Elliot Elmo Taylor Martin Chris White David Pichler

Chevron Action Flash v Clapham © Dave Sanders 2011 ultimatephotos.org

Mixed Winter League 2. © Simon Crisp 2011, photoboxgallery/ultimate

[front cover] GB v Canada , World Championships Beach Ultimate. Photo © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru

2 Editor’s Note So firstly – I’m not the Editor, but I direction. 2011 was a GB-year (as is am part of a team of people that have 2012). We won a hat-full of medals been struggling to gather articles – including World Beach gold in the and edit them all into some sort of mixed masters division. Will 2012 coherent shape for Ultimatum!2011. be the year when Open, Women or So in the absence of a single editor perhaps most likely Mixed, break that looked after this year’s edition, into the medals at WUGC? Finally, I said I would write something to the American Ultimate Disc League introduce this year’s magazine. started in April 2012 and our lateness allowed us the chance to include news I used to love Ultimatum! Of course, I of that initiative. No doubt many of us still do, but in the last couple of years will have mixed feelings about where it has assumed a more painful place that project may lead given that they in my life as we struggle with missed have included refs. deadlines and late delivery. And this year we’re later than ever! L We Looking beyond Ultimatum, I recently have a bigger editing team, and a new submitted our annual census plan to get Ultimatum!2012 out at the numbers to WFDF – and UKU just end of the right year. If you think you went over 3,500 members. We receive can help please email ultimatum@ emails every week from schools that ukultimate.com. play ultimate in PE lessons or after school but are completely outside I’d like to start by thanking everyone our “playing community”. So we are that has helped to get us here: Mara kicking off a new National Schools Alperin, Sean Colfer, Dan Berry, Chris championship. No doubt it will take Baker, and of course Jack Goolden. a few years to get going, but I’m Thanks also to everyone that wrote an convinced we’ve crossed a tipping article, or shared their photos. point where the growth in schools’ I hope you enjoy this year’s magazine. Ultimate is set to accelerate quickly I feel we have a great mix of reports, for several years. stories and ideas that give a good As a final point I thought I’d take this flavour of what Ultimate in the UK is chance to say that in 2012 we are doing all about right now, as well as some some planning for the period 2013-16. articles from further afield. I love the We wanted some simple ideas that contrast in the opening photos. World we could use to communicate the Beach was unbelievably hot. The main goals for our organisation in the London Winter League is generally coming years. This is still work-in- exceedingly cold. It’s great to hear progress at the moment, but I rather Ryan Keyfitz from Josh Wardle – an ex-Clapham like these two: “Ultimate in every teammate who has continued to play school” and “A coach in every club”. fanatically since moving to the US and who is a key member of the NexGen People often tell me that my full-time team. Ollie Gordon – who played in job in Ultimate means I’m living the the NexGen tour – also gives us his dream. With so many exciting things take on what that was like. There happening, I would have to say they are stories of the struggle to build are right! Women’s Ultimate. But if the biggest ever Uni Women’s Outdoor Nationals Si Hill in April 2012 (25 teams) is anything to go by there is good evidence that Canada , WCBU © Graham Bailey 2011 - grahambaileyphotography.com things are still going in the right

3 Fire starters

years, and so we entered Tour 1 with calibre of player on a regular basis plenty of confidence. ensures that you continually work and push yourself. Every drill, every game, We started slowly, opening with losses every week at training was tough, but to Chevron and to EMO. However, we that’s why we were there. Plus, having managed to win our remaining games, an angry Stu on the sideline or Lewis recording impressive victories over in a time-out is not a fun experience! Tooting Tigers and LLLeeds, finishing 9th. It was a good result, but we felt We also had an abundance of we could achieve even more. experienced players to call upon if we were having difficulties with parts of As the Tour season progressed, our our game. Had we been a team in our results continued to improve, and we own right, the improvements wouldn’t took a number of first team scalps, have happened at such a rate. Drawing including EMO, Fusion, Brighton on the experiences and knowledge and the Irish national team. Perhaps of these players gave us confidence more impressive than our victories going into big games. Veterans like alone was our resolve to overturn late Ed Russell, Luke Hartley and Wayne deficits and close out tight games. We Retter were able to draw on their certainly played more sudden death combined 40(ish!) years of experience games than I care to remember. This and provide valuable knowledge and helped us to record an 8th place finish guidance to the younger players – at Tour 2 and 5th at Tour 3. Overall, we some of whom had not previously finished the Tour season in 6th place played in the A Tour. – not a bad performance for a second Ben Rolfe Rob Schumacher Matthew Ford team. However, there is an obvious downside to being a second team. Some of the benefits we experienced Everyone in the club would agree that this year were obvious. We were producing the best possible first team part of a larger squad, with around is the primary goal, which can thus Fire v Brighton Tour 3. © Andy Moss 2011 40 members, and so were able to have negative consequences on the guarantee good numbers at almost seconds. Unfortunately, there’s little There was only one second team in A event and Nationals, whilst the second every training session, something that you can do about it. Accepting this Tour in 2011 – Fire of London 2. We team were told they weren’t just single team squads often struggle fact is part and parcel of being on a produced some impressive displays aiming for top eight, they were aiming with. With initial teams not selected second team. this year, challenging and beating for Euros qualification. I’ll be the first until the week before Tour, intensity some of the UK’s strongest teams. to say that I thought at the beginning remained high as players fought for As our results improved, it wasn’t However, being a second team brings of the year it was unrealistic – but their spots. This intensity continued going to be long before the first with it a range of both positives and as the season went on, we started to throughout the season as players team promoted some of our players. negatives that other teams don’t genuinely believe that Euros was a moved up and down depending upon The likes of Harry Geller and Steve have to face, and it offers a very possibility. attendance and performance. The ‘Baldrick’ Walton put in strong different experience when compared continual reassessment helped performances to earn call-ups. Whilst to other top squads. A couple of pre-season European drive improvement and minimise fantastic for those guys – and much tournaments and a training weekend complacency. Dangling the carrot of deserved – it took some of the strength After a successful recruitment drive, on the south coast ensured a good first team – and thus a Euros – spots away from the seconds. Losing your Fire found itself with an abundance vibe was building both on and off can be a powerful incentive in driving best players, whether that’s through of talent. First team spots had to the pitch. This proved particularly players to bring out their A-game. their success or the loss of first team be fought for, which was reflected important for the second team; players, is tough. There is a constant throughout the season in the intensity with a large intake of players, it was As well as this, we had the opportunity need to adapt to the players you have of our training. With this in mind, the crucial to start building our plays and to match up against the likes of available. Whilst I’m sure many teams club set itself some ambitious targets. understanding how each other played Lewis Glover, Stu Greer and Rob face a similar problem, second teams early on. All of this helped us feel Schumacher on a weekly basis. Being suffer this more acutely. We often lost The first team wanted to win a Tour much better prepared than previous able to train and play against this

4 Harry Geller

Callum Smith

Fire v Brighton Tour 3. © Sapphira van Assema 2011

Top 16 compared to 2010 our most in-form players and as with first team. In retrospect, it improved time especially during the big games? Clapham Ultimate = the nature of second teams, when the people’s games massively, such as Or do you join a lower-level second Chevron Action Flash = firsts lost greater numbers, they took the second team players’ MVP and team and play a more important role Fire of London 1 = more players. Despite this ongoing MIP Alex Cragg, who went on to play but rarely get exposed to the very top challenge, it only became a problem with the firsts at Euros. Pitch time was level? Brighton Ultimate 1 = at Nationals. With a number of evenly distributed within the O and D Fusion 1 = players unable to attend, the second lines, too. I can count the amount Currently, I believe Fire 2 is able to Fire of London 2 2 team, especially the O-line, was of power lines called during the offer the best of both worlds. We have GB Open left weakened which subsequently season on one hand. This approach been able to experience some massive New Entry shattered our European dream. differentiates us from most A Tour games against the top teams, with our EMO 1 1 younger players playing huge roles. teams. We’ve thrived on the lack of Devon 1 3 Unlike many first teams, we do not pressure placed upon us. Going into As well as that experience, we’ve been LeedsLeedsLeeds 4 have the so-called ‘superstars’ to turn big games, the team was relaxed, able test ourselves against some of to for a last-minute rescue. However, and that allowed some of our best the best players in the UK every week Tooting Tigers = without these players, every individual at training. Who knows – with a score Ultimate to shine through. Ireland Open New Entry had to step up and take on more on Lewis or a block on Stu, you could responsibility. This gave us all the The fundamental question when make the first team! TeamShark 1 4 opportunity to play in extremely tight you’re a part of a second team is this: Burro Electrico 3 games. Most of us wouldn’t have had do you join a competitive first team Martyn Brown, Fire of London 2 Strange Blue 1 1 that experience had we been part of a where you may not get much pitch The Brown 1 2

5 The United States! America! Yanksville!

Josh Wardle

Josh Wardle

Ego at College Nationals © Kevin Minderhout 2011 NW College Regionals © Kevin Minderhout 2011

American Ultimate Phraseology In 2008 I enrolled at the University of of a my collegiate ultimate career, I our sights were always set on the Here are some American terms Oregon for a three year Master’s in thought I might rather address some American teams. We had heard that and their British counterparts. Digital Art. Well that’s what my visa of questions you might have about they were more physical, and so we You should avoid using the said. In reality I was taking a course in American Ultimate. pushed one another during practice British version in intense game Ultimate. Unbeknownst to my parents, by ramping up our physicality. The Aren’t Americans all god-fearing, situations. every graduate school I had applied idea being we’d be prepared for it to in the US was home to a top 20 obese imbeciles? when it came to game time. Though Cleats = Boots Ultimate team. Oregon’s team, Ego, is Sadly, this isn’t true. Despite what we upon playing in the US, I found that Field = Pitch known for its oddball vibe and exciting are told in the UK, it turns out (rather the standard of physicality wasn’t that play style. A perennial powerhouse, much different from that of the elite Blow up = Play well unsurprisingly in retrospect) that Ego has produced several of the most Americans are similar to anyone teams in the UK. In fact I often found Blow up huge = Play even better sport’s best players including Ben you’d meet in the UK. Just swap our that I was one of the more physical Baller = Talented Individual and Seth Wiggins and more recently crushing cynicism for an unbridled players on the field (‘pitch’, I’ve been He/She balls = He/She plays NexGen-er Dylan Freechild. optimism, and you’re pretty much told many times by sniggering yanks, is something you do to a tent). exceptional ultimate with Rather than treat you all to an epic there. vim and gusto. yarn of the ups (crushing in 2010 and Isn’t American Ultimate more Are American Ultimate players more Scorebox/The House = Endzone earning the #1 seed at nationals) and physical than European Ultimate? athletic? Boost = Huck downs (finishing that same nationals in 13th place, getting disqualified at This one isn’t true either. When I’d say yes to this one. Generally the Uniform = Kit sectionals after playing shirts only) I played with Clapham (’06–’08), level of athleticism is leaps and bounds

6 The United States! America! Yanksville!

Rich Harris

Paul Sarjeant

Josh Wardle

‘Break-Bucket’, a very Ego tradition. Fire 1 v GB Open Tour 3. © Sapphira van Assema 2011

ahead of the UK. Kids of both genders Kittredge, Brodie Smith and Dylan would definitely be experience. I on the off days. We travelled to Vegas, play multiple sports in elementary Tunnell: 6 foot plus and jacked. Speed always felt that Clapham’s consistent Texas, North Carolina and California. school. Soccer, basketball, baseball, and power are the words of the day. success hinged on the depth of its We blew up huge, both on and off the softball, handball, football, etc. It Rumour has it that this year reigning veterans experience. Ego had talent, field. We came away with some great just seems expected that you play world champions Revolver made their but didn’t always have the knowledge results, and I got to match up against sport at a young age. As such, it is squad selection based largely from to use that talent to its best advantage. some incredibly talented players. unsurprising that individuals are 40 yard (i.e. approximately 37 metre) much more comfortable with using sprint times. Summary In short, I have come away from my their bodies physically. time at Oregon with some of the best Could the best US College teams Three years later and a just semi- stories, best on field experience and For example, you’ll bump into players compete with the top UK club teams? pointless degree to show for it, would best friends I could ever hope to have. at local pick-up who play on teams I do it again? I’ve thought about this one a lot, and I Josh Wardle that never make it to regionals, but Definitely. have a raw athleticism that would think that in its best year (2010), Ego make them top tier players in the could have easily finished in the top Playing elite collegiate Ultimate is the UK. Guys are getting bigger, faster four in the UK club scene. The general most fun I have had in my Ultimate and more explosive. The gangletron, standard of athleticism, coupled with career. I ended up living and breathing long-distance runner mold (of which the fact that many of these players my team. Everything was about I am a devout member) is slowly on have been playing since high-school, Ultimate. We practised three times a the way out in competitive ultimate. would give them a huge advantage. The week. We ran track or lifted at least In is the body type of guys like Beau one area things would come unstuck twice a week, and hung out together

7 Female students

I caught the Ultimate bug watching at training. I was quite relieved to from the sideline, and often from know that it wasn’t just Manchester. At behind a desk. After helping run the women’s beginners’ tournament two mixed tours and London Calling in Nottingham we talked with some (ferrying water, taking scores and teams who had only managed to get looking stressed) I knew that the next three Freshers girls to join this year time I was at a game I needed to be and played plenty of teams without playing rather than watching. One of substitutes available. Ladies, where the best things I’d noticed was that have you all gone? It might be more it was a sport without any obvious of a problem for northern teams; sexism; where Mixed and Women’s it gets so cold that it’s like training teams as are highly skilled and with a bunch of Smurfs, but outside respected as Open and where, as far of university Ultimate I’ve seen some as I could see, equally as many women very formidable female players and were keen to take part as men. they can’t all have come from the south. As soon as I joined Manchester University I was sure I was going to This is one thing I didn’t expect from love being part of Halcyon, the team Ultimate, especially at university level was instantly friendly and vibrant, and where most of us would rather train I was literally sucked in by the family in sub-zero than revise or attend atmosphere and the enthusiasm lectures. I even had ideas that in some of the experienced players. It was teams the girls might out number such a fast paced first few weeks the guys and for some universities too. An entire army of beginners this might be true, just not the ones flooded Halcyon’s training sessions I’ve come across. My worry is that and jostled for places at beginners’ university Ultimate could just turn tournaments in Manchester, Leeds into another male dominated sport and Liverpool - our numbers helping where people can justify not taking us to make an impression at every the women’s side as seriously as the early tournament. During play in these men’s, and based on the level of play tournaments I frequently found myself I’ve seen from women in my limited opposite a male beginner but it didn’t experience, that would be a huge particularly worry me, it’s part and shame. I don’t think we’ve started to parcel of playing mixed, and equally slip just yet, maybe it depends on the we lined up against teams with girls year’s intake whether you get enough that easily outnumbered ours. girls to put forward a decent women’s team, or maybe it really is the time of As the weeks stretched on however, Miranda Cole Sarah Jean-Baptiste year; but it’s so important to keep the and the weather got substantially profile of Women’s Ultimate equal to worse, the number of women that of Open, it’s part of what made the attending training sessions started so attractive to me in the first place. depleting. Exam pressure must If we lose our status it will be much be a factor for a lot of players and harder to get it back, as if Ultimate outside commitments like work and hasn’t had enough trouble getting to other societies are always going to its current standing in this country. So compromise the time you can give to here’s my plea to all the girls: let’s get the team, but it seemed to be affecting it moving again, excuse the pun, but the women’s side more than the men’s let’s man-up! - to the point where we stopped being Nice Bristols v Brighton Tour 3. © Andy Moss 2011 able to have separate women’s games Jessica Benson

8 Campus chieftains

In the 2010-2011 University Ultimate such a cold hall!). After a messy first squabbles). And yet even the than planned. Just making it to the season, Sussex Mohawks achieved an game, we altered our tactics to make disagreements brought us closer as a tournament felt like a victory, so we incredible unbeaten outdoor season. use of the wider pitches, which paid team. We saw each game at Nationals saw no reason why we shouldn’t take We won Open, Women’s and Mixed off for the most part. A loss in our pool as a new challenge. This collective another. University Outdoor Nationals, an meant a more difficult crossover, but mental strength was important, as unprecedented triple, and completed by then we had started playing our we went behind in 5 of our 6 matches. We came out strong and took an early an Open double by winning Open best Ultimate. That included the final against lead in all of our games which we Indoor Nationals. Cambridge Strange Blue, a tight 12-9 were able to build on. The final was By the end of Sunday, we felt like victory. Often inspirational speeches a rematch of the indoors final against We knew that we had the potential a team that could win Nationals. from ex-Mohawks who had travelled Bears. Our desire was obvious – a win for a very successful year from the We took that confidence into a hard with us up to Sheffield provided the would avenge our defeat earlier in beginning. The club had retained a lot fought final, taking an early lead that motivation we needed, especially in the year and complete an unbeaten of first team players from the previous Edinburgh Ro Sham Bo were never our semi-final against Uriel. In every outdoor season. You already know the year, so the basis for a strong team able to recover from, finishing 12-7 game we played, we learned how end result. was already established. All that was victors. The win was incredible, and teams adapted to our style – in effect, needed was for a few extra players to made us hungry for more success. It was a great season, not only for every team we played against helped those who played, but for everyone step up, to prove that they had what us to beat the next. it took to help us succeed in every Next up was Mixed Indoor Nationals. who has been involved with the division. Despite an early injury to one of our The next chapter involved a minibus club over the last 25 years. This key female receivers, we played well full of women and two male anniversary year will always have a As well as being founded on and progressed to the final, only to cheerleaders – in varying states of special resonance to those for whom experience and existing talent, the be beaten (scoreline) by Warwick distress and delight over missing the being a Mohawk means an enormous club benefits from all of our players Bears. Being so close to winning Royal wedding – journeying to Durham amount – whether it’s the reason being good friends. The majority of another Nationals only to lose left us for Women’s Outdoor Nationals. We behind an 11-year-old hair cut or a us live with fellow Mohawks, and we all disappointed. We remembered that faced a lot of arrow-head zone in tattoo on the back of your leg. spend a lot of time together outside feeling, and we used it to drive our pool play, which we worked through of trainings. We hang out as a team outdoor season. ’Once a Mohawk, always a Mohawk’ – relentlessly. Sometimes that was with and always with the new legacy of the often, and so we get to know each patience, and sometimes with throws other that little bit better. At Women’s Indoor Nationals, our 2010-11 season. squad struggled to compete with the that would at best be described as Furthermore, we were, and still top tier, despite having challenged ‘unorthodox’. A gruelling semi-final Robbie Haines are, very fortunate to have such an defending champions Exeter Urielle against St Andrew’s Flatball left the experienced coach in Felix Shardlow, at Regionals. Low on handling small rotation of stronger players and the support of everyone involved experience, players who were more tired for the final against Strange Blue in Brighton Ultimate. They turned up used to catching scores were suddenly – a repeat of the Open match-up some every Monday to play us in outdoor being asked to throw them, and months before. Aware that the Open practice games throughout the drawing a zone-heavy pool didn’t help. team would never let us live it down winter, and came to indoor sessions No one was particularly thrilled with otherwise, we pulled through to clinch we organised. We couldn’t have asked the 14th place finish, but the team was the victory 7-5, and take the title for for more. Come rain (or snow!) they still optimistic enough to quip, “It’s ok, the third time in five years. were there, eager to beat us and prove we’ll win Outdoors”. Just getting to the final tournament that we still had a lot to learn. These In preparing for Outdoor Nationals, of the year (Mixed Nationals) was games gave us a great opportunity to eventful. The short story is that the experiment with different zones and the Open squad constantly trained as a team. We did hours of fitness and Cricket team had somehow broken offences, many of which we went on to the University’s minibus – the roof use with great effect. hill sprints. We went through drills covering all aspects of Ultimate – wouldn’t stay on when driving over The first major tournament of the year reading discs, bringing down swill, 40 mph! Although the Uni were happy was Indoor Open Nationals. We put working the disc through zones. These for the wreck to make the 1000 mile in a lot of extra hours practising our skills would prove vital at Nationals. round trip, we managed to get hold of indoor plays and throws. However, we some hire cars instead. We eventually had not expected such big pitches (or The run-up to the tournament got on the over four hours later was tough (and included the usual

9 Disc-y business Are we ready for professional Ultimate Frisbee? Get ready, America. At 3 p.m. this from either the writer or the subject a game of pick-up basketball. In a governing body USA Ultimate has Saturday, pro sports in this country that it’s not just for shoeless hippies refereed game, he says, the action held a yearly tournament called the will change forever when the anymore. will move faster and players will be Club Championships. Qualifying for Rhode Island Rampage take on the able to focus on playing. Brodie Smith this tournament—and, for the best Connecticut Constitution. Yes, we are There is some evidence that agrees: “I love the idea of refs because of the best, winning it—is widely just a few days away from the dawn of Ultimate’s image is changing. Brodie I no longer have to focus on making regarded as the pinnacle of the professional Ultimate Frisbee. Smith, a two-time college champion calls. I can play as hard as I can and sport, not only in North America but at the University of Florida, makes when the whistle blows the whistle in the world. Jack Marsh, co-captain When the formation of the American the Frisbee look kind of cool. His blows.” of the club team Pride of New York, Ultimate Disc League was first popular YouTube channel features decided against playing in the AUDL announced, I thought it was a joke. instructional videos and clips of trick These views are far from universal. because he worried it would cut down Everything from the X in the name of shots. In one video, he flings a disc In recreational play, where the stakes on preparation for his club team. the Detroit Mechanix to the location from a bridge and his friend leaps out are low and teams assign each other Another elite-level player, Brandon of the championship game—Pontiac, of a speedboat to catch it. It has more “spirit scores” as a means of shaming Malecek, told me the captains of his Mich.’s 80,000-seat Silverdome—felt than 5 million views. Most remarkably, jerks, spirit is an unquestioned pillar Boston-based club team Ironside, wrong. But the league’s press Smith has managed to make a living of the sport. But even at the elite club were actively discouraging players releases, announcing the locations by being really awesome at Ultimate. level some players believe refs are from putting time into the new league, of the eight teams and the 15-week You can hire Smith for about $20 a not the answer. They started playing lest they be distracted from their goal regular season, made it clear that the head (plus expenses) to instruct your precisely because the sport was self- of winning the Club Championships. AUDL wasn’t joking around. “Louisville Ultimate squad. He’s been flown to governed, and they don’t want the looks legit,” wrote one poster on the Australia, Ireland, and Italy. game to change now. Even so, Malecek isn’t expecting rec.sport.disc newsgroup, noting that too much from the AUDL in its first “you can become an unpaid intern if Smith could be the AUDL’s salvation. In Ultimate, an intentional foul—say, season—he told me the level of play you work long hours and weekends to Not only is he one of the few big grabbing a player’s arm to thwart would be “similar to a second- or support the team.” names in Ultimate to sign on with a scoring throw—is considered an third-tier club team.” Part of the the league—he moved from Florida egregious offense. With refs on the reason is geography. Columbus, It’s not totally crazy for Ultimate to go to Indiana to play for the Indianapolis field, some predict a win-at-all-costs Buffalo, and Indianapolis, to name pro. In 2010, 4.7 million Americans AlleyCats—Smith has also taken the future filled with basketball-style three more cities with AUDL teams, played the sport at least once—almost new league’s side in the sport’s oldest fouling and penalty-drawing, soccer- are not Ultimate hotbeds like San triple the number who played a debate: Should top-level Ultimate use esque dives. They might be right. In Francisco, Boston, and Vancouver. game of lacrosse, a sport with three referees, or should players continue 2006, four all-star teams participated Another potential pitfall is money: professional leagues. More than 1.5 to make their own calls? in a weekend experiment in refereed Players aren’t necessarily going to be million people play Ultimate at least Ultimate at a popular West Coast getting any. According to Moore, many 13 times a year, and those devotees Traditionally, Ultimate has been tournament. In a long post on rec. governed by a concept known as of the team’s owners plan to set up a tend to spend money on the sport. sport.disc, Ben Wiggins, a veteran profit-sharing scheme in the event of, There are at least eight companies “Spirit of the Game.” Spirit dictates competitive Ultimate player, wrote that the players make all the calls and well, profits. In the meantime, going that specialize in Ultimate apparel, that he found himself actively “pro” in Ultimate will get you a ride mainly sweat-wicking jerseys and that only legitimate calls are made. If encouraging his teammates to foul, there’s an irresolvable dispute, teams to the game, accommodation when trucker hats. Like most Ultimate something he hoped he’d never do in required, and some free equipment— players, I consider it a serious sport resort to the classic playground a real game of Ultimate. solution, the do-over. These on-field which, as an Ultimate player, I must filled with serious athletes. The admit doesn’t sound bad. trouble is, no one else does. debates can be painful to watch, and But even if referees don’t throw they leave non-playing spectators the game into an existential crisis, Moore seems remarkably confident in Despite 40 years of history, and confused about what the hell is going the AUDL still might not get off the the league’s success. He has plans to more participants in America than on. The AUDL’s solution: Ditch spirit in ground. With the exception of Brodie double the AUDL’s size next year, and fast-pitch softball and ice hockey favor of dudes with whistles. Smith, the league has mostly failed franchises in more Ultimate-friendly combined, it’s impossible to find a to attract the world’s best Ultimate territory, like Chicago and New York, news story that treats Ultimate as The league’s founder and president, players. That’s because, for most of Josh Moore, believes the lack of refs have already been sold. (You can buy anything but a curiosity. Every piece the sport’s elite, the amateur game is a pro Ultimate team for about $2,500, of Ultimate journalism must include is keeping the sport from being taken still more alluring. seriously. He compares watching he says.) In the next three years, he both a detailed explanation of how would like the league to go nationwide the game is played and a testimonial Ultimate to standing courtside for Since 1979, the sport’s American

10 with a total of 48 teams. That would USA Ultimate also has a credible make the AUDL 1.5 times the size of answer to the sport’s refereeing the NFL. conundrum. To make the game more spectator-friendly, the organization If these plans sound wildly optimistic, has created a system in which trained that’s because they probably are. Greg and certified observers communicate Heltzer, a D.C.-based Ultimate player, on-field decisions to fans and step was curious about how many fans the in to make calls when the players’ AUDL expected to show up for each discussions drag on. Observers can game. He emailed Moore and was sent also eject players who repeatedly a pitch outlining, among other things, break the rules. Spiking a disc at hypothetical per-game attendance an opponent upon scoring—this of 1,000 fans paying $5 each. Moore happens, albeit infrequently—will suggested (via the emailed pitch) get you kicked out of an observed that owners could hit this target by, Ultimate game. (Thankfully, regular for instance, giving away a free car. celebration spiking is still allowed.) Concessions sales would add to their profits. The organization’s changes have already helped the game inch into Heltzer wasn’t buying it. Even when the mainstream. The men’s and the best teams play, Ultimate games women’s final of the sport’s college rarely draw hundreds of spectators. championships are now broadcast on Justin Foord Last summer, a team of college all- the CBS Sports Network, accompanied stars toured the United States and by professional commentary. For Canada battling top club teams. At its part, the AUDL plans to stream $5 a ticket (nearly one-third of the commentated games pay-per-view games were free) the tour drew about style from the league’s website. You 400 fans per stop—and this was to can watch Brodie Smith and the see the best of the best, in Ultimate Indianapolis AlleyCats take on the country. By comparison, catching an Columbus Cranes this weekend for AUDL game will run you anywhere $9.95. (With four 12-minute quarters from $6 in Buffalo to $20 if you live in and a 15-minute halftime—the exact Detroit—$14 more than the cheapest same timing as NBA basketball—a Pistons-Timberwolves ticket to be had game of pro Ultimate, memorable Niall Wilkinson on StubHub. Given these numbers, the or not, will probably last about two league may have trouble attracting a hours.) couple hundred fans per game, never mind filling the Silverdome. Despite Josh Moore’s predictions of an Ultimate empire that stretches If the AUDL survives its inaugural from coast to coast, it’s only fair to set season, it will face even greater the bar low for the AUDL. This is, after competition in 2013 from a retooled all, the first season of a new league club series. Competitive Ultimate featuring an oft-mocked sport. For is traditionally played on weekends, Smith, expansion is less important tournament-style. USA Ultimate than avoiding extinction. “The goal plans to increase the volume of is to just complete the season,” says such tournaments, creating a PGA Ultimate’s best-known player. “If that Rob Anderson Tour-style season of summer and occurs, I think it’s a success.” fall events featuring the nation’s top teams. Daniel Lametti GB Open v Clapham, The final, Tour 2. © Graham Bailey, 2011

11 Don’t be good, be

Sprint Your Cuts, Stretch Your Calves and Say Yes, Constantly. The question “What does SYC mean?” was one we heard often in our debut season and the variety of suggestions offered up along the way kept us all entertained. But why set up a new team in the first place? And how did we get from nothing to 6th place at EUCF 2011 in less than a year? I’m not sure I know all the answers, but here is our story.

The idea SYC was originally a working title for an idea that quickly moved from a casual suggestion to an exciting reality. Over the past few seasons, a general feeling was emerging that the women’s tour had somewhat stagnated with the top two teams regularly battling it out for the title following a relatively unchallenged route to the final. After playing the 2010 season with LLLeeds, a few of us were relocating and contemplating what to do next – wouldn’t it be great if there was another team out there that could mix it up a bit? Interest in a new Ali Smith team began to grow and it became evident that there was a definite demand for more opportunities to play high level women’s ultimate in the UK. And so it began. We wanted to create a competitive team that would push for finals spots and at the same time provide development opportunities for talented players who had not previously had the chance. To achieve this we needed to strike a good balance between experience and potential, and create an environment Jenna Thomson in which these two elements could work together successfully. One key ingredient was essential in making this possible – attitude.

Nice Bristols v SYC Tour 3. © Graham Bailey 2011 - grahambaileyphotography.com

12 Don’t be good, be

The ethos Regardless of experience, something all the SYC girls share is a positive, driven attitude and a genuine desire to improve both as individuals and as a team. From the beginning, each player knew she was part of building something from scratch – the responsibility for how it panned out lay on everyone’s shoulders. Training was built on a supportive ethos where equality ruled. All errors were team errors, and all successes were team successes. There was an energy about the group that brought stories, Camille Chanaud Sophie Edmondson jokes and general shenanigans that were vital in creating SYC’s strong and unique sense of identity. As we approached Tour, the excitement and the nerves grew. We’d had a lot of fun so far, but how would we compete? We were about to find out. The Tour Tour 1, game 1: Yaka from France. We Yaka v Leeds Tour 2. © Dave Sanders 2011 ultimatephotos.org pulled on our new kit and warmed up for an international match-up that Nationals EUCF Thanks would reveal whether or not all our In Southampton we found a return to Aboutthree weeks before EUCF we got Setting up a new team is a risk with hard work had paid off. If I’m honest, form. The tension that had troubled an email – Leeds had pulled out and a no guarantees but that’s what makes the offence was a little rough around us in the last two tours seemed to spot was ours if we wanted it. I wasn’t it exciting. We achieved a lot in 10 the edges, but what we did have was disappear from our game, and the sure we were ready for that level of months and sometimes I think, “How grit and determination, in bucket team was noticeably more relaxed. competition, but some persuasive did we do that?” Training style, drills loads, and with it we secured a victory In the semi-final against Leeds, a words from co-captain Sophie Watson and tactics all have their role, but in our very first competitive match. now or never approach saw us take convinced me this was an opportunity without a doubt it’s the players on the half and we were looking strong. we couldn’t miss. And she was right. SYC that transformed us from an It was our first tour and we had nothing However, a clever change of tactics by unknown collection of strangers into a to lose – no pressure, no expectations Leeds in the second half exposed our In Bruges, something clicked. determined and tenacious unit. I want – and it showed in some confident inexperience and pushed us into 3rd Smooth patient offence and ferocious to thank all the girls for taking a risk and aggressive play. We finished 3rd place once again. The final remained determined defence resulted in four on the unknown and buying into the and proved to ourselves that we had elusive, but we had played our best consecutive wins against some of the vision with 100% conviction. Particular what it takes to challenge the top ultimate of the season, and we went top teams in Europe;:Hot Beaches, thanks to Jenna Thomson and Sophie teams. But with that belief came the out feeling satisfied and optimistic Heidees, Eyecatchers and Primavera. Watson for all their support through inevitable extra pressure. Tour 2 and about 2012. We only narrowly lost out on a shot at the whole process. 3 brought mixed form culminating in the semi-finals on the wrong end of Cardiff where we were beaten into 4th a three way tie, and we finished 6th And after all that, one question still place by a formidable Bristol side. And overall. EUCF was an unexpected and remains – what does SYC mean? while an overall result of 3rd in the invaluable end to our season showing Well, we’re happy to leave that one to tour was an extremely respectable that you never know what you are speculation. position for a team in its first season, capable of unless you give it a shot. we wanted more. We wanted a place in Linda Gilmour, SYC Captain that Nationals final.

13 A pizza the action

The World Championships of Beach Ultimate took place in Lignano The Tournament Sabbiadoro in August 2011. I attended The big story in the Open division was as a member of the BlockStack team: the Ukraine. After defeating Austria, Steve Giguere, Tom Styles and I were it emerged that a player from the tasked with providing media coverage Russian Mixed team had played for of the tournament. This involved Ukraine Open. This was obviously filming and commentating on games against the rules, and the Ukrainians for tape and for live broadcasts, writing were given 13-0 losses in every pool reports for the daily newsletters and game. The player in question was creating daily BlockStack TV shows. disqualified from the rest of the tournament. This soured a week of Due to work I had to depart for Italy excellent play, and was the only thing later than most. I travelled to Stansted anyone was talking about for a couple from Birmingham late on Saturday of days. It also meant that GB lost out night and attempted to sleep on the on a quarter-final place, as they lost floor of the departure lounge, the a tie-breaker to the Austrians. The seats all long since claimed by much tournament moved apace, though, more experienced travellers. After eventually matching the USA and the disembarking the absurdly early Philippines, both of whom had lost flight, the first thing I noticed about to Italy earlier in the tournament. Italy was the glorious sunshine. The strong Americans overcame the The Adriatic beaches in Lignano looked Phillipino style to win 12-9. Manuel García Tommy Zormaier amazing, and there was hardly a cloud The USA Mixed team seemed to be in the sky. The unfortunate thing an all-conquering buzzsaw. In the about that was that with the sunshine other side of the draw, Germany came intense, unrelenting heat. It was were equally as dominant. Neither almost unbearable for players during team had a game closer than three the week – those who didn’t wear points all week. The final was one sand socks for their first games were Spain v Germany © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru that observers could see coming for soon persuaded to do so by the painful a while, and it was a truly brilliant blisters that folly earned them. It was way into the stadium clad in grass strong play from their stars to emerge game. The lead changed hands even more uncomfortable for some several times, before Germany scored particularly intrepid cameramen and skirts, proudly waving the flag of their closer-than-the-score-indicates 12-9 alleged nation. victors. to make it a one-point game for the commentators who were positioned World title. The USA managed to pull on a metal grandstand at 1pm every Following some speeches from That was the appetiser before the it out after some intense play, winning day. BULA President Patrick Van Der tournament proper got going. It was the game 8-7. Valk, tournament director Max Vitali to be an appropriate preview, with a The event officially kicked off with a The Women had a very tight division. parade down the beachside path at and, somewhat curiously, the vice- great deal of tight, exciting games. Mayor of Lignano, the competition Teams were struggling to cope with There were three standout teams – the heart of the town. It culminated the USA, GB and Canada. Each won at the stadium erected on the beach, got down to business. Host nation the conditions – impossibly hot but Italy faced perennial beach masters often with a slight side-wind coming 9 pool games, losing one – GB lost surrounded by umbrellas and curious Canada, who lost to the USA, who sun-bathers. All of the teams from the Philippines. It was an intensely off the sea, and a very dusty top layer contested game with a very split of sand. It was difficult to pinpoint lost to GB. The USA managed to the participating countries took part, avoid both in the semi, letting their and caused quite a commotion in the crowd – the Ultimate community favourites in each division due to the on the far side of the field clearly broken nature of the play, but it soon two rivals tear into each other. In resort. The hustle, bustle and out- another incredibly tight game, the pouring of national pride generated favoured the free-flowing style of the became obvious that the USA were Philippines, whereas the obviously strong in every division. The challenge GB women lost out in sudden death quite a crowd by the end of the parade. to the Canadians. Despite that effort, Particularly active were the pick-up partisan townspeople were cheering was locating their closest competitor for their countrymen. Italy rode some in each. Canada rode the play of their star team Currier Island, who made their player, Mal Lundgren, to yet another

14 A pizza the action

got everywhere – in wires, between lenses, in everyone’s eyes, hair and other very awkward and inconvenient places. Running around to get interviews with people, to get coverage of games, to take notes of games for the newsletters and taking notes on GB teams for use in a UK Ultimate column that never materialised was exceptionally challenging. Steve also had to fit in playing for GB Masters, while Tom had a particularly demanding team to tend to – his family, who had also come along to Italy. Chez BlockStack was frequently full of running laptops and a running toddler. Despite all these challenges, and the fact that I had to be back in Birmingham for 11am on the Saturday of the first finals due to my inconvenient job, I think the tournament was a success for us. We Sean McCall Panoy Delos Santos managed to get some live streaming out, managed to tape games for release at a later date and managed to produce a BlockStack show every day. While I didn’t achieve everything USA v Philippines The Open Final. © Graham Bailey 2011 - grahambaileyphotography.com I wanted to written-wise, considering the scale of the tournament and the sudden death game in the final. This The Grand Masters division was a player Tushar Singh. The provision of fact that we were only a three-man was a bridge too far for them, though, first for the beach, and proved to be the laptop came with some qualifiers team I believe we did admirably. and the USA claimed the title 10-9. a worthy addition. After some tight though; there had to be shade so that games, the USA managed to defeat it wouldn’t overheat, there had to be As for the actual tournament, it The Masters division, in truth, just Austria 12-7 in the final. power to keep it going while running seemed to be an unqualified success. wasn’t competitive. The USA came some demanding processes and there The new divisions for international with an exceptionally experienced The final division to be discussed, the had to be an internet connection so play, Mixed Masters and Grand squad, both in terms of international Mixed Masters division, is far more that my initially shoddy camerawork Masters, were well attended and competitions and with guys from comprehensively covered elsewhere could be broadcast around the world. competed – not least because of GB’s Paganello-winning teams. They also in this edition of Ultimatum. Thus, my grandstand was adorned crowning glory in the former. Hopefully came armed with Kelly Swiryn, who with umbrellas, wires of several in four years the tournament can be as came to competitive Ultimate late in The Challenges colours and someone to monitor the much fun as this was. the day but was outrageously athletic computer – usually Tushar’s fiancée, There were some challenges in the Sean Colfer compared to his opponents. While coverage of the tournament. The Rose Bendix. the team suffered a blip in the pools, live streaming required a computer they steam-rolled the rest of the and some seemingly complicated Another challenge was the amount of competition and spoiled the spectacle software to be attached to the camera. sand. There was a lot of it, and it was of the final, defeating Austria 12-5. That required a tech geek. At this all hot. Not only that, but due to the tournament, that was Canadian Open heat the top layer was so fine that it

15 Old fools’ gold

Si Weeks Cass Teufel

Sally Quigg Diana O’Quinn

The final catch. GB v USA © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru GB v USA © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru GB Mixed Masters claim Britain’s second ever gold in a world championships Hot. Debiliatingly, maddeningly hot. various GB teams trouble over the talent. The 3pm game slot caused us a Brazil were easily dealt with, and We arrived at dusk . Stepping out of years, and the USA contained a fair few issues. The heat made most of us before we knew it, we were on to the the air conditioned car, at Lignano number of familiar faces too. Tall feel at least 25% slower in both mind second half of the round-robin. Sabbiadoro’s Sport Complex, and we and quick, they were likely to be the and body. Many of us were foolish were hit with a wall of heat so intense favourites in our division. enough to mistake sand socks for a Through the lunchtime heat haze, it felt like you could lean up against it. fashion faux pas too far – the blisters the showgames continued. Live The simple act of picking up the keys Our team was assembled from a on the feet from the baking hot sand coverage was provided by the to our accommodation left us feeling bunch of grizzled beach specialists. quickly taught us otherwise. Anyway, Blockstack crew; looking Lawrence- drained. It was 7pm. Our two games Most of our women had played on the for whatever reason the Germans of-Arabia-esque in all manner of on day one were scheduled for midday world championship winning women’s dealt us a lesson, 12-5. It seemed we white garments, desperately trying and 3pm... squad of the last WCBU in Brazil. had a mountain to climb to make the to protect themselves against the The men were all veterans of many final - let alone think any further than sun, they delivered live footage and The tournament, by far the largest a Paganello, with regulars from Mr that. commentary throughout. Try doing yet organised for beach worlds, had Twister, Catch 22 and Poughkeepsie.. this with a shoestring budget, and on 6 divisions (open, womens, mixed, There was a strong South West flavour Day two and again we had to deal a beach. Great work. mixed masters, masters, grand to the team, with a core of players from with the heat – with temperatures masters). It was clear from the start Bristol – and this familiarity would pay topping 37 degrees and barely any By the middle of the week, it was that the involvement of the WFDF dividends as the week wore on. shade around the pitches, and players fairly certain that we would be playing meant that most ultimate federations from all teams collapsing under sun Germany in the semi final – all we were taking it seriously – the USA for Mad dogs and Englishmen. umbrellas between points. We played had to do was to beat Austria. The example sent a who’s who of current And Ultimate players. the USA for the first time. Starting Austrians were in the same situation Ultimate stars, all of whom had to try The first three of days of pool play slowly, we were broken by their quick however; desperate to avoid the USA out for the team they represented. saw us match up against everyone in defence. Down 7-1 within 20 minutes, in the semi, they needed to win too, the division. Game one versus Austria it looked like we were done. A timeout so the game was played in a fairly We were due to play in the Mixed taught us they were a solid team with and a re-evaluation of attitude and the tense, but fair, atmosphere. Luckily Masters Division – a new concept for a couple of stand-out players and fight back began. Although we were to we prevailed Beach Worlds (and indeed for any although we won with a reasonably go on to lose 11-9, we learned a bunch When we played the Germans a WFDF international event). Joining comfortable score line, it never of stuff that would come in useful later second time we were careful to take us would be Austria, Brazil, Germany, felt easy. Game two saw us match in the week. stock of where their points were the USA and the international pick up up against the Germans. We had coming from, and the type of play team Currier Island. Initial scouting predicted that this would be a tough Currier Island proved to be a fun team, that led to them. In particular, we didn’t tell us too much other than the game, and conversations around the struggling a little for having never noted that a lot of points were scored fact that Germany contained a whole tournament suggested that all the played together before but putting from relatively deep in the field with host of players who have caused German teams were stacked with some great play together nonetheless. handlers running through for long

16 Steve Balls David Goldemberg Katie Goolden

GB v USA © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru GB v USA © Alexandr Tikhomirov 2011 - atihomirov.ru

lead pass scores. We also pin-pointed It all came down to Friday. Win two As the game wore on, the temperature and Jason DeCicco had the disc in the the women who were central to their games and be World Champions. Lucy began to rise, Germany began to creep endzone – it was the perfect start. The offence and exactly where and how Byrne, our coach and captain who had back in and close the gap. With the USA fought back though, scoring a they seemed to get the disc. Although managed the team so well throughout sidelines now packed with Germans patient first point before breaking us we again lost to them, we did enough the tournament, had banned all talk of and GB players from the surrounding to take a 2-1 lead. We turned it on the to make them think we were no longer results, preferring that we focussed pitches, the tension was ratchetingup. next offence, but a miscommunication the push over from the first round. on playing well and enjoying the Germany closed the gap to two but we between the US handlers gave us Catching up with them in the bar, we experience. Despite that, the nerves managed to hold on. The game winner the disc back. It was the last time also effectively sowed some seeds of were evident at our breakfast meeting. came off a play we had road tested the USA would be in front. Our D line doubt that we were holding it all back against the USA and Germany in took control – Jack Goolden firing us for the semi. The semi against Germany was pool play, and consisted of crossfield up with a layout block to stop the US played at 10am, our earliest start of cut from Si Weeks who then sent the in our endzone, cutting for the swing Likewise with the USA. We used the the week, and without a doubt, the forehand huck to Rob McGowan, who, pass from Mike Palmer he then sent a second game to try out a number of earlier start and lower temperature cutting deep up the closed sideline, long huck to Beth Rougier who scored different offensive and defensive sets helped us out. We won the toss pulled down the disc under pressure. the first of her points in the final, and went out with one goal – learn – something we hadn’t managed leaving her mark for dust. Taking the what works and what doesn’t. The against them previously. . We picked After the semi, we headed to the lead got us revved up for more and score is irrelevant. offence - unsurprisingly. We scored beach bar and met the USA team, who the seeds of doubt in the minds of easily and the first few points were it is fair to say were surprised we had the USA began to germinate - plan A So, at the end of pool play, we had gone so fluid we grew in confidence. Our beaten the Germans, and as a result 6-4, but had won the games we needed didn’t seem to be working for them, focussed sideline didn’t stop working were starting to assume their worry and relatively untested in their pool to and through our tactical socialising throughout the game. With each that we had been holding something had hopefully caused enough unease games, they didn’t seem to have a point, we stormed the field and visibly back was proving to be the case. It’s plan B.. amongst the Germans and USA to give shook the confidence of the previously all about the mental game... us a fighting chance. One challenge bullet-proof Germans. The women on The next point was possibly the longest remained before finals – stop beach our team put so much pressure on the The final was played at 7pm in the of the whole game. GB benefited from legend Jaison DeCicco from drinking German ladies that they had to change beach stadium. Our team talks were having four Bristol players on the field on his birthday.For those that know their previously successful game plan focussed without being stressful – Jaimie Rogers, Wayne Davey, Fran him, you will appreciate the Herculean and play much more through the men (though we did roll out the fabled Pioli and Jo Drury kept the disc alive effort he made to stay sober before on their team . But we were ready. kitchen sink speech) and the warm and worked the disc into the endzone finals day. Having rested players specifically for ups kept simple – a few throwing and with quick break mark throws that cutting drills and we were left to get “This is my last ever day of top level this game, we rotated our squad well kept the USA off balance. to ensure we had the fresh legs at the ready in our own time. Ultimate” – Wayne Davey The standout woman on the US team right moments. We came out on offence. Two passes

17 As far as I know, this is the largest collection of international medals won by any GB player! I have also been on GB team that won SOTG at three international championships: Mixed (2000), Masters (2003} and Mixed Masters (2011). Some people say that Masters doesn’t really Euros 2003 Worlds 2004 Euros 2007 Worlds 2011 count. They are losers. [Gold] [Bronze] [Gold] [Gold] Jack ‘smug git’ Goolden

was Kimberley Beach, but despite be far-fetched to say she was the • We kept other teams guessing – something easily forgotten. And let’s her great play, she found her match ace up our sleeve; resting different combinations of not forget – we stopped a clean sweep when trying to get in to the head of Jo • We used the various warm up players in the group games and by the USA!! Drury – who in characteristic style, let mixing up our play we didn’t settle tournaments effectively – with no Last words go to Si Weeks: all the chat wash over her and moved concern for results, we tried and on the winning formula until it the disc up the pitch as reliably as she tested a number of plays, defences mattered; “In all the international tournaments had done all week. and got to know what works well • Our ‘support’ team – with three kids I have ever played I don’t think I have Over the next few points, GB played for each other – team building par under 2 on our sideline we needed known our team’s game plan to work fast, safe offence and fast, hard excellence; to work together – our non playing so successfully. By the time we played defence. With Steve Balls, Sarah • As individuals, we knew what we team members (including the ever Germany and the USA in those key Gibbons and Jess Thomas taking on each did well and what we were less positive Ian “Jazz” Cuddihy who was games we knew exactly what tactics much of the handling responsibilities effective at – playing to each other’s injured in the first game) and super were our best bet. And wow how they Katie Goolden, Lucy Byrne and Kay strengths and not worrying about physio Celia kept the machine worked! Still now, two months after Matthews were able to use their speed the weaknesses made the whole running; the tournament, I can’t help having to stretch the US defence ensuring the greater than the sum of the parts; • As Lucy would say, “the success is a very smug feeling as I think of that USA final knowing “that they just middle of the field was open for all to • We played the schedule – having in the detail...” take advantage. never saw it coming!!”” worked out what games were Overall, an amazing week – the Ex-Clapham player Hale Brown kept crucial to win and what games could buzz on winning stayed with us for In summary: Not today Hale, not today. be used for fact finding; the US aggressive by taking the long days after the event and will not be Rob McGowan & Sarah Gibbons shots – in particular looking to pick out the tall Jeremy Clarke (in fact, given the mismatch in size it was surprising this one pass offence wasn’t used more often by the USA). However, it became ever clearer that this was to be GB’s game. Jack’s layout block set the scene for what was to follow. Rob McGowan, at full stretch, brought down a speculative hammer from Si Weeks, Sally Quigg sent out a prayer that was caught by Beth Rougier, Si Weeks wrecked havoc on both offence and defence... the whole team out-worked, out- thought, and out -cheered the USA – it was just one of those nights. And to top it all, just when we thought our evening couldn’t get any better, to our delight, we won Spirit of the Game as well. So, what worked? A few things spring to mind: • We had a mix of laissez-faire attitude and dogged determination, expertly handled throughout the week by Lucy Byrne – having now captained two GB gold medal winning teams at worlds it wouldn’t GB Mixed Masters just before the final started. © Celia Wogan 2011

18 Bear Cavalry: Mixed opinions Bear Cavalry are almost completely an That’s it. We’ve had nine weekend alumni team from Warwick University; training sessions and I’ve spent all in the last two seasons, we have had of them on those three principals. no more than two non-Warwick What that means for the team is that players on the first team at any given players know very well what they tournament. While taking an alumni should be doing at any given time on team to the odd fun Indoor tournament offence. In the huddle before or during has come up before, entering an a big game, they already know what alumni team for the entirety of Mixed I’m going to say because they’ve heard Tour is a relatively new approach. And it hundreds of times before. Feeling with this team, we finished 2nd, 3rd comfortable with the tactics leads to and 4th at the three mixed tours in being confident on field. our first season, and went on to win all three tours (conceding just one 4. Athleticism is paramount: I game!) in our second season. So what absolutely will not pick someone for else did we do differently? And how did the first team unless they are athletic. it work for us? I don’t care if you’ve got the best throws in the country; if you can’t get 1. Small squads: My ideal number for free against a top quality defender, Tasha Nishiyama Gemma Sarjeant a weekend mixed tour (with Cavalry) you’re no use to the first team (Note is eight guys and six girls. With larger that the important point here is that squads and less pitch time, you can you have to be able to get free against get the impression that it isn’t your high quality defenders – anybody can fault your team is losing. Not true with look good against a naïve defender). small squads. With big squads people come on for a D point in the wind and 5. Squad rotation: Players who are Leeds v Bear Cavalry Tour 3 © Andy Moss 2011 rain with cold hands, get a block and just outside the first team will always be given a shot at the first team at then turf the next throw. Not true if from static (the most difficult throw). 10. No separate O/D lines: Mixed Cavalry. You can never be sure how they’re on 1 point in 2. Anecdotally, I’ve The person who does that should be ultimate is absolutely not at a high someone will react against tight D seen that these two factors completely your best thrower and only your best enough standard that you can expect until you give them a chance at a outweigh the fitness benefit of having thrower. zero turnover points, so why separate tournament. Sometimes people who a larger squad. the lines? Are people on the D line look amazing on the second team will 8. Dictatorship not democracy: Bear because they’re not as good at 2. Play to the team you’ve got, not the flop and sometimes they’ll stand out, Cavalry is completely non-political offence? Well, they’re going to have one you want: If you know most of your but you don’t know unless you give for the most part because one person to play offence anyway. Likewise, if players turn over trying to break the them a full tour to find out. has the final say in all decisions. I you’ve got someone on the offensive force, don’t ask them to! Your tactics appreciate that this sounds pretty bad, line because they’re not quick enough should fit the players you have rather 6. One voice: The vast majority of the but it eliminates internal bickering, to play D, then that person could be than the ones you want. In our first club learned to play ultimate from and people can always up and leave for exploited by the opposition if there’s year we played a lot of offence through me or from people I have coached. another club if they want to anyway! a turnover. So we have no separation deep shots to a couple of big male They may have been to other training between lines, just a small athletic receivers. Then in our second year sessions but only after the basics of 9. Good defence trumps good offence: squad who all play at any time. when we lost those receivers, we Cavalry were instilled so we are all on This is absolutely not true at elite level exactly the same page. Whether what I played through the speed of our girls open where you need your offence to Well, that’s everything I can think say is right or not is mostly irrelevant, creating deep looks and using our put away almost every point to stand of. The way we run the club and the because everyone is doing the same handler core to keep the disc alive. a chance. However, mixed (both in way we play goes beyond the CVs and thing. this country and abroad) is nowhere achievements of our individual players 3. Teach principles not tactics: In three near that level. You can afford to turn 7. Get the best throwers to make (and in fact, in our first year, we had no years I have taught three statements: over near the other team’s endzone the hardest throws: A lot of teams players in the top four open teams and (occasionally) if you’re confident your • Don’t play offence on the sideline talk about making the most of just one girl who had played women’s defence is good enough. • Keep the deep space free mismatches. This absolutely does tour at all). • Get out of the open lane not apply to picking up a slow disc Dave Tyler

19 Being a part of the NexGen

Wide-eyed, I continued reading as he us with continued developments that over three training sessions with went on to explain that games would with confirmation of the roster and Wiggins, not a negative word was take place in stadiums against the top schedule. Then the next thing I knew, said. His deliberate positivity seemed club teams around the country in an I was booking my flights! The initial patronising at times, but from a group attempt to showcase the world’s best plan for the tour had been cut back of talented college players who’d players to local Ultimate communities. by this stage – there was no longer never played together before, he Expenses would be covered, and I’d be the promise of payment for playing, created a real NexGen team ready to paid for participating. and they wouldn’t be able to cover my take on the best in the world. airfare. Fortunately, Exeter University I had to re-read it a few times before were very supportive of my Ultimate The start of the tour represented some I could comprehend the enormity of exploits, and after a strong appeal the of our hardest opposition with games the opportunity. I didn’t allow myself Athletic Union (in conjunction with the against Furious, Sockeye and Revolver. to get too excited – Kevin pointed out High Performance Programme), they Three close losses showed that we that it was only an idea, and that if no offered to pay for my flights! were up to it, but understandably still sponsorship was found by March, it’d yet to fully gel as a team. I felt pretty have to be shelved until the following Over the next two months, I received comfortable in these opening games, year (by which point I would no longer a lot of positivity and advice on how and certainly not as intimidated as I be eligible). Nevertheless, I casually to approach the tour from fellow might have expected. I had already replied that I’d love to be a part of UK players – all tinged with the noticed at this stage that the pace the tour, but I’d have to consult with aforementioned jealously. This of the game was different in the US. my GB and club captains, as it would humbled me, and drove me to make The speed at which the disc is moved mean missing much of the UK season. the absolute most of the experience meant that defensively I had to be on Fortunately, Brummie, Britney and with the knowledge that I was the envy my toes and continually repositioning Beavan all replied positively, albeit of a world of Ultimate players! with regards to the location of the disc. with an understandable hint of It also meant that my ability to bait jealously and scepticism. I declared July 1st and I was on the flight to under throws and get fly by blocks was my availability to Kevin and anxiously Vancouver, Canada. That was followed not as effective, as my mark was just a awaited developments in the plan. by a short trip to Seattle, where I’d step ahead. Offensively, our handlers been invited to play Potlatch, a top moved it just as quickly, meaning my A whole, disconcerting month passed mixed tournament. The jetlag meant cuts had to be set up and executed before our next correspondence. I didn’t fully immerse myself playing- as early as possible to continue the My journey started on 17th December wise, but it was a great opportunity to disc movement. It took some getting “What’s your college? How old are get a taste of US Ultimate and meet 2010. I was browsing my spam folder, you? How much do you weigh?” used to, and I was hoping I’d get more about to click ‘delete all’ before I saw some players. A short match-up involved as the games went on. the subject ‘Ultimate in America’ Was that it? Was that a good sign? I against Beau Kittredge ensured it was from a ‘Kevin Minderhout’. Intrigued, replied with the requested details and a lot of fun. In between these three games came I moved it to my inbox. poke for some more confirmation. our first victory, against Rhino. It gave A week later, the NexGen team had its us the confidence boost we needed “Hi Ollie, You don’t know me, but “Just working on filling the schedule first official gathering in Seattle. We to prove we were worthy of playing I’m a friend of Josh Wardle and Rob and roster” had a training session with Sockeye’s this level of opposition. Two more Whitehouse. I’m working on putting Ben Wiggins, who kindly offered solid wins against Johnny Bravo I remained sceptical. That is, until his together a five-week summer to help us out early on in the tour. and Ring of Fire were split with a next email, which went out to several ultimate tour here in the states and Wiggins’ approach to these sessions tough loss against Chain Lightning in prospective players with confirmation your name came up as a top UK was unerring. He soon had the full which we twice had the disc to win. of venues and interest from Patagiona college player. The short story is it’s attention and respect of a whole Nevertheless, we remained positive, as the main sponsor. going to be a sponsored event with the group of excitable, young and arrogant showing the ability to adapt well to players; we hung on every word he 12 best college players from 2011. I’m “Things are looking really great the varying conditions of both Boulder said. His incredibly personal approach interested in adding an international right now. We’re on schedule,” he and Raleigh. At over 5,300 feet, the – using people’s names and drawing player to the roster, which is why I’m concluded. Boulder air meant our throws went contacting you.” individuals aside for constructive a lot further and that ‘inside out’ The ball really started rolling from advice - instantly involved everyone. throws never really levelled out! It OK, that got my attention! there, with Kevin regularly updating However, the main thing I noticed is

20 Being a part of the NexGen

enjoyable and successful game. I NexGen was an incredible venture decided I wanted to get involved, and that has changed the landscape of scoring a bunch of goals helped. I also Ultimate for the better. The interest had some good match-ups involving generated was vast, as demonstrated a few feisty moments. The observers by the presence of paying crowds of handed me a Personal Misconduct up to 800 people and workshops of Foul for some retaliation, but overall, up to 60 kids. The professional, high- it was a lot of fun. When 800 paying definition coverage of every game spectators start slow-chanting your also represented a new dawn, and is number, you know you’ve got involved! something that future coverage all over the world will aim to replicate. On that note, I have to say my NexGen’s ability to showcase the experience of observers was world’s best Ultimate to local reasonably positive on the whole. communities will undoubtedly have Their involvement certainly didn’t a significant long-term impact on negatively impact game play and the sport, increasing participation by improving the flow of games, it and encouraging the next NexGen to increased the spectator appeal. It exceed our successes. was occasionally frustrating that observers didn’t seem confident in This is only the start of NexGen. I fully their decisions, potentially due to a expect the tour to be repeated and lack of playing experience at this level, improved upon. It should be the goal but I maintain that if experienced and of every young Ultimate player to be Ollie Gordon respected players take the position of a part of it. I hope my participation in observers, it could be positive for the NexGen this year can inspire the next game and aid its progression. generation of UK Ultimate stars who are in the position I once was. As a We had a few days off before our final junior I had big ambitions within the stretch, so we found a secluded chalet sport, and being part of NexGen has Photos © Kevin Minderhout 2011 in a West Virginia forest and put our only enhanced my ambitions to be one feet up, and the unexpected return of of the best. was different to any conditions I’ve at this point also helped cement our the bus got everyone’s spirits up. We played in before, as was the torrential individual roles within the team and were back on the road together and NexGen was the creation of Kevin downpour of Raleigh. The rain was so we arrived in Boston with new vigour. ready to finish strong! Minderhout, an ambitious Oregon alumnus who decided he wanted heavy that the game was delayed at Subsequently our game against Our last four games were against half time to allow it to pass! Ironside was probably our best result to change Ultimate. His efforts in beatable opposition, so we fully preparation of the tour and throughout of the tour as we romped to a 15-11 intended to win them all. And that’s Then followed the low point of victory. were amazing and he deserves every the tour; losses to Truckstop and exactly what we did with our biggest credit and more for his incredible Southpaw, teams we felt we should’ve Personally, I knew I had more to offer. victory, 15-5, coming in our last game achievements. I would also personally beaten. It might have been the intense Up until this stage of the tour, I had of the tour against Sub Zero. It was like to thank all those people that 40ºC daytime heat of our workshop adopted a defensive mentality on pitch a great way to finish and gave us a offered me advice and support and in Virginia, or the substandard pitch aiming to shut down my opposition, winning record of 8-7 for the tour, a everyone who followed the tour and at Philadelphia, or the fact that we’d getting the big blocks I knew I could. pretty commendable achievement. my participation within it. It would lost our NexGen bus to its second But I hadn’t got any as yet and it was A long bus ride back to Seattle( with have meant little to me without your breakdown and were split up into frustrating knowing that I wasn’t a few more breakdowns) ended our interest and I greatly appreciate it. rental cars, but either way, we needed demonstrating my potential. A change adventure. I flew back home knowing I play Ultimate for the people and it to improve if we were going to fulfil was needed, and being part of the I‘d had the trip of a lifetime: exploring means a lot! our potential. A constructive team O-line in the following game offered America with an awesome team of Here’s to the next generation. talk lead by George Stubbs gave us that. athletes, playing world class Ultimate. new hope and camaraderie. The You can’t beat that. Ollie Gordon, NexGen #14 creation of Offense and Defense lines Even without a W, GOAT was my most

21 Referees, spirit and the future of our sport

spectators, either paying to watch reasonable conversation, somebody or pulling in the advertisers. One of else has got that covered for us. Which the key sticking points to attracting leaves us all free to go in the opposite spectators is that the game is ‘too direction. And because that someone slow.’ The game is too slow because else is neutral, subjective and human, foul calls etc take time to resolve. Calls there is an advantage that can be take time to resolve because players sought. You can foul and get away with discuss them. The conclusion to this it if nobody sees you. You can watch train of thought is that Ultimate needs a wrong call give advantage to your referees who will make quick calls. team and not speak up about it. You Referees are also apparently crucial can use your powers of persuasion in some eyes to defining a ‘legitimate’ to influence a call in the balance. And sport (and certainly the Olympics if fairness isn’t your responsibility seem to think so). Referees, it is any more, but winning is, all of these argued, because of their impartiality, become powerful tactics. are the only way of ensuring a fair game. The US is already moving This slide is abetted by a system of in this direction, with observers at punishments that will be needed all USAU sanctioned tournaments to prevent exploitation of the rules and the new AUDL having fully and referees. Again, we are already empowered referees. Whilst I can see seeing some of this in PMFs and TMFs the argument for observers, they feel (Personal and Team Misconduct Fouls). When there is a clear punishment for James Baron Tim Burton like the thin end of the wedge for full referees. We’ve had experiments with a wrongdoing, however, suddenly that referees before, here, as well as in the action no longer becomes ‘wrong’; it Fire 1 v Fire 2 Regionals © Simon Crisp 2011, photoboxgallery/ultimate US, and they haven’t come out looking is something that ‘costs X amount.’ particularly pretty (Google ‘Rylands: Consider football for example, and the Everyone knows that ‘Ultimate is a to follow. Which worries me. Whilst The Aftermath’). World Cup 2010 quarter-final between young and fast growing sport.’ To I wouldn’t want a world where two Ghana and Uruguay. In the dying me, this means two things: 1) there radically different forms of Ultimate Ultimate with referees is something minutes of the game, Ghana launch are more and more people playing were played, neither do I like the I have a big problem with. At the an attack to break the deadlock. A Ultimate, and 2) Ultimate is still direction in which US Ultimate seems moment knowing the rules and shot flies towards the Uruguayan goal changing and learning what it is, in to be heading. For the USAU and a lot making the right call in the heat of and Suarez puts a hand out to stop it. terms of rules and culture. Those of us of the Ultimate community (around the the moment is a burden on every He gets a red card, Ghana miss the who play now have a great influence world) there seems to be an almost player on the field. And like any sort of penalty and Uruguay eventually win on the sport at this plastic stage, and mindless drive to ‘legitimize’ the sport, burden, carrying it makes us stronger the game. Do you think Suarez regrets our choices, in our votes, behaviour to get the ‘recognition it deserves.’ (apologies, I may have over-stretched what he did? Do you think he considers and opinions, will impact not only Bigger, basically, is better. People that metaphor). We are, I firmly that cost too high? I think that was the rest of our playing careers, but want to see Ultimate on television, in believe, better people because we play a fairly calculated decision where also those of generations to follow. the Olympics, to have the elite players Ultimate. Every time a call is made getting his team into the semi-final We are in a powerful position, but as paid to do what they do. People want against us and we listen and attempt was worth not playing for the rest of those know their Spiderman will tell the respect of their colleagues when to see things from our opponent’s the tournament. All this could be ours, you, “with great power comes great they come in battered and bruised point of view, we are becoming as well as the deliberate fouling, lying, responsibility”. on a Monday morning, to not have to better people. With that burden of deception and other forms of cheating answer the dog question any more. I responsibility removed, suddenly it are prevalent in every refereed sport. It is no secret or shame, I think, that get all that, honestly I do. But I’m not isn’t our job to do the right thing any I can think of no good argument that the US leads the way in the world of sure people are considering what that more; it is someone else’s. We don’t says Ultimate wouldn’t end up going Ultimate, in standard of play, numbers will cost. need to think objectively and carefully down that same road. Maybe not in 10 of players, resources, coverage and about the situation any more, that’s years, when those playing remember a whole lot else. Where they go, in Professional players means money someone else’s job. We don’t need to the days making their own calls, but in general, the rest of Ultimate looks and money means (non-player) discipline ourselves to rational and 30, when the elite players have grown

22 Referees, spirit and the future of our sport

People are lining up to give Tom Styles a slap. Copa del Sol © Andy Moss 2011

up never having watched or played a yes maybe that makes the sport less Spirit of the Game has become “All players are responsible for game without referees. spectator-friendly, but that’s Ultimate, something of a dirty phrase as players administering and adhering to and that is a small cost to pay for what become desperate to move away from the rules. Ultimate relies upon a Is Ultimate perfect the way it is? Of makes it so special. our terrible hippy past, but for me it Spirit of the Game that places the course not: injustices happen every is something we need to hold onto responsibility for fair play on every game and everyone’s familiar with the Ultimate the way it is has so much to with both hands as something codified player. It is trusted that no player frustration of a slow call resolution. offer that no other sport can that we into our sport, not just a one-line will intentionally break the rules; What’s more, the rules say that would be foolish to throw it away so appendix to the rules. Of course I want thus there are no harsh penalties Ultimate is a non-contact sport but lightly. The community we have can Ultimate to grow, of course I want to for breaches, but rather a method that incidental contact can and does only come from the self-refereeing see it on television and have the best for resuming play in a manner which occur – and there’s a whole other aspects of the game, from having athletes getting paid to make amazing simulates what would most likely have article on the grey area that creates. to treat your opponent as a person plays. But changing what Ultimate occurred had there been no breach. But rules and referees can never not an enemy, from the post-game fundamentally is to achieve those Highly competitive play is encouraged, keep up with every possible situation huddle, fun tournaments and goals seems kind of self-defeating. but should never sacrifice the mutual and permutation of play, and trying partying together. Every time I see It’s not the sight of a disc in flight, or respect between players, adherence to make them do so simply creates Si Hill interviewed about youth and a perfectly executed play that makes to the agreed-upon rules of the game, more injustice, this time with a clear school ultimate he mentions how me love this sport; it’s the people or the basic joy of play.” scapegoat to blame (i.e. the referee). organisations are fascinated by the who play it, the way we play it and the The rules of Ultimate aren’t perfect, absence of referees. How teaching community that brings. For me, that All mistakes and gross generalisations and they probably never will be, but kids practical versions of the words isn’t worth selling out at any price. in this article are my own, and in when you have 14 player-referees on fairness and respect is becoming no way represent those of this fine pitch who know that it is on them to increasingly appealing. And look at I leave you with a piece of text that publication, my teams or anyone else. do the right thing, I think you’re going charities like Ultimate Peace and should be familiar, but is always worth to come far closer to a fair result. Yes the directly applicable aspects of the a re-read: James Burbidge it will take time to resolve calls, and sport to conflict resolution.

23 All fudged up a bloke called Fudge who gets injured a lot Dear Ultimatum Reader, on any qualifications, so don’t expect Hip Flexor however, my left leg maintained this I felt compelled to write this article anything technical; it’s based purely Towards the end of a tournament in feeling for a couple of weeks. I was following a shandy-fuelled Sunday on my experiences. My aim is to stop Edinburgh, I felt a mild pain at the able to train, but my hamstrings afternoon dreaming of what might others with the potential, which I top of my leg, but as it was cold and never felt at ease. I visited a physio for have been. I, like every other player, was obviously convinced I had, failing pouring down with rain I wanted to several months who was convinced feel as though I could have been a to realise it due to stupidity. Those keep playing, plus there wasn’t long it was a tear and that I needed to contender. I’m of the school of thought who know me may not believe this; to go, so with the help of adrenalin I rest, before doing some gradual that declares if you’re not trying to be but I haven’t had that many injuries; carried on. Following an eight-hour strengthening exercises. I tried this the best, why bother. I place 100% of unfortunately, those I have had have minibus journey home, I hopped out but I just didn’t see any progress, as the blame for my failure to reach the lingered much longer than they and realised I couldn’t actually lift I could still sprint without any serious top on a series of injuries and my should have. my knee up. I was walking around pain. After about 9 months of grief, I subsequent stupidity at dealing with for the next few days dragging my sought a second opinion from a sports them. My Injuries in Chronological Order leg behind me like Quasimodo. A trip masseuse who diagnosed a hamstring (Note: minor injuries of less than 2 to the physio led to the diagnosis of adhesion and proceeded to separate it At this point I should declare my months have been omitted) a hip flexor tear, so I was ordered to with painful massage. Subsequently, I HUGE caveat: this article is not based rest, stretch and undergo ultrasound was given another series of exercises treatment, which would have probably and stretches to add to the list in order fixed me up in no time... had I not to stop it happening again. However, just wanted to go to this training and now I’ve had this injury, I make extra just play that friendly game at 50%. effort to ensure it doesn’t come back However, now I’ve had this injury, I by keeping my hamstrings loose. make extra effort to ensure it doesn’t come back by keeping my hip flexor Knee/Bursitis loose. I woke up one morning following a basketball match and had an Supraspinatus excruciating, aching pain just below Somewhere, somehow I damaged my knee. It just didn’t feel stable my supraspinatus tendon, which and I wasn’t confident of putting a prevented me from raising my arm load through it. I decided to rest it sharply. I could raise it slowly, just not for a few days and then start training sharply. Needless to say I rested it for again. But it didn’t go away. I went to a few weeks, and then tried to play and one physio who suggested ultrasound made it worse. So the physio gave me and a course of Ibuprofen. After this more ultrasound treatment, I rested it I tried to get back into training but for a bit longer, then Paga came round, it quickly went back to the original so I tried to play again...and made it pain and then just got worse, so I worse. Eventually, after behaving like completed increasingly long periods Homer Simpson with the electrified of rest followed by an attempt at doughnut, I decided to rest it and get training until I saw a different physio, treatment until I was confident it was who diagnosed bursitis and gave fixed, then underwent some rehab me some acupuncture as well as Gary Hall exercises for a few weeks until I was a few suggestions regarding rehab finally able to ease my way back into exercises. I was also given a strap Ultimate. However, now I’ve had this to wear under my knee, which is injury, I make extra effort to ensure now part of my training kit, and the it doesn’t come back by keeping my exercises associated with the knee Teri Ho rotator cuff strong and loose. have been added to my increasing list of daily injury prevention exercises. Adhered hamstrings However, now I’ve had this injury, I It’s not unusual to feel tight make extra effort to ensure it doesn’t Scarecrew v Flump Mixed Tour. © Sapphira van Assema 2011 hamstrings after a tournament; come back by keeping the muscles

24 Alex Lusby-Taylor Tom Palmer Wayne Retter

Goats of Destiny v Flaming Galahs Mixed Tour. © Sapphira van Assema 2011 Flaming Galahs , Mixed Tour. © Sapphira van Assema 2011 around my knee strong and loose. should be enough to get you thinking. before a game. I found stretching a beneficial as they work several The crux of this is injury prevention highly personal thing; personally I muscles at once. My view is that this So what have I learned from all this and accurate injury treatment. I have prefer static stretching, but I know reduces the opportunity to abnormally is that: regularly failed in both. a lot of people have gone the way of build up a specific muscle at the • I shouldn’t have had to go and get dynamic stretching recently. In any expense of a neighbouring muscle Fudge Fact 2*: Warming up AND an injury in order to train my body to case, in order to increase flexibility, that struggles to continue to work warming down time is NOT better not get it again I feel one should be warmed up properly with this new bully that sits spent elsewhere • Each physio/doctor/sports and perform stretching regularly. A the other side of the bone. masseuse has strong areas of Bruce Lee once said, “The athlete of professional basketball player I once Fudge Fact 5*: Core gives you more knowledge and weak areas of more advanced years tends to warm knew performed a series of stretches knowledge up more slowly and for a longer time. three times a day, every day. For me, The final aspect I want to mention is This fact may be due to greater need core strength and stability. The core o One physio helped me fix two of my this may be slightly extreme, but not for a longer warm-up period, or it may too far from what I should have done. is often neglected in order to ensure injuries but failed to diagnose two be because an athlete tends to get your tickets to the gun show are valid. others resulting in unnecessary “smarter” as he gets older.” Warming Fudge Fact 4*: Muscle strength Achieving a strong and stable core will, months of frustration up and warming down is essential needs to have balance in my opinion, help prevent injuries. • An extra month or so resting and to getting through a hard weekend Another pitfall I have fallen into is This is how I like to think of it: when rehabbing an injury is better than or week-long tournament. Our muscle imbalance. In my younger you’re tired, you’ll begin to lose form trying to play too soon and causing sport involves a lot of very explosive days I found the leg extension and when you lose form, your limbs further damage. Imagine you’re movements and our bodies do not machine in the gym easy; however, are subjected to strains they are not almost over the hangover from hell like to do these from cold. If you’re when I used the leg curl machine, I used to as they try to take shortcuts and you jump on a rollercoaster. familiar with Refresher bars (yellow found that if I lifted any decent weight to achieve what you’re asking of them. with sherbet inside), buy two, put one my hamstrings cramped up... so I Consequently, you may think you’re Fudge Fact 1*: in the fridge and the other in your didn’t. The result was strong quads asking something of your body that it You are a long time retired jacket pocket, the following day, open and weak hamstring – add to this my is capable of, but in reality it is doing Therefore, assuming you enjoy them up and smack them on a table, lame attempts at stretching, and I was something subtly different and could Ultimate, you should look to play it see what happens. That is your body. on course for future problems. I have break down. for as long as possible. This is made since learned that in an ideal world, possible by doing everything you can Fudge Fact 3*: Flexibility cannot be muscles such as these (antagonistic) *A Fudge Fact is not necessarily a to ensure your body will cope with the achieved just before a game should have strengths within a certain real fact but I think it must have some demands of our sport into your mature Flexibility is another weapon to prevent ratio of each other. Also I am now of scientific basis... somewhere years. Having said that, Ultimate is not injury. Now, contrary to popular the opinion that free weights and the be all and end all, so simply being Fudge opinion, flexibility is not achieved “compound exercises” are more able to walk and lift your children by touching your toes a few times

25 EUC mixed

for the evening ice bath ritual, just one element of essential preparation and indubitable team bonding amidst the gasps, screams and Phil Collins music (you know who you are). Our first 9 am game brought two challenges: persuading the hotel staff to serve breakfast at 06:00, and then getting up early enough to eat it! Waiting for the gondola down the mountain brought a minor reward as we took in the view across the Marko Dreu valley, but it would be wrong to blame either the early morning, the serene scenes or the misty vista for our Nick Wong slow start against the French. They came out with passion, physicality and a game plan to take a 5-2 lead. Calling a timeout to refocus allowed the offence to stop the rot, and we GB Mixed v Slovenia © Jocelyn Trottet 2011 - lookgoodplaygood.org recovered to take the abbreviated half GB Mixed v Slovenia © Jocelyn Trottet 2011 - lookgoodplaygood.org 7-6. Attacking the second half gave what they were capable of by going on us four breaks in a row to take the a three point run early in the second. As we were driven from Graz airport nerves, without much structure, and decisive lead, and it was a clear sign Following the Golden Rule, a timeout across the border, the tournament still without conceding a single point of the change in mindset that where was called and – though it took a while representative – our temporary in the first half. Despite the weather, the French had won the longest point – the point was duly scored. Russia’s cultural attaché – boasted that a number of the GB Women and Open (ten minutes) of the first half, GB had offence did their job the next point, but Slovenia was one of the most crime- squads stayed the course and were the mettle to win a sixteen minute at the next opportunity our defence free countries in Europe. Seven vocal throughout, a favour we’d look point in the second. Next up were the re-established itself to finish the days later, when we heard who our to repay as the week went on. Spaniards, led by an American expat game 17-5. Hungary appeared to have opposition would be in the final, it’s who confessed his admiration for our written off our pool game as a contest fair to say their previous opponents Playing the opening game conferred numbered defensive sets as we ran before it even started, resting their felt robbed by what had been done to the advantage of having only one game through our full repertoire. As against two best players and failing to score them. on Monday, against the the Finns. 8 Finland, the offence scored every a point in the first half. Wednesday’s years ago, Finland had 12 points off point received, with the one negative play consisted of two major variables: Arriving at the tournament with GB GB in the round robin stage, but in being that Spain did score more points the Austrian team Upsadaisy had been teams seeded first in all divisions Southampton they’d folded to a 17-4 in the second half than the first (That the only European squad to make brought a welcome pressure, and scoreline. Not knowing which team is,the one negative unless you count a quarters in Prague, but had then been the honour of playing the opening was more likely this time around, we post-game spirit circle that involved a destroyed by a scratch Codhand team game (returning champs GB Mixed went out with all offensive options teammate being stripped to the waist in Budapest earlier this year. With the vs our Slovenian hosts) provided an available, scoring every point we & adorned with a brightly coloured added incentive that winning the game opportunity to put down a marker received. Team spirit was exemplified apron. Olé indeed...) would put us straight into the quarters, for future opponents, even as by Cowie’s reaction to a foul call on there was some concern when the they perceived a chance to check Ben Weddell’s D – the disc was sent Tuesday arrived full of eastern Austrians scored their first point out our personnel and plays. The back, only for Cowie to get a point promise: after Russia and Hungary, untroubled by the defence. Six points Management thus decided to limit block the thrower on their endzone only Austria would remain of our pool of trading ensued before our defence us to just our vertical offence. As a line The game was convincingly games. As an unknown unit with a could disrupt the cycle, but a run of squad, it appears we took a collective won 17-7, and the squad spread number of tall players, we went out four breaks gave us a significant lead. decision to hide even the details of that itself around, bantering with the hard against the Russians and took the Trading out the half to 9-5 appeared from the closely watching Belgians Masters, and supporting the Open and first half 9-1, only for them to presage to give the defence the legs to attack as we played without any sense of Women’s squads before reconvening

26 incorrect advice from the sideline - team meeting and early night routine blaming a wind-disrupted scoreboard that had become so familiar. In the for the suggestion that we call a non- spirit of superstition, we even forced existent timeout - could turn the tide ourselves to eat the now-distinctly- as some protracted points traded out unappealing scrambled egg, rubbery the game 17-8. sausage and mustard breakfast for the eighth successive day and prepare Next door, the pool rematch of for the final as a game like any other. France against Russia had see-sawed through the first half as both teams Sadly for the spectators, the Russian showed plenty of passion but not team’s heroics clearly caught up with much composure. As we were closing them, and as a gusty wind allowed Marko Dreu out the Belgium game and warming us to further emphasise specific down, France appeared to have taken defensive objectives, a relatively the decisive lead, 13-7 in a game to 15, scrappy game ensued where little Nick White and so we left to watch the other GB went right for our opponents. It’s rarely squads. said that a heavy defeat is a credit to the vanquished, but there was talk The medical team really came into on the sideline of how this Russian their own throughout the rest of team had already come back from GB Mixed v Slovenia © Jocelyn Trottet 2011 - lookgoodplaygood.org Friday, as walkie talkies allowed us apparently unwinnable situations, and to deploy sideline support where there could be no let up. As testament the second half -or the Austrians had Austria by outscoring them 10-6 in the it was needed, and later when we to their spirit, they were the team who an eye on their afternoon pre-quarter second half to become our semi-final gathered under their balconies late in gritted out the longest point of the - as they failed to score in the second opponents . the evening to offer our thanks. As a game, with a pinpoint sidearm upwind half. Meanwhile, the Russians pulled show of how well the medics had been to score what would be their only goal off their first heist, recovering from With the benefit of intelligence integrated into the spirit of Team GB, of the second half. 8-12 down against the Dutch to win from ultiorganizer & the occasional they presented a number of awards 15-13. reconnaissance mission to Belgium’s both congratulatory and derogatory, A hat-trick of European titles then for games, we knew that a lot of their with Gainey taking the “hardman” GB Mixed, finishing the tournament Hearing the Irish belt out “Ireland’s play went through the men, with three award for requiring the least attention with an average winning margin of Call” when you’re about to play them is guys comfortably over 6’3” taking the across all divisions, and Merrick being 11.7, compared to 8 in Southampton a very different experience to enjoying majority of their stats. They came out declaimed as the biggest squealer on and 5.8 in Fontenay-le-Comte. While it as a spectator, and confirmed strong, forcing our offence to give up removal of bandages. Presenting a this is clearly an upward trend, in what we’d been told in the pre-game their first break in three days, but defence of “It’s because I’m so manly those eight years the team has been speech: they really wanted it and were after a gritty second point, our defence & hairy” didn’t win him any sympathy. unable to reach the semi-finals at convinced they had a good shot at us. put pressure on with some targeted a world stage (the last time that Starting the game with a four point match-ups, going on a run of breaks We’d also learned by this stage happened was 2000 in Heillbronn), run might have quashed the hopes of that was only halted by a ridiculous that Russia had completed their and that has to be the minimum goal lesser teams, but the Irish trusted in grab by one of the Belgian stars. An second great escape, going on two for next year. All GB squads have taken their big players and hung in to earn overcooked GB huck and more good three-break runs to make France a step up in their professionalism this their turnovers, never quite converting use of height gave the Belgians their surrender even an 11-14 game point cycle, and we all eagerly anticipate the as they were limited to three points second break of the game, but our lead and secure themselves a spot in challenge of delivering on the efforts in the first half. With our offence deeper squad, all playing to structure, Saturday’s final. put in thus far. As I write, Japan is hitting 100% again, we continued to told over the rest of the first half as So, for the third cycle in a row, finals 5813 miles, 70 weights sessions, 69 pull away, winning 17-5. Our pool every Belgian receiver was put under day arrived with three GB teams in conditioning sessions, and 210 sets nearly managed a clean sweep of the pressure and we secured another pursuit of a medal, and the Masters of daily exercises away. Let’s hope it’s quarters, with France drubbing Poland two breaks. Having taken the half already decked out in gold. While the enough. 17-7, Russia dominating the first half 9-5, a call was made to attack the Mixed team of 2007 had also been Rich Hims against Germany before surviving a second half, and so we did, with varied able to relax on Friday night, the 2011 scare to close out the game 14-12, defences that forced at least one turn vintage had repeated the ice bath, and Belgium only progressing past per point in the second half. Not even

27 EUC masters

Back in 2000, my mate threw me a Although I obviously never went so far forehand on a beach in Brazil. Just as wearing leggings. There has to be to confuse me a bit more, he then a line. threw a hammer. What was this strange new devilry? To me there was I’m not a naturally talented player. only one way to throw a Frisbee, and You see some new players pick no one had ever given it a name. In up a Frisbee and throw a brilliant my bewildered state he explained to forehand and they just get it. Well, me that he had been playing in the that’s not me. I am the David Batty of London Summer League of a sport the Frisbee world; but with a lot less called “Ultimate Frisbee”. You can money and physical presence. I get never just call it Ultimate to someone by on determination and on the ability who doesn’t know the game, or they of those around me, but that’s fine. will probably end up thinking you A team needs all sorts of different are a cage fighter. Armed with this players to work. I can run all day long knowledge I continued travelling and thats the centre of my game, so the world and throwing Frisbees for my progression has been steady but general enjoyment, and then in 2004 uninspiring. However I’ve been lucky I mustered up the courage to email to play with some excellent players Paul Hurt, whose name was on the over the years who have helped me London Ultimate website. Having been do things better. Sometimes by telling Peetu Ounap Ben Mitchell thrown into a pick-up team, I turned me things direct and other times I just up with a mate and played my first work it out by watching them. None of ever organised Ultimate. All I knew the things you pick up transform you was that you weren’t supposed to run overnight but after a few years you find with the Frisbee. I still did it though. that you are a better player than you GB Masters v Finland © Jocelyn Trottet 2011- lookgoodplaygood.org were before. So when I realised that What’s not to like about Summer I could play for GB Masters at Euros, League? There’s sunshine and cider... having qualified by a mere 20 days, I and it’s mixed! Having played Sunday saw that this was my only genuine league football in the freezing cold for chance to represent a GB grass team. years and being regularly assaulted by overweight men who really didn’t “Masters you say? Hmmm. Just a load enjoy their life, I was suddenly of fat, old handlers right?” Wrong. The confronted by friendly and courteous first trial was pretty intimidating. More people who were just there to run so than the GB Mixed trial I had gone around and enjoy themselves. I was to earlier in the year. It was awash with hooked. After a couple of Summer people who I knew from watching high Leagues, I tried Winter League. After level games, that I would never myself a couple of those, I tried Mixed Tour. be invited to join in, and thinking, ‘How Then after a couple of years of that, does he dive like that? How does he I tried Open. It just crept up on me. then get up?’. The sort of people I Before I knew it I was doing all the have seen for years playing for proper Frisbee geek things that had amused teams, winning medal after medal me in the past, just because I wanted and, of course, wearing leggings. to improve. Throwing on my own in a The trials were excellent. They were park like a complete weirdo, running very intense, yet surprisingly relaxed sprints at track, jumping up and down too. And to be honest this was the Justin Foord Tomas Eriksson on a log pretending to be Rocky. All manner in which the captains ran the these things that I had sniggered squad throughout. I know not every at before just started happening. squad can be run like that but they got GB Open v Sweden © Jocelyn Trottet 2011- lookgoodplaygood.org

28 years spent in strange fields in Mansfield, Exeter and other ludicrous places had come to something. And I was also proud to represent Great Britain and bring back a gold. It was the only time I had come back from a tournament and when my Mum has asked ‘Did you win?’ that I could just say ‘yes’. This is a better answer than having to explain to her that we lost our important crossover because of a hangover and a wayward hammer in sudden death, before finishing 12th. Even the most supportive of mums can’t say much to that. We walked into the beer tent afterwards with everyone clapping Florian Reinhard and it was a fantastic feeling to be part of the squad. In true British style we celebrated our success through the manly unity of beer, drinking vodka in a car park and singing karaoke in a gondola. Turns out Hooves and Germany v Sweden © Jocelyn Trottet 2011- lookgoodplaygood.org Borders should have been in a Jon Bon Jovi cover band. it just right. One Sunday morning, as it. I couldn’t believe it. I was ecstatic! for O would get you another chance the final selections were imminent, I celebrated as any international elite very quickly. They were clinical and I love playing Ultimate. I love the ethos, we were told by captain Stu Mitchell athlete does by drinking shots, on my it gave us the freedom to put teams the people, the combination of playing that the key to getting on the team was own, at the bar. under pressure on D. Before we knew hard and socialising. It really is a to go out and get him some blocks. it, we were in the final and it had all brilliant sport to be involved in. So I’m That was it. If you want to be on the The tournament was a strange affair come to a head. We’d beaten Finland very pleased that I got the opportunity plane then now is the time. I’m not for me. I’ve never done anything like twice in the tournament already but to play it at a level that I don’t normally sure I’ve ever seen people play so that and I found it quite bizarre to be in the back of our minds we knew get to. Some people play at that level hard at training. I’m not sure I’ve ever in Slovenia, representing Great Britain how sweet that would be for them to from Junior age and it’s normal for played that hard full stop. It was great at a major championship. Every now win the one that mattered and how them but there’s lots of us who just to see everyone respond and push and then I would wonder what the dejected we would all be if we allowed stumbled into the sport later than themselves. From now on I think all D hell was going on. It was like the first it. most and who keep coming back line team talks should be given with a time I went to Mixed Tour in York and because at its core it is great fun and northern edge and an underlying hint stood in hail that burnt my eyeballs The final went in a blur and it played in a good spirit. To then get the of violence. and thought “Is this real? How do seemed to be over so quickly. A lot of chance to play for GB was something I these events exist? Should I really be preparation, nerves and build-up were never expected to do and to win a gold I was at a Faithless concert in Brixton here?” It was a bit overwhelming. I gone before I could really take it all was fantastic. With Japan in sight, it’s one Friday night, when Si Hill rang was aware that I was in a situation I in. I focussed so hard on trying to do time to do it all again and I can only me up. I assumed you only rang wasn’t used to and it took me a while what I had to do correctly that I never hope I enjoy myself nearly as much as people up to tell them they were cut to settle down. really had a chance to savour the rest I did in Slovenia. Playing hard, playing so when I saw his name on my phone of the occasion. The only time I really to win and celebrating afterwards I knew the game was up. ”Thanks for The early games went relatively to relaxed was when the winning score with good friends and a drink. To be coming, you played really well but on plan. Our O line was ridiculous and went in and suddenly we could enjoy fair it’s not that far removed from the this occasion...” But that’s not what being a D player was a pleasure. If you it. I wasn’t sure what I would feel but Summer League after all. happened. Over the din of the venue I failed to get that block you knew full the overall emotions were satisfaction could hear him telling me I had made well that the seven players going on and pride. Satisfaction that all those Dan Berry

29 EUC women

Until September 2009, my only But by the start of the 2010 season, I experience of “serious” Ultimate was hadn’t managed to get myself together playing with the GB Juniors at Worlds enough to make a commitment to way back in 2000, and it was hardly a women’s team, and knowing how serious… I was the only girl – the much time and money Janey had put butt of many a joke and on the team, into playing Frisbee meant I had to sit mostly because I managed to save tight for a little while longer. However, enough money washing up at the hotel I did manage to get involved in the Lily Huang Valérie Möller round the corner every Sunday night. London Summer League team of Good Lord! Playing alongside some of the GB Women v Germany © Dan Berry 2011 But I could throw – my two big sisters top female players in the country sure Janey and Lucy put me through my made me up my game and gave me a The trial period for GB was long and be better. Equalling their skills and paces so I could just about hold my taster of what lay ahead. The women own amongst the boys. We drank our nerve racking with lots of winter fitness is within my reach, and it is were of equal value to the men (if not evenings spent trying to get my skills something that, with their help, I can way through the summer tour and more so) and every single player was training sessions, which certainly up to scratch by throwing under the train myself to achieve. used to her potential. Often our lines stolen flood-lights of the Clapham gave us the upper hand for the party were woman- (and Iceni-) strong, so Playing against women only heavy tournament in Heilbronn, Common tennis courts. Lunch times it was the perfect opportunity to learn were spent throwing and running intensifies my desire to try harder and Germany, where we came 5th (out of from the best and to see how the girls do better. Plus there’s the amazing eight teams, I think!) (and a fair amount of jumping too) played together. Plus, I could still at Kennington Park, and night times feeling of competition at its peak! The Anyway, since then I spent a lot of throw the ropey long stuff for the likes spent geeking up on my knowledge of most fired up and driven I’ve ever been years abroad travelling and doing ski of Fran Scarampi to bring it down! the game. But it all came to fruition playing Frisbee was with SYC against Iceni at Nationals 2011 – us beating seasons, playing the odd tournament Late on in the summer, talk of GB when the final team for 2011 was here and there, and training with put out. It was now fully real, and I them was within our reach, me as an started to creep into conversations individual beating anyone I marked Blue Arse Flies (BAF) whenever I was between sips of cider (or Jager, was officially a player of the women’s home. I missed Ultimate greatly when game! up against was within my reach, and depending on the time of night). So that was what made the difference I was away, and always said I’d like to when trials came around, I went for get into it properly one day. So training with women is awesome – for me between playing women’s and it! I played it safe, kept my options you compete against your teammates mixed, something I don’t think I had Training with BAF under the solid open and trialled for both GB Mixed in every aspect from fitness and fully appreciated until that point… (we guidance of Merrick Cardew and and GB Women; after all, I’d only strength, to mental composure, good didn’t beat them!). Chris Hughes helped me keep the ever imagined what playing women’s decision making and good execution. enthusiasm going, but it wasn’t until ultimate was like, the reality could Many women love training with men Playing for the GB Women’s team at 2009 when Merrick asked me to play have been quite different. But it as they feel it pushes them further the European Ultimate Championship for BAF at XEUCF that the love for wasn’t… it only took one trial at each and harder than when training with in Slovenia last year was a massive Ultimate came alive again. It was for me to make my mind up – women women – I used to think this too. But learning curve for me in so many there that I had my first glimpse of all the way! I had flashbacks of in all honesty, when training with ways. But more than anything, I the women’s game at its best – Iceni watching the women play at XEUCF, guys, there is always something in think my belief that the opposition’s versus Hot Beaches in the European but I was part of it now, and part of it the back of my mind that submits to players are all within my reach hadn’t Women’s Club semi-final. I was blown with the best Great Britain had to offer. the fact that most high-level male yet materialised at that point, and away by the precision of the throwers, players are stronger, faster and I am more excited than ever to be I now had to get myself onto a good going into the 2012 season with this the commitment of the cutters and club team, and the creation of the new can jump higher than me and this receivers, and the cohesion of the physiological fact cannot be changed. at the forefront of my mental game. team SYC seemed like the perfect My training is spurred on by the fact teams. Having always played Mixed, answer. After being accepted onto the I can run, jump and lift weights ’til my I’d grown used to relying on the boys heart’s content, but I will never truly that I now believe I have at least one team, I felt the full effects of the club element of my game that can match or to pull down the ropey long stuff that ethos and playing style – a spot-on be able to compete one-on-one with I was slowly building the confidence guys that play at this level. However, outshine any member of the opposing combination of a high level learning team. It is with this in mind that I hope to put up – no room for that in the environment and a great bunch of training with women takes this away. women’s game. Knowing that my fellow teammates to play the best I have ever played at girls with the desire to do their best WUGC in Japan this summer. out on the pitch. are stronger and faster than me only makes me try harder and want to Joey Holmes

30 EUCa spectators guide

The European Ultimate Champion- Team GB were staying in tournament A regular feature of any week long ships come around every four years. accommodation up the mountain, tournament is the parties. With no Any Ultimate player who wants to at the end of a cable car journey. We games to warm up for, we were more compete at the highest level will decided to stay away from the teams than happy to sample what EUC had want to represent their nation at in the heart of Maribor and took over to offer. We would soon discover that Europeans. Some are lucky enough a hostel run by an ex-pat. This allowed the GB Masters were on the same to get this opportunity; others are us the ‘odd’ late night, sampling wavelength! not. Having unsuccessfully tried out, plenty of local food and beer. we found ourselves in the position of A night-time game took place on the supporting our girlfriends in the GB Maribor really is lovely and welcoming Tuesday, with lanterns to mark out Unfortunately, the boys came up Women’s Squad. This is our account of of tourists. Our hostess did warn the pitch and a light-up disc in play. short. I bet they’ll be back with more experiencing Euros – originally from us of one idiosyncrasy: heavy fines It turned out to be quite amusing – as for Worlds, too. the stands, and eventually from the are regularly dished out to tourists we couldn’t be convinced to play, we who jaywalk. Fastidiously waiting for settled for heckling. sidelines. On Saturday night, the GB Squads the green man before crossing the celebrated what had been a fantastic Originally, we were unsure how exactly abandoned roads late at night to avoid After watching the GB Masters pick week. While Whippet and the others we would feel watching the squads €40 fines became commonplace. up gold medals against the Finns, our departed for 24 hours of driving in compete, after being so desperate to attention on Friday night moved onto 27 hours, we were invited up with the be a part of it. Instead we were there to Being outside the squads also meant the tournament closing party that team to celebrate. First, we had to join provide support, have a good time and we weren’t confined to that familiar was held at a big club in the centre of them in the mountain cable car. For watch some great Ultimate. However, tournament cycle: meet, warm up, town. With all the locals safely tucked those of us without a head for heights, we quickly realised that not playing play, warm down and repeat. We up for the 10pm curfew, it was full that was a challenge in itself! would bring all sorts of benefits – an were able to pick and choose what we of Ultimate players letting their hair watched, or didn’t watch, and spend down – and they did it in style! Plenty epiphany prompted by the ice cream Some closed eyes and clenched fists some time in the town itself. An extra of euro-pop ensured that there was and beer we tucked into at Ljubljana later, we arrived at ‘GB Village’ (well, bonus was that this flexibility allowed many a sore head in the stands for the Airport! Arranging a lift with Whippet the Swiss were there too, but were us to meet up with old friends now Finals the next day... and company at the end of their epic not as well decorated or vocal as GB). playing for other countries. road trip from Kent proved to be a GB had squads in each of the Players and captains reflected on a stroke of genius, allowing us to have a As the week went on, GB Women were remaining finals, meaning it was job well done and began the plans to relaxing start to our week. involved in some titanic games that sure to be an exciting, nervous day. improve for 2012. proved that it’s not winning all your The Mixed final came and went with One of the features of the week was Reflecting on how EUC was for us games, but winning the important a dominating display of O and D from social media – between the constant off the fields, we agreed it was much ones that counts! We’d like to believe it GB. The Russians seemed happy just updates for people back at home better experience than we expected. had something to do with us becoming to have made the final. The main event and the banter with other squads, While on paper Team GB’s results more involved on the sidelines as the for us was the Women’s final. After Facebook and Twitter got plenty of weren’t as good as four years ago – week progressed. becoming more and more involved use. During the wait for our lift, Wigsy two Golds and two Silvers compared during the week, we tried to be as advised us to bring some TLC for the to three Golds and one Silver – the The game against the Czechs was loud and encouraging as possible for girls, as they’d had a less than perfect standard of play has improved particularly memorable for a fine the final – job done! Unfortunately, start. immensely. example of the other GB squads on this occasion Germany had too supporting each other. The GB Ladies We arrived at the venue equipped with much for GB and took the Gold. After Having been involved in trials and needed the win to stay in the top sweets and smiles. We caught up with the initial disappointment, a feeling selection both four years ago and eight. They were playing on a pitch the women after their opening defeat of achievement took over. The whole in 2011, I think it’s fair to say the that allowed the GB Masters to lend to the Irish team, where one of the team decided to take that and to use UKU has embraced a certain level support from the hill side. Significant things that was mentioned was that it to train hard for WUGC in Japan next of professionalism as well. The numbers from the Open and Mixed they ‘could do with some more noise year. exemplary medical team in support squads joined us by the sideline, too. from the sideline’. At that point, we was just one example of that. When GB took the game 13-10, all four The girls had some catching up to realised how useful we could actually Hopefully, we’ll see the fruits of that squads were ecstatic. do off pitch now that their games be during the week. work in 2012 at WUGC in Japan. were over, and everyone enjoyed a beer or two watching the Open Final. Dave Povey

31 The incident took place in the Open Finals of the 2011 European Ultimate Championships in Maribor. The game can be seen here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oBzm1BTaidY, and the incident takes place at 13:45. Ground strip Essentially, the video shows the Here are some of the more interesting comments that appeared Eurodisc and the EUCC FaceBook page. Swedish #18 player catch the disc Conor Hogan: If his first point of I think the fact that the camera zooms way. Yes I also know that I that have in the endzone, but he then falls contact was his feet in bounds then in so close makes this look worse that played a long time at high level should over and drops the disc as he hits surely that’s a goal, it shouldn’t matter it was. But did any of the GB players know ALL the rules big and small, but the ground. As everybody knows, what happens after that, as he was in notice the disc hitting the ground? I didn’t. And believe it or not, this was the moment you have control of control of the disc with a foot or two in Score or not, surely if they had seen the first time I was in this scenario. the disc in the endzone, that’s bounds. The point has instantly ended. the drop they would have questioned It was never my intent to ‘cheat’ or a score. However what many what happened. ‘cover something up’ and I apologize if people don’t know (and at this Brian David Henderson: That’s a drop, some of you think that I tried to do so. point I’ll confess that I didn’t fully but what is more annoying is that he So maybe it was a score, maybe it understand) is that if you then covered it up :( Trying to hide it proves wasn’t. Maybe it was a cover up, I learn from the mistake, gain a lot of immediately lose the disc due to he knew he was doing something maybe it wasn’t but the disc should experience from it and hopefully all contact with the ground, the catch wrong. have been left on the ground to allow this will make me a better player in is deemed not to have happened the GB team give their view on it. the future. and it’s a turn-over. It seems that Tomas Eriksson [Sweden #18]: I am the Swedish #18 didn’t know this 100% sure that I catch the disc with Štêpán Materna: Some points as a Faissoil M’baé: Tomas let it go. We are rule either, as he instantly scoops both hands and that I am inside of reaction to Tomas and others: all humans and we all have committed up the disc, and celebrates the the end zone, Then I hit the ground 1) No GB player was looking so no errors. the disc plops out when I am hit the GB player could see it and call score. Sweden go on to win the Sjoerd Druiven: It is my opinion that final 15-13. ground. It all happens very fast. a turnover. This was solely up to Tomas to judge his acts. Some by assuming that some players are There are several interesting In the heat of the moment, I firmly Swedish players were close and cheats, spirit is lost. parts to this story: None of believed that I had the disc and had may have seen it. Then part of the control over it, so it was a goal. Now Lukas Kahwe Smith: After having the players seem to be aware shame goes upon their heads too. watched the video a couple of times, anything happened and there is after viewing the film many times 2) I was sitting in the stands with I cannot imagine anyone not realizing no discussion during the game, I can agree that it looks quite bad, direct view of the situation. The that this was a fumble unless they even though the crowd did notice, regarding to the rule 12:2 (everybody whole crowd started booing as one have been trained to not self-referee. and were very vocal. The incident refers to) it maybe should have been a man (listen to the sound of the Therefore either the player cheated or was caught on film, which lead to turnover I don’t know. video). It looked nasty. was trained to not even think about a lot of on-line discussion. A lot I have always respected the “spirit of 3) It is hard, but remotely I can rules if it isn’t to their advantage in the of the discussion was ill informed the game”. Sometimes I play to tough, given situation. In either case I think and ill mannered – many people understand that the pressure of the sometimes I make bad calls, and I am moment overcame your common it’s a major issue. think it’s a simple drop and then certain that I have done things on the an attempt to cheat. The video did sense. I hope this whole uproar will Andrea Furlan, EUF Chairperson field that I regret afterwards, but I teach you a lesson. appear to back this up - unless have never ever intentionally cheated. On Behalf of the EUF Committee (in you see the freeze frames. 4) Thanks for posting your view and consultation with the WFDF SOTG Richard Buggy: Thank you for your not hiding in the dark committee) Some people suggested that this comment Tomas. It is very helpful to incidend is a good reason to start hear your side of the story. Tomas Eriksson: I think that it’s good Dear Ultimate Community, using observers in big games, that many people are involved and try Due to the widespread nature of although I personally doubt an I think there are two parts to this: to come with constructive criticism on this video the European Ultimate observer would have seen this what happened. That is a good sign 1. Was it a score or not? Federation (EUF) has been compelled event. that you care about the sport and want to take two actions. 2. Did you try and cover the fact that to make sure that next time a scenario It is true, however, that this is the disc was dropped? like this happens you can sort it out in an example of self refereeing 1) We contacted the Swedish a much better way than I did. not working perfectly, if only Part 1 is a tough call. Some people say Frisbeesport Federation (SFF) to offer guidance that rule 1.7 is enacted, as because the player didn’t know yes, others say no. Even Tomas has I am man enough to stand for what I this was a case of a SOTG infraction: the rules. The lesson here is said that on reviewing the video he did in that moment in the game, but 1.7. Teams are guardians of the Spirit that you should know the rules, isn’t 100% but at the time he was sure I am also man enough to admit that it of the Game, and must: and if you’re not sure, ask. Don’t it was a score. However this isn’t the was a mistake from my side. be afraid that you’re letting your main argument, scores are wrongly 1.7.1. take responsibility for teaching team down - or you may find called all the time. Now I know after reading the rules in their players the rules and good yourself in this situation. detail, that it was not a catch. If I had spirit; Part 2 is more pressing. Was there a known it back then I am 100% sure 1.7.2. discipline players who display Jack Goolden cover up of the drop? that I would have acted in a different poor spirit; and

32 1.7.3 provide constructive feedback to through social networking we need a) This guy didn’t know the rules, or he did his utmost to grab it as quickly other teams about how to improve to increase guidelines to players and b) He cheated as possible, before anybody saw what their adherence to the Spirit of the keep an even more mindful eye on had happened. Game. how we are conducting ourselves both Anyone can see that this does not They [The SFF] will determine what on and off the field when representing present unarguable evidence of Is there hard evidence for that? No. spirit infraction occurred based off our sport. cheating. He says himself he didn’t Does it matter that there’s no such of their follow-on dialogue with the know the rule, so what right do we evidence? Neither. player in question. As the tournament We do hope everybody will be able have to assume he cheated? When a to learn something important out of guy calls a foul or a travel or anything Whether he did it on purpose or not, is over, let’s all remember that in this whether he knew the rule or not, it’s instance, it is solely the responsibility these discussions. else that you don’t agree with, you can discuss the facts with him and you can all irrelevant: from now on, nobody of the SFF and the team in question Especially that Spirit can be and must is going to trust him. That’s a much to determine what happened and how believe he’s wrong - but you can never be trained. That knowing and teaching assume he’s cheating. Mutual respect bigger loss than one game, if you ask to follow-up with the situation. As per the rules is the critical backbone of me. the rules, other teams can provide MEANS that you must assume your our self-refereed sport. And that when opponent is playing fairly. constructive feedback to the team in infractions occur that it is important Benji: That’s a little simplified. He question, but nothing beyond that is to discuss these together with mutual When you have incontrovertible dropped it on contact with the ground. acceptable. respect. evidence of cheating (e.g. if GB had He definitely caught it first. questioned this incident and he’d 2) The EUF is also strongly compelled Heiko Kissling: What should be kept in There’s a rule which says as soon as to remind Ultimate players that, when said, ‘I didn’t drop it,’) then we should he catches it and touches the ground mind when judging a video sequence punish severely; I’m all over that. But discussing a play that has either is that it is two completely different in, it’s a score (but see rule 12.1, 12.2). happened on field, or in discussing it in every other case, we must assume If someone doesn’t look at 12.1 & 12.2, worlds to do a decision in the heat the best motives. afterwards in a forum, where other of the game versus on your screen then they’ll get this situation wrong. teams can interact with each other, watching the same situation multiple The Swedish player was seriously in I agree completely that it’s outrageous that rule 1.3 is still very much in times and perhaps even in slow breach of the SOTG by NOT KNOWING someone shouldn’t know the full effect. This means that, as outlined in motion. THE RULES, and ONLY (provably) rule, but my point is a) he’s not alone the rule, one must allow an opponent that. But I can tell you now, as an old in that, and b) it’s not completely a reasonable chance to speak, and Films in general, also a simple experienced player who gets asked a beyond possibility that such a respectful language must be used. recording of a game, make you think lot of rule questions, there are plenty that it shows the “real” situation. But misunderstanding could happen. 1.3. Players should be mindful of the of people on the GB team, and on every this is wrong. Twice in the past couple of years, in fact that they are acting as referees team, who don’t know all the rules. reasonably serious competition, I’ve in any arbitration between teams. In Every kind of filming is just a copy and If you can go here (http://ultimaterules dealt with exactly this situation, where such situations, players must: the real situation is over. Don’t fall into .co.cc/?page_id=162) and answer someone had read that rule and not 1.3.1. know the rules; the media trap where single actions all 70 questions on that rules quiz understood the bit about how a ground 1.3.2. be fair-minded and objective; are way overrated. correctly, maybe you can start to think strip would negate the previous catch. 1.3.3. be truthful; There is a very good general rule: If about criticising the Swedish guy. You can see how - the rule is very clear 1.3.4. explain their viewpoint clearly you have something to say, talk to the that the point is scored at the very and briefly; Most of us get by in games because respective person, never talk about moment the disc stops spinning, and 1.3.5. allow opponents a reasonable someone on our team knows the him/her (if you don’t have the guts to the additional rule (that they haven’t chance to speak; rules, and whenever something arises talk/email with the respective person, read) effectively goes back in time and 1.3.6. resolve disputes as quickly as they can be relied on to sort it out. keep silent. says ‘the catch never happened’. possible; and This incident shows the dangers of 1.3.7. use respectful language. Benji Heywood: “Rule 1.2. It is trusted thinking like this, and emphasises The high level nature of this match that no player will intentionally break why we all need to know the rules. makes it more upsetting that the guy There have been some disappointing the rules; thus there are no harsh Otherwise, next time it might be you didn’t know the rule, but I don’t see displays of poor spirit where the penalties for breaches” on the receiving end of all this flak. that it makes it impossible. And given rules above were not adhered to by that, my responsibility as a fellow individuals discussing this particular Peter Korsten: When I saw the video, It’s worth a lot of people remembering player is to give him the benefit of the incident on public online spaces. my *perception* (and I emphasise that this at this time. We have very good doubt. video evidence that either: word, ‘perception’) is that he knew With the increased connectivity very well that he dropped it, and that My views, not anyone else’s.

33 Towards better SOTG

The Level 1 UKU Coaching Handbook opposition, and the importance of - making different calls in a tight celebrates respectfully when they states: “Most spirit of the game the game are all irrelevant. Apply game than you would if you’re score against you, they obviously infractions occur between players who SOTG the same regardless. winning easily; this shows that you rate you as a tough opponent. Plus either don’t know the rules or have are trying to bend the rules to your they are enjoying themselves! [1.4, interpreted them (either accidentally Examples of poor spirit: advantage [1.3.2.] 1.6.4.] or otherwise!) incorrectly”. - raising your voice; make your call - making a travel call on a tiny slip in - sometimes two players won’t be As such, the UKU Spirit of the Game calmly (link to BE CALM) thick mud... the infraction has to be able to agree; this is acceptable (SOTG) committee has come up - unwillingness to discuss the call, meaningful [Principles] [Principles] with some simple guidelines that no matter how “right” you think you will help you to reduce the number Things you might think were bad Frequently misinterpreted rules: are. Ignoring the opinions of your spirit, but aren’t: of infractions that take place while opponents, team mates and anyone - calling a receiving foul on a you’re playing, leading to better and with good perspective is equally - playing really hard in a one-sided hanging disc when there is a crowd more fun games! The numbers in poor. [1.3.5.] game [1.4.] gathered underneath if players [brackets] indicate the relevant rules have established positions and or links that apply - deliberately causing an infraction, - making a call that you then realise are attempting to avoid contact, or and saying “if you think it’s a foul, is wrong, and giving it up; in the where two or more players are both Golden Rules – these always apply: just call a foul”. [1.2, 1.6.2.] heat of the moment people can entitled to one spot on field and are often be mistaken. If they make a both equally responsible for the 1) Respect: treat others as you would - making a call personal: tit-for-tat call then quickly realise that they contact, and as such no foul can be like to be treated. calls, etc. [1.3.2, 1.6.5.] were wrong, they will give up their called [12.6,12.7,12.8 on positioning) call. This is perfectly acceptable 2) Know the rules, particularly the - instantly assuming that your (1.5.2, 15.9.) - calling a receiving foul if all players section on SOTG [1.3.1.] opponent is trying to cheat. Often misread the disc, for example if it when people foul it is accidental and - celebrating goals; if a team 3) Be consistent; your team, the they won’t contest [1.3.2.] has been bobbled by the wind, the

Andrea Gavelli Panoy Delos Santos

How NOT to discuss a call. Italy v Philippines WCBU. © Graham Bailey 2011 grahambaileyphotography.com

34 Towards better SOTG be calm... contact is incidental to the lack of Ways to get more from SOTG: catch [12.9 & 12.10 on incidental After a call, instead of contesting straight away, contact] - introduce yourself to your opponent. Later, if a call happens, you have you should BE CALM: - contact when one player is unable already established a friendly to avoid a collision is not grounds nature and you are more likely to BE for a foul; in fact, the foul may be CALM [1.5.4] Breathe don’t react straight away the other way around (“if you step in my way and I can’t avoid you, - encourage your team to step in and Explain what you think happened then you have fouled me”) [12.9 and offer advice; get used to bowing to Interpretations Section 12, 17.8.1] this perspective even if you think it disagrees with your own [1.5.1.] - no contact is required to call Consider what they think happened ‘Dangerous Play’; if you feel - learn the rules well. There are many someone’s movement could cause resources online, including how Ask for advice on perspective and rules you an injury and you are forced to to resolve different situations and give up position, you are entitled to even example scenarios. If you’re Listen to what everyone has to say make this call (17.1.1) confident in your ability, why not take the WFDF Rules Quiz? - a player can catch and throw in one Make a call loudly and clearly, use hand signals movement if they maintain a single Thanks for reading! pivot point during the throwing UKU SOTG Committee motion, so think carefully before Wayne Davey & Sion Scone making that travel call! (18.2.3.1) WFDF Rules: Examples of good spirit (that are http:// often ignored and easy to remedy): ultimaterules. co.cc/?page_id=1535 - resolving calls quickly: bring Principles: only additional information to a http://ultimaterules. discussion and come to a fast co.cc/?page_id=1161 resolution [1.3.6.] Rules Quiz: http://ultimaterules. - congratulating your opponent on co.cc/?page_id=1130 good play; a nice catch or throw, for Resolving your call correctly: example, or a display of good Spirit http://ultimaterules. [1.5.3] co.cc/?page_id=1317 - checking that your opponent is ok Rules Interpretation: after a bid or collision http://ultimaterules. - clearly and effectively co.cc/?page_id=1300 communicating any calls to all Scenarios: http://ultimaterules. players; this will help to resolve co.cc/?page_id=1170 the call quickly and ensure that Be Calm: everyone adopts the correct field http://wfdf.net/ position so that play can continue index.php?option=com_ with as little delay as possible content&view=article&id=77:be- calm-strategy&catid=31:spirit- - being an example of good Spirit of-the-game&Itemid=67 to younger or less experienced players, encouraging them to play with good spirit, and helping them to understand what it means

35 Who is Liam Kelly?

So Liam, what exactly is your job title Well the government cuts are really the project over 18 months ago. The at UK Ultimate? a different order of magnitude. project has come such a long way; Coaching and Development Manager. The people at the MSP seem to be it’s changed completely since the Primarily, my role is to coordinate primarily concerned with helping out pilot schemes, but the core principles and deliver UKU Coaching courses. sport. It seems more like corporate have stayed the same. It’s been a huge In particular, to help schools to run responsibility than advertising. Of learning curve for all of us. Leader Awards, because that’s the course any business funding a best thing we can do to support the programme like this will hope that How have they championed sports? ongoing growth of Ultimate in schools. people see them in a more positive They’ve involved some really light as a result. knowledgeable and experienced What does that involve? people. Their consultant on sport The Leader Award is a three-hour So how has that money helped is Jim Quigley, who was one of the workshop for people who don’t play Ultimate? people responsible for bringing the Ultimate but want to teach it. Most of Well more money from the YST and Commonwealth Games to Manchester the people who take part are teachers MSP enables schools to pay for coach in 2002, and the Ambassador of the or youth workers. education and to buy Frisbees – and MSP is Sir Steve Redgrave. He came to that helps us (the existing Ultimate a workshop with us in the North East, I’ve heard a lot about some schemes community) to influence the uptake and took part in the session with some recently that have helped Ultimate – of Ultimate in schools. Without that kids. That day we taught 28 coaches what are they? money it would be a much slower in the morning, who then went on to Well the Youth Sport Trust (YST) is process. It means we can reach more teach around 200 kids later in the day. Liam Kelly an independent charity established people. Technically with the Leader His involvement was mainly for the in 1994 to build a brighter future for Awards, both so far this year and media, but it helped so much. Having young people through PE and sport. last, there has been no growth in someone like that associated has been With the current economic climate, the number that we are delivering. absolutely amazing. It’s really helping the Government announced plans to However, with school budgets being the UKU, getting us more established. cut the funding for school sports. In squeezed, the YST has helped avoid People involved with the YST have an the end, the funding was cut by 50% shrinkage – without that money we effect on policy in Government, and instead of completely, which had been would be seeing negative growth can help the UKU get recognition as discussed. instead of maintaining our current a National Governing Body. If there is Against a backdrop of severely reduced GB Open © Jocelyn Trottet 2011 level, because there is just less money a way to get Ultimate into the social Government funding, Matalan decided available. lexicon, this is it. These people are big that they want to support school sport. Going into the interview with Liam hitters, and these contacts can only They created the Matalan Sporting You mentioned non-traditional sports Kelly, I had heard a lot of vague help us. Promise (MSP), which in partnership were chosen for the Matalan yoUR summaries and explanations of with the YST is committed to getting Activity program. How were those What plans are there to move this what he did. Something to do with more young people taking part in sports chosen? forward? getting kids to play Ultimate, getting more PE and school sport. They are The sports were already known There are plans to have a big launch Ultimate into schools and teaching trying to do a lot for school sports, to the YST on some level and they event, involving national media and TV coaches the basics seemed to be but the part that concerns Ultimate suggested that the projects takes on companies, so that will be great for the general consensus. What was is called ‘Matalan yoUR Activity’, an ‘alternative’ feel. The logic behind the whole project. The project has also striking, though, was that despite which they hope will re-engage young non-traditional sports was that a lot of drawn interest from more investment this job sounding so interesting and people at secondary level by giving well-established sports already have partners and has recently received important to the future progression of them the opportunity to take part in good take up numbers in schools. more investment from the People Ultimate, almost every description of non-traditional sporting activities, Originally, the project wasn’t going to Health Trust: The Health Lottery Liam’s role was as vague as the last. such as Ultimate, along with several include sports like ours, but the YST to work in their targeted areas too. That uncertainty has led to this article, other sports such as Dodgeball, were keen to push the conventions. Originally the plan has been for the which I hope will create a bit more Softball, Parkour and Tchoukball. Matalan had to be persuaded, but now project to last three years. With more transparency and appreciation of the they’re a champion of ‘alternative’ and continued investment, the legacy work that Liam – and everyone else So Matalan replaced some of the sport. We’ve been really lucky: we’ve and relationships we’ve made can last involved – has been doing. funding that had been cut? Is that an been involved since the conception of for a lot longer than that. advertising strategy?

36 Who is Liam Kelly? How big can this be for Ultimate? people now who have played a little point where they started going to local teaching Ultimate – they’re working We want to continue with our bit when they go to university and clubs. The people from the YST and and giving up their time and that has development objective – Ultimate in they’re not beginners for more than Matalan were really keen on this, as to be recognised. Then there’s the every school! That’s the long-term a couple of months. If everyone has it was exactly what they wanted from admin that’s required for working plan. It might be a local club or coach, had the opportunity and can at least the project: a sporting basis for people with kids and insurance and that or a club within the school. Obviously do the basics – sidearm and backhand who want to re-engage with sport in kind of thing. Then you have the time we’re some way away from that. The properly – then people will pick things a non-exclusive way. All the sports committed to meetings with the YST first thing we have to do is make up a lot quicker. That will save a lot of involved in the project are unique or and Matalan and whoever else – all everyone aware that Ultimate exists time that is currently spent teaching different, but Spirit of the Game and of these things require dedicated time and give them an opportunity to try people to throw, which can be used the self-refereeing aspect of Ultimate as well. That’s not even accounting it. In the short term, this project has making them better players. Having are catching the attentions of teachers for the time spent networking with brought us closer to that. It’s been an people playing Ultimate and being and the YST as a really positive tool. people and maintaining the important invaluable networking tool, and it’s coached from an early age will allow We just need to make sure we push relationships we have now, because really helped us establish ourselves, for skill development to happen this in the right way to ensure we of the project. The YST makes some getting our foot in the door, so to sooner. protect it. contribution for admin costs, but most speak, so we can achieve our long of it is for the actual coaching. There term aims. How do the people involved in the How optimistic are you that the long- will certainly be growing pains with initiative view Ultimate? term aims of both the YST and the such an ambitious aim, but that’s the What effect could this have on We’ve been doing really well. There UKU are within reach? end point. Until that long term aim Ultimate in the UK? was a school in Staffordshire that This isn’t an easy thing to do. It’s not is realised, we’ll continue pushing In terms of people playing, I would say had previously been switched off as simple as saying ‘there’s money forward. that the biggest effect will be that the from sport. They became involved there; here are some enthusiastic length of time people are beginners with Ultimate, and it re-energised people, now go do it’. It is expensive Interview by Sean Colfer. will shrink pretty quickly. You get the sport culture at the school to the for someone to spend a whole day

Josh Kelly Max McCartney

Rob Mitchell

Chevron Action Flash v Clapham The Final, Nationals © Andy Moss 2011

37 Mugs’ gallery Copa Del Sol © Andy Moss 2011 Windfest © Andy Moss 2011

Canada lose quarterfinals to Philippines, WCBU. © Graham Bailey 2011 Nationals © Andy Moss 2011

Quicksand © Mike Powell 2011

Tour 2. © Graham Bailey 2011 MWL 2 © Simon Crisp 2011 Regionals © Simon Crisp 2011 38 Why we love Glastonbury: the Team Flange story

Firstly dear reader, we must apologise in advance if what you are about to cast your eyes over appears at times to be drenched in misty eyed-nostalgia, if the words on the page before you appear to be the remembrances of a man poring over scattered photos of the last ten years, self-indulgently reflecting on what ultimately resembles the ‘prime’ of our lives. Indeed dear reader we apologise but must also confess – this is exactly the case. Ten years ago now, thirteen very silly 17- and 18-year-old boys were on a plane back from Latvia. Junior Ultimate was very different back then, and though the records of matches lost and won tell a different story, the Flange © Dan Stewart 2011 truth was that the previous week had been a very successful one for GB. perhaps it was the club house with it’s playing someone else. There are no It’s where we all want to be when warming breakfast, cheap beer and gimmicks, just good people and poor- September finally comes around. Quite where the unfortunate name plentiful supply of Cheese Moments to-average Ultimate. came from is difficult to recall, but (if you’ve not tried them, these are There’s little to match the experience what we do know is that we boarded a wonder-snack); or perhaps it was Every year sees a reassuring mix of a big week-long Ultimate the plane as an embarrassingly the wonderfully shambolic nature of of new faces and old, reflecting the event. Major international and disorganised yet over-confident group the event itself. Perhaps the town’s full spectrum of UK Ultimate. Teams club tournaments and events like of young men and exited it… well, abundance of mystical ley lines played like The Makings, MMJ, Catch 22 Paganello are a spectacle to behold, exactly the same but with a collective a part. We may never know. But we’ve and Supermanschaft, as well as the and we’re in no way suggesting that name: Team Flange. been back every year since. equally appallingly named Women’s the experience of playing Glastonbury team Sopp, are committed regulars. is anything like these tournaments. Now all we needed was a place to go, Coming at the end of the season, And alongside them, new teams Rhis is a good thing, though, because a place where we could continue to Glastonbury isn’t like other always emerge to add their own it doesn’t want to be. It’s a simple indulge in the nonsense we had made tournaments. Domestic and flavour to the humble but delicious formula: special town, end of the together. A place where we could have international duties are done for the melting pot. season, laid back atmosphere, good a little fun and perhaps even play a year. No one is abstaining or going people, your friends and the odd game of Ultimate or two. Luckily for to bed early; it’s a reward. As such, For us, like other teams, it has become Frisbee or two. It doesn’t get more us, and for many other teams that everyone is in the same boat and a pilgrimage. The routine is part of perfect than that. have had exactly the same idea over everyone makes the most of it. the fun; the walk into Glastonbury for the last ten years or so, such a place fish ‘n’ chips, the inevitable debate So thanks to the organisers and existed. It was called Glastonbury, and The unfussy and charmingly as to whether or not we’ll climb the everyone who’s come down and the mayor even showed up to give out disordered nature of the tournament Tor (never have) and the crippling played and enjoyed the tournament the prizes. is a huge part of the appeal. I’m sure hangovers are experiences everyone over the past ten years. To say we’ve those in charge know exactly what who has attended the event will share. had a good time would be a gross That first year we’re sure we bothered they’re doing but it always feels as Like you, we also have our own rituals: understatement. And oh, if we’ve a lot of people. No one likes cocky though things may fall apart at any the buckets of green drink, the games offended anyone, we’re really sorry... teenagers, particularly when they moment. The music at the party is of skittles in town (we’ll take on all have the word ‘Flange’ on their chests. always played stop and start through comers) and the nonsensical chanting Now where did that name come from Still, we had fallen head over heels some guy’s iPod, the games overrun are all part of what keeps us coming again? Foreign Ladies something in love. Perhaps it was the majestic or you turn up to find the teams back. It’s where we initiate new something something... Tor that hung over the playing fields; have swapped because they fancied players and meet up with old ones. Team Flange

39 Chevron Action Flash v Clapham The Final, Nationals © Andy Moss 2011

Dave Sealy

David Pichler