Category Archives: Coaching

Youth Summer League 2021!

VU Youth Summer League 2021–Registration is open!
Youth Summer League will run on Tuesdays and Fridays 5-7pm from July 13 to August 20th. One day will be conditioning and skills focused and the second day will be scrimmage focused.

VU is piloting our sliding scale payment policy with this program. For more information on what that means, please visit the website http://valleyultimate.org/introducing-sliding-scale-payments/

The prices we suggest for this program are: $125 to cover our cost to run the program; $150 as the traditional full fee; $200 for sustainers to pay it forward for other participants and support VU’s future programming; and $60 to adjust for financial hardship. Full scholarships are also available, by request no questions asked. If these suggested rates don’t work for you, please reach out.

Please wait to fill out the form until you have submitted payment via PayPal to ValleyUltimateBoard@gmail.com
You do not need to register with PayPal to pay via PayPal.com. If you require alternative payment methods, please email us at ValleyUltimateBoard@gmail.com

Paypal Link: https://paypal.me/valleyultimate?locale.x=en_US

Please direct all league questions to Joe Costello at joe.costello2@gmail.com. Please direct payment questions and scholarship inquiries to ValleyUltimateBoard@gmail.com
Registration form link: https://forms.gle/dcxAPxRkCfW3QfKq7

Youth Summer League COVID-19 ConsiderationsWith the May 29th announcement from Governor Baker lifting almost all the COVID-19 Regulations on the state level, Valley Ultimate, just like all of you, is in the midst of re-evaluating what our COVID-19 policy and procedures need to be. Now that statewide regulations are dropped, we think it is more important than ever that we set some clear expectations for our programs. In our process, we are looking at vaccination data and case numbers for the three primary counties we serve–Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin–as reported via the state. We are also looking at information from USAU Return to Play guidelines and the CDC. The vaccination rates and case rates (both deadly and “normal” varies between each county.)  Valley Ultimate remains committed to making the play experience as safe as possible for even the most vulnerable in our diverse community.

Please check out the current draft of our practices and policies for this summer’s league here. Let us know your thoughts!


We are still hiring!
Coach hiring survey will be out soon! Check your calendars. Coaches will be hired on a session by session or full series basis! USAU Chaperone or Coach status preferred!

Summer Youth League 2021–Save the Dates!

Save the dates!

This intramural league will meet twice a week, Tuesdays & Fridays, from 5:00-7:00pm from July 13 to August 20. The league is intended to provide a safe and effective program of skills build up after almost a year of little to no ultimate for many players and an opportunity for more experienced players to hone existing skills. Day 1 will focus on conditioning and skills building. Day 2 will focus on full scale play. 

Youth League is open to players in grades 7 through 12. Make up of teams/conditioning groups will be determined by number of registrations. It is possible that teams may blur traditional USAU playing divisions. Whatever the team composition, Valley Ultimate utilizes an equity-based lens to create a supportive and positive environment to encourage participants to reach their full potential as athletes and teammates.

Registration for the league will open June 1, 2021. 

COVID-19 precautions will be in place, including masking and social distancing, in accordance with MA Department of Health regulations, CDC , and USAU guidelines in effect at the time of league play. As this is a rapidly changing situation, no specifics can be shared at this time. Registrants will get further information as it is confirmed. It is likely that VU will utilize the same rules adaptations and masking policies implemented by area coaches for the high school season. Valley Ultimate is committed to implementing a high level of precautions to best manage risk levels for all participants and their families.

VU is currently seeking a Youth League Coordinator to start as soon as possible. You can find the full job description here and the online application here.

VU will also be seeking Coaches for the league–coaches can be hired on a session by session basis OR for the full league season. If you are interested, start to check out the USAU coaching requirements and contact us at valleyultimateboard@gmail.com with questions. Hiring for coaches will begin June 1, 2021.

Please spread the news to any who may be interested! Keep an eye out for more information!

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay spirited!

WMass School Program Coaches Survey

Greetings Western Mass. High School and Middle School Coaches and Organizers!

As school programs shift from considering to planning for a Return to Play this spring, VU would like to help programs coordinate, whether you plan on participating in states level play or just more regional and local options.

In absence of a scheduling meeting for coaches to network and plan competition for the spring, we hope to collect information through this survey and set up resources that may help coaches find each other digitally to explore competitive options this spring.  Please check to understand the logistics of what options are available for your students and your program, then fill out this survey. 

Valley Ultimate will share patterns and networking suggestions from the collected information towards the end of March, so please fill out soon!


Best wishes for a safe and fun spring!

Western New England Coaching Update

Greetings Western MA MS/HS Ultimate Coaches!

We recently sent out a letter to the listed coaches/organizers for schools in Valley Ultimate’s orbit. Information in that letter came from the Annual Meeting/Return to Play Conversation on Feb. 7, 2021. If you are a coach/organizer and did not receive this email, please check our Western New England Ultimate Coaches Contact List to check that we have the most updated information. To view the full email please follow this link. 

Below you’ll find short versions of what was covered in the letter!

 

Summary of our Return to Play discussion, with helpful resources:

On Equity:

Our group acknowledged the range of program sizes and competition levels of the school programs in the Valley.  One important issue this raises is how programs can be centering equity in their planning for the spring.  For example, some smaller charter or private school programs rely on athletes who come from many different geographical areas with different COVID metrics, while other school based teams come from a single low-risk community.  Some larger or regional school programs have partnerships with their schools’ athletic departments, while others are club-based programs with fewer resources.  This range of differences is a concern as the opportunity gap will exist this spring for some to be playing ultimate while others cannot.  We ask that you consider this when planning your season events and activities.

Links, info, discussion notes and action points on COVID guidance:

Methods for Return to Play:

  • Context regarding  these Modified Rules, created by a working group led by Jim Pistrang(ARMS) this fall, and based on the above guidance. Please review!(Important: Coaches/Organizers and teams are expected to review these rules and agree to implement them for any competition that involves other schools.
  • Resources from successful socially distanced clinics.

Thinking about longer term growth and sustainability:

Financial Considerations and Small Programs Focus

  • Please contact Kyle Taylor at kyle.j.taylor11@gmail.com with specific questions on creating a “budget-neutral” program.

Small Ultimate Program Sustainability Workgroup

  • Please fill out this form to learn more and become part of a focus group for small ultimate programs in the Valley about COVID19’s impact on small programs, practice/play ideas with low numbers, and general small program concerns. This group will be coordinated by Kyle Taylor (PVPA) and Amber Tanudjaja (PVPA).

Keeping Ultimate on the Table for Administrators

  •  A letter here with talking points to bring to school administrators and athletic directors to keep ultimate as a priority during this time. Letter was drafted by Lee Feldscher (Northampton High School) let us know if there are any other resources you might need to engage your school in keeping an ultimate program available for young athletes. 

USAU Coaching Requirements Updates & Virtual Coaching Clinic Sessions:

Networking/Scheduling Survey Coming Soon

  • In the meantime, here are some questions to explore with your program and organizers while you plan for this spring:
    • Will your school field an ultimate team this spring?  
    • Will your program be intramural?
    • Which competition divisions/levels of play will be organized at your school this spring?
    • Will your team be able to travel?  
    • If so, what kind of travel accommodations does your school provide (and would therefore restrict/enable travel for competition opportunities)?
    • Will your school season run mid-March through May or late-April through June?

 

SAVE THE DATE Annual Meeting/Return to Play Conversation

Though the annual WMass Coaches scheduling meeting will not be happening in the traditional manner, VU is hosting our Annual Meeting and a Return to Play Conversation in its place.

Coaches, players of all levels and parents are all welcome to attend this meeting. Some workshopped rule changes and (hopefully) updated USAU RTP guidelines will be primary discussion topics, in addition to updates on VU’s current and future endeavors. It will be on February 7 at 11am. Use this form to RSVP and get the link to attend this virtual event.

Save the date and pass the word (flick or backhand, whichever will get the furthest)!

Click to watch this GIF of Valeria Cardenas of the Colombian National Team, Medellin Revolution, and Seattle Riot and her HUGE forehand.

Coaches needed!

Four Rivers Charter School is hiring 2 coaches for the spring season. Knowledge of ultimate and work with youth preferred. They are paid positions. Pay is competitive depending on experience. The openings are in m.s. girls and jv girls or boys. The m.s. girls practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday after school from 3 -5:15. The jv teams also practice on Wednesday from 1:45- 3:30. If interested please contact Terry Plotkin at terryplotkin@gmail.com.

PVPA boys varsity is looking for a coach. The job is paid. The team practices three days per week. Contact Gabe Reif with questions: greif@pvpa.org.

Here’s the link to apply:
https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=2882200
Here’s the job description:
http://www.pvpa.org/?DivisionID=23203&DepartmentID=27683

Academy at Charlemont is also looking for coaches. Those who are interested should contact John Schatz at jschatz@charlemont.org.

Valley Ultimate is hosting a USA Ultimate Coaching Development Program Level I Workshop on February 10!

What: The Level I program consists of two workshops (Coaching Ethics and Coaching Performance) where coaches will learn skills and techniques to introduce ultimate and its skills to new players.

Are you a female coach or a coach of a female or mixed team? You may be eligible for a rebate through the Women’s Development Program. Visit Women’s Development for details.

When: Saturday, February 10 from 8:30 am-5:00 pm

Where: Longmeadow High School, 95 Grassy Gutter Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106

Cost: $82.50   Longmeadow, MA CDP Registration

Registration: play.usaultimate.org/members/login  Click on “Clinics & Certifications”

NOTE: A USA Ultimate membership is required to attend. While any membership will work for attendance, a background check ($21.50+ additional county costs), and a coach-level membership are required for certification.

What do I get? In addition to gaining certification (and the benefits of the list above), coaches will also receive the following from USA Ultimate and program sponsor, Five Ultimate:

  • USA Ultimate Coaching Ethics and Performance Manuals
  • USA Ultimate Coaching Code of Ethics and Spirit of Coaching
  • Five Ultimate CDP Pullover upon achieving the Level I CDP certification (valued at $45)
  • Five Ultimate Coach Bag (valued at $30)
  • USA Ultimate Coaching Development Program Disc

Do note that if you are under 21, you may attend the workshop, but your certification will be held until you turn 21.

FAQ:

Do I have to pay now?
Yes. If you’ve signed up but haven’t paid, please pay for the course right away. We need to have 10 paid sign ups, not just sign ups. If the class doesn’t happen for any reason, you will be refunded in full by USAU.
 
Do I need a membership to sign up for the certification class?
No. You can sign up and pay without being a current member. But before you attend class, you must be a current member at any level (player/ family-friend/ coach etc.) note that to become a current coach level member in 2018, you have about 3 hours of videos and quizzes to watch and pass- concussion, SOTG, etc.
 
What’s the difference between a Coach-Level membership and CDP Level 1 Certified Coach?
Coach membership involves an electronic background check, and recently watching videos and passing a few short quizzes. Current Coach member status is required to be listed as a coach on active USAU rosters. A USAU Certified Level 1 includes a current Coach Membership PLUS the day long training in ethics and performance. The level 1 certification is geared to provide a basic level of ethics, game knowledge, teaching instruction, and safety. It’s a designed for people new to coaching and people new to ultimate or both. USAU CDP Certification can be used as a proof point of competence for athletic departments.
 
Do I need to be a USAU Certified Coach to coach High School, College, or Club teams?
Some of the time. See below where the Coaching Development Program Level 1 Certified Coach status (which includes a current Coach membership) is currently required for certain games national-level events like YCC, High School Regional Championships, and College Championships.

CDP Certification: At least one member of the registered Coaching Staff must be currently Level I Certified or have attended an Ethics level workshop for sideline access to restricted fields at the following events (Club events do NOT currently require certification):

  • High School Regional Championships (semifinals & finals)
  • D-III College Championships (semifinals & finals)
  • D-I College Championships (all fields)
  • Youth Club Championships (semifinals & finals)
  • Coaches should make plans to attend the Coaching Ethics Workshop (part of the Level I workshop) between October and March of each year in order to ensure access to the sideline for all games at Championship events.
How much does the certification cost?
$82.50, which includes lunch and snacks and some gear from sponsors. Female coaches and male coaches of female or mized teams can apply for a rebate once the certification process is complete and you are on a roster. You can pay by credit card. If you would like to take the course but you can’t afford the cost upfront, please let me know.

USA Ultimate Coaching Clinic

usaultimatelogo435x290Valley Ultimate is hosting a USA Ultimate Coaching Development Program Level I Workshop on December 10!

What: The Level I program consists of two workshops (Coaching Ethics and Coaching Performance) where coaches will learn skills and techniques to introduce ultimate and its skills to new players.

Are you a female coach or a coach of a female or mixed team? You may be eligible for a rebate through the Women’s Development Program. Visit Women’s Development for details.

When: Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Where: Northampton High School (NHS), 380 Elm St., Northampton, MA 01060
Cost: $82.50

NOTE: A USA Ultimate membership is required to attend. While any membership will work for attendance, a background check ($21.50+ additional county costs), and a coach-level membership are required for certification.

What do I get? In addition to gaining certification (and the benefits of the list above), coaches will also receive the following from USA Ultimate and program sponsor, Five Ultimate:

  • USA Ultimate Coaching Ethics and Performance Manuals
  • USA Ultimate Coaching Code of Ethics and Spirit of Coaching
  • Five Ultimate Coaching Development Program Five Gear
  • Five Ultimate Coach Bag
  • USA Ultimate Coaching Development Program Disc

Do note that if you are under 21, you may attend the workshop, but your certification will be held until you turn 21.

Want more details?

Coaches Needed

There are several teams looking for coaches this spring:

Academy at Charlemont Girls
The Academy at Charlemont is desperately seeking a Girls’ Ultimate coach. Contact Dave Chalfant at dchalfant@charlemont.org if you’re interested.

Newton North Girls
Ultimate Players and Friends, especially those with some free time in the afternoons… The NNHS Girls Ultimate team is looking for a coach/advisor for this season. Your time commitment would be up to you, but hopefully at least 2x per week from 3-5pm. The season runs roughly from mid-March until the end of May, but really only gets going once the fields are open to play outside. There’s $400 in it. Not much, but it’s something! Please email me at this address if you are interested or know someone who might be. Thanks!

Matty Anderson (nnhsultimate@gmail.com)
NNHS Boys coach

Hartsbrook Open
Varsity Ultimate coach needed for the Hartsbrook School’s 2014 season. The team meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3:45-5:45 and participates in several weekend tournaments. The season begins in mid-late March and runs through the end of May.

Hartsbrook has a competitive and well supported program. The players are fun and hard-working.

Please email stating your experience with ultimate and with teaching/coaching, as well as your availability. Applicants must have a good driving record and be able to drive a 14 passenger mini-bus (no special licensing required). Applicants will complete a CORI background check prior to hire.

Location: Hadley, MA
Contact: Megan Owens (mowens@hartsbrook.org)

PVPA Girls
Attached is the job posting for the Varsity Girls Ultimate coaching position at PVPA. If you have any interest in the position, please reply; if anyone you know might be interested, please forward it along!

Details: 3 practices/week, 4-6:30pm; season runs early April through Memorial Day (first Monday in May); $1500 stipend paid in 2 halves (midpoint and end of season). Every Saturday in May, you’ll be booked, and 2 sundays plus Memorial Day.

As you’ll see in the PDF (attached), a formal application is required. There will be an interview, you’ll have to submit a written practice plan, and lead a workout/Ultimate lesson (indoors) within the next month or so. Let me know if you have any issues with the PDF, or any questions whatsoever.

Additionally, if you’re interested in a JV position, the pay is $750, but with only 2 practices a week and one tournament.

Please cc me on any replies regarding the position.

-mike (micucci.michael@gmail.com)
Job description (PDF)