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Hatgiving

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Valley Ultimate is very excited to host the 7th Annual Valley Ultimate Hat Tournament! 

 A single-day Ultimate Frisbee tournament 
Who:  open to players, of all skill levels, age 12 or older. 
When: Saturday, November 27, 2021, 9am – 5pm
Where:  Oxbow Marina Fields in Northampton, MA

We look forward to a fun day for the entire Valley Ultimate community to come out to the fields and play together outside one more time before the snow flies!

click here to for more info!!

Responsibility, Equity and Returning to Play–COVID-19 Update–February 26, 2021

Almost a year into the pandemic we’re at the crossroads of two questions: CAN we return to play? And SHOULD we return to play? 

Valley Ultimate is just one organization in a vibrant ultimate community. We recognize that pick up games, school programs, and other organizations will make their own choices regarding return to play. As a USAU Affiliate, community leader, and resource, we offer up the following guidance. 

CAN we return to play?

 We want to support our broader ultimate community in making the safest choices possible. We hosted the Annual Meeting/Return to Play Conversation on Feb. 7th to do just that. Sharing information and helping to set up a common standard for any program choosing to play is part of Valley Ultimate’s mission to serve as a unifying community resource. Here are some of the resources and standards that we highly suggest all programs and organizers take into consideration.

  • Massachusetts Dept of Health still categorizes ultimate frisbee as a high risk sport. As of Feb. 26, 2021 the state is still in Phase 3 Part 1 (report updated Feb. 8, 2021) of reopening. As an outdoor sport, Ultimate can be active in Levels 1, 2, or 3 (as outlined in the report), assuming compliance with any local Board of Health regulations and standards on top of those in the report. For high school programs, refer to the MIAA FAQ document regarding the report for additional support.
  • USAU Return to Play Guidelines are updated as of Feb. 19, 2021. The guidelines still say to defer to local and state guidelines, suggest rules adaptations for social distancing, and setting up systems of safety protocols, including testing, temperature checks, and symptom checks. In addition, the guidelines now mandate mask wearing at all times and includes considerations regarding the vaccine.
  • Through the winter, a workgroup of Western Mass coaches created rules adaptations based on the above information. This group was led by Emeritus Board Member Jim Pistrang, coach of Amherst Regional Middle School. Explore the rules adaptations and how they might be useful for your program. VU highly suggests that any programs planning inter-community or inter-school games adopt these rules.

SHOULD we return to play?

Though each program is independent, we are all part of the same ultimate community. Almost a year ago, many of us made the choice to collectively protect our community by staying off the field. After more than 500,000 deaths nationally, we find ourselves full of hope with the gradual rollout of a vaccine, and evidence that outdoor sports can be played safely. We also find ourselves facing variants of the COVID-19 virus and an unknown timeline for adequate rollout of the vaccine. That means many of the same considerations of how each program impacts our collective safety are still at play.  

  • We still can’t ALL safely return to play right now. There are many people in our community who are at higher risk than others: essential workers who are exposed regularly; people caring for at-risk family members; people in towns with higher rates of exposure; people who are immune compromised or have pre-existing conditions that put them at higher risk; people caring for children without any of the support they usually have; people who rely on public transportation.  Adaptations lower the risk, but for many members of our community, even managed risk is too much. Just as we said in July 2020, Valley Ultimate believes that in order to return to playing ultimate as we know it, we need to be able to provide a safe environment for all members of our community.
  • COVID-19 has disproportionately affected populations of color, and only broadened the already existing resource gaps that plague the country and our sport. This stark fact compounds the risks mentioned above that mean we can’t all safely return to play, even with modifications. In our community, that impacts which programs are able to return to play, and which programs will have to stay inactive.  Ultimate is a sport and community that has always held equity at its heart through spirit of the game–the long term fallout of a season with such a stark imbalance could easily derail what progress has been made in our sport and community toward closing the resource gap.  Valley Ultimate strongly suggests programs take this into account when determining return to play, especially as we are striving to become a more anti-racist and equity driven organization.

Will Valley Ultimate return to play?

Our Board and Volunteers are still deeply considering the issues. We are hopeful that vaccine rollout, state guidelines, case numbers etc. develop in a way that we can offer programming of some kind in the late summer or fall. While our goal is to provide something (we are all desperate to get moving and see your faces again!), Valley Ultimate cannot guarantee any in–person offerings, adult or youth, at this time. Needless to say, weighing the “can” and “should” while considering the logistics and resources available to us is a complicated task. We value your input and support as we navigate this unprecedented time.

The ultimate community is still here. Last fall, VU offered the Color of Ultimate Screening Series to keep ultimate in our lives from a distance. We are continuing to develop other guaranteed COVID-friendly events we can offer–175g Disc Golf League? Trivia Night? More screenings? As before, please fill out this survey to help us choose what to offer next.

If you have questions or ideas about this guidance and our understanding of the USAU and MA state guidelines, please feel free to contact us at valleyultimateboard@gmail.com.

If you want to help VU continue to engage, support and grow the ultimate community in Western Mass, fill out our volunteer form!

If you live in a state other than MA, we urge you to look into and abide by your state’s regulations.

Please always check directly with state and local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Western Mass is a region where the numbers of infections have decreased enough to safely open many things. Let’s enjoy and honor that privilege and continue to protect our whole community.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Spirited!

 

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.

Color of Ultimate Screening Series!

Group Photo from 2019 ATL Showcase game

Group Photo from 2019 ATL Showcase game. Borrowed from CofU website.

Back in September many of you joined us to watch the Color of Ultimate 2019 Atlanta Showcase game. We hope seeing such excellent performances from some top tier players of color filled some of the void we’re all feeling without ultimate right now. If you missed the screening, you can always watch it on your own time using the link above!

Our next event will be a combo screening and conversation on Thursday, October 22 from 7-9pm. We will be watching the official Color of Ultimate documentary, which features athletes from the showcase game speaking about their experiences as ultimate players. Bring a snack, and open mind, and a disc to practice grip changes while you watch!

Register here to receive more details closer to the event Thursday 10/22 from 7-9pm. Please also consider throwing some support to Color of Ultimate by sending them some $$$ on PayPal at colorofultimate@gmail.com

If you can’t make this event, you can always find the documentary on YouTube to watch on your own. You’ll also have a chance to watch the L.A. Showcase game with us next month!

Announcing the VU Equity & Anti-Racism Task Force

Signs made by Kelsey Wentling & friends for recent protests in Springfield, Holyoke and Northampton.

 

Black Lives Matter. The current protests represent the culmination of decades of unheard cries for justice. Valley Ultimate stands with the BLM movement in their quest for justice for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others. As an organization based on community and youth development, Valley Ultimate believes in the power of outreach and investment in community programs to improve the lives of its inhabitants and supports the re-allotment of city and town budgets to prioritize such programs. Valley Ultimate encourages it’s community to educate themselves on terms and topics like anti-racism, implicit bias, racism, white privilege, Black Lives Matter, and Defund the Police; to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) owned businesses in a time of economic uncertainty; to donate to organizations doing the work; and to learn more about the platforms, policies and practices of your local representatives and authorities regarding social justice, equity and anti-racism.

Valley Ultimate’s mission is to promote and grow ultimate in Western Mass and the Pioneer Valley and to strengthen the ultimate community by documenting, encouraging and creating positive playing & learning experiences that embrace the Spirit of the Game. In the wake of this massive awakening across the United States, Valley Ultimate is examining our role in systemic racism and working to develop new methods to enact our mission in an anti-racist way.

To strengthen our community we must face the difficult truth that white supremacy is present in all parts of our culture. 

  • We must face this as individuals, as members of a broader community, as Board members, and as an organization

To encourage and create positive playing & learning opportunities for all we must examine the ways white supremacy impacts these opportunities.

  • This includes both logistical items, such as where we host, how we advertise and how we conduct registration for games, youth leagues and workshops; and how we prepare coaches and workshop leaders.

To fully embrace Spirit of the Game, we must listen to and learn from BIPOC players’ experiences and dismantle even the most subtle ways that white supremacy presents itself in ultimate culture.

  • We must encourage an openness to self examination in our white players and community to ensure that BIPOC players voices are amplified and supported, so that the mutual respect and joy in competition that spirit of the game embodies is applied to all who enter the ultimate community.

Acknowledging Valley Ultimate’s complicity in a culture of white supremacy is the first step in a long journey that can only be continued through action. We invite the community to hold us accountable as we rebuild our programs in the “new normal” COVID-19 creates for us. As with any process, we will make mistakes, but we hope that with your help we can learn from them. Please also hold each other accountable and support each other in learning from our mistakes, rather than getting stalled by them.

The newly formed VU Equity & Anti-Racism Task Force will not only be spearheading Board education on these topics, but also assessing our programs, releasing resources on our social media accounts and website, and offering community events. The current task force members are Kelsey Wentling, Amber Tanudjaja, Joe Costello, Lee Feldscher, Kyle Taylor and Terry Plotkin. Visit our Equity Resources page for our living document of resources. If you are interested in serving on this task force please fill out our volunteer form.

If you have questions about the Equity & Anti-Racism Task Force, email us at valleyultimateboard@gmail.com

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay spirited!

COVID-19 Update: Responsibility, Equity and Returning to Play

You miss ultimate. We miss ultimate. We still have to wait to play ultimate. 

Sadly, that’s the short answer. The long answer is that as an organization and a community we have to balance social responsibility, equity, and state & local regulations. For now, Valley Ultimate continues to strongly suggest that all pickup games and programs be suspended until further notice. Valley Ultimate will not be running any regular ultimate programs this summer. Below are some summaries of the information we are looking at.

  • Massachusetts Dept of Health categorizes ultimate frisbee as a high risk sport. In the July 6th report for Phase 3 Part 1 of the state’s reopening plan, ultimate frisbee can only be active in Level 1. In simple terms: we are limited to socially distant drills and workout groups while wearing masks and disinfecting discs. Groups are limited to no more than 25 people if social distancing and mask wearing is maintained at all times–a big number, but one that some pickup games reach regularly (and one that programs absolutely reach). While this may change in future phases, there are still Levels 2 and 3 before ultimate frisbee is approved for competitive play between teams–pickup games arguably fall into this category, as the players attending a game are not all from the same area or consistent in attendance (anyone is welcome to show up from anywhere). We will be watching the MA Dept of Health guidelines closely, and will not be recommending the safe return to play before it is approved by the state and local authorities.
  • We can’t ALL safely return to play right now. Essential workers who are exposed regularly; people caring for at risk family members; people in towns with higher rates of exposure; people who are immune compromised or have pre-existing conditions that put them at higher risk; people caring for children without any of the support they usually have; people who rely on public transportation–even on a local scale, our community is made up of a lot of different people. Valley Ultimate strongly believes that in order to return to playing ultimate as we know it, we need to be able to provide a safe environment for all members of our community. Right now, we aren’t there.
  • USAU Return to Play Guidelines include rule changes like 6’ distancing for any defensive player. That means that the organization has done the research and says to safely play ultimate–which requires very close proximity, despite being a non-contact sport–we have to fundamentally change the game. In addition, formal programs are suggested to include temperature checks, having contact tracing systems in place, disinfecting stations ever-present and other infrastructure requirements that many pickup games aren’t able to consistently provide. To top if off, USAU suggests we follow state guidelines–which puts us back where we started above.

Waiting to play doesn’t mean the ultimate community is gone. Valley Ultimate is working to provide alternative ideas for programs and events, based on the guidelines we have. Fill out this poll to help us decide which ideas will be most valuable. In addition, VU is updating the way we do things and seeking opportunities to engage the community in other ways. Fill out this form if you have input to share about VU’s future.

If you have further questions about this decision and our understanding of the USAU and MA state guidelines, please feel free to contact us at valleyultimateboard@gmail.com.

If you want to help VU continue to engage, support and grow the ultimate community in Western Mass, fill out our volunteer form or even consider joining the board!

If you live in a state other than MA, we urge you to look into and abide by your state’s regulations.

Western Mass is a region where the numbers of infections have decreased enough to safely open many things. Let’s enjoy and honor that privilege and continue to protect our whole community.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Spirited!

 

Valley Ultimate Fall Youth League 2017

9/18/17: It’s not too late to sign up! 

What Is the Valley Ultimate Fall League?
The Valley Ultimate Fall League is a coed youth program designed for high school and middle school players who wish to continue playing in the fall season. This league is intended to be a fun, competitive environment that will help players of all experience levels develop their skills.

The league will be divided into two divisions: One for students in grades 6th through 8th and one for students in grades 9 through 12.

Who is eligible to play in the league?

The league is open to all high school and middle school students in the region (grades 6 through 12). There will be a maximum of 90 players admitted to each league on a first come, first-served basis.

How does registration work?

There are three registration steps:

1) Login to your USAU membership account and make sure you’ve signed the online waiver and paid your USAU dues.

2) Pay the $70 league fee right here using PayPal. You can use a credit card and you do not have to create a PayPal account. We are only accepting payments online. Make sure your USAU Membership is up-to-date.

3) Fill out and submit the online registration form.

What are the dates of the league?

The league will run on six Sundays in the fall:

  • Sunday 9/17
  • Sunday 9/24
  • Sunday 10/1
  • (Youth Regionals are 10/6-10/8) [We will NOT be going this year.]
  • Sunday 10/15
  • Sunday 10/22
  • Sunday 10/29

In addition, some league high school players may participate in a Youth Regional tournament in Pennsylvania during the weekend of October 6-8.

Do I need to attend all of the sessions?

Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged, but if you need to miss one or two sessions you can still play in the league.

How long are the sessions?

All sessions are from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Each session has a 60 minute practice, followed by a 90 minute game.

Who are the League Directors?

Joe Costello and Jeremiah Berlin are the league directors of the High School League and Suna Turgay is the director of the Middle School League.

Who are the coaches?

Each team will have an experienced, dedicated coach.

Where will we play?

Practices and games will be held at the Oxbow Marina in Northampton, MA.

How much does it cost?

The cost will be $70 per player. In addition, all players must be USAU members. All payments will be made online via PayPal, and will be part of the registration process. You are not registered until payment is made.

Scholarships are available for both the league fee and for USAU fees. Send an email to the league director if you need more information on scholarships.

Youth Regionals Teams [We will NOT be going this year.]

Valley Ultimate would like to send a boys and girls team to the inaugural Youth Regional tournament 10/6-10/8. It is recommended that players who are interested in participating in Youth Regionals indicate that on the registration form. Interested players will be contacted about the Youth Regionals team. Selection for the teams will require a separate player fee, and overnight stays in Pennsylvania on Friday 10/6 and Saturday 10/7.

For more information:

Please contact the league organizers –

Joe Costello – joe.costello2@gmail.com

Jeremiah Berlin – jeremiah.berlin@gmail.com

Valley Ultimate Youth Club Champs & Summer League 2017

Coach Leila Tunnell

Registration is now online for Valley Ultimate’s two summer youth offerings:

Youth Club Champs Program: A girls team and a boys team that will participate in the 2017 USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships. Lelia Tunnell will be coaching the girls team and Joe Costello will be coaching the boys team. Girls tryouts are on 6/3 and boys tryouts are on 6/10.

Youth Summer League: Open to all youth players in the region! The league will meet 8 times and start on June 7th.