Brisbane Ultimate 101

Greetings and welcome to the Brisbane Ultimate Scene.

This post is a set of information (as at September 2007) to help you find your way.

Although I'll try to update this every once in a while, you should know that Ultimate in Brisbane is pretty fluid. Your best bet for current information is to check out the various email groups that comprise the main source of communication for Brisbane (and Australian) Ultimate. At the very least, they should help you find a current contact (and people are very friendly, so don't hesitate to call or email)

General announcements, particularly regarding new seasons, upcoming events and pickup games are generally made via the Brisbane Ultimate Disc Association list - BUDA. Get yourself on that.

Leagues

There's a range of options for playing Ultimate on various weeknights in Brisbane.

Monday sees an intermediate mixed league at Yeronga AFL Club off Cansdale St - YUFL - this League is pretty full, but individuals can usually get themselves onto teams before or during a season by contacting the League Director. While its a League for people who know how to play, teams are sometimes willing to take beginners under their wings. Teams are generally the same from season to season, although some players move around and come and go. Regular teams include Bermuda Triangle, Mellow Yellow, Red Peppers, Dispoenics and the Chimichangas. University teams from UQ and QUT also regularly compete, as does the Brisbane Women's Team, Sultry.

Tuesday sees a Womens League at Toowong's Oakman Park off Union St - WUFL. This League is extremely welcoming of Women players from rank beginners through to World-class. There is generally some skills training as a group each evening before games. Teams are generally formed hat-style at the start of each season, to foster general fun and development.

Wednesday features UQ mixed league at the University of Queensland at St Lucia, on Oval 7 off Coleridge St - UQL. Generally for UQ students, but non-students are welcome. The League generally runs to match the University semester, although there is often pickup between seasons. Teams are usually formed at the start of each season, with experienced players spread across them to support beginners.

Also on Wednesday, some pickup has also begun at the Griffith University Nathan Campus on the rugby field near the corner of Kessels Road and Griffith Road. Non-students are especially welcome as the Griffith Club look to build their profile on campus. Its likely this pickup will be quiet during University breaks.

Thursday night features the Open A-League (known at the Brisbane Premier League) at Annerley Junior Soccer Fields off Victoria Terrace, Greenslopes - BPL. This is a six team League that demands a high level of experience and/or athleticism. Hence, experienced players new to Brisbane and looking for a solid run will be welcomed onto teams throughout the season. Current teams include Dojo Mojo, Buggers (two squads - Crusty and Fresh), Rawhide, and UQ (two squads - Passion and Lovers).

There are often pickup games on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, but they can vary. Notification is typically via the BUDA list.

Brisbane Representative Clubs

At present, Brisbane is represented at the National Ultimate Frisbee League (NUFL) by Firestorm in the Open Division, and Sultry in the Women's division. These clubs also tend to form the core of teams attending Open/Women's Nationals in April of each year, although other teams also for that event (most recently, Thor and Dojo Mojo).

Groups of Brisbane players also routinely form for Mixed Nationals in October, and various other tournaments around Australia.

Tournaments

March traditionally sees Disc Del Mar, a five-a-side mixed beach hat held on the Gold Coast.

March also sees a tournament held as the Northern Regionals - the qualifier for Nationals in Open and Womens division (although its not taken too seriously in these parts).

April is dominated by Nationals, which rotates around the nation. The Northern Region is next due to host Nationals in 2013.

May traditionally features the Fight the Phat mixed hat.

May and June also feature Brisbane teams playing in the NUFL events held in Sydney and Melbourne.

At the end of August, Brisbane hosts Halibut, the Australia's largest Mixed Ultimate tournament outside of Mixed Nationals (many southern teams come north to enjoy some sunshine during Winter). The highlight of the Brisbane Ultimate calendar, and the traditional start of the Australian mixed season.

In September, the UQ Club hosts Lovefest, a mixed tournament that works as a warmup for both Mixed Nats and the Australian University Games.

During the mid-semester holidays in September, the Australian University Games are held at a site rotated around Australia. In recent times, Ultimate has become the largest sport at the Games. In the past UQ and QUT have sent teams, while Griffith's participation generally depends on how far away the Games are.

October is dominated by Mixed Nationals. The Northern Region is due to host in 2008 (expected to be Brisbane).

There are also various smaller tournaments held throughout the year. And many Brisbane folk travel to various tournaments in other cities (and love to take people with them).