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!