We have just received an initial response from DCMS regarding our proposed approach to returning-to-play.  We have been asked to make some adjustments to some of the documentation, but we will be in a position to issue a more detailed update next week.  For now we remain in Phase A.

We’ve teamed up with Lookfly to offer a 2020 GB supporter jersey where the proceeds will be used to build up a small fund to support GB players who lost money this year.  Our 2019-21 teams are playing in Red and White jerseys; this one is for the fans!

In 2020, we had teams heading to WUGC, WJUC and WMUC and these events were either cancelled or postponed.  Some of the players lost money on accommodation deposits, and those heading to WUGC 2021 face an increase in the player fee.  This isn’t going to cover everything, so we will work with the teams to find the best way to target this support to the people who need it most.

So, if you fancy some stylish GB supporter gear, please head over to the Lookfly store to order the jersey and give a helping-hand to some of the affected players.  (Order deadline: 20th August.)  

Sadly we have now taken the decision to cancel UKU Nationals on 29-30 August.  Hopefully this is not a surprise to anyone, but it is nonetheless a great disappointment.  

We have submitted our return-to-play action plan to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) as per the announcement we made on 10th July.  There are indications that major team sports are making plans to return to community competition, and so for the time being we will leave open the possibility of running a club National Championships under a different format before the end of the year, subject to the response we receive from DCMS.

We are optimistic that we will be able to move to Phase B in the coming weeks, but please understand that until we have formal sign off for the Action Plan we are still in Phase A (see the announcement from 10th July for more details).  

We wanted to update members about progress following the forum that was hosted in June.

The first point to acknowledge is confirmation from those at the forum that people of colour do experience racist attitudes in and around our sport.  This must change.  There was also discussion about barriers to participation.  There were a number of themes but the overarching issues are the lack of accessibility and representation in Ultimate.  In order to tackle these issues, the most immediate action arising from the forum is that we will be setting up a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee during August to help inform and lead on changes and projects. 

 Alongside this step, as part of the UK & Ireland BLM fundraiser, we were asked if teams could donate to UKU to support improvement of diversity in ultimate in this country.  With that in mind, we have set up this donations fund to provide the DEI committee with a budget for some initial projects.  

Organised club training is not permitted. 

The government has announced a framework for the return of recreational team sport which is applicable from 11 July.  This does not mean, however, that it is possible for team sports to be played from that date.

For the avoidance of doubt, we are still in PHASE A of our Outline of Phased Return to Play.  Organised Ultimate club training is not permitted.  We are working through the details of the latest information to work out how and when they can be applied to Ultimate.  We have to produce an Ultimate-specific action plan for sign off by the Department of Culture Media & Sport.  We will do this as quickly as we can, but cannot be certain how long it will take.

In response to queries we have received regarding individuals from different households meeting to throw a disc, we make the following comments.  

• You must take responsibility for understanding and following the guidance on meeting other people as it applies to you and your location.
• We note that UK Government guidance has indicated that throwing a ball or frisbee between people who are otherwise maintaining appropriate distance, is “allowed”, assuming appropriate care is taken to clean hands and the equipment beforehand, afterwards, thoroughly and regularly.  
• We understand that there is a cross-sport medical group investigating this issue.  
• If you feel comfortable throwing a disc with other people under public health guidelines as they apply to you and your location, then it is your decision and you accept the risk of doing so.  

At this point, there is little sign of competitive Ultimate in the current outdoor season for most players.  At the risk of raising false hope... (please do not misinterpret this message - read the whole thing).

As per the Outline of Phased Return to Play published in June, we consider it likely that competitive play between just two teams may be permitted before it is possible to play tournaments (Phase D).  With this in mind, we have produced a draft set of rules for a competition structure we are provisionally calling “UKU Challenge League” and would like to gather some preliminary data on how many clubs might get involved.  The aim is *IF POSSIBLE* to create competition where teams can organise fixtures against one opponent at a time, scoring points on a ranking table of all the teams that enter.  The onus will be on participation rather than strict competition.

 Last month we described UK Ultimate's position in the current Covid-19 situation and shared information on how you might be able to help financially or otherwise.  Another way that you, as a player or a team organiser, can help UKU is to support the companies that help us and the sport: our suppliers and partners.  Lookfly have supported and supplied the GB National Team since 2017 and our relationship goes back even further, to the early 2000s. One of the outcomes of less ultimate being played is they're also experiencing tough times.

And so, for the first time, we're asking you to consider them if your team is looking for new kit. You can start a conversation with them by clicking HERE.  Your team will receive a 15% discount on your order from Lookfly and the UKU will receive a small referral fee for every order started through this form - everybody wins! Design assistance is free and they have staff ready to get your team gear to you by September, they even have a recycled fabric option that's made from post-consumer plastic bottles!

Thanks in particular to Mark Bignal, Jenna Thomson and Mariana Larroque for their work to create a set of primary school resources to help people keep playing frisbee at school.  Please download these instructions and scoresheet to find information on how to set up the Frisbee stations as well as links to the Youtube Videos.

These activities are suitable for KS2 (primary school). They come with a scoresheet enabling you to:

• Compete at a Lvl 2 by handing in your scores to your local SGO.
• Compete at Lvl 1 in school using your house system or selected teams.