The purpose of MN High School Ultimate League games is first and foremost the teaching of Ultimate. Players are encouraged to help each other learn the rules and how to apply them during the league games. Coaches are similarly encouraged to use the flexible non-time-restrained format to make sure that everyone is learning proper and spirited self officiation techniques. The individual scores of league games make very little difference if players aren't learning how to play before they get to the state tournament.

UPA Rules

We are a UPA sanctioned league and will be playing under the UPA 11th Edition Rules of Ultimate. Each team will receive 2 pocket-sized copies of the rules soon, but in the meantime, coaches (and players!) are encouraged to review the rules at the UPA Web site (www.upa.org). Coaches, you are responsible for making sure your players are following the rules during league play, so don't hesitate to pause a game to explain them if necessary – everyone will learn something, and the games will be better for it!

Spirit of the Game

Learning to self officiate and upholding the spirit of sportsmanship that is essential to Ultimate is the driving force behind this High School League. We want every player to learn the rules, develop their skills, and enjoy the competitive nature of the sport, but not at the expense of respect for other players and coaches. Nothing feels better than earning your successes by playing hard and playing fair. Please help us to ensure this tradition of sportsmanship.

Game Supervision

Each team must have an adult representative at each game. This is usually a coach, but could also be a parent or other adult who has some understanding of the rules. The adults should meet briefly before the game starts (with the captains) to discuss their teams' experience level and understanding of the rules, and come to an agreement about how to best facilitate any issues that may come up during the game. We encourage coaches to let the players resolve foul calls and rules discussions on the field, but be ready to help facilitate a discussion if there is excessive conflict or a clear misunderstanding of the rules.

Coaches are under no obligation to let their teams play a game against a team that has no properly educated adult representative on site during the game. If a team does not have an adult on site the game will be considered a forfeit. Coaches are encouraged not to allow their team to play against another team that has no adult representative in order to avoid possible complications from disagreements or dangerous play.

Important: Please be aware that there are consequences for abusing the rules or Spirit of the Game – games may even be forfeited if the safety of players is at risk. Please contact John Sandahl (612-991-7840) with concerns that require immediate attention, or present the problem to the League Executive Committee to discuss a reasonable solution.

League Guidelines

• Teams are required to have a league-approved adult on site during a league game, or the game will be forfeit to the opposing team.
• Teams must notify the opposing team of a cancellation within 24 hours prior to a scheduled league game, or the game will be forfeit to the opposing team.
• Teams who accumlate more than 2 forfeits will not be allowed to play in the State tournament
• Teams who show a history of reckless, dangerous or unspirited play may not be allowed to participate in the state tournament.

Game Format

Start time is 6:00 pm (Coaches should contact each other 2 days prior to game night if there is a need to change time, location, day, etc.)

Spirit of the Coach

Background

The role of the coach at all levels of Ultimate is unique in a sport that places on-field player authority above non-player influence. As non-players the coach's authority must not extend to the on-field officiating process. Coaches may be faced with situations where they are able to correct the self-officiating process and ensure the correct outcome to a given play. In this situation, coaches must not interfere in the officiating process, in order to ensure that players learn and take responsibility for officiating. Coach interference in the decision making process, even in the most egregious violations, will indicate to players that the coach and not the players have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the inherent fairness of the game. Teaching players the rules and how to implement them should be done at practices or off of the field. It is the coach's responsibility to ensure that the players understand their own responsibilities as players and teach players how to handle those responsibilities.

Guidelines

• Coaches should introduce themselves to the other coaches prior to a game and discuss concerns. This could potentially include the level of play, the level of intensity (e.g. spiking and rushing the field), and possible modifications to the captain's clause (e.g. prohibiting zone for new teams or footblocking).
• Because the potential for misperception is high, spiking is prohibited at the youth level unless otherwise agreed upon by the coaches or captains. Spiking in a disrespectful manner is never ok at any level.
• Coaches will not make calls from the sideline nor offer their opinion on a play. Coaches should encourage players to come to a resolution on their own, and if asked during a dispute coaches may offer rules clarifications. After a dispute a coach may talk to his or her own player about the dispute and offer opinions.
• Youth coaches will make an effort to educate parents about Spirit of the Game and work to create a sideline atmosphere that respects Spirit of the Game.
• Coaches will teach and give players opportunities to practice knowledge of the rules of Ultimate.
• Coaches will always exhibit respect for opposing players.
• Coaches will always exhibit respect for other coaches.
• Coaches will always exhibit respect for observers.
• Coaches will model Spirit of the Game at all times.

Summary

The coach's goal in terms of Spirit of the Game is to create an environment where players are responsible for upholding the rules and ensuring that the outcomes of plays and games are fair.