone (

)

____________

Sex---------- A g e - - - - - - Current 'learn - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- -

Our game of Ultimate is maturing. One of the manifestations of our growing pains as a serious sport was highlighted in our lastNewsletter(voJ.lO, no.l)inthearticles you read on observers. In that issue I outlined some of the plusses and the minuses of reliance solely on the Spirit ofthe Game (SOTG) for the governance of on-field behav!or, and suggested that Observers seem to be a workable compromise in eer· tain circumstances for facilitating the flow of a game. However, I argued that our cur· rent ad hoc system for using Observers had some serious flaws which needed to be remedied with a more struetured approach.

Kathy Pufahl's article reminded us that a large part of the special flavor of our sport derives from our principle of SOIC and that if we all acknowledge and accept the ongo. ing personal respoTlSlbility ofplaying within its confines there is no need for third party adjudication.

I have no definitive answer to the ques~ tion of how, in the long term, we wi11 govern on-field behavior in Ultimate. I do know that, if we no longer assume that the SOTG is the central governing principle of our sport, we should scrap any idea of even a Passive Observer system and immediately establish a corps of referees. However, I believe that this is neither a necessary nor a wise course of action. Our Passive Observer sysetem can work. if designed properly and staffed with experienced personnel. It is for this reason that the Coordinating Committee has decided to establish the UPA Certified Observer Pool (COP) for Ultimate.

Purpose The purpose of the COP is threefold: l Make position of Observer manageable by designing a system of responsibility areas on the field !or each member of the Observer team; · 2. Devise a procedure for training and ensuring the qualifications of Observers; and 3. Provide incentives for individuals to want to act as Observers so that there is a rearly pool of qualified Observers available when required.

Judging Responsibilities One of the first steps in making the Passive Observer system work better is to design a system of responsibility areas on the field for each member of the observer team. It is unlikely that all aspects of the game can be scrutinized unless there is coordinated and cooperative teamwork between each Observer. As in sports which use referees, each Observer should have a. certain area on the field and certain types of fouls and violations to oversee.

A formal system has yet to be worked out, although the basic design might fall along the following guidelines.

• six member Observer team. with a Head

and Deputy Observer designated • Three Observers are stationed along each sideline, with the Head and Deputy Observers in the middle positions • The Head Observer is responsible for action between the thrower and marker, including traveling • Deputy Observer is responsible for midfield catcll disputes, picks near the thrower, and the time clock (responsibilities shift between the Head and Deputy Observers as action shifts from sideline to sideline) • Line Observers are responsible for downfield catching fouls, line calls and goals, downfield picks • Immediately upon tJie calling of a foul or violation, the two nearest Observers consult to agree upon a call; the Deputy (or Head) Observer times the dispute between the players, if any; after ten seconds, if unresolved, the Observers sustain or overturn the call.

Work on this system will be carried out this spring. Anyone interested in helping to design the procedures should contact the UPA Office.

Certification Procedures We envision the certification process over time having three main components: L A written test, to ensure knowledge of the rules and position responsibilities; 2. An oral test, to ensure understanding of the application of the rulesi and 3. An experience requirement, to ensure expertise in judging (a system of designating Level I, II. an~ III certification levels to match level of tournament competition, based upon experience and peer review) Once certified, an Observer would be required to check in at the beginning of a UPA sanctioned tournament to offer hislher services as an Observer if needed and if there were no conflict with his/her playing schedule.

Incentives for Observers We believe it is imperative that an incen· tive scheme be developed to attract

qualified Observers. It is hard work to Observe a game properly. First. tournaments should be prepared to compensate Observers, either in the form of discs or money (say, $5 or $10 per game). Seeond, we feel that there is a nontangible benefit in the form of status: Qualification as an Observer shou1d be viewed as public recognition of one's knowledge ofthe game and respect of one's peers.

Next Steps

Before finishing, I should put this discussion in its proper context. I estimate that fewer than 1o/o of alJ Ultimate games use Observers. I do not expect that percentage to go up significantly with this introduc· tion of the COP system. Observers are principally used in the s-emis or finals at Regionals, Nationals or other major national tournaments. Thus. there should be little impact on the Ultimate most of us are playing.

What this means, then, is that we should draw most of our Observers from the ranks of those Nationals competitors. In getting this program off the ground, we will be approaching the captain of each team from last year's Nationals and asking that two members of the team be .designated to par· ticipate in the certification process. In this way we can be assured that,capable Observers wilJ be available for the semis and finals of major tournaments later this year.

Of course, anyone else interested is also invited to partidpate and may do so by contacting the UPA Office.

In closing, I want to emphasize that no system of Observers can work unless the basic principles of SO'tG are upheld. The best Observer is a lonely, mute Observer.

U each of us does not accept-our personal responsibility to play \#.itbin the rulesf then the basic premise of our rules is violated and we have no recourse but to go out and buy some ~ebra·striped jersies for the referees \ve will need ..

•

UPA Number (if known)-------Social Security No. ____•___•________ Current Expiration Date - - - - - - - -

I{E(~~:NT

Membership Class:

•

TOURNAMENTS •

Regular S25 (Open, Women) Student Sl5 (High School, College)

PLASTIC MAGNET

School - - - - - - - - - - -- - -Associate $15 (Non-playing) Foreign individual $20 Foreign club $25 Lifetime membership $400 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: UPA P.O. Box 2331 Silver City, NM 88062

Thanks for your support!

.

by Mtke FosseU

Hosted by Winona State University's Kling Onz (open) and Bad Monas (women) on February 17, 18, nine teams att-ended this year's event. The top two teams played in the finals after a two d3¥ round robin.

In the Women's Divis_ion, Syzygy(Carleton) beat both Mudeaters (Wisconsin) and Bad Monas in the round robin and went on to capture the trophy in their second win against the Mudeaters in the finals. In the Open Division, Madison went undefeated against CUT (Carleton). Flying Thrrapins (Minneapolis), Kling Onz, Alumni, and Macalester and went on to beat CUT in the finals for the tournament win. Congratula· tions to Winona. Great tournament!

...

The disc attra.cts a. crowd in the wom.en's final in Thmpe New Year's Thurn4ment.

-

Page S

Volume 10, Number 2 • April 7 1990

1990 BEACH BOWL

..

•

..

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLEI"TEB

I

try Tim Finan •

The 1990 Ultimate Beach Bowl got off to a topping Satori 14 to 6.

After the finals and awards ceremonies, many great start with a Friday afternoon party at the beach in Jupiter, Florida. A crowd of about 100 players stayed around to watch some fast action, turned out for the beer and Kentucky Fned powerful polo while relaxing with a cold one. For Chicken beach party. The chicken was provided both players and staff this tournament seemed

by Harlan Wurster and his evil twin brother ''H.'' to be one of the best yet and all for a great cause.

Saturday's game started early with 26 open The event was dedicated to the memory of Jeff division teams in four pools. The format was . "The Thing'' Warrick who died of leukemia in round robln in each poo1 with the top team 1~88. A fund-raiser was held during the advancing to the semi-finals on Sunday. In Pool tournament to benefit the Leukemia Society of One we had top seed New York followed by Scattered, Smothered and Covered, Friends of Thing, Dogs of War, Censor-ed, and Mission Impossible. The Second pool eonsjsted ofM'Gus, 'furmoil, Miami, Jrates, SPEW, and Bunch-ADudes II. The Pool Three Windy City, Earth Atomizer, Seamen, Bunch*A·Dudes I, Woody's, S.U.D.S., and Bush Hogs battled it out. Pool Four featured Baby Face Nelson, Skeleton Crew, Vicious Cycle, Thirty Something, Lovehandles, AATA, and the Hurricanes.

The Women's Division pools were as tough as they get with Ptx>l One being lead by Lady Godiva, K-Mart Special, Ozone, "Stray Cows, Makani, Hellos, and first timers Nothing Artificial. The second WomenJs Pool started with Satori followed

by Boston's Swampthings, Kamakaze. New York Women's Ultimate, Hucksters} Wanda's Binge

America. and was very successful.

1 would like to congratulate all the teams especially New York and M'Gus for keeping the .. Spirit of the Game'' alive by playing a very clean gasme in a money tournament~ VHS tapes are available on each of the championship games. The cost is $00.00 each and includes shipping and handling. Orders can be sent to 1851lfz Holman Dri~ Juno Beach, Florida with payment enclosed.

and Seaweed.

to

Sunday's pool play pitted number one and two teams in each pool with New York and Vicious Cycle advancing to semi-play and 'M'-Gus and Windy City filling the other Semi slot. Both New York and M'Gus fought hard to make it to Sun~y's final game. In the Women's division, Lady Godiva and Stray Cows played one semi game and Sarori and Svmmpthing the other.

GOO:iva and Satori advanced to the Final game.

In both Finals games there was a 17 point or 1 hour, 45 minute cap. The reason being the finals games were played on the main Polo field just prior to the Rolex Gold Cup Polo match and we had a time limit to be off the field. Both final games went to the time cap with New York being victorious over M•Gus 15-10 and Lady Godiva

NY w. McGtt$ in Mens·Finals with an under th6 rim thumb grab.

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Lady Godiva player, Gloria ~t react& to the thi rd spin in 'W0'1'Mn 's .final at Beach BowL

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MARDI GRAS Ill •

~r

·

CELEBRATE~

by Jeff "Getty, Preemo:n

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The long-waited Caririvore season has come and gone onee again, leaving behind .a legacy of debauchery arid mindleSsness. Oh yeah, there was an ultimate tournament too. Players from all over the country converged on the sl~py little village of Baton Rouge for th~ Third Annua1 Krewe Of Disk Mardi Gras Ultimate Championships held February 2+25. Theyjoined Getty and 1,000,000 of his closest friends in order to destroy New Orleans with a deluge of beer and crawfish. Rob 'Nob' Rauch was ~n on hand to throw out the first drunk!

On Saturday, the weather gods cooperated. So what if the lower fields were under two feet of water only a couple of days before the tournament. The sun solved all these problems by scorching the fields to a mushy quagmire with 70 degree temperatures. Three of the top four seeds W'On their pools on Saturday. Elvis From Hell, Vicious Cycle, and· the Krewe Of Disk advanced to Sunday's quarterfinals somewhat scathed and dazed. Air Calvin from Athens, GA got a Sunday top-spot by beating top seed The Thrillll-9 in the first game of the day. If the most fun wins, however, then there were no losers on Saturday at Mardi Gras.

Sunday dawned bright and even later than usual. 1homuch beer and crawfish took their roll as most everyone straggled to Highland Road Park W9¥ past the 11 :so scheduled start.. It can be srud that weird is· normal at Mardi Gras.

However, when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro! All t op four 's eeds lost in the quarterfinals. The New York (and others) Syndicate knocked off Elvis 15·J J . Channel Z, from Dallas, beat Air.Calvin 15-10, The Thrill tossed the Krewe Of Disk 15-12, and Ohio's CarpetbaggerslootedYiciousCyde 15-11. In the semi-finals The Syndi~ got by Channel Z 1S.12J while The Thrill put away the Baggers 15-13.In • •

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the uBu division the new kid on the block, John .Malone, led Baton Rouge's Barq's into the finals against the Northeast combo team The

After going 0-3 on Saturdayt Baton Rouge beat 'lhmpa 13-6 and Mr. Yuk 13-10 to get to th~finals.

Gargantuans.

Widgets 134> and New Orleans 13-1. Emory U., Hugo, Ultimate-Til-Ya-Puke and Denton's Jalepinos roWlded out the field. The defending champs, Kansas' Horrorzontals, never made it because they were still hung over from last year.

New traditions were started at thjs toW'llament with the fmalists in both divisions getting King Cakes. I thank everyone who attended for the grand time. Laissez les bon temps rouJez!!!

The Syndicate ran amock over The Thrill in the u N,· finals 15-5. The Thrill had nothing left in their legs after their first two tough wins and had only three available substitutes on the sidelines. The Syndicate's many diving Dls had a lot to do with the final scol'e.. It was great to see the Baton Rouge entry make it to the "B" finals, even though they !ost to their Yankee brethren 15-5.

The Gargantuans advaneed by beating the

THE 8th ANNUAL ULTIMATE 4th of ;JULY

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'JULY 7th and 8th /

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BOULDER COLORADO 'roNY ROMANO

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FOR INFORMATION CALL LOUIS BURKE 303-444-8635

I .

Elvis player Jim Sokoloski S1Ulps off a sidearm during Mardi-Gra.s 7burny.

HELP SUPPORT THE TOURNAMENT AND RECEIVE DISCOUNT AIRFARES AND LODGING. CALL CAROL 1--800443-5697..

I

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLEt t ER

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Page 9

L.A. Iguana Thke 8thKevinAnnual New Y ear Fest Hatch lJg

by David Hasbrook

On rebruary 17, 1990, eleven Central Region teams emerged from hibernation for the annual Arctic Vogue ffitimate tourney in Cincinnati.

Eight hungry college teams began the outdoor season with remote thoughts of College Nationals in May. Three club teams graCed the field: returning Vogue champ Indianapolis; the rebuilding Cincy squad; and the Lexington. Kentucky contingent.

In pool play, Indiana University's Hoosiermama looked hard-pressed to recapture the poise that lead it to last year's College Nationals.

Earlham, with all players returning from last year's team, may be ready to challenge for the men's Central collegiate title. None of the col· lege squads could master the aging but confi· dent Indianapolis Eagles, who went 4·0 in preliminary play.

Cincy similarly dominated in its preliminary games, also going 4-0. Dayton surprisingly emerged from pooJ play to face Indy in the semis.

Indy sputtered initially, but turned on the heat and won 11-4. In the other semi, Cincy steam· rolled a tired Earlham team, 11-0. . Cincy and Indy squared off in the final · the sixth game of the day for each team. Cincy jumped out to a 4-0 lead as Indy struggled to recognize their improved opponent. Indy closed to a 6-4 halftime deficit, only to fall behind 8-4 in the second ha)f.

As the daylight vanished, so did Cincy's lead.

Indy went on a 7-1 run to retain its Vogue title for 1990. The Indianapolis players wished the Cincinnati squad well as Cincy headed to Baton Rouge for the Mardi Gras 'Iburney. Indy was off the to West Palm for the Beach Bowl. Thanks to Chris Abel and Mark for hosting the Vogue.

MESA-Thirty-one open teams and seven v.-'Omen's teams converged on Mesa, Arizona for the Eighth Annual New Year Fest February 3rd and 4th as the host Phoenix Hohuckamand Mud Head Kachinas put together the biggest and best New Year Fest yet. Astute calendar watchers noted that the event was far closer to Ground Hog Day, but the recent historical standard has been to put the Fest the week after the Super Bore and that shoved us into Ground Hog Day this year.At least 14 states and Calgary. Canada were represented, and aJJ were greeted with nothing less than perfect weather; sunny, mid-70's.

Saturday,, the open teams spit into 8 pools.

Saturday's pool play culminated with crossovers between lsfs&2nd'sand 3rd's&4th'sofpools to seed three S-team divisions and one 7-team division for Sunday's single elimination playoffs.} There were a few surprises in pool play as the Bay Area's The Boot and Santa Barbara's Condor-lite advanced to the Division I quarter· finals out of one pool, and Burbank's Huckaholics advanced to Division I · with pool wins over Houston and East Bay's No Worries. South Bay's Korral Kool (sporting"" remarkably true to life Holstein look replete with lifelike udders), Santa Barbara's Sexual Chocolate, Austin,s Yaga, Los Angeles' Iguana, and a put-together team from Arizona, Missouri, New York and 'Thxas called The Sequel (which closely resembled last year's final's loser, Midwest Mercenaries) rounded out the Division I fie1d for Sunday.

Division rquarterfinals saw Iguana boot The Boot, SexuaJ Chocolate smack the Huckaholics, The Sequel stop Condor-liet, and Korral Kool yank Yaga to set up the semifinals. The semifinals proved to be some of the best games of the weekend, as Iguana battled to take their semi over Sexual Chocolate 17-15, and Korral Kool overcame a slow start to finally put down The Seque117-14. That set the finals with LA's Iguana meeting South Bay's Korral Koo1 for the 1990 New Year Fest title.

The final was played in Mesa Community College's football stadium and was begun as darkness feJI. HAir Major", star of the David Letterman show, was on hand to thrill the crowd

with his doggie daring-do prior to the final, and the stadium lights and substantial crowd on hand gave the fmal a real event feel. The game stayed tight through the fll'St half and Iguana took an ll-9lead into half time. Unfortunately, Korral Kool was only able to muster 3 points in thesecond half as Iguana out-hustled the uddered ones in cruising to a 21-12 victory. 'lb Korral Kools's credit they basically carried the party, even though Colorado Springs took party honors and their party effort appeared to be a factor in the second. But take nothing from Iguana's victory, they looked very sharp and will certainly be even stronger on the national scene this year.

Other men's divisional winners were: Division li- Houston, Division HI- No Worries, and Division IV· Albuquerque's Ancu-chy.

The women's field included Lawrence's Betty, UCSB's Burning Skirts. San Diego's Safari, a 'fuxa.s!Bay Areacombo, and the host, Mud Head

Kachinas. Women's round robin play saw Safari and the Kachinas emerge as the dominant forces in the field as these teams cruised by their com· petitors in round robin play. Safari bested the Kachi.nas in a capped game 11-9 in round robin to set the stage for a rematch in the finaL The final was back and forth throughout. B ut with the score tied at 13 , Safari received the pull and the ensujng point saw a whopping 9 turovers before the Kachinas put it in to take the lead.

Safari quickly tied it at 14. but the Kachins scored the next two in a row to win a hard fought and well-deserved championship. Safari was fiercely competitive throughout the match. but was gracious in defeat as the host team won their tournament for the firt time.

Overall, the Eighth Annual New Year Fest was a great success. We like to think we put on an event y;orth traveling for, and v.-e hope to see you here next year.

TONY ROMA.'\0

Autin Yaga. pla.yer, Allen Sessions cl:utclt68 disc

p<LSt

udder di.~l4yin.g Korral KooL

GRAXTWlSE

EVERYONE WINS AT 3RD

ANNUAL KAIMANA KLASSIK •

Mike Rigler of the Hulagu:n.s gets off a quickie vs. Palo AU~ al the Kaima.na Kl.a.ssik.

by Oona Paredes

A nasty weatherfront dropped in on the games of the third annual Kaimana Klassik at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki this year. Eight men's and three women's teams played through a siege of tropical rain last February24·25, 1990, to emerge mud~ dy but happy.

This year's tournament featured three women's teams (Stanford, Oahu's Wahines, and the Maui Wowies who were joined by ~tragglers from the other islands and the mainland U.S.), a far cry from last year when \\<"'men's participation amounted to one pick-up game.

In the open division. the competitors were the Homeboys. University of Hawaii's Caribou. and the Hula.guns from Oahu; Gang of Geekos from Maui; and from out-of-state: Cal 'Iech, Stanford, Palo alto, and the Gang of Howhes.

The format was devised by tournament coordinator Ken Gayley to give all the Hawaii teams a chance to play all the mainland teams. After

..

the first day, the Gang of Howlies and Stanford finished their pools 4-0 and the Hulaguns and Palo Alto were both 2-2.

The format of the second day was interrupted by the Stanford team which, due to unchangeable travel arrangements, had to drop out of the tournament. So, the Hulaguns and Palo Alto played for a shot in the finals. Palo Alto lost by 2, leaving the Hulaguns and the Howlies to battle it out once again.

Meanwhile, the Wahines, who were behind Stanford 3-5, came back to make a strong finish, winning the women's final 11·5 The open final climaxed the tournament with a 15·10 victory for the Howlies. The number of fouls called in that game would have led one to beJieve that it was the cleanest final in Ultimate history, though the lay'ers of mud on the team uniforms proved otherwise. ,

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Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Page 10

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLE1'1ER

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GRAND PRIZE Karl Cook ~

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FIRST PLACE-ACTION

Karl Cook

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SECOND PLACE-ACTION

Mary Meeker

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THIRD PLACE-ACTION

Dan Hyslop

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F IRST PLACE-HUMOR

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Ray Copen

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F IRST PLACE-ARI'ISTIC

Dan Hyslop

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FIRST PLACE-HUMAN INTEREST (TIE)

G Eric Long H Grant Wise

Thanks to all the · photographers wlw entered this year's contest!

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THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLEIIER

Page 11

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

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DAN HYSLOP

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ERIC L.ONG

OA.'\ HYSLOP

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RAY COPEN

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Honorable Mention Photos on next page .....-

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Page 12

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSU:IIflt

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Honorable Mention Photos

SHARON 8USCH1NG

KARL COOK

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OAN HYSLOP

KARL COOK DAVE H YSL.OP

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MARY MEEKER GRANTW1SE

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KARL COOK

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DAN HYSLOP

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THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLEi fER

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Page 13

Captain's Corner We have reported in recent issues of the UPA Newsletter on the eontract the UPA has negotiated to handle broadcast videotaping of Ultimate events in 1990. The video ftrm, Multiscene. based m Bethesda. bas already produced a promotional videotape and written package to solicit imancial support for the production and broadcast of a one hour feature on Ultimate, centered around the 1990 UPA National Championship. Multiseene- President) Lois Ka.mpinsky. and Satori Ultimate player, Donna Sue Wysnewski, have already put in considerble time and effort in trying to inake televised Ultimate a reality.

Multiscene is also the firm which filmed, produced and is distnbuting the videotapes of last year's Nationals finals. Be sure to order your copy of these top quality videotapes before it is too late.

Because of the considerable upfront time and expense involved. the contract agre~d upon by the UPA Coordinating Committee gives Multiscene exclusive rights to the filming of all UPA Ultimate events. Therefore, the videotaping of UPA events with production quality equipment by anyone other than Multiseene will not be permitted, except by news crews. The videotaping of games with non-professional equipment for personal. viewing znav be permitted. but first must be cleared through Multiscene. Anyone int-ending to bring a videocamera to a UPA event should receive a clearance first by calling either Lois or Donnasue at 301..961·8555 at least one week in advance to avoid disappointment. We thank everyone for their cooperation in helping us to proted our investment in this project.

COLLEGE TEAMS Registrar stamped rosters should have been submitted to the appropriate UPA official by now. Contact your Regional or Seetional Coordinator if you are confused.

SECTIONALS_,OPEN AND WOMEN'S DIVISION No team may show up at a Sectional tourna~ ment unannouened. Rosters must be submitted

'

to your Sectional Coordinator at least 2 w~ks prior to the event or expect to pay a $25 late fee. 1f you have not submitted a roster.you must at lell$t call your Sectional Coordinator and announce your intention to play prior to the event.

If you appear the morning of the tournament, you will not be allowed to play. The format will

besel Contact your Sectional Coordinator for details.

REGIONAL-OPEN AND WOI\IEN'S DJVISON Since spring Seetionals in the Northeast will not be held, Regionals will repesent the first level of play. 'Thams interested must contact Bruce Jacobson at least one week prior to the event. Late fee for rosters not submitted prior to the tournament will be in effect.

Thrun fee of $20 is due at Regionals. Make checks payable to the UPA~

FROM 'I'HE FIRST NAME IN FLYING DISCS . . . . . . COMES 'IHE LAST WORD IN PERFORMANCE • •

DURABILI'I'Y

TOUCH

TONY Rt>MAN()

STABILITY •

•

c

SINCE AUTUMN OF 1989, RUMORS HAVE BEEN CIRCULATING THRO UGHO UT THE ULTIMATE COMMUNITY. RUMORSABOUT A HOT NEW DISC FROM WHAM-0 WITH EVERY ULTIMATE PLAYER'S DREAMCHARACTERISTICS ... STABILITY WITH TOU CH.

HARD WORK, RESEARCH , AND INPUT FROM SOME OF THE FINEST PLA YERS TO EVER PUT ON THE JERSEY HAVE RESULTED IN A NEW ULTIMATE DISC. A DISC SO GOOD IT DEMANDED A NEW NAME . . .

A NAME THAT CONVEYS ULTIMATE AND MAXlMUM QUALITY ...

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"THE STANDARD BY WHICH ALL DISCS ARE JUDGED HAS JUST BEEN RAISED&

,

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

Page 14

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION ,~

· QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS: 1990 Below we present for your review a summary of the responses to our third annual UPA M ember ship Questionnaire. This year we received only 674 responses, about 11.6% of our total membership. This is the weakest response we have received in the three years we have run

the questionnaire- we received 803 completed questionaires, 14.9% in 1989 and 728 responses, 16.0%, in 1988.

Although we are not going to go into a detailed analysis of the results here, we will comment on one aspect of t he results. In most cases, there were few statistically signi ficant differences in the results by region or gender. One of the few notable <lifferences relates to disc preferences.

Overall , Wham-0 is preferred by 47.5% {49.6 last year) of the respondents, versus 45.0% {41.5%) for Discraft. Discraft is disc of choice for 66% (46%) of the South, 61% (53%) of the Central Region and 53%(55%) of the \Vest, while it is preferred by only 29% (28%) o! ~ndents in the Northeast and 28% (26%) of the MidAtlantic region. 1t will be interesting this year to see what, if any. impact the widespread introduction of Wham·O's U·Max model will have in reversing the growing preference for the Discraft product among Ultimate players.

As a quickly growing players• association with nearly 6,000 members, it becomes inereasing1y difficult to know what the "membership opinion" is on the various issues we face.

Sometimes only the loudest voices get heard. We view this questionnnaire as an imperfeet, but reasonable, vehicle f or gathering play~r input and quantifying membership interests. As a Coordinating Committee, we r ely heavily upon this questionnaire in making decisions about the future of the sport and our organization, along with feedback we get at the various Captains' meetings and in one-on-one conversations. For this reason, we thank all those members who t ook the time t o fill out the questionnaire and return it to us. Your input does make a difference. In fulfilling your membership duty by submitting a questionnaire, you are helping to keep the 11 P" in UPA. A lot of work went into taking the raw data1 the written responses to the questionnaires, and turning them into useful information. Special thanks goes out to John Capo~zi of C Associates for handling the whole computer inputting task and to Eric Simon for writing the input software, executing the SPSS runs and summariz-ing the results. Without their contribution, this questionnaire would not be worth the 24 lbs of paper on which it was printed. Thanks also goes out to our E xecutive Director, Nob Rauch, for designing and writ)ng the questionnaire and to Andy Borinstein for his technical advice and

assistance.

THE GAME 1. The central principle underlying the rules of Ultimate is the " Spirit of the Game/' which basically assumes that participal')ts play within the intent of the rules of the game and show respect tor their opponents on the field. Some have questioned whether this ' 'spint" is still operating at all levels of the sport. Please put a check next to the statement with which you mo.st agree. The " Spirit of the Game" is: a. alive and well at all levels ....... . . 8.9.,_ b. less strong at the most competitive levels than before .................... 62.1% c. less strong at all levels of play than before . . . . . . . . ............... 17.9% d. non-existent at the most competitive level of play now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.3% e. non-existent at all levels of play now .3% f. no longer a standard by which we should govern our sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6% g. a fable: It never existed . . . . . . . . . . .G'Mt 2. With regard to enforcing the rules in tournament play, 1 believe that Ultimate should be played; a. solely under the Spirit of the Game 30.7% b. with passive observers .......... . 16~3% c. with passive observers empowered to make active line calls •..... . .... . ... . 36•.0% d. with ··active observers" empowered to make some foul calls ................. 12.7% e. with referees making all calls . . . . . 4.4%

RULE CHANGES The UPA Standing Rules Committee, headed by Pets McCabe, is beginning its review of the rules of Ultimate which will result in a complete tedrafting for the 10th Edition. lt>ur input regarding areas

deseNing attention will be very useful to this group as they consider changes or imprr:Nements.

For each of the fo/ION/ng questions. please indicate by using a five point scale how necessary you think it is for the highlighted areas ofthe rules to be revised or improved? (circle one number next to each question). Please use the following scale: Ex.t remely Neceuary 1111 1 Very Necessary • 2 Necessary ...

3 Somewhat Necessary = 4 Totally Unnecessary = 5 No Opinion = 9 MEAN 3.16

3. Pick calls 4. Pivot foot/travelling calls 3.48 5. Contact by the marker 3.11 6. Fouls by the thrower 3.03 7. Fouls vs. incidental contact in catches 3.03

The Standing Rules Committee is also proposing several changes In certain rules to become effectiVe in 1990. An article outlining these proposals can be found on page 8. Indicate whether you concur with the following proposed changes: 8. Middle Rule: the proposed change would have the thrower resume play by touching the disc to the ground and calling " disc In play.'' a.

I agree w1th this change for 1990 .. 91.8% b.

I do not agree with this change for 1990 . . . .. . . . . . . . . ·~···· 7.9% 9. The Check: the proposed change would have play resume by having the marker touch the disc held by the thrower (as opposed to the marker handing it to the thrower).

I agree with this change for 1990 .. 80.3% a. b.

I do not agree with this change for 1990 . • . . . . ' . . . • . ~ ................ 19.7"% 10. Doubte Team: the proposed change woukl haw the marker subtract two seconds from the stall count upon the first infraction; the second infraction fn the same stall count would result in a foul with a reset of the- stall count to zero. ' a.

I agree with this change for 1990 .. 80.4% b.

I do not agree with this change tor 1990. .............. . ... . .......... 19.6% 11. Fast Count: the proposed change would have the marker subtract two seconds from the staJJ count upon the first infraction; the second infraction in the same stall count would result in a foul with a reset of the stall count to zero. a.

I agree with thts change for 1990 .. 79.0% b.

I do not agree with this change for 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 21.0% 12. The Stall Count: the proposed change would allow the marker to mittate a stafl count once he/she is within three meters of the throwers ptvot foot; the staJI count would begin .. stall zero, one, two .•. " a.

I agree with this change for 1990 .. 74.0% b.

I do not agree with this change for 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.0% Observers are being used with Increasing frequency, especially In the more competitive tournaments. While there are many Issues relating to the use ofobservers, wa would like input on three of these issues. Refer to the articles on page 14 for some background.

13. Some people have called into question the co~ency of Observers. Should the UPA establish a certiflC81ion or qualification process to ensure good quality observing?

Yes ...................... 57.9% a. b.

No . . . . . . ...••............... 28.5% c.

No opinion . . . . . . . .. 13.6% 14. One problem in getting experienced players to ·agree to act as Ob-servers is that to do a good job it takes hard work and concentration for which there is no compensation . Should we consider establishing some form of incentive compensation (monetary or otherwise} for Observers? a. Yes , ...................... . .. 43.2% b1 No . . . . . . . .. ·4 . . . . . . " . • . . ~ . 46•.1% c.

No opinion . . . , ....•.. . , ...• 10.7% 1S. Notwithstanding the competency issue, some players have questioned whether Observers should be called upon to make a call on any dispute or whether there are certain fouls or violations on which they should not be asked to make a ruJjng. What is your opinion? a.

Players should be allowed to consult Observers on any disputed call .... 3'9.8,. b.

There are certain fouls or violations which should not be ruled upon by Observers47.8% c.

No opinion .................. . . 12.5~ 4.

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•

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THE UPA Here's your chance to rate the UPA. Please circle the number within a five point scale which represents your IJV81uatlon ofhOtN 'Nflll the UPA is accomplishing the foflrN~Ing objectiVes. Please use the toi/CN!ing scale: Excellent = 1 Good 2 Satisfactory • 3 Fafr 4 Poor = 5 No opinion = 9 NUMBERS EQUAL AVERAGE 16. General Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.22 Organization 17. Organization of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.87 Nationals Series 18. Organization of the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1 College Nationals Series 19. Organiz.atton of . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . • • 3.4 High School Ultimate 20. Organization of . . . . . . . • • • . • • . . . . 2.63 Womens Ultimate 21. Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.90 22. Media Attention . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.38 23. Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . . . . 3.88 24. Promoting Summer/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40 Community Leagues 25. Development of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . 2 .61 International Activity 26. Overall Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.40 Next. please evaluate the performance of the Executive Director, your Regional Coordinator; and your divisional or sectional coordinator (for open division players, tflat Is the sectional coordinator; for women, your womens regions/ coordinatDr; for college players~ your college regional cooldlnator, etc.) Use the same rating system as abCVfl 21. Executive Director . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 1.80 28. Regional Coordinator Male-West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.73 Male-South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.47 Male- MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.86 Male-Central ............ , . . . . . . 3.42 Male-NE . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . 2.69 Female-West . . ........ , . . . . . . . . 2.33 Female-south . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.88 Female-MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.96 Female-Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.44 Femate-NE . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.•82 29. Divisional or Sectional Coordinator Male-West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.83 Male-South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.38 Male-MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.35 Male-Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . 3.26 Male-NE . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.77 Female-West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.11 Female-South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ..50 Female-MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.68 Female-Central . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.20 Female-NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.95 The next three questions relates to the proposal to establish a central administrative headquarters for the UPA and contract for a comprehensive Insurance program, the expense of which would require a significant dues increase.

30. Do you support the establishment of an administrative headquarters with a part-time secretary in order to better promote the sport and maintam a responstve organization? a.

Yes . . . . . .................. 83.4% b.

No . . .................. 9.1% c.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.6% 31. Do you support the establishment of a comprehensive insurance program in order to protect tournament directors and the organization from potentially damagmg ltabthty claims. provide coverage for tournament directors and players in obtaining fields and provide a secondary tevet of medical coverage for players? a.

Yes ............ .. ........... . 80.3% b.

No . . . . . . . .. , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13..2% c.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S..S% 32. In order to accomplish these new objectives. do you support the proposed dues increases (regular membership $25, student membership $15, etc.)? a.

Yes . . . . . . . ................ n.3% b. .

No .................... ... ........... 18.1% c.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6%

=

TOURNAMENTS 33. At competitive Ultimate tournaments. do you think it would be appropriate to require teams to wear uniforms (team shirts. shorts, socks) if the result were Increased sponsorship and media

•

attention? (please choose only the l&stJOIIW ~., which you agree most ltrongfy) a. Yes. definitely . • •...• t..n. b.

Yes, It should be considered • . .

42.3~ c.

No, probably not . u.a d.

No, definitely not-you can't requtre players to do anything . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.0~ e. No, definitely not-we don't need spon50fShip and media attention . . . . . . . . . . 11~ f.

No, definitely not- uniforms have no place in the sport of Ultimate . . .•... 10.7% g.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • • 2.4~ 34. Should the UPA establish gUJdehnes of minimum standards-on issues such as formats, facilities. entry tees, etc.-for UPA sanctioned tournaments?

a.

Yes . . . .................. ~ .

64 .1~

b. c.

No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . • 22.6~ No opinion ........... ..... .... 1a4'4

SPONSORSHIP The following questions are designed to give us information regarding the types of sponsorsh1p opportunities that may make sense for the UPA to pursue.

35. Should the UPA try to obtain large-scale sponsorship for the sport of Ultimate?

Yes . ~ . . . . .................... 69.6.._ a. b.

No . . . . • . . ......... . ........ 19~9~ c.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.5~ 36. How many pairs of cleats do you currently own? a.

One . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19..9% b.

Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . • • . 34.5% c.

Three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26..4... d.

Four . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.0% e.

Five .... .. ... ~ ... ~ . . . . . . . . . . . 3..0~ f.

More than five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 .9~ g.

None . . . . . . . . • . • . . . . . . . . . 1.3%

For the folk:f.Ning questions (37-46), indicate whether you currently own a pair ofcleats or tutf Shoes made b; the listed manufacturer b; circllng the appropriate respoJtse: YES NO 37. Addidas 38. Le Coq Sportif 39. Lotto 40. Mitre 41. Nike 42. Patrick 43. Pony 44. Puma 45. Spotblft 46. Other

24% 5%

76%

4.3%

95% 95.7 ..

27.7~

72.3~

67.5% 19.7% 10.1%

32.5% 80.3~

89.9% 89%

11% 14.2% 12.6%

85.8~ 87.1~

47. At present, how many fnsbee tee shirts do you own? a.

None.

No Percentages One to five. b.

Data Entry Six to ten . c.

Problem d.

Eleven to twenty-five. e.

Over twenty-fwe.

48. On average, how many times a year do you travel to an Ultimate tournament that Is more than 150 mites away from your home and stay overnight at least one night? a.

Never . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.5~ b.

Once . . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . . . . . . 7.3~ c.

Two to four times . . ..•......... 33.8% d.

Five to seven times .....•.. ... . . 29.5% e.

Eight to ten times •.............. 15.9 ... f.

Eleven or more times ... .. ... .... .9.1%

For the following questions (49-57), please incftcate about how often }IOU drink the following beverages.

Please use the foii<1Nmg chart: Almost Dally

1·2 x per Week 2-3 x per Month Occasionally Never 49. Coffee/tea Coca-Cola 51. Pepsi 52. OtherSoftDrinks 53. Beer S4. Wine 55. Distilled Spirits 56. Gatorade/Sports Drinks 57. Fruit Juices

so.

-

-= =

•

1 2 3 4

5

MEAN 2 .29 3.24

3.74 3~45

2.45 3~58

3.88 3.42

1.70

Continued on next page. ..

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLEti'ER

UPA QUESTIONNAIRE: 1990 ANSWERS CHOIC£ OF DiSC 58. In 1989, Wham-0 introd.uced a new disc specialty designed tor Ultimate which is called the "U·Max." The disc Is an 82E mold, weighs siightly more than a usual 165 g elise and is produced in the U.S. In your opinion, do you bke playing Ultimate with this disc? a.

Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.5% b.

No . . . . .

9.8% c.

J have not played with it enough to judge • . •.•...•..•......•... 32.2%

d.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

,

•

•

f have not ever seen this disc . . . 33.4%

59. Of the discs you have used in the last year, which disc do you prefer overaJI for UftimatB'? a Oiscraft . . ......•............ 45~% b.

Wham·O 80E (regular model} ... 32.5% c.

Whal'M) 82E U-Max .......... 15.0%

d.

Other

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.4% 60. At pmsent. how many discs do you own? a.

None . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . "' ~ . ( . . 1.0% b.

One to three . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.8% c.

Four to seven • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.6% d.

Ei ght to ten .... ... .......... 12.2%

..

e.

Eleven to twenty-five ..•....•.. 25.2% f.

'TWenty-six to fifty . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.2% g.

Fifty-one to one hundred • . . . . . . 7.8% h.

Over one hundred • . . . . . . . . . . . 7.2% POLICY ISSUES

The folf(N{ing questions relate to several areas of policy conoem to the CoordinatJ,ng Committee. Your input is needed to ascertain the appropriate course of action.

61. Do you think the present regional system needs to be redrawn? a.

Ye.s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.3% b.

No ....................... . 28.8% c..

No opinion ........ _...... _.. 35.9% 62. Last year; there was quite a bit of debate about the most appropriate competitive format for determining a National Champion. In your opinion. what·is the best format fot determining the National Champion of Uftimate? a.

Current system: Sectionals. Aegtonals, Nationals .•.......••..•. . •.. 12.1% b.

League . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 3.6%

c.

numerical target (currently 12} or realization of a percentage of growth ...

taken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.6% c.

0

wUd cards Obtained by realization of

action imposed by the UPA tor this infraction? a.

The action taken was appropriate 40.4% b.

Stronger action should have been

Continued from page 14 . •• d.

11.9% None of the above . . . . . . . . . . .. 27.2%

a BACKGROUND 68. In which region did you compete in Fall 1989

Weaker action should have been taken .

3.9% No action should have been taken ... .

3.0%

(or most reoently)? a, West . • . .. . ~ • . . . . . . • . ~ . . . . _ . .. 22sl%

e.

No opinion . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 39.2% 64. Refer to the Statement on DisjpiJ~ary Procedure

Did

f.

not compete on a varsrty team • • •

31..4~

74. Are you: Female . . ~ • .. . . • • • • • • . . • • • .. . . . .20.~ a b.

Male . . . ............ - ~ 75. What is your age (please speedy)?

76. What Is your marital status?

Single . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . 66..~ Married . . . . • . • . • • . . .. • . . . 2f.U,.

a.

b.

South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.7%

b.

on page a This policy was formulated by the Coordinating Commit1ee to guide disciplinary

c.

Central .. • • • .. .. • .. .. .. .. . . 1S.S% Mid-Atlantic • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22..1%

d.

Uve with lover . . . . . . . . . . ...•• to~ Divorced/Separated . . ....•.•.. ~

proceeding in the future. Do you believe this

Northeast . . . • • • • . . . . • . . • • . . . 23~9% 69. In Which division did you compete in Fall1989 (or most reoentfy)? a.

Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65A% b.

Womens .....•.............. 16.9% c.

Division II . . . . . . . . . . . • • . • . . . 2.2% d.

Coltege-Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.0% e.

Colleg.e -Women . • . . . . . • • • . • . 2.2% t.

High School . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. 0.2% g.

International .....• . , . . • . • . . . . 1.0% h.

No formal competition . . . . . . . . . 2.1% 70. What was the highest level of oompemion that the team on which you played in 1989 participated? a.

Nationafs ..................• 22.2% b.

Regionals ...............•... 46.9% c.

SectionaJs . . • . . . . . . . . . . . .... 24.9% d.

Organized Ultimate Tournament . 3.0%

e.

Widowed . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . 0...0~

d.

e.

procedure is reasonabte? a.

Yes ..

74..5% b.

No . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 25.5% COLLEGE fc

........

.... .................

This section should be filled ot_Jt&; players who will be competing in the CoUege Division in the Spring of 1990.

65~ When is the undergraduate graduation at your schooJ in 1990? a.

More than two weekends before Memorial Day weekend , ....... 24.7% b.

Two weekends or tess before Memorial Day weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3&.1% c.

Memorial Day weekend . . . • . . . . 8.2% d.

Two weekends or tess -after Memorial Day weekend .... _. . . . .. . .... 19.0% e.

More than two weekends after Memorial

e.

Summer/Community League . . . . 1.2% f.

Intramural League . . . . . . . . . . . . OA% g.

Informal Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (U% h.

I did not play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2% 71. How many years have you played Ultimate? a.

One year or tess . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9% b.

Between one and two years . . . 8.2% c.

Bet.ween two and four years .... 20.3% d.

Between four and seven years . 23.7% e.

Between seven and ten years ... 23.5% f.

Over ten years ..... . ......... 20~4%

Day weekend . . . _. . . . . . . . . . . _12.0% 66. When are undergraduate finals at your school

in 1990?

·

a.

More than two weekends before Memorial Day weekend .•...... 47.5% b.

Two weekends or tess before Memorial Day weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.6% c.

Memorial Day weekend . . . . . . . . 1..9% d.

Two weekends or less after Memorial Day weekend . . . • . . • .. . . . . • . . 13.1% e.

More than two weekends after Memoria!

Day weekend ... _. . . . . . . . . . . . 6.9% WOMENS DlVISION Everyone is asked to complete this question.

61. Which of the following wild card proposals for the fall UPA NationaJs do you favor? An ar'Ucte on page 3 outlined the proposals in detail. a.

Ten teams, automatic two per region ...

6.8% b.

Grand Prix . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 2..2%

Conference play-off . . . . . . . . . . . 2.7% Some other alternative . . . . . . • . • 3~9% f.

No opinion . . . . . . . .......... 15.0% 63. ln a r~ent Newstetter your read about the disciplinary action taken against Stanford Universlty for playing an ineligible player in the College National Series. What do you think about the disciplinary

Page 15

Volume lOt Nu(!lber 2 • April, 1990

d. e.

c.

d.

Ten teams, one automatic per region, wild cards obtained by realization of a numerical target (currently 12) or realization of a percentage of growth ...

9.6% Twelve teams. automatic two per region, wild cards chosen on basis of regional density . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . .• 44.6% Twelve teams, one automatic per region,

..

c.

n . What do you estimate your household income to be i.n 1989? a.

Not applicable-I am a student .. 2~ b.

Less than $10.000 . . . . .. . . . . . 3.9% c. $10,001 to $20,000 ..... ... ... _11.9% d. $20,001 to $30tJOO . . ......... 16..2,_ e. $30.001 to $40.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . 17~0~ f. $40,001 to $50t)OO • .. . .. . . . . 6.5%

g.

78* Where do you live? a.

Jn a large city of more than 250,000

c.

d.

8.5% e. a.

2 .6~

b. c.

d.

12.8% Did not comptete high school ... 0.2% •

e. g.

1990 Communill Le

...

Educatton in process-high school or younger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . "'8 % Education in process-college ... 17.0% Education in process-post graduate

72. Have you ever run a tournament as a tournament director? a.

Yes •.•. ~ . ~ ............. , ..... ~ .... 29A% MORE BACKGROUND 73. While you were in high school, did you receive a varsJty letter in any sports? a. captained a varsity team and received a varsity letter in two or more sports 16.1% b. captained a varsity team and rec.eived a varstty let1er In one sport . . . . . . . 7..8% c.

Received a varsity letter in two or more sports . . . . . . . . . • . . . _. . . . . . . . 15.8% d.

Received a varsity tetter in one sport ...

21.2% e.

Competed on a varsity team but did not receive a varsity tetter . _ . . . . . . . 7.8%

tn a rural area . . . . . . . . . •

79. What level of education have you attained?

f.

No ....... _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70.6%

people . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . 37.24J(a 1n a suburb of a large city •...•. 23.0% tn a mid-sized city (not a suburb) of 25.000 to 250,000 peopfe ....... 28..7% tn a town of ~000 to 25.000 people . . .

b.

TOURNAMeNTS

b.

Over $50,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.6%

•

•

•

...

~

,.

•

•

..

•

f'

......

"

"'

~

"

..

"

"

~

High School . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . 1.8% Some college . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . . 6.9% COllege (4 year degree) ....•... 31.1% Some post-graduate . . ... .. ... . 11.5% Post..graduate degree ...•.••••• 17.9%

h.

I.

80. What rs your occupation? a.

Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.0% b.

Engineer • • • . . . • . . . • . • • . .... 13.9% c.

Manufacturing/Sales . . • . . . . . . . 4.6% d.

Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2% e.

MtS/EDP . . . . . • - . . . . . . . . . 3.8% f.

Professional (business, law, etc.) . 12.3% g.

Arts ... . ........... _. . . . . . . . 3.3% h.

Trades/Blue Collar . . . . . . . . . . . . 2~7% i.

Education .......... _. . . . . . . . 4.9% j.

Medicine . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . U%

k.

1.

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4% Wfiting/Joumatism . . . ...... _. . 1.8% Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.3%

m.

Listing

'1.b update the list-contact Phil Vlahakis, 310 W. 106 St., NY. NY 10025 • 212 865-3899 Boston Area Corporate League {BACL) Katherine&we, 48 Lowell Street, Somerville, MA 02143

•

617-62a-53os

Boston Summer League Bruce JaCI'Jb&m. 48 Lowell Street, SomerviU~ MA 02143 • 617-623-5308 Cape & Islands League Greg Sa:r,e.. Box 1447. Oak Bluffs, M'A 02557 508--693--3544

Central Connecticut Summer League (Newington)

Dennis Cronin_ 204 Church Hill Dr, Newington, CT 06111 • 203·666·9692 F-airfield Ultimate League Da.n 0 'Connor, 12 Beechwood Ave #13, Bridgeport, CT 06604 • roS-367 ·9020 North Jersey Summer League, Tnc. Pat CallaJu.t.n, 181 Deforest Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936 • 201-503-0731 M~reen County Ultimate League Rich. Levy, 16 Abbott Farm Court, '!renton, NJ 08610 • 60g..581·3462 NY Summer Ultimate League Phil VlaluJkis, 310 West 106St, Apt. 8B, NY, NY 10025 • 212-865-3899 Purchase Summer Ultimate League Mike Da.ur, 8 Mount Morris Ave, White Plains, NY 10604 • 91442S.7805 Capital District Ultimate lru. Ba.~ 24 Kent Street, Albany, NY, 12203 618·465-${)1

Players Ultimate League (PUL}

1M Nay~ 104 Rockingham St, Rochester, NY 14620

•

71&271»6382

Pittsburgh Area Summer League 1bd4 Williams, Pittsburgh. PA 15200 412-531-0396 Steven Nelson, Philadelphia, PA 19101 215-828·9713

Houston Area Summer Ultimate League 1hri Bcydston, Houston, TX 77052 713-777-7749 Colorado Ma.ry Cremer. 925 S. Emerson. Denver. CO 80209 303-777-7412

Baltimore Area Summer L-eague Barry Lluyf4 9710 Early Spring Way, Columbia, MD 21046 • 301·490·1860

Salt Lake City League Iuuis Pisacane, 1232 E 100 8t Salt Lake Ci~ UT 84102 • 801·531-~749 Southern California· Winter/Summ.e r League Rich GaJJ.agher, 6251 Chiminega Ave. Reseda, CA

8th Annual DC Summer League Dave Epping, 3116 South Threlth St, Arlington, VA 22204 • 703461-8798

Northern California Ultimate League (NCUL} Cra-ig Russell, 722 South Grant St, San Mateo, CA 94402 • 415-579-7039

Columbia Summer Ultimate League · Eddie JO'MS, 3+14 Wheat S~t. Columbia, SC 29205 • 803·799~5935

Filini Ultimate League Scott Set-erson, Box 352, Slinger, WI 53086

West Palm Beach Tim Finan_ 1851 Holman Drive, Junno Beach, FL 33408 • 407-624-0529

Knoxville Ultimate Karen HO$ulktr-G,arrett, Knoxville. TN 37950 615-675-7014

Cleveland Summer Ultimate ~e Jim S'!flie, 3Z047 Hamilton Court, Solon, OH 44139

•

216-464·7014

Kansas City Ultimate Playel"S League Pat Ahearn, 1610 West 49th St, Kansas City, MO 64ll2 • 816-75~2629

91385

•

818-344-4&36

41~644-5619-

Bay Area Corporate Summer Session (BACUSS) Gary Baiely, 5114 Sc~mi~ Drive, Livermoore. CA 94550 • 415-447-0321 .

Northern California College Ultimate League

Seattle Spring League MarkFri.ed14nd, 5255 NE 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98105 • 206-525-6452

Montreal mtimate League 1bnyBug~ 403 St. Joseph Wes~ Montreal, Quebec, CANADA, H2V 2P3 • 514·277-2264 OCUUI' (Ottawa City Ultimate League Thing) Craig Fielding, 916 Garwood Avenue, c/o Marcus Brady, Ottawa Ontario CANADA, KIV 6X1 • 613·233-7809 'lbronto Ultimate League James Sherbanuk. 693 Spadina. 'Ibronto~ Ontari.o CANADA, M5P 2XS Winnipeg Area League Je~m-LucForest, 36-340 Vaughn ~t. Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2T9 • 202-452-3437 Calgary

B.

Grant~

-NCCUL Pat Pohl, Las Positas Colle~ 3033 Coll1er Rd. Livermore, CA. 94550 • 415-378·5860

1156 Memorial Drive Northwest, Calgary. Alberta. T2N 3E5. • 403-283·8954

Portland Ultimate League Robert Ransdell, 'furf ThlT'a.ce, 4203 South East Ham HiH, Portland, OR 97215 • 503·2.84·6848

Vancouver Ultimat.e League Liam Robimon, Vancouver, British Col., XXX 604~737·5819

Seattle Summer Ultimate League Eric Westberg, 1814 E. Highland Dr, Seattle. WA 98100 • 20S.324-0440

North Bay Ultimate Lague Pat Cotter, North Bay. Ontario, CANADA, XXX

•

'

705-472-6929

Page 16

Volume

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

10, Number 2 • April, 1990

•

1986 CMUvs. 1987 Mars: A Study to Determine What Properties Affect The Quality of Model 80E discs.

This study examines the difference in several . is bound to be less rigid. This theory is supported physical properties of two low-density polyethlene by data on disc weigbt!or several key tournaments samples. Both samples are injection molded model between 1984 and 1988 (figure 1). With the 80E flying discs produced by Wham-0 Inc. The exception of Eastems in 1987, which weighed MFR and average weights of the samples were about 177 g. the weight of the 80-mold disc has similar, but the CMU 86 had a different pigment been steadily decreasing. The College Nationals loading and o/o crystalinity. These properties oould and F:lll Regional discs in 1987 were very low; influence the rigidity of the disc and ultimately nearly 165 g. change it's performance characteristics.

This theory falls apart when we. compare the Mars 87 and CMU 86 discs (figure 2). Both discs Introduction weigh about 173 g, and had the same variability The quality of discs used in Ultimate is between samples: plus or minus .5 g. The rt1FR currently a controversial subject. Discs of both diS(S were near]y the same, about 50 g/1 0 manufactured by Wham.() in 1987 were generaJJy min. This data correlates well to that found by considered to be of lesser quality than previous Wham~O R&D. We checked with Dow Chemical years. At the same time a competitor, Discraft, at this point, to see if the grade of PE purchased introduced discs that gained popularity due to by Wham-0 changed over this period because their high stability and rigidity. Ultimate players different. grades could have the same MFR, but different properties. According to Dow, the PE are now divided between the two suppliers.

This paper is written to help players better is the same as it ever was: Dowle.x 955 understand botb the technology used to make polyethylene resin. Since the MFR's are about sport discs and the factors that influence the the same and the grade of polyethylene was quality of the disc. I just want to say one word constant, we had to look elsewhere for the to you; pla8tic. difference.

Just as the two metals gold and iron are Titanium oxide is popuJar white pigment for different, so does each type of plastic have unique coloring plastics. It is so popuJar that it is properties. Wharn·O and Discraft use a common currently in short supply and expensive. Other plastic, polyethylene (PE) for Ultimate sport discs. pigments can be used but they aren't as efficient PE is everywhere, from garbage bags to and need to be added at higher levels to get the Thpperware to artificial hips. PE is a simple same whiteness. Pigments can be added either molecule: a string of carbon atoms saturated with as a concentrate in a plastic carrier or as a powder hydrogen atoms. It has the same basic structure fed directly into the injection molding machine. as methane (naturcll gas- I ~bon atom long). Our results show that there is 50% more inorganic butane (in your lighter-4 carbons), or oetane filler in the CMU 86 (figure 2). Both discs had (gasoline-8 carbons). Wax has the same about the same melting point: 113.9 for CMU, - structure, but it is only hundreds of carbons long. and 113.1 for Mars 87. 'The heat of melting(Hm) PE can be nearly a million carbons long. was higher for the CMU 86 however. A higher PE can.also have branch~ and these branches Hm usually means a greater deg1 eeof ccystalinity effect its density. The Wham~O HDX disc uses in polyethylene. The type of pigment system in a high density polyethylene (HDPE) that has few t he material could certainly affect this branches so it can pack together more tightly. Our crystalinity, and less crystalinity in polyethylene data shows that Discraft may use a mixture of can result in lower stiffn~. low density (LD) and linear low density (LLD} The results from the EDX analysis is ,$hown PE, while we know that Wham-0 uses just LDPE in figure 3. In the figure, titanium emits at 4.3 for a standard disc.

KeV while siJicone emits X· rays with 1.8 KeV of Most wurnament discs are white, and they are energy. colored by adding pigments. These pigments and When samples from both discs are compared, other fillers can influence the properties of the v,:e see significant difference in the elemental plastic. Golf discs use a clay filler to add density. make-up of their pigments: This fiJler makes them much stiffer, and more CMU ~86 Mars '87 brittle.

Element Probably the Jeast understood factor in the Titanium 25% 60o/o performance of a disc is the method in which it Aluminum 9% 25o/o is molded~ Injection molding is a complex. process Silicone 8% 18% where plastic pellets are melted in a barrel and Zinc 8o/o 10% injected under high pressures into a mold. The Iron 9% 8o/o temperature ofthe melt or the mold, the injection Other 7% 13% pressure, the time allowed for the material to dweU in the barrel or for the mold to fill and to This data clearly shows that the CMU '86 cool are just a few of the variables involved in the disc contains much more titanium, probably process. in the fornrof titanium dioxide (Ti02). The By measuring certain physical properties of Mars '87 disc has high amounts of aluminwn molded discs, we can gain insight into those and silicone, usua!Jy in an oxide form as vo-ell. properties that. are critical for good performance. Mixtures of aluminwn and silicone oxide This knowledge could be used to monitor make up clay, a popular filler used in golf materials and procceses so that consistently good discs. discs result.

1102 has a more consistant particular sire when compared to clay, and acts as a reinforcer when used in plastics. Clay also Experim~ntaJ !tm Mars 87 discs and ten CMU 86 discs were can act as a site for degradation during weighed. The samples were then pellitized and processing as well. The substitution of clay subjected to several tests: for Ti02 is a likely contributor to the decrease in OYeralJ quality between the CMU 1. MeUF/mi.J Rau {MFR) cond.itinn lfJ0/£.16: 86 and the Mars 87 discs.

This test was used w measure the viscosity of Wharn-0 R&D confirmed that here is a the melted pellets. Viscosity is related to the possiblity that the pigment system was average chain length of PE. changed in 1987. Th test our theory they will mold discs with the original pigment system 2. %Filler-Ash method: Tbe samples were and compare them to the present product. . heated to 2000 F. At this temperature aJ.I organic Discovering~ World has re~ to the material (PE) ·were vaporizsed leaving only the declining quality of the 80-mold with the · pigment ash. introduction of the U-Max 82E disc. The latest version of the 82E uses a combination 3. Electron Dispersion X-ray a?Wlysi8 (EDX)- of new plastics (most likely a linear low A scanning electron beam microscope is used to density polyethylene·LLDPE) and bombard an ashed sample with rugh energy controlled processing to achieve a flat, stiff electrons. Under these conditions metallic atoms disc. With this technique, the disc is much in the pigments giw off x-rays as excited electrons less sensitive to the mak~up of the pigment, return to their normal orbitals. The x-rays are so that a wb1te disc will pretty much feel emitted at different ene]'gies, depending on the the same as a day glow green one.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Wham· element that emitted them.

0 has licensed a new 80-mold to ASF Inc Results and Diseussion of Munich, W Germany. ASF has a fastback One place to start looking for reasons of the and 40-mold as well. ASF sales VP 'lbrsten difference in the performance of the CMU and Georke directed the UPA World CJub Mars discs is in the discs' "Weight. A lightel' disc CharnpionsruJXi in Cologne. and sold the new

mold with several funky stamps. Initial trials with the disc have been positive, but 'Ibrsten admits he still has to improve overall disc quality.

Tha'YI.h go to Dr. &y Motway ofJ&L Specialty Steels o:ru1 tJw MeU<m.. Institui.e Materials Research Laboratory /<Yr the EDX analysis.

Figure 3. EDX Scan of ashed disc samples

Figure 1. Weights of UPA Tourney Discs 1711

Tournament/ Year I•C.t~t• ltotlt>ul•

:1•0..• ~-···

t-<•••• ••

Figure 2. Disc Properties CMU-8 6 vs Mars 87 CMU-86 Mars-87 Average Weight, g MFR, g/10 min % Inorganic Melting Point, C Hm. J/g

173.1 •/-.4 49.5 '1.2 113.9 108.6

172.8 +/-.5 51.2

.8 113.1 103.2

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THE ULnMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLE1'1'ER

Stop and Think Dear Editor, This letter concerns the question of observers and referees to deal with foul calls and other disputes. This seems like an extremely difficult issue. Much has been debated and written on tbe topic. It is the topic of a few questions in the 1990 UPA questionnaire. However, I think that Kathy Pufahl presents the best argument for no observers or referees in her viewpoint colwnn on page 14 of the .January 1990 issue.

I agree that athletes of the "top" of the game have sacrificed aJot to get to the highest level of competition. I also agree that it is hard to make good calls 1OOo/o of the time in any game. But an ultimate athletes, and especially the top athletes, should stop and think about why they play ultimate. We play the only game that I know of where there is an object in contention, with player contact, and no referees. This is quality worth preserving. All players, regardless of ability. must accept responsibility to adhere to the principles of the game for the sake of the game, their fellow players and themselves. Ultimate Frisbee® , played with few calls at a high competitive level is a truly spectacular sport.

-Mike Thichman Belmont, MASS

found it difficult to come up with ten dollars let alone another fifteen. Come tournament time I feel mo:re new players are going to bail out tntimate, and the UPA, as a result. Ultimate needs players right now, not office space.

If the UPA needs more income I suggest that the players who participate in the National's series take up some of the burden. Pay as you Play. I was shocked to read on page 2 of the Dee. news letter that no tournament fees were charged!

What's it worth to play in nationals? A hundred doDars a team w~uld bring in tm thousand doUars to the UPA. I'm sure Eas~ms and the College series would net a few thousand more.

Other sports may charge higher dues, but the USCF, for instance, runs hWldreds of raees for its members each year. The UPA does essentially three tournaments a year and publishes a newsletter (albeit a very good one).

II the UPA had the extra money would they really be able to do something significant like National television coverage? I don't even know if I want Ultimate to be "commercial", but until these questions are answered I think a dues increase of fifteen dollars is Wlwarnmted. Maybe some bud~tary restraint and clearer goals for the UPA should be discussed over the next year before a dues increase is sought. The people who>U be hurt most by the increase are the younger, poorer students who are the future of the sport.

- Tim Anderson

Bloomingtqn, WI

It's the Player's Game Dear Editor: In reading the last issue of the UPA Newsletter I couldn't help but notice a lot of hot ink about

the Spirit of the Sport and the over 00 calls in the Men's finals. Relax! Though the sport is played at a high leveJ of competition the athletes are not paid entertainers. U a game may seem boring to some spectators because of flow stoppage and time spent on calls, Oh well! No matter how boring tmd dull the play may seem from the bleachers, rm sure the game is a highly charged adrenalin rush for the players, and hey, it is their game to play. They've paid for the right to play it any way they want to with money, time, and blood. While playing at such a high competitive level bad calls are inevitable. Focusing on preventing bad calls is futile though well meant. The Spirit of the Sport can reduce time spent on arguing by simply honoring the call or the contest ·or a call, immediately (for example see Dave McClure's mention of Walter's good sportsmanship in the "Letters to the Editor" (vol 9, no. 5).

Botrom line: A call stops the game whether it's "good'j or ''bad11 , so grin and bear it.

P.S. If you are moving to or living in Chicago and you want to play HOT DISC! give me a call, T-N-T Thmados we need players! (312)338--2645 -Thm "lrrm'!na1t" Coffin Chieago, IL

Captain's Courageous Dear UPA: On the issue of 11 Uglimate", believe in grass roots solutions. Therefot"ey let us not have referees from on high; let us have captains keep order.

Captains, it's your team. You keep the players in line. Bench them when they act inappropriately.

If we want an enforcer (or a fallback position, if you prefer), then let the tournament director keep the captains in line. Do not invite teams who misbehave.

The way we implement this is to have A RULE WinCH SAYS, "CAPI'AINS WILL STRIVE '.ro KEEP THEIR PLAYERS WITHIN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME. WHERE NECESSARY, TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS WILL REMfND CAPTAINS AND PLAYERS OF THEm OBLIGATIONS UNDER SPIRIT OF THE GAME." As with all Ultimate solutions, this is not cut and dried. We, the players, always have to chip in with good intent. But, here is a solution which costs no extra money, requires no new training, and keeps the power of the game down here with the players.

As to effectiveness, I think most players will shut up and listen to their captain (if they want to keep playing), as will most captains to the tournament director (if they want their teams to keep playing). 'fry it. You'll like it.

-Raphael S(J;?lin

Belm<mt, MA

Loves His Imurance ~UPA:

It should be noted that the promised $15 increase in dues will be compensated for in a }'ear of tournament pl~; being covered by our own insurance will cause tournament entry fees to drop dramatically.

Right now, most tournaments cost each player about $5 in entry fees ($75 per team?) With our own insurance, tourneys win run our teams~ .. what, $25 each? That's $2 per person.

I don't think any competitive players will lose out in this deaL rm psyched. I love being insured.

- Raphael Savin

Belm<mt, MA

Shocked Most Righteous Editor, ~ I can afford the 25 dollars. Will I pay it?

Maybe not. Tile only townament 1 play in, that is UPA sanctioned, is Open Sectionals. I enjoy the oonqxtitim. but nationals is a dicbnt goal. My team also consists of college players, many of whom

Page 17

Volume 10, Number 2 • April, 1990

No Draw to m timate Rliterates Dear Editor: . .. I wouJd like to make a point about officiating. \Vhatever you want to caU it, in highly competitive situations calls must be made by an objective person. Some callshn still be made on the field, but not the majority of them. Mistakes will be made, some that will cost games. Just like in the somewhat popular sport of basketball.

That's the price that must be paid.

Officiating must occur for two reasons: 1) We accomplish the op~ite of maintaining the "spirit of the game" by not officiating. 'This is not a debatable subject . .. just look at the championship games in regionals or nationals over the past five years ... or for convenience, just read the letters regarding spirit in the UPA newsletter immediately following these tournaments. The "spirit of the game., enjoyed by so many in so many situations is just not in existence at the highest competitive level.

(Professional basketbaH players in competitive games are able to have better uspirit" because

they can rely on an objective person to call violations), and 2) I have put on half a dozen tournaments, some considered the absolute .finest on the West Coast. For one we were even able to get televised on a local cable channel. I have owned an advertising agency, solicited sponsorship, stUdied what is commercially viable.

The only way to get financial backing is to get media attenntion and spectator interest. The only way to get this is for the fans to enjoy the sport.

An experienced ultimate player can't even enjoy a Championship game, or, for that matter, even figure out what half the calls are. How can we ask ultimate illiterates to do better.

-Jeff Hirsch Tlwusand Oaks, CA

Eligible for Deep Coach Dear Editor, Nearly every college captain has faced the situation in which a player of questionable eligibility wants to play with their team. I was faced with the situation this year. A 'fufts graduate (E-MEN '89) remained on campus this year but W'd.S not taking courses. He then decided to register for graduate courses and applied and was admitted to the College of Continuing Education. He was unsure where he ultimately wanted to attend Grad school but the courses he was going to take would have applied most places he was considering. We wanted him to play with us as he graduated only a year ago and was a contributing factor in our bid to nationals. Most importantly he is a very good friend.

I was unsure if he was eligible to play with us so 1called Frank Revi and explained the situation to him. After discussing the problem, it was clear that he was not eligible to play because he was not rolled in a continuing degree program. That was it, period. The only thing vve could do is figure out a W1J!i that he could help the team without playing-he is now our deep cut coach. (We are still looking for a handling and middle coaeh.

Professor Zabe]).

There wen! a number of factors that could have pointed me, and any other captain down a different path. If he enrolled, the registrar at 'lbfts would have found his ID number in the computer and checked off his name on the UPA roster foi'l'Jl. Th most he seemed legitimate, he was enrolled at 'lllfts and still eligible for college Ultimate and under last year's guidelines, he v.rould haw been eligible to play. As captain and as College Regional Coordinator, I am confident that no one VY'Ould have questioned his playing with us. We could have gotten away with it and he would have been an important part of our team.

The point is that it is easy to play with inelig:ihle players. It is also very hard to tell a good friend that he can't play which in itself seems to violate the spirit of Ultimate. The likelihood of a team getting caught is low and the advantage the team could gain may be extremely high. Ultimate was created in reaction to the ''win at all cost, • t ''cheat until you're caught" attitude found in most sports.

Ultimate will live or die by that same reputation~ It is up to every captain, every Sectional Coordinator and every Regional Coordinator to impress upon their teams how cowardly it is to cheat. The fact is that there is no effective way to monitor all the rosters and ferret out ineligible players. The only Wf!rJ to do it is from the ground up, starting not with any single person, but with a belief, a belief in Ultimate and the Spirit of the

Game.

-Jeff B-roum

College Regimull Coordinato-r, N<Yrtkeast Captain, 'Pujts E-MEN

Thrown Game Dear Editor, I ha\'e a few thoughts and opinions I'd like to share about the 1989 UPA Women's Division National Championships. Although the newsletter•s cove~ was thorough and weU written. there was one particular report I'd like to expand on. Before I go any further, I'd like to congratulate Crush Club on their national victory.

This year•s field of competition in the Women's Division was what I consider to be the toughest e.aer at Nationals. In my opinion any one of the

top five seeds could have taken it. A repeat fonnat of the '88 Championships was decided upon. This particular format is set up for eight teams and allows for the possibility of the victory or defeat of some games meaningleSs; and thereby gives way for teams to "throw games, as part of their strategy without jeopardizing advancement. Such was the case in the game between my team the Smithereens and Crush Club.

Before the start of the game both teams were aware that the result was meaningless for Crush Club, as they would advance regardless of the outcome, due to the format. However, I was optimistic that Crush Club \\'Ould still give us a good game, after all this was the National Championships. Well, so much for being optimistic, I was especially disappointed when two of their best players, and in my opinion two of the hottest women in the sport didn't even step on the field for one point! Although there were a few highlights of competitive play, it was not the challenge 1 had anticipated. Smitllereens crushed Crush Club 15-4. After the last point, I first felt numb and walked through the shaking hands clusters with simple nods and half smiles.

1 didn•t feel victorious. I felt cheated and then angry. denied the opportunity to be a challenge to a good opponent. When it mattered, Crush Club gave their opponents whole hearted battles.

I don't mean to sound like a crybaby. Everyone knows how it feels when someone doesn•t try their best and just kinda Jets you win. This was especially upsetting for me when competing at the UPA National Championships. I can accept that .. throwing games" is an effective strategy when the format allows for it, but 1 don't have to like it. rm happy to 59¥ that the next Nationals Championships may have a format set up for ten or twelve teams and that "throwing games.. will not be a strategy for anyone to use.

-Sporl; Siegrist Middletmun, RI

Referees Are A BonUtJ Dear UPA, I would like to comment on the question of whether or not referees should be allowed to participate in the sport of Ultimate. The view currently espoused by the Ultimate community is that referees would somehow detract from the Spirit of the Game. Making our own calls is what separates us from those who often remind us that Ultimate began as an "alternative" sport. .The suggestion here seems to be that the absence of referees somehow makes Ultimate more noble, occupying a loftier plane in the realm of sport.

Can anyone who witnessed this yea.r's·nationals really buy this argwnent'?

In my experience with sports, (I've been a high school coach for the past four years). I have found that referees do not detract from a sport but instead have very much to contribute. First, they allow the players to concentrate on their own skills rather than on the actions of other participants in the oontest. Second, they alleviate pressure between the athletes. Anger over a disputed call falls on the referee rather than the opponent.

Third, the pace of the game will increase dramatically. The finals at Nationals would have been an hour shorter with no less action had the disputed calls been eliminated. If our sport is ever to break into the public eye so that in our old age we can sit around drinking beer and wate.hing the game on T.V., it must become more enticing to the viewer. More action-less talk.

These arguments are all fairly obvious and you've probably heard them before. Stillt there is something else that referees can add to a sport.

Referees have the opportunity to add to the sport through their experience and knowledge when their physical abilities, or the lack thereof, no longer allow them to do so as players. There is significant knowledge and understanding of the game out there th.a t will be lost when the current generation of players makes that final layout and takes up softball. If we allow for the involvement of ex-players and invite them w participate as :referees. we'll be doing considerably more to preserve the spirit of the game than if we allow sportsmanship to continue to deteriorate because of our inability to adapt.

-MikeHirn

Ale.randria. VA

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIAnON NEWSLETTER

Page 18

Volume 10, Number 2 • ApriL 1990

l\IORE LETTERS TO TI-IE EDITOl{ Particulculg Upset Dear Editor, I am writing to request that th~ 9th Edition of the RulesofU1timate be followed in a11 ultimate play until a loth Edition Rules of Ultimate is properly presented and adopted by the membership. I am particularly ~t by the article written

by Pete McCabe in the January, 1990 issue of the

UPA newsletter. While I admire Mr. McCahe•s efforts at trying to clarify ambiguous or redundant sections of the rules, I do not believe a unilateral decision by Mr. McCabe with the headline willing Hfmportant New Rules Changes Are Effective Immediately," is the proper way for our organization to adopt new rules. I will give one example which has already created some difficulty during my team's practices. A.rticle XIV S 5(B) of the 9th Edition Rules with respect to ,.stalling, states that •j'the count consists of the marker calling 'stalling' or •c-ounting' and counting atone-second intervals from one to ten (1·10), loudly enough for the thrower to hear."

Mr. McCabe, for no apparent reason has taken it upon himself to unilaterally change this rule to a requirement that the mar~r begin the stall count with the words ustall o~· o.r "c-ount 0/' 1 am beginning my eleventh year of ultimate and for rny entire career I have n~ heard anyone begin a stall count with any number other · than uone!' If it ain't broke. don't fix it. If someone thinks it's broke. Jet's get a second opinion, and fix it right.

-David T. Hasbrook

Indianapolis, IN Editor•• Note: The hM.dline referred ro in the above letter was actually written l;y 1M Publisher, Neal Damtrra, a.llJumgk it 'WflS picked upfrom the article's tat content

This is where full time observers concerned with

nothing but making independent judgements will be the natural progression in the advancement of our sport. It seems inooneeivable to me and many fellow pl~rs that I've spoken with that competitol'S should be relied upon to make fair and a.ccurate. calls after running a countless series of fifty and sixty yard sprints (sometimes for five

games straight!). This point is especially true where Regional and National Championships are decided. With the increasing number of tournaments with cash prizes, the temptation to bend the rules without breaking them becomes a very real concern ...

Yes, there should and someday will be fast, efficient, and decisive observers to help speed the game along. This wiJl allow tntimate to stay a simple sport of running. diving, catching and defensiw skills. Yes, oh great and powerful hierarchy of our sport. I'm through for now, but the idea of observers is a growing wave, either you ride it or get splashed aside. One way or another, I believe they'll become a reality. Think about it ...

-John Haney Pembroke Pi'tla, FL

•

Dear Editor, ltd like to make a bold prediction that is sure

to ••p.o:, some of the more philosophical pseudo-

establishment types that make up the hierarchy of our sport. I'll predict that ifs only a matt'.e'r of time until some sort of independent, well trained observers are used on a regular basis.

letter to list. solve. or rehash them.

The main reason I'm writing this letter is to say '*thanks." Thanks to al] the people that put their h~art and soul into the sport of Ultimate and the promotion thereof. Th.a.nks to the top teams in the nation for your dedication, inspiration~ innovation and sacrlfice. Thanks to all the teams that almost made it to nationals for cllallenging t-hem. Thanks to all the mediocre teams that sometimes don1t make it to Regionals for going to all the tournaments and keeping us a little more focu.sOO. on what it's really all about.

Thanks to aU my teammates; past and present, for being then! when I really needed a sub and for all the great weekends we spent to~ther, and thanks to all the friends that I've made over the years through the sport of Ultimate. Ultimate people are the best people..

I realize there are some bad things going on in our sport and it's~ to us today, to deeide the fate of Ultimate tomorrow. There is something very special about being associated with something when it's at its core, because it never stays that way forever. As time goes on it becomes corrupt. Let's face it, ·we live in a market society and in order to promote Ultimate it's going to have to be marketed. not saying this is ba<L I'm just saying we need to look at our place in respect to the big picture. we're at the core. I'm grateful that I was introduced to Ultimate at this stage of the game and I can not imagine what my life would be like without it. I love you

rm

U1timate!

Give Thanks!

-Thad Wilmingt<m, DE

demands repect rather than disturbance. Perbap:; it can be requested that teams do a fh'e minute dance routine together before the game just to get off on the right foot. (Thanks to Paul Boddy}.

(Follow the bouncing baU). ''Lets keep the spirit, it is like a mountain." "'IhU and strong it goes on and on and on! ..

And most importantly, live simply so that others may simply live.

-Andy Lderm..an Ramsey, N.J.

Rheinos Return Dear Editor, ~ Again. the Wiesbaden Disc.Respect Rheinos are lucky enough to gat mentioned in the UPA Newsletter (vollOt no l). Thanks to Rod Venables for doing the deed in the European Update

department, The tournament in Stuttgart mentioned by Rod was a high water mark for the Rheinosas we beat 'learn 42 by the seore of 13-8. It was the first time we had accomplished that feat in our 4 year history and came the month after Tham 42 had won the German championships (we placed 6th).

Contributing to that win and our overall 4th place finish in Stuttgart were two women. The Rheinos are also a coed team and we have 2 of the 5 best female players in Germany: my wife, Pat and Annette Schrey. Just giving eredit where credit is due and to keep the record straight. So the next time you read or hear about the Rheinos, the fl.rst and still the only American Ultimate team in Europe, remember that V..'e are ,.the boys and. gitr/3 from the army base in Wieebaden''.

See ya. 'tween the cones,

-IWckSeark

Th£ Fate of UUimate

Organie Can Be lnfectioWJ

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, The real question over the observer-referee issue is, ucan we be.simply understanding?" This is one of the distinguishing features ofhu.manism,

There is so much going on in ffitimate now (i.e..

Philosophical Pseturo· Establishment Heirarchy?

•

Their skills will be utilized from at least the Regional Level (if not th.e Sectionals) on up to the Open Nation31 Championships. I believe this change is inevitable.

The primary reason is that more and more superb athletes are taking up our wonderful sport at the grassroots J~I. Their primary concern is in improvingtheir skills to beoome the best players they can be. As they face tougher competitors, their focus on winning will be that much sharper.

dues increase, rule changes and clarifications1 corporate sponsorship,league insurance and even the development of trained officials). I tllink aU these things are great. We need to discuss all these issues and deal with them. It is pertinent to the evolution of our sport that we do this; from small clubs in remote towns to all the national directors and regional coordinators. There are problems we must face, but I'm not writing this

What is necessary here is a very organic way of dealing with conflict from the get.-go. Players giving an opponent fair warning of an infraction personally before stopping the game. Maybe a,"Wateh your traveling, please;' or "Please mellow the stall count'' can be an infectious kind gesture during an intense game and immediate

We regret that we were unabk to print aU ofthe lett'm8 received d~ to constraints on space. Letters to the Editor are tVel.comed lmt please limit y(!Ur comments ro 150 ~

BUY MUTUAL FUNDS

ULTIMAte

AATWIIR I<

•Huck long• for the Mure

ARTWORK BY: MAZEMAKER, STEVE E. GROSS

Alliance Capital· American Funds Calvert Group - Delaware Group - Franklin G.T. Global- MFS

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Savings Retirement Accounts College Planning Invest systematically for tong-term growth Discover the power of compounding dividends Call for information, prospectus and advice

I

•

John Michael Cione a.k..a Bullet

SER\'ICES. INC. If you have an interesting piece of ultimate art, send a clean xerox • an explanation and the artist's photo to: Art Direction Services, 5 59 Westheimer, Suite 216, Houston, 'Thxas 77057.

A registered Broker/Dealer

(619) 587-9880 FAX (619) 552-8924 P.O.Box 261109 San Diego, CA 92126

* Member NASD & SIPC

THE ULTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Volume lOt Number 2 • April, 1990

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' Association Membership Progra•n •

At Alamo we believe people who have a real love for travel deserve somethmg s~al . That's why we offer guaranteed low rates m Alamo territory. And of course you won't pay a penny for m1leage. Now more than ever before. you expect more for your travel dollars, and Alamo deljvers!

So whether you have in mind a get-away vacation or traveling to one of Alamo's business cities, Alamo would like to make the trip more enjoyable·with efficient service and the best equipped cars in the industry.

Alamo continues to expand in 1989 with 8 new domestic locations nationw1de and 1 international location, Glasgow Scotland. All Alamo locations are corporately owned and operated to provide 100% customer servtce and satisfaction.

Unlimited Free Mileage

For reservations. please call Alamo at 1-800-732-3232 and request Plan ..BY': You must use your Association I.D. number.

Sales tax, optional Collision Damage Waiver ($9.00 per day in Califomta; $12.99 per day or less elsewhere), and other optional items are extra. Our one-time, non-refundable fuel fee includes at least a half tank of gas (where prohibated. opuonal refueling applies). Under age 25, add $6 per day. Some a1rports tmpose a tax or fee that applies only tf you choose to extt on our shuttle bus.

Weekly rates require a five-day minimum rental or dady rates apply. 24-hour advance reserva· tJons requtred. Availobthty ts limited. Offer good until December 31, 1989.

Fully Equipped Model:

NATIONWIDE

FLORIDA

Weekly

Weekly

Economy Compact Midsize Standard Luxury

sgg95 $1}995 813995 8 15995 $20995

$7995 sg99s $11995 $14295 $19995

Add airport-tmposed taxes/fees, if any {ranging from 25t to lOo/o) and $11.95 fuel fee, except where prohibited by law. No mandatory fuel charge in California, Hawaii or Illinois.

(Peak Holiday pricing may apply).

Daily rates ava1lable which tnclude a free 1/ 2 tank of &as.

Spec1al Hawati rates available.

I.D. # BY 199157 ALAMO ASSOCIATION I.D. II REQUIRED Call your Profeutonal Travel r· Consultant or Alamo at 1·800· 7~2-3232 . Re,erve 24 hours m advance. Be sure to use your Assoctataon 1 D. Number Rent A Car i and request Plan .. BY:' I

~~AlamO: '<l5;J

Alamo f~tures fine General Motors cars such as the PontJac Grand Am. lfa rnen:ed car 1s e~r unava1lable. Alamo will prOVlde a similar or larger car at no addtbonaJ cost.

30457A

Page 19

By taking advantage of this Alamo Program, you are helping support ultimate through direct rebates to the UPA. Please use Alamo and our Association Membership Program 10#199157 whenever renting a car. It's an all-win proposition!

· ADVERTISE IN THE UPA NEWSLETTER. al and rowing audience. Contact the UPA N ewsletter for display ad rates. .

UPA PUBLICATIONS

Put them to work for you.

MERCHANDISE

Quantity

· PERSONALS

___..._ HC1N to Start a Summer League If you have ever had the urge, this booklet shows you how. Price· $2

CONGRATULATIONS TO SANDI & DAVE ZWAYERon the birthoftheirfirst child, Allyson Renee. This newest Lady Landshark was born on Jan 20 and weighed in at 7 lb. 12 oz.

•

_ _ How to Start a New Team. Contams useful recruiting information and other organizationaJ lips tor all struggling teams. Price: $2

_ _ .,$J.Jmmary of 1989 UPA Questionnaire. 142 page detBJied analysts. Price: $15.

_ _ Skills and Drills. Fundamentals you need to know to develop a competitive team. 42 pgs, Price: $8.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRANDY AND NEAL DAMBRA WHO HAD A LITTLE HUCKER ON January 20th, FRANKLIN JOSEPH was 7 lb. 12 oz. and 19 inches .

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_ _ UPA Ultimate Brochure. 4 pg. (81hx11), 2 co&or brochure entitled Spirit of the Game includes

CRAZY GIRL HffiO-Write to me. I dorlt have your Address.-Crazy Guy 'Thxas.

photos, description of the game and history.

Price: $.60 each, $4.50/10 cop1es.

_ _ Ninth Edition Rules of Ultimate. $.50 each, $2/10 copies.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

_ _ World Flymg Disc Federation's The 19890f-

CORNELL WILD ROSES, it's time for an alumnae team at our spring tourney.

H you're a Rose or know where on is, call Kathy 607-253-2466 or Mary 607-277-0277.

ficial Rules of Flying DISC Sports. Complete WFOF rules of DOC, Guts. Ultimate, Discathon, Field Events, Freestyte. Disc Golf.

65 pages $6 each.

- - 1/lllMAT£ PREPAAATifJJANJ FlfN£SS ~ An e>t~rvtew of 1mpcrt:ant tmlflt~ • t 1ps f'or u lttmate flt.n~s~.35 \>g.S ~ 1llu!>tratc.d, publt9-ted by the Bnt1sh UltiMllte Federabon . lh~ · 1 b.OD

Enclosed is my check or money order for $ - - - · - - payable to the UPA. Please mail to UPA Administrative Of· fice. 1852 Old Country Rd., Riverhead, NY 11901.

EXPERIENCED PLAYERS SOUGHT -to play Ultimate in Japan for Friction-men's and women's teams.

From spring or summer until Nov. 23-25 Nationals. 'Thach English. BA required.

For more details: Rich Sadowsky, 3 Sunny House, 2-1-18 Kitano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650, Japan or(FAX)Sl-78-231-3036.

Thank you.

Name: _____________________-4 Address: - - - - - - - - - - - --1 Phone:

NATIONALS LOST AND FOUND: Many items unclaimed. Give us a call at 703·892-1279.

UPA

- - - -- - - - - - - - - f •

UPA Archive needs discs, shirts. photos, programs, videos and any other memorabilia. 'lb donat. contact John Caporali, Penn State University, Shenengo Campus, Charon, PA 16146.

1989 UPA Eastems dises, Wham..() 82E U -Max model; bulk order only 25 minimum @$5.00 each, plus shipping.

Great for throwing stock; call Gene '.Ireacy at 312-675-7431.

1989 UPA College Nationals Dises.

Wham-0 82E U-Max model; minimum order 3 discs @$6.50 each, 4 or more @ $6.00 each plus shipping ($2.95/5 discs; HI, AK and Canada $5.00/discs; Interna-

tional $10.00/5 discs). Contact Gene 'freacy, 8271 Harding, Skokie, IL 60076.

DISCS FROM MARS. '88 and '89 Mars Ultimate Classic disc set available. 175 g white and nite g]o for theJos cost of $11 ppd. Call412-625·9083. Ask about shirts.

UPA Classifieds: Should be submitted to UPA Newsletter.

P.O. Box ~. M&ttituck, NY l 1952. Cost: $10 for first 50 ~B (min.). $5.00 for~ addrtionaJ 25 Setters m mes?ge.

001·0 001-W

001-DlSCRAFT and WHAM·O U-.Max Whtte disc-S colors (met. green, blue, purpJe) 1-3 discs @ $7.00 each, 4+- @ $6.50 each

002-DISCRAFT and WHAM-0 UMax White disc; dark green and orange 1·3 djsca @ $6.60 each, 4+ @ $6.00

CN89-WHAM-O, 82E ''Desurphonu 1 3 discs @ $6.50 each 4+

WN4M -O

@

$6.00

20AN-WHAM·O UMa.x

OO!D

Whlte disc with purple and gold 1·3 discs 0 $6.50 each. 4+ @ $6.00 each

CLUB IMPRINTING 165G Discs!

002

SHIPPING INFORMATION (Please. no P.O. numbers)

PIICE

,

Available now to clubs registered with U.S. Disc Sports is a unique program: Specially imprinted 1650 Frisbee discs in your choice of White or new Bright · Yellow. Quality plascic from Wharn·O with your club logo or art. A great fundraiser and more fun than a bakesale! A source of pride for years to come. Available exclusively through Discovering The World to USDS recognized clubs.

Postage•

TOTAL *Shipping: $2.95/3 discs (ex· cept HI, AL, & Canada. $5!3 discs. International $10/3 di~

(714) 522-2202

Call or write for details.

SENDCHECKORMONEYORDER UPA Disc Deal•

OISCO\./ERING THE WORLD

clo Gene Treaey, 8721 Harding, Skokie, IL 60076

PO BOX 9i 1 • Li\ r,:ilfiADA. CA 90637

• mirumum order. 3 discs•

UPA NEWSLETTER- BOX 180- MATTITUCK, NEW YORK 11952

t

..

Bulk Rate t: .S. Po:.tage

PAID

VLTIMATE PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

Permit 9719 Houston. Texas

P. 0. Box 2331 Silver City, NM 8.8062

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