USA National Juniors Team Application Kit 2000

USA ULTIMATE NATIONAL TEAMS 2016 WFDF WORLD ULTIMATE AND GUTS CHAMPIONSHIPS APPLICATION KIT

USA ULTIMATE INFORMATION FOR PLAYERS As ultimate continues to grow on the international stage, USA Ultimate continues to build its national team program and is excited to be putting together select men’s, mixed, and women’s national teams for the World Ultimate and Guts Championships for the first time. Thank you for your interest in representing the U.S. and USA Ultimate and for your interest in and contributions to the USA Ultimate national teams program.

This application kit contains: - Information for Players - How to Apply - Link to Application - Code of Conduct - Application Preview

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? Players eligible to represent USA Ultimate and the United States on the USA Ultimate National teams must meet the following criteria: A) Residency requirement 1) Be US citizens (own U.S. passport or equivalent legal document issued by U.S. government), or 2) Own a legal certificate of permanent residency issued by the U.S. government, or 3) Have resided in the U.S. at least 2 years prior to the start date of the event and spent more than 75% of those 2 years in the country; B) Be current USA Ultimate members; C) Will agree to abide by the team Code of Conduct (see page 4); D) Will respect the tough decisions of the selection committee; E) Will be able to attend all mandatory training camp activities and the trip to the World Championship event.

HOW MANY PLAYERS WILL BE CHOSEN FOR THE US TEAMS? There will be approximately 20-25 players per team.

TIMELINE October 30th, 2015 APPLICATION DUE DATE! November 23rd, 2015 Top applicants invited to East or West try-out camp (approx. 50/gender for each camp) December 4th, 2015 Players invited to try-out camp must confirm attendance December 11th, 2015 Try-out camp fees due January TBD, 2016 Try-out camps February TBD, 2016 Target date for announcing the team rosters Date TBD Confirmation documents & fees due Date TBD Teams attend training weekend(s) Date TBD Travel to WFDF World Ultimate and Guts Championships June 18-25 WFDF World Ultimate and Guts Championships 2016 Date TBD Players Return Home

USA ULTIMATE WWW.USAULTIMATE.ORG 1-800-872-4384 MANAGER OF COMPETITION AND ATHLETE PROGRAMS: ERNEST TONEY ([email protected]) USA ULTIMATE NATIONAL TEAMS 2016 WFDF WORLD ULTIMATE AND GUTS CHAMPIONSHIPS APPLICATION KIT

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Please know that there is significant expense required for participation. As a non-profit organization, USA Ultimate is working to attract sponsorship and grants to support its national team programs. However, until this happens, players must bear most costs themselves. The estimated costs include:

Try-Out Camps:

USA Ultimate Membership Dues $ 50 Camp Fee $150 Room & Board $0 - 150 Transportation $0 - 400

APPROX. TOTAL $200-750

US National Team Participation

Training Weekend(s) (3-4 TBD) $900-2000 ($300-500/weekend) US Team Coaching $0 (USAU paid) Team Participation Fee $0 (USAU paid) Tournament Player Fee $250-300 Room & Board $700-800 Uniform (light jersey, dark jersey, shorts) $0 (USAU paid) Transportation to/from Worlds (flight, bus) $1500-2000 Additional food/snacks $100 Souvenirs (optional -discs, film, etc.) $100

APPROX. TOTAL $3550 - 5300

HOW WILL THE TEAM BE SELECTED?

The head coaches selection committee for the USA Ultimate national teams will select the team based on the application, the 2016 try-out camps, and additional information available regarding players’ qualifications for the team. The head coach of the USA Ultimate Men’s Team- is Alexander Ghesquiere (Washington, DC). The head coach of the USA Ultimate Women’s Team is Matty Tsang (San Francisco, CA). The head coach of the USA Ultimate Mixed Team is Jacob Henderson (Minneapolis, MN).

Team members will be selected by the Coaches based on the following factors: level of skill, experience (including in the division they will be representing), spirit, dedication to the sport, and ability to be strong teammates and ambassadors for USA Ultimate. Geographic diversity of the team and will also be taken into consideration. The goal is to reward players who demonstrate exceptional talent and skill and to encourage them to aspire to higher levels of play. This is a showcase for the quality of Ultimate played in the U.S.

TRY-OUT CAMP INFORMATION

USA Ultimate will hold two camps during January, one on each side of the country. The exact dates and locations of the camps will be communicated to applicants as soon as they are confirmed. The camps will be run by the National Team coaches, the Manager of Competition and Athlete Programs, and other counselors.

The camps will run from approximately 9-5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday. The camp fee will cover facility costs, coach/staff costs, camp logistics/setup, and lunches. Camp attendees will be responsible for transportation to and from the camps, lodging, and meals other than lunches during camp.

The camps’ primary focus will be to evaluate players for the National Team selection. The format of the camp will be designed to assess the attendees on the criteria listed above. Activities will include drills, scrimmages, and tests of physical fitness as well as applicant interviews with the coaches. Attendees will be taught advanced skills, strategies, and concepts as well.

The fee for attending a camp is estimated based on a total number of applicants attending both camps. The fee may rise or fall depending on the actual number of camp attendees. Approximately 50 applicants of each gender will be invited to attend each try-out camp. Applicants who are not invited to the try-out camp will no longer be considered for the team.

Please indicate on the application which training camp you would prefer to attend.

HOW TO APPLY

1. APPLICATION FORM - Fill out the application form on line. Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7GKMJTZ A preview of the application questions can be viewed at the end of this document for reference. (Note: This will allow applicants to review the questions before entering into the survey.)

2. SEND IN HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPH. Please send to [email protected] and be sure to include your full name.

SEND YOUR APPLICATION AND LABELED VIDEO (TOGETHER) TO UPA HEADQUARTERS. ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 11:59PM MT ON October 30 th RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO UPA HEADQUARTERS BY THE PERSON WRITING THEM OR INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION & VIDEO IN AN ENVELOPE SEALED & SIGNED BY YOUR RECOMMENDOR.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE POSTMARKED BEFORE DECEMBER 31st.

USA Ultimate National Team Code of Conduct

ATHLETE PLEDGE

I pledge to uphold the spirit of the USA Ultimate National Team Code of Conduct (the “Code”), which offers a guide to my conduct as a member of the USA National Team (the “Team”). I acknowledge that I have a right to a hearing if my opportunity to compete is denied or if I am charged with a violation of this Code. I have familiarized myself with the Code and understand that acceptance of its provisions is a condition of my selection to the Team.

As a Member of the Team, I hereby promise and agree that I:  will abide by all published rules related to the Team selection procedures as approved by USA Ultimate;

 have acted and will act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the Spirit of the Game and responsible conduct;

 will maintain a level of fitness and competitive readiness that will permit my performance to be at the maximum of my abilities, including but not limited to: getting an appropriate amount of sleep, eating and drinking to ensure optimal fitness, limiting physical exertion outside of games and practices

 will submit to a physical examination by USA Ultimate medical personnel if my ability to compete is compromised due to physical injury and I understand that such injury may be cause for my not being selected to the Team, being removed from the Team, or not being allowed to participate if I remain on the Team.

 will not commit an anti- doping violation as defined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the WFDF (WFDF), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), USA Ultimate (USAU) or the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) rules;

 am not currently serving a doping violation and/or do not have a pending or unresolved doping charge;

 will not engage in any conduct that is criminal under any laws applicable to me, including, but not limited to laws governing the possession and use of drugs and alcohol and providing of drugs to any person and of alcohol to minors;

 will not participate or assist in any gambling or betting activities associated with any event related to my sport or my participation;

 am eligible to compete under the rules of World Flying Disc Federation;

 am in possession of a valid USA passport, that will not expire prior to six months following the conclusion of the international competition, should I be chosen for an international team that requires a passport;

 will refrain from conduct detracting from my ability or that of my teammates to attain peak performance;

 will respect the property of others whether personal or public;

 will respect members of my Team, other teams, spectators and officials, and engage in no form of discriminatory behavior or verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse;

 will follow my Team’s written rules, including by way of example, rules regarding curfew, attire, on-time attendance at required team meetings, consumption of alcoholic beverages and prohibitions on the release of confidential team information;

 am aware that USA Ultimate sponsors, suppliers and licensees provide critical support for the Team and, in recognition of this fact, I will wear designated USA Ultimate apparel at all official Team functions and events;

 will not conceal or cover-up any USA Ultimate sponsor, supplier or licensee brand or other identification appearing on my USA Ultimate apparel;

 will abide by the rules of the World Flying Disc Federation concerning allowable trademark identification on clothing and equipment worn or used in competition or on visible body tattoos.

 agree to be filmed and photographed by the official photographer(s) and network(s) of USA Ultimate under conditions authorized by USA Ultimate and give event organizers and USA Ultimate the right to use my name, picture, likeness, and biographical information before, during and after the period of my participation in these activities to promote the activity in which I participate or to promote the success of the team on which I compete; in no event may USA Ultimate or the event organizers use or authorize the use of my name, picture, likeness, voice and biographical information for the purpose of trade, including any use in a manner that would imply an endorsement of any company, product, or service, without my written permission;

 will not use or authorize the use of photographs, films or videos of myself in my USA Ultimate apparel or equipment or the use of the USA Ultimate logo for the purpose of trade, without the prior written consent of USA Ultimate;

 will attempt to participate in media activities if compatible with my training and competitive schedule, when requested by USA Ultimate;

 understand that if I require legal representation because I am accused of criminal misconduct or an anti-doping violation, or if for any other reasons I require the services of an attorney, I will be personally responsible for payment of such legal fees and expenses;

 will act in a way that will bring respect and honor to myself, my teammates, USA Ultimate and the United States; and

 will remember that at all times I am an ambassador for USA ultimate, my country, and my sport.

Application Preview

The application review section shows all questions that are included in the 2016 WFDF WUGC National Team Player Application survey, with the exception of demographic questions (name, age, address, USAU ID#, etc.) that you must complete in the survey application. The application preview is designed to inform you about what questions will be asked on the online survey in advance.

1. By selecting "Yes" below, should you be selected to attend tryouts and subsequently selected to be a member of a 2016 USA Ultimate National Team, you understand and agree to fulfill the requirements and responsibilities of your membership on the team for the duration of your involvement on this team, from the date of your acceptance of team membership until you are released by your coach and the USA Ultimate Team Manager. BEFORE YOU CONSIDER APPLYING FOR THIS TEAM, it is important to fully understand and agree that participation on this team must take precedence over any and all other personal, professional, athletic and educational obligations.

Yes / No

2. Please also sign the box below to indicate that you fully understand and agree to the requirements outlined above. (First and last name. Please no nicknames).

3. HOW WILL THE TEAM BE SELECTED? Team members will be selected by the Coaches based on the following factors: level of skill, experience (including in the division they will be representing), spirit, dedication to the sport, and ability to be strong teammates and ambassadors for USA Ultimate. Geographic diversity of the team and will also be taken into consideration. The goal is to reward players who demonstrate exceptional talent and skill and to encourage them to aspire to higher levels of play. This is a showcase for the quality of Ultimate played in the U.S.

Tryout Camp Information

USA Ultimate will hold two Tryout Camps on the following dates: - West Coast Tryout Camp: January 2016 (Date TBD) - East Coast Tryout Camp: January 2016 (Date TBD) The locations of the camps are still being determined.

The camps will be run by the National teams' coaches, the Manager of Competition & Athlete Programs, and other local paid counselors. The camps will run from 9-5 on Saturday and 9-3 on Sunday. The camp fee will include instructor and field fees, lunch, water, and food. Camp attendees will be responsible for transportation to and from the camps, room and board, and chaperones (if necessary). USA Ultimate will help to coordinate housing and local transportation for traveling attendees with local attendees.

The camps' primary focus will be to evaluate players for the National Team selection. The format of the camp will be designed to assess the attendees on the criteria listed above. Activities will include drills, scrimmages, and tests of physical fitness as well as applicant interviews with the coaches. Attendees will be taught advanced skills, strategies, and concepts as well.

The camps are required. The number of applicants invited to attend each Tryout Camp for each gender will be determined by the Coaches. Applicants who are not invited to the Tryout Camp will no longer be considered for the team.

I have read and understand the above and agree to abide by the decisions of the coaching staff(s) and USA Ultimate.

Yes / No

Participant information 4. Can you afford the costs involved? Yes / No

5. Please indicate whether you would like to limit your tryout to one division-specific team or leave the decision up to the coaches' choice. (Note that by selecting a single division-specific team, you are taking yourself out of consideration for the other division. Players will be allocated between the mixed and open/women's teams in a manner that creates the best opportunity for all three teams to be successful.)

a. Coaches’ choice b. Mixed only c. Open/women’s only

6. Are you able to attend one of the two try-out camps? Yes / No

Tryout Camp Information 7. Which camp would you prefer to attend? a. East (only) b. West (only) c. Either (Prefer East) d. Either (Prefer West)

8. If the camp is held in your area, would you, or your family, be able to help traveling camp attendees with housing and/or transportation? a. Yes, both b. Yes, housing only c. Yes, transportation only d. No

9. How many attendees could you house/provide transportation for?

Ultimate Background 10. Please list any awards or recognitions you have earned (e.g. All-Region, Freshman of the Year, previous Worlds team selections etc.)

11. When did you start playing Ultimate? (Month/Year)

12. Please list, in reverse chronological order (most recent team first), the organized team(s) you have played for and what seasons you played with them. (Include all teams you played for at all levels: Youth, College, Club)

13. What organized team(s) do you currently play for?

14. What other sports do you or have you played? Please list them, number of years played and at what level along with any accolades received.

Your Current Team

15. What is your current team?

16. What is the most competitive tournament (highest level) that your current team has attended (which you were playing) and how did your team do? (e.g. W/L, final placement, etc)?

17. Describe your off the field role on your current team. What do you bring to the team as an organizer, leader, captain, teacher, follower, sideline presence, etc.?

18. Describe your offensive role on your current team. (What position do you play? What skills make you good in that role? etc.)

19. Describe your defensive role on your current team. (What position(s) do you play in zone defense? What type of player do you guard when playing person defense? What skills make you good in this role?)

Self-Evaluation 20. How do you train for ultimate? (Physically)

21. How do you prepare for ultimate? (Mentally)

22. What are your main offensive weaknesses? (What are other players better at than you? What are the specific areas of your offensive game you are focusing on improving)

23. What are your main defensive weaknesses? (What are other players better at than you? What are the specific areas of your defensive game you are focusing on improving?)

24. Describe one of the best offensive plays you have ever made, and explain what made it great.

25. Describe one of the best offensive plays you have ever made, and explain what made it great.

Additional Information 26. Please include anything else you would like the coaches, USA Ultimate, and the selection committee to consider here.

USA ULTIMATE WWW.USAULTIMATE.ORG 1-800-872-4384 MANAGER OF COMPETITION AND ATHLETE PROGRAMS: ERNEST TONEY ([email protected])