last updated 02/03/08

About Ultimate and VOTS leagues

Ultimate Frisbee is a high energy, non-contact team sport. It combines elements of many different sports including soccer, basketball, and football. Ultimate is played on a rectangular shaped field with end zones shaped like football end zones. Each team consists of seven players. The disc is passed from teammate to teammate until somebody catches the disc in the end zone for a score.

The Valley of the Sun Ultimate Association (VOTS) organizes adult leagues (18 and up, ages 16-17 with parental waiver) in the spring and fall with two primary goals:

1. to introduce new players to the sport of Ultimate
2. to provide a place for all levels of players to play in a competitive, team-oriented atmosphere

How is league structured?

Spring Hat In (spite of) Tempe'08 will be structured as two indpendent "hat" tournaments, one on Tuesdays and one on Thursdays. Teams (up to 8 per league) will be co-ed, nominally playing with lines of 5 men and 2 women. Individuals may sign up for both leagues, but the leagues will be first filled with single-night players. Double-night players will be added on a space-available basis. Please see the registration form for more information. Tuesday and Thursday games will be played at Benedict Fields at 6pm or 8pm.

When does the season start and how long does it last?

SHIT'08 runs from the week of February 4th through the week of March 2. Those on a Tuesday team will start on February 5th and those on a Thursday team will start on February 7th. League games continue each week until Tuesday March 4 and Thursday March 6.

Do I need to have a team to sign up?

Nope! All players sign up as individuals and are placed on teams using a random "hat" draw which evens out the number of beginner, intermediate, and advanced players per team.

• The Directors reserve the option of using their indisputably good judgement to make small adjustments necessary to ensure parity among the teams in each league.
• No baggage requests can be quaranteed at this point.
• A cap on men, women, or total players may be instituted, depending on number of registrants.

How much does league cost and how do I register?

Registration is now closed.

Do I need to know how to play?

Absolutely not! In fact, you don't even need to know how to throw a disc. We teach all new players the rules and strategies of Ultimate as well as the basic throws. As a new player, you (along with other new players) will be placed on a team with other moderate to experienced players who will show you the ropes and teach you the game, no matter which league you choose.

Is there anyplace to play before league starts?

Absolutely. Check out the VOTS calendar on the VOTS frontpage or call the VOTS hotline at 602-230-4139. You will hear a recorded message of all the practices/scrimmages scheduled. Listen for any labeled as 'Open'. These practices are open to all players of all levels. Also, you can also get practice/scrimmage announcements by joining the VOTS Players email list by email or by filling in the field at the top of the VOTS webpage.

What do I need to play?

You will need to bring:

1. Non-metal cleats (or tennis shoes if you don't have cleats)
2. A white and dark shirt
3. Water (you'll get thirsty)

Anything else?

As per General League Policies

1. VOTS discourages dogs at VOTS-sponsored leagues. If participants do bring dogs to VOTS-sponsored leagues, the owner must be aware of and abide by all applicable local leash laws.
2. Alcohol IS permitted on the field in cups and cans. No glass is allowed.
3. Any underage participant in violation of the Arizona alcohol consumption laws or any adult participant who furnishes alcohol to or purchases alcohol for an underage participant is subject to immediate suspension for a time at the determination/discretion of the board.
4. Under NO circumstances should anybody drive onto the fields.

Subject to change.

For more information, contact the league directors.