UK Ultimate would like applications from members who would like to form a new committee to take a rounded look at the question Spirit of the Game in the UK, and in particular consider how we best use the increasing amount of data we are now collecting about how teams rate each other for Spirit.  More details...

Background:

Some time ago WFDF (World Flying Disc Federation) created an objective system for teams to rank each other’s Spirit of the Game.  The intention was for teams to do this after a game and for the average scores for each team to be published.

This summer the scoresheet was updated – and our official position is to encourage TDs to use the system as method for collecting SOTG information from their tournament (*). A key reason for using the WFDF score-sheet is that it provides an internationally-agreed objective description of some aspects of what is meant by Spirit of the Game.

We started using this last year in the UK, and its great to see more and more tournaments publishing team SOTG scores - including those that use alternative methods for ranking teams.

In the last year or so, there have been some examples of teams getting low scores - which has, in turn, created varying levels of comment from other players.  Of course for most ultimate teams the realisation that they have received a low score from their opponents is more than enough reason to take a look in the mirror - but if we are encouraging teams to provide these assessments of their opponents there is clearly a need to have some follow-up if teams and players consistently struggle with their responsibilities as ultimate-players.

With this in mind we would like to invite UKU members to apply to join a Spirit of the Game committee.  At this point the role for this group will be solely to come up with a set of recommendations to help guide how we maintain and strengthen Spirit of the Game in the UK.

To apply:

Please email admin@ukultimate.com saying that you would like to join the group.  Please also provide some brief comments on why you would like be part of this, and of your experience of ultimate (how long playing, teams, level, divisions, etc).  Our expectation is to appoint a small group with a variety of levels of experience in terms of years, level and divisions.  There will be two board members on the committee.  If levels of interest are extremely high we may run an election for some of the positions on the group.

Closing date for applications is Mon 14th December.

(*) It does create some issues when working out who has won Spirit for a given event – so our advice is to use a simplified method for giving out Spirit prizes on the day.  If the final averages don’t quite match the winner by the simpler method its probably not a big deal.  The important aspects are the (a) there is some celebration of SOTG by giving out a prize, and (b) we are collecting ever-improving data to be shared between teams about how they rate each other in this respect.