Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
'Snow Time Like the Present
So with the rain tumbling down outside this morning I'd reckon its safe to assume no BPL tonight. Or maybe not?
Meanwhile, we're once again on the lookout for new members of the blogging team.
The BUB is likely to go a bit quiet this Summer as JdR is off to Canada to show his bub off to the canucks, so now is a great time to sign up.
Meanwhile, we're once again on the lookout for new members of the blogging team.
The BUB is likely to go a bit quiet this Summer as JdR is off to Canada to show his bub off to the canucks, so now is a great time to sign up.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
QUDA Bash 2008 - Flicking with the Stars
Its taken us a few days to recover, but last Saturday saw Queensland Ultimate’s night of nights return to the stage, with the second annual QUDA Bash at the AJSC Clubhouse.
The crowd was larger than last year, and the food excellent. Lead organiser for the evening, the delightful Maylin Chuah received many congratulations as she circulated amongst the social butterflies, and rightfully so.
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog’s reporting team was a bit late, so we didn’t get to catch the red carpet arrivals. And we forgot the camera, so in terms of reporting on the fashions, we can only point to the charming Rowena, fabulous Notty and glam Adilia for their striking outfits, and Mr Blacklock Esquire was looking good as always. Emily G was particularly radiant, along with beau Goldie, and cutest couple was a tight contest between Flan and Cath, Andy and Suze, and Emma and Matt.
On the drinking scene, Mellow Yellow had their backs to the wall for additional support, as dashing Dave B, sturdy Jon, Rob, new chap Josh and the rest of the crew pounded their wrists up and down and barely got out of their chairs. Most of their banter seemed related to the absense of Bermuda Triangle from the festivities. Al Don held up his end also, we understand, well into the wee small hours, we understand. John McNaughton and a few others also kept a close eye on the underdog victory in the Rugby League World Cup, shown on the big screen.
Then it came time for the glittering awards part of the evening, starting with Queensland Frisbee Calf of the Year (the leg bit, not the baby cow). Blindfolded judge Jimmy Larkin, along with offsiders Rob and Jon making suggestions on look, texture and firmness,groped I mean inspected the calves of the best of the filly population, forwarding eight young lasses through to a semi final second grab, before holding high the leg of Blair Sheard. Well done Blair, and keep up the good work.
Next was the esteemed Brisbane League Director of the Year. Seven people have stepped up to organise Leagues this year, making the decision an exceptionally tough one for the judges - few know of the awesome effort that goes into getting us out there playing Ultimate week after week, and 2008 had been a big out. The crowd hushed and then cheers as a seven way tie was announced! Congratulations to Stu Austin and Jon Good (BPL), Adilia Murabito, Dan Blacklock and Kristin ‘Notty’ Nott (BUML) and Eireann Gilligan and Maylin Chuah (WUFL) for their efforts.
2008 was also an impressive year for Queenslanders striding the international Ultimate stage, so time was taken to cheer on the crew who went to Vancouver in August for the World Ultimate and Guts Championships –Mat Ryan, Mike Neild, Chris Burwell, Piers Truter, Kristin Nott, Al Don, Brock Cunliffe and Will Larkin. Andrew Badman also rates a mention, as Byron Bay is part of Queensland, in our heads at least, and he’s pretty funny, in our heads at least.
We also had a stack of people at the World Beach Ultimate Championships, back in January in Brazil. Congrats again to Kristin Nott, Al Don, Adrian Gepp, Bree Edgar, Danielle Smyth, Chris Cunliffe, James Larkin, Nat Litzow, Shawn Robb and Keith Cameron-Smith (the latter probably the best thing that’s ever come out of Townsville Ultimate (this year at least)). Cheers (or jeers) also to Beth and Stu who played for the Poms!
This left the two biggest awards. Queensland Ultimate Club of the Year was a pretty exciting countdown, and you’ve already read the announcement and details on the Brisbane Ultimate Blog, but congrats to Gold Coast and Byron Bay for pulling equal third, Firestorm for a great year that gave them second, and to the UQ Lovers who pulled in the award for the second year in a row.
Finally, at the inaugural QUDA Bash long ago in 2007, QUDA introduced its Volunteer of the Year award. As the judging committee sat down to consider who it should recognise as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year, one name came up again and again. It was a name that had come up again and again and again and again when the very best in volunteering was considered, and of course, whenever something around Queensland flying disc sports needed to be done, and not just in 2008, but in many years previous.
The judging committee thought about it a bit more and realised that giving this person the 2008 Volunteer of the Year award just wasn’t enough.
So it was very exciting to announce at the QUDA Bash the introduction of the Bruce McNaughton Award. Here’s what the award is about:
Bruce was acknowledged at the QUDA Bash as the first winner of the award, and a trophy will be presented at the QUDA AGM in March next year. There was much cheering, and perhaps a tear in a few eyes.
After the awards, dessert was presented and the socialising was renewed, before the lights came on and people headed into town to continue the night (although a few went home to bed).
See you next year, and thanks again to Maylin and her helpers for making the night so grand.
The crowd was larger than last year, and the food excellent. Lead organiser for the evening, the delightful Maylin Chuah received many congratulations as she circulated amongst the social butterflies, and rightfully so.
The Brisbane Ultimate Blog’s reporting team was a bit late, so we didn’t get to catch the red carpet arrivals. And we forgot the camera, so in terms of reporting on the fashions, we can only point to the charming Rowena, fabulous Notty and glam Adilia for their striking outfits, and Mr Blacklock Esquire was looking good as always. Emily G was particularly radiant, along with beau Goldie, and cutest couple was a tight contest between Flan and Cath, Andy and Suze, and Emma and Matt.
On the drinking scene, Mellow Yellow had their backs to the wall for additional support, as dashing Dave B, sturdy Jon, Rob, new chap Josh and the rest of the crew pounded their wrists up and down and barely got out of their chairs. Most of their banter seemed related to the absense of Bermuda Triangle from the festivities. Al Don held up his end also, we understand, well into the wee small hours, we understand. John McNaughton and a few others also kept a close eye on the underdog victory in the Rugby League World Cup, shown on the big screen.
Then it came time for the glittering awards part of the evening, starting with Queensland Frisbee Calf of the Year (the leg bit, not the baby cow). Blindfolded judge Jimmy Larkin, along with offsiders Rob and Jon making suggestions on look, texture and firmness,
Next was the esteemed Brisbane League Director of the Year. Seven people have stepped up to organise Leagues this year, making the decision an exceptionally tough one for the judges - few know of the awesome effort that goes into getting us out there playing Ultimate week after week, and 2008 had been a big out. The crowd hushed and then cheers as a seven way tie was announced! Congratulations to Stu Austin and Jon Good (BPL), Adilia Murabito, Dan Blacklock and Kristin ‘Notty’ Nott (BUML) and Eireann Gilligan and Maylin Chuah (WUFL) for their efforts.
2008 was also an impressive year for Queenslanders striding the international Ultimate stage, so time was taken to cheer on the crew who went to Vancouver in August for the World Ultimate and Guts Championships –Mat Ryan, Mike Neild, Chris Burwell, Piers Truter, Kristin Nott, Al Don, Brock Cunliffe and Will Larkin. Andrew Badman also rates a mention, as Byron Bay is part of Queensland, in our heads at least, and he’s pretty funny, in our heads at least.
We also had a stack of people at the World Beach Ultimate Championships, back in January in Brazil. Congrats again to Kristin Nott, Al Don, Adrian Gepp, Bree Edgar, Danielle Smyth, Chris Cunliffe, James Larkin, Nat Litzow, Shawn Robb and Keith Cameron-Smith (the latter probably the best thing that’s ever come out of Townsville Ultimate (this year at least)). Cheers (or jeers) also to Beth and Stu who played for the Poms!
This left the two biggest awards. Queensland Ultimate Club of the Year was a pretty exciting countdown, and you’ve already read the announcement and details on the Brisbane Ultimate Blog, but congrats to Gold Coast and Byron Bay for pulling equal third, Firestorm for a great year that gave them second, and to the UQ Lovers who pulled in the award for the second year in a row.
Finally, at the inaugural QUDA Bash long ago in 2007, QUDA introduced its Volunteer of the Year award. As the judging committee sat down to consider who it should recognise as the 2008 Volunteer of the Year, one name came up again and again. It was a name that had come up again and again and again and again when the very best in volunteering was considered, and of course, whenever something around Queensland flying disc sports needed to be done, and not just in 2008, but in many years previous.
The judging committee thought about it a bit more and realised that giving this person the 2008 Volunteer of the Year award just wasn’t enough.
So it was very exciting to announce at the QUDA Bash the introduction of the Bruce McNaughton Award. Here’s what the award is about:
The Bruce McNaughton Award (aka ‘the Bruce’) is to be presented by QUDA to recognise outstanding volunteer contributions to the organisation of flying disc sports in Queensland.
The criteria for the award are based around Bruce's own fine attributes. No criteria are compulsory; it is up to the judging panel to decide upon any relative weighting of criteria based on the expectations of the flying disc community, and how to compare candidates with differing backgrounds and attributes. The criteria can be considered as a guideline for nominations, rather than a formula for making the decision.
1. Is, or has been, involved in flying disc sports in Queensland for at least three years.
2. Teaches a love for flying disc sports to new players, and is an exemplar of Spirit of the Game to old.
3. Takes the initiative to address opportunities and needs within the Queensland flying disc community.
4. Takes on formal positions, and smoothly and successfully completes and enhances the duties and responsibilities of the role.
5. Is truthful, courteous and friendly to all.
6. Supports other volunteers and administrators.
7. Has a sense of humour.
8. In particular, the QUDA Management Committee should seek to recognise those people whose volunteer effort goes beyond providing playing opportunities for themselves.
These are qualities that we should all be aiming for, but which the Bruce McNaughton Award winners excel at and make remarkable sacrifices to achieve.
Each year any number of people may receive 'the Bruce', depending on the quality of the nominations. However, QUDA should aim to give approximately one award per year to maintain the prestige of the Award. The Bruce is not intended to be an ‘of the year’ award, but to recognise ongoing and long term achievement – hence the Bruce may also look backwards, to further acknowledge the work of people in developing our sport in the past.
The judging panel will consist of the QUDA Management Committee, who are inelligible for consideration for the first three years that they are members of the Committee. The Secretary shall annually invite nominations from the membership of QUDA. Nominations should list key achievements and be of no more than one page. Members of the Management Committee may draft and submit nominations.
Bruce was acknowledged at the QUDA Bash as the first winner of the award, and a trophy will be presented at the QUDA AGM in March next year. There was much cheering, and perhaps a tear in a few eyes.
After the awards, dessert was presented and the socialising was renewed, before the lights came on and people headed into town to continue the night (although a few went home to bed).
See you next year, and thanks again to Maylin and her helpers for making the night so grand.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
2008 Queensland Ultimate Club of the Year
In 2006 it was Bootius Maximus.
In 2007 it was the University of Queensland Lovers.
The 2008 Queensland Club of the Year was announced earlier this evening at the glamourous QUDA bash (more to come on that one).
But before we slap the winner up here, lets go through the process and the countdown.
You'll remember how its done from last year.
There was one addition to the process this year. To introduce a capacity to take account for the 'intangibles' of a good club, we invited the Club Captains or equivalent for each of the clubs to distribute 100 points amongst the other clubs, based on their sense of who had a good year and deserves recognition in the Club of the Year stakes.
Final tangent - we also looked this year at how we could account for League Clubs, but weren't able to come up with a good formula, particularly given BUML and BPL have yet to finish for the year. Maybe next time around, Mellow Yellow.
So lets get into the Countdown!
11th - Minx 380 points
Minx, the spunky kid sister of Sultry, erupted into existence this year under the leadership of the minxy Peta McNaughton, and after a good turnout at Regionals the ladies had a strong first showing at Nationals, being the centre of much attention.
10th - Lounge Lizards 395 points
Now in their third year, the Lounge Lizards are perhaps the most sexually attractive mixed Ultimate team in Brisbane, being a byword for fun tournament Ultimate. Showings at Lovefest, the Queensland Qualifier, and Mixed Nationals totted up their points.
9th - QUT River Rats 525 points
Another big year for the QUTies, one of Queensland's oldest clubs. Successful again in League play, but its their adventures at Lovefest and more importantly, to the 2008 Australian University Games all the way down to Melbourne that landed them points (along with Sam's triumph!)
8th - Sultry 719 points
Simply great, with the saucy lasses picking up points at Regionals and Nationals.
7th - Great Sugoi! 995 points
Burst onto the mixed scene to do very very well thank you at the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nats to snaggle a high spot.
6th - Townsville 1159 points
The controversial decision to play as individual pickups at Halibut this year bore fruit in a refreshed team having a fabo time at Mixed Nats. Earlier in the year, Thor's cracking 3th-4th playoff at Regionals got the northerners into the top 6 for the first time.
5th - Mind the Gap 1525 points
The venerable ones recruited some younger legs for an extended campaign in 2008, with squads competing at Halibut, the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nationals.
Now we move into the top tier, with an almost inexplicable TIE for third place
Equal 3rd - Gold Coast 1530 points
2008 will probably go down in history as the year Gold Coast Ultimate finally started to break out. 3rd place as the Slamtown Flatball Club at Halibut set heads a spinning, while a great showing by the Griffith Gold Coast squad at AUGs down in Melbourne kept the points ticking over. Lots to promise on next year as the new league builds and builds.
Equal 3rd - Byron Bay 1530 points
Ended the year quietly with the Badman's Birthday Bash, and have seen some of their top people shift to North America and Brisbane, but as a whole, a triumph for the Byron Bay and Channon cooperative collective. Teams from Byron Bay hit Regionals, Nationals, Halibut and Lovefest, and the as the youth contingent comes through, will continue to grow as a force, boxing above its population weight for some time year.
2nd - Firestorm 2100 points
Someone had to come second and this year it's Firestorm. Now in their third year, Firestorm has continued to develop itself on field and off, getting two big squads to Regionals and then down to Coffs for Nationals. Huge plans on the drawing board for the next few years.
But only one team could win, and this time for the second year running!
1st - University of Queensland 2402 points
Where do we start in talking about another great year for the University of Queensland Club? Truely, this is the Club that many others aspire to be in or like. When not busy running their own league, or putting teams into BUML, WUFL and BPL, the UQ Lovers down down to Sydney for the East Coast Challenge, put two teams into Halibut and the Lovefest (which they ran), and charmed everyone at the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nationals. The Lover-butt pants set the standard for all others.
Well done UQ, and to everyone involved in Ultimate Clubs in Queensland!
In 2007 it was the University of Queensland Lovers.
The 2008 Queensland Club of the Year was announced earlier this evening at the glamourous QUDA bash (more to come on that one).
But before we slap the winner up here, lets go through the process and the countdown.
You'll remember how its done from last year.
Qualifying Elements
1. Clubs must play two tournaments, or have traveled over 700km for one tournament.
2. Club must be majority Qld or NNSW players.
3. Players may play for multiple clubs through the year, but only one club per event.
4. Clubs may accrue additional points via multiple teams in the same event.
5. A tournament must have at least four teams to be included, and be by open invitation/qualification (hence, NUFL not included, as only certain clubs can compete).
Determining Points
1. Points are given for placing in relation to the size of the tournament. Last place gets 100 points, each placing above that gets 100 points, but to 10 teams.
2. If there are more than 10 teams, the maximum points are 1000, and the points per placing distributed down to 100 points for last.
3. Spirit points are given as 20 points per team at the tournament - so for example, winning spirit at a 8 team tournament is 160 points.
4. There is a travel bonus to recognise that getting a team a distance takes more effort. 50km-700km is 100 points, 700-1400km is 200 points, more than 1400km is 300 points
5. Bonus points up to 100 for miscellaneous at the discretion of the award organiser.
There was one addition to the process this year. To introduce a capacity to take account for the 'intangibles' of a good club, we invited the Club Captains or equivalent for each of the clubs to distribute 100 points amongst the other clubs, based on their sense of who had a good year and deserves recognition in the Club of the Year stakes.
Final tangent - we also looked this year at how we could account for League Clubs, but weren't able to come up with a good formula, particularly given BUML and BPL have yet to finish for the year. Maybe next time around, Mellow Yellow.
So lets get into the Countdown!
11th - Minx 380 points
Minx, the spunky kid sister of Sultry, erupted into existence this year under the leadership of the minxy Peta McNaughton, and after a good turnout at Regionals the ladies had a strong first showing at Nationals, being the centre of much attention.
10th - Lounge Lizards 395 points
Now in their third year, the Lounge Lizards are perhaps the most sexually attractive mixed Ultimate team in Brisbane, being a byword for fun tournament Ultimate. Showings at Lovefest, the Queensland Qualifier, and Mixed Nationals totted up their points.
9th - QUT River Rats 525 points
Another big year for the QUTies, one of Queensland's oldest clubs. Successful again in League play, but its their adventures at Lovefest and more importantly, to the 2008 Australian University Games all the way down to Melbourne that landed them points (along with Sam's triumph!)
8th - Sultry 719 points
Simply great, with the saucy lasses picking up points at Regionals and Nationals.
7th - Great Sugoi! 995 points
Burst onto the mixed scene to do very very well thank you at the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nats to snaggle a high spot.
6th - Townsville 1159 points
The controversial decision to play as individual pickups at Halibut this year bore fruit in a refreshed team having a fabo time at Mixed Nats. Earlier in the year, Thor's cracking 3th-4th playoff at Regionals got the northerners into the top 6 for the first time.
5th - Mind the Gap 1525 points
The venerable ones recruited some younger legs for an extended campaign in 2008, with squads competing at Halibut, the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nationals.
Now we move into the top tier, with an almost inexplicable TIE for third place
Equal 3rd - Gold Coast 1530 points
2008 will probably go down in history as the year Gold Coast Ultimate finally started to break out. 3rd place as the Slamtown Flatball Club at Halibut set heads a spinning, while a great showing by the Griffith Gold Coast squad at AUGs down in Melbourne kept the points ticking over. Lots to promise on next year as the new league builds and builds.
Equal 3rd - Byron Bay 1530 points
Ended the year quietly with the Badman's Birthday Bash, and have seen some of their top people shift to North America and Brisbane, but as a whole, a triumph for the Byron Bay and Channon cooperative collective. Teams from Byron Bay hit Regionals, Nationals, Halibut and Lovefest, and the as the youth contingent comes through, will continue to grow as a force, boxing above its population weight for some time year.
2nd - Firestorm 2100 points
Someone had to come second and this year it's Firestorm. Now in their third year, Firestorm has continued to develop itself on field and off, getting two big squads to Regionals and then down to Coffs for Nationals. Huge plans on the drawing board for the next few years.
But only one team could win, and this time for the second year running!
1st - University of Queensland 2402 points
Where do we start in talking about another great year for the University of Queensland Club? Truely, this is the Club that many others aspire to be in or like. When not busy running their own league, or putting teams into BUML, WUFL and BPL, the UQ Lovers down down to Sydney for the East Coast Challenge, put two teams into Halibut and the Lovefest (which they ran), and charmed everyone at the Queensland Qualifier and Mixed Nationals. The Lover-butt pants set the standard for all others.
Well done UQ, and to everyone involved in Ultimate Clubs in Queensland!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
BPL 2008-3 Round 9 Draw
Enter your tips, however it is quite likely that the fields will be closed due to the past and future rain. Keep watching your emails and checking the blog. And remember, no news is good news.
QUDA Renewal Powers ... ACTIVATE!
Just a quick one to note some changes in Queensland Ultimate Disc Association (QUDA) positions. QUDA is the governing body for flying disc sports in Queensland.
The QUDA Management Committee are very pleased to welcome aboard Rob Lowe and Molly Young.
Rob will become the new QUDA Treasurer, a role being vacated by Peta McNaughton. Peta will become a General Member of the Management Committee.
Molly will become the new QUDA Co-Secretary, a role being vacated by Bruce McNaughton. Bruce will become a General Member of the Management Committee, while retaining his Youth Coordinator role.
Congrats to Rob and Molly for stepping up, and thanks to Bruce and Peta for their massive efforts in a number of formal roles over the last few years (we're pleased and impressed they're continuing to be involved!) Please buy them a beer when you see them. Seriously. You owe them at least a beer!
QUDA also continues to hunt for a President. As you can see, you'll have a strong team to work with, including an Executive Officer to do the work you can't get to. Could this be you?
QUDA's current positions and position holders are listed below. No doubt there will be further discussion and renewal at the Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend, this weekend.
QUDA Management Committee
President - Vacant
Co-Secretaries - Molly Young and Danielle Smyth
Treasurer - Rob Lowe
Vice President - Tim Marchbank
General Members - Bruce McNaughton and Peta McNaughton
Executive Officer - Jason de Rooy
QUDA Coordinators
Women - Maylin Chuah
Universities - Adam 'Jangles' Beu
Coaching - Vacant
Elite Development - John 'Cheeseburger' McNaughton
Youth - Bruce McNaughton
Webmaster - Tim Marchbank
Competitions - Shawn Robb
Disc Golf - Tim Marchbank
Any Other Role You Think We Need to Have - You?
For your interest also, here's who's who in the BUDA zoo:
President - Dan Blacklock
Treasurer - Adilia Murabito
BPL Director - Stu Austin
BUML Director - Kristen 'Notty' Nott
Random Other Position Holders:
Master of his Domain - Steve Cameron
Chick Magnet - aL Don
Wandering Fool - Simon Talbot
Space Needle - Mike Neild
As Himself - Jon Good
As Herself - Sandra Poon
Best Boy - Spinner
Gaffer - Hamish Pope
Most Wanting to be a Queenslander - Brett Matzuka
The Pants - Suze Lankowski
Wetnose - Liam Gillions
hmm ... better stop now, we're just getting silly.
The QUDA Management Committee are very pleased to welcome aboard Rob Lowe and Molly Young.
Rob will become the new QUDA Treasurer, a role being vacated by Peta McNaughton. Peta will become a General Member of the Management Committee.
Molly will become the new QUDA Co-Secretary, a role being vacated by Bruce McNaughton. Bruce will become a General Member of the Management Committee, while retaining his Youth Coordinator role.
Congrats to Rob and Molly for stepping up, and thanks to Bruce and Peta for their massive efforts in a number of formal roles over the last few years (we're pleased and impressed they're continuing to be involved!) Please buy them a beer when you see them. Seriously. You owe them at least a beer!
QUDA also continues to hunt for a President. As you can see, you'll have a strong team to work with, including an Executive Officer to do the work you can't get to. Could this be you?
QUDA's current positions and position holders are listed below. No doubt there will be further discussion and renewal at the Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend, this weekend.
QUDA Management Committee
President - Vacant
Co-Secretaries - Molly Young and Danielle Smyth
Treasurer - Rob Lowe
Vice President - Tim Marchbank
General Members - Bruce McNaughton and Peta McNaughton
Executive Officer - Jason de Rooy
QUDA Coordinators
Women - Maylin Chuah
Universities - Adam 'Jangles' Beu
Coaching - Vacant
Elite Development - John 'Cheeseburger' McNaughton
Youth - Bruce McNaughton
Webmaster - Tim Marchbank
Competitions - Shawn Robb
Disc Golf - Tim Marchbank
Any Other Role You Think We Need to Have - You?
For your interest also, here's who's who in the BUDA zoo:
President - Dan Blacklock
Treasurer - Adilia Murabito
BPL Director - Stu Austin
BUML Director - Kristen 'Notty' Nott
Random Other Position Holders:
Master of his Domain - Steve Cameron
Chick Magnet - aL Don
Wandering Fool - Simon Talbot
Space Needle - Mike Neild
As Himself - Jon Good
As Herself - Sandra Poon
Best Boy - Spinner
Gaffer - Hamish Pope
Most Wanting to be a Queenslander - Brett Matzuka
The Pants - Suze Lankowski
Wetnose - Liam Gillions
hmm ... better stop now, we're just getting silly.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Quiet Week of Subtle Planning
We're a bit quiet here on the Brisbane Ultimate Blog this week, partly because of the rain which has settled in, and partly because all our brain and typing power is being put towards the Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend, which is on this weekend.
Here's the info that was sent out to the various yahoogroups, earlier in the week.
Hope to see all our readers there. Or start the commenting below. Or wait for some follow up posting next week!
Here's the info that was sent out to the various yahoogroups, earlier in the week.
About Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend
Hi there,
I’d like to invite you to the Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend, to be held this weekend 22-23 November, at the Annerley Junior Soccer Clubhouse at Greenslopes.
What is it?
Each year in November, QUDA hosts a weekend for Queensland (and Northern NSW) based Ultimate (and Disc Golf) volunteer organisers to get together, share ideas, look back over the previous year, and do some planning for the following year.
Who Should Come?
*Anyone* who is interested in lending a hand to make our sport better, or at least in finding out what’s going on and offering your ideas.
You might currently hold a position in your local group, Club, or Association. You might have helped lend a hand at a tournament or league.
Or you might just be interested in what’s going on, and want to have a say in the future. We reckon the best way for people to lend a hand is by knowing where they can help.
Last year around 16 people attended the meeting held at Byron Bay – this year we’re expecting around 30 people.
Where and When?
This year’s meeting will be held at the Annerley Junior Soccer Clubhouse at 98 Victoria Terrace, Greenslopes, on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November. This is next to the fields where BPL and BUML are played, and is about 5 minutes walk from the Greenslopes stop on the South East busway.
This year we’re trying a ‘session-based’ agenda, to allow people who can’t commit to the whole weekend to come talk about particular areas that interest them. Have a look at the attached agenda.
The 2nd Annual QUDA Bash will be held at the same venue, from 6.30pm on the Saturday night.
What should I do beforehand?
1. Have a read of the Agenda and attached material. Maybe make some notes.
2. Let me know you’re coming, so we can cater properly.
3. Let me or one of the session convenors know about anything you’d like to see addressed on the agenda or in a particular session.
4. Dream about the future of Ultimate in Queensland, and bring it along!
If you can’t make it, you’re still welcome to contribute your ideas via other people or email. Just get in touch.
Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend
Draft Agenda for >16 attendees
Saturday 22 November
9:00 Doors open
9:20 Welcome and Overview of Weekend
10.00 Session A: Governance Session B: Women
11.15 Morning Tea
11.45 Session C: Juniors/Schools Session D: Universities
1:00 Lunch
2:00 Session E: Promotion/Recruitment Session F: Tournaments
3.15 Afternoon Tea
3.45 Review of Day 1
4.30 Knock Off
6:30 QUDA Bash
Sunday 23 November
9:00 Doors open
9:30 Session G: National/AFDA Session H: Disc Golf
10:45 Morning Tea
11:15 Session I: Elite Development Session J: Leagues
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Plenary – Bringing It All Together
3:00 Afternoon Tea
3:30 Plenary Continued
4:30 Finish and Game: Born and Bred (Light) vs Blow-Ins (Dark)
Hope to see all our readers there. Or start the commenting below. Or wait for some follow up posting next week!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wet Weather
Brisbane has suffered from a terrific downpour over the weekend, to say the least.
This morning, my inbox is full of email from desperate Ulti-addicts - "Will BUML be on tonight?"
Here's the process we have in place with liaising with Annerley Juniors about field closers for BUML and BPL.
Make sense?
This morning, my inbox is full of email from desperate Ulti-addicts - "Will BUML be on tonight?"
Here's the process we have in place with liaising with Annerley Juniors about field closers for BUML and BPL.
1. During the day, a rep from AJSC inspects the fields (a few of their people live nearby). If there is surface water visible (ie puddles on the field), or the fields have been damaged due to wet-weather play, then they'll close the fields.
2. They email this info their stakeholders (which includes me as Ulti-rep).
3. If an email comes saying the fields are closed, I email the BUDA, YUFL and BPL lists as appropriate. There are a few people I also text message, as they're a long way away from the fields, or don't have easy email access. Some people also do this for their team-mates.
4. If by 4pm there is no email, then fields are considered open. I prefer not to send a reassuring email to everyone, as ...
5. If it rains between 4pm and 7pm, then the League Directors should inspect the fields on arrival (ideally before turning the lights on). If there is surface water visible (ie puddles on the field), then they shouldn't turn the lights on.
Make sense?
Friday, November 14, 2008
BUML Week 4
The latest season of Brisbane Mixed Ultimate League aka Monday Nights has been cruising along. Seems a lot of people are making the most of the Div1/Div2 split. There were certainly a few arm-wrestles around the grounds from what I could see last week. The Chimi-Scourgery game had one of the longest points ever seen in Brisbane Ultimate, I'd hazard, while the Heroes-Poachers match up was grueling with a smile. Continuing this is sure to be a topic at the Queensland Ultimate Planning Weekend next weekend.
Interesting Comparisons
Its interesting to try to compare Ultimate to other sports, although its often not easy or even fruitful. Its not easy or fruitful because its an apples and oranges type of comparison etc, so I generally don't really do those conversations (US Ultimate sites seem to be filled with comparisons to professional mainstreams sports, but I disgress).
But I picked up an interesting set of figures today that I thought worth sharing. They don't really say much, but I still found them interesting.
The Queensland Department of Sport and Recreation has a program called GAQAP - the Get Active Queensland Accrediation Program.
The courses get run all over Queensland, and they've recently started offering Ultimate Coaching. People need to register to do the course etc.
Anyway, enough explanation, here's the numbers of people who have currently booked for December courses in Brisbane:
Ultimate almost looks mainstream.
But I picked up an interesting set of figures today that I thought worth sharing. They don't really say much, but I still found them interesting.
The Queensland Department of Sport and Recreation has a program called GAQAP - the Get Active Queensland Accrediation Program.
The Get Active Queensland Accreditation Program (GAQAP) provides teachers, teacher aides, school sport volunteers, tertiary and senior secondary school students, and community sports members throughout Queensland with FREE training that can ultimately lead to accreditation in coaching, officiating, and sports first aid.
The program, formerly known as the Teacher-Coach Accreditation Program, has attracted more than 9500 participants since its inception in 2002. The program is a key component of the Queensland Government's commitment to getting more Queenslanders involved in sport and active recreation.
The courses get run all over Queensland, and they've recently started offering Ultimate Coaching. People need to register to do the course etc.
Anyway, enough explanation, here's the numbers of people who have currently booked for December courses in Brisbane:
Brisbane North - December 4
AFL Coaching 9
Athletics Coaching 28
Basketball Coaching 18
Cricket Coaching 13
Football Coaching 14
Golf Coaching 11
Hockey Coaching Cancelled
Level 1 Sports Trainer 16
Netball Coaching 13
Rugby League Coaching 21
Softball Coaching 2
Sports First Aid 36
Sports Strapping 11
Swimming Coaching 26
Touch Officiating 9
Ultimate Disc Coaching 13
Volleyball Officiating 17
Brisbane East - December 9
Athletics Advanced Coaching 25
Athletics Officiating 4
Football Officiating 3
Futsal Coaching 13
Gymnastics Coaching 8
Modern Jive Dance 9
Netball Officiating 8
Royal Life Saving 12
Rugby Union Coaching 16
Sports First Aid 32
Sports Power Coaching 8
Sports Strapping 26
Tennis Coaching 13
Touch Coaching 27
Triathlon Coaching 9
Volleyball Coaching 20
Water Polo Coaching 10
Ultimate almost looks mainstream.
Bashing Down to Bads
Don't forget if you're driving down the Badman's Birthday Bash this weekend that the southerners are on daylight savings.
If its 10am in Byron, its 9am in Queensland.
Given its about 2-2.5 hours from Brisbane to Byron (depending on whether you are travelling with John 'Chugabug' McNaughton or Molly 'Penelope Pitstop' Young, or on the back of George's motorcycle) you'll want to be leaving Vegas by 6.30am Brisbane time.
If its 10am in Byron, its 9am in Queensland.
Given its about 2-2.5 hours from Brisbane to Byron (depending on whether you are travelling with John 'Chugabug' McNaughton or Molly 'Penelope Pitstop' Young, or on the back of George's motorcycle) you'll want to be leaving Vegas by 6.30am Brisbane time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
BPL 2008-3 Round 8 Draw
Top of the tipping table is very close. Get those tips in to secure victory and fame!
QUDA Bash Tickets - Last Chance is Tomorrow!
If you want a ticket for next weekend's QUDA Bash, you need to register your interest by tomorrow (Wednesday 12/11). This lets the delightful Maylin and her flight of helper fairies to sort out the catering.
When: Saturday 22 November, from 6.30pm
Where: AJSC Soccer Clubhouse (next to where BPL and BUML are played)
Tickets: $30, includes dinner and a few surprises!
Dress: Frock and rock.
When: Saturday 22 November, from 6.30pm
Where: AJSC Soccer Clubhouse (next to where BPL and BUML are played)
Tickets: $30, includes dinner and a few surprises!
Dress: Frock and rock.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bit of Blog News
So we're been keeping stats about visitors and hits and stuff since early January this year.
Since then, we've had 14,384 hits, from 4,232 visitors. Not bad.
Interestingly, 80% of those people have visited the site more than 10 times - it looks like Ultimate websurfers are a loyal lot (or alternatively, there's not enough out there.
Most weekdays, we have about 60-80 hits. Weekends it drops down to 15-30 hits.
Possibly its just Sensei at work refreshing every five minutes to see if Jules has posted a comment.
But Wet and I like to think we're performing a useful service and making for some interesting reading.
Is there anything else or more you'd like?
Do you tell your friends about us?
*by the way, latest update in the 'who's popular', at least in terms of search terms used to bring people here, are (1) Tim Marchbank, (2) Stephanie Levasseur, (3) Jonathan Potts, (4) Brett Matzuka and (5) Al Don
Since then, we've had 14,384 hits, from 4,232 visitors. Not bad.
Interestingly, 80% of those people have visited the site more than 10 times - it looks like Ultimate websurfers are a loyal lot (or alternatively, there's not enough out there.
Most weekdays, we have about 60-80 hits. Weekends it drops down to 15-30 hits.
Possibly its just Sensei at work refreshing every five minutes to see if Jules has posted a comment.
But Wet and I like to think we're performing a useful service and making for some interesting reading.
Is there anything else or more you'd like?
Do you tell your friends about us?
*by the way, latest update in the 'who's popular', at least in terms of search terms used to bring people here, are (1) Tim Marchbank, (2) Stephanie Levasseur, (3) Jonathan Potts, (4) Brett Matzuka and (5) Al Don
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Fifteen Minutes of Fame Can Be Yours!
So Channel 9's The Shak are doing a story on Ultimate Frisbee, and will be filming on Oval 7 (off Coleridge St) at UQ St Lucia this Wednesday afternoon!
They'll need people throwing around in the background for interviews from 1pm, then people for a game from about 2pm.
If you have one of those nice UQ shirts, bring it along.
Remember, The Shak is broadcast nationally, so its worth putting on a good show.
Contact the impressive Mat Ryan if you can help.
They'll need people throwing around in the background for interviews from 1pm, then people for a game from about 2pm.
If you have one of those nice UQ shirts, bring it along.
Remember, The Shak is broadcast nationally, so its worth putting on a good show.
Contact the impressive Mat Ryan if you can help.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
If I Could Recruit 100 New Players
If you could get any 100 people to come and play Ultimate (leaving aside individual differences), who would you recruit?
I’d probably start with 100 women. Partially, this is because Ultimate has a gender imbalance for various reasons that I’d like to see gone for various reasons. But paradoxically, I know that women attract men to the sport.
Of those 100 women, I’d probably like to have 25 who are still at school, 25 who are at University, and 50 who are over say 23. I know plenty of people who would skew things more towards Juniors, because kids will play for longer and can become much better much more quickly.
Of the 25 women still at school, I’d like at least 12 to go to the same all-girls school. Having that sort of core will help that school develop an ongoing interest in Ultimate, and seek to challenge other schools. It’ll also make for a pretty strong junior women’s team for the city/state/country. Random spread of the rest.
Of the 25 at University, I’d want 10 who were studying marketing, communications or journalism. Random spread of the rest.
Of the 50 people over say 23, I’d like to have 10 who were ‘jobless’ – raising children, being homemakers or working informally from home. Ultimate lacks people with a bit of time through the day, who are thinking about their lives in the long term, and who have an inclination to help others. Another 10 I’d like to be teachers or lecturers of some sort. Another 10 would work in local government, because of the influence that city councils can have on field space, amenities, grants and local profile. 5 would be tradespeople of some sort (I may be dreaming there). Random spread of the rest.
Of those 100 women of various ‘things they do all day’, I’d like 30 to live near Kalinga Park in inner Northern Brisbane, and 30 to live at Logan City (this is the Brisbane Ultimate Blog, you know). These are places I’d like to see new Leagues forming. Random spread of the rest.
Oh yeah, and 1 of these 100 would own a brewery. :)
How would you pick your 100?
I’d probably start with 100 women. Partially, this is because Ultimate has a gender imbalance for various reasons that I’d like to see gone for various reasons. But paradoxically, I know that women attract men to the sport.
Of those 100 women, I’d probably like to have 25 who are still at school, 25 who are at University, and 50 who are over say 23. I know plenty of people who would skew things more towards Juniors, because kids will play for longer and can become much better much more quickly.
Of the 25 women still at school, I’d like at least 12 to go to the same all-girls school. Having that sort of core will help that school develop an ongoing interest in Ultimate, and seek to challenge other schools. It’ll also make for a pretty strong junior women’s team for the city/state/country. Random spread of the rest.
Of the 25 at University, I’d want 10 who were studying marketing, communications or journalism. Random spread of the rest.
Of the 50 people over say 23, I’d like to have 10 who were ‘jobless’ – raising children, being homemakers or working informally from home. Ultimate lacks people with a bit of time through the day, who are thinking about their lives in the long term, and who have an inclination to help others. Another 10 I’d like to be teachers or lecturers of some sort. Another 10 would work in local government, because of the influence that city councils can have on field space, amenities, grants and local profile. 5 would be tradespeople of some sort (I may be dreaming there). Random spread of the rest.
Of those 100 women of various ‘things they do all day’, I’d like 30 to live near Kalinga Park in inner Northern Brisbane, and 30 to live at Logan City (this is the Brisbane Ultimate Blog, you know). These are places I’d like to see new Leagues forming. Random spread of the rest.
Oh yeah, and 1 of these 100 would own a brewery. :)
How would you pick your 100?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Applause, Recognition, and a Little Notoriety for QUT Ultimate
It's often the case here at the Brisbane Ultimate Blog that we get caught up in UQ's status as the biggest and best Ultimate Club in Queensland, but today there's great news from cross-town rivals QUT (and thanks for the qutest of all, Jangles, for sharing the news).
At the Annual QUT Sports Awards, QUTie Sam Bird was recognised for her tireless efforts as QUT Sports Manager of the Year!
The profile of the QUT Ultimate Club was further raised when it became the inaugural winner of the prestigious and high profile Worst Club in the History of QUT, which is a pretty significant achievement.
No wonder the Club has entered its largest team ever in the current BUML (leading to them cutting some of their stars of yesterday, like Chaddie).
Well done QUTIES!
At the Annual QUT Sports Awards, QUTie Sam Bird was recognised for her tireless efforts as QUT Sports Manager of the Year!
The profile of the QUT Ultimate Club was further raised when it became the inaugural winner of the prestigious and high profile Worst Club in the History of QUT, which is a pretty significant achievement.
No wonder the Club has entered its largest team ever in the current BUML (leading to them cutting some of their stars of yesterday, like Chaddie).
Well done QUTIES!
Monday, November 03, 2008
On MVPs and Spirit Scores
So over at Ultitalk, there's a couple of interesting threads relating to MVP awards and Spirit awards. Kudos to Tom for getting things going. Go and have a read. There's some good stuff there. I'll wait.
Anyway, my take is that people are over-worrying these awards a little a little.
Short of having a set of people who's job it is to watch lots of games and then form an opinion (which is what happens when spectator sports have MVP awards like the Brownlow or the Dally M), you're not going to get something non-controversial (and even then, think about the controversy that's often involved with those awards (and I mean controversy in the positive sense, that there's lots of worthies but there can be only one winner).
So until Ultimate has that, don't stress it, and just remember that at an Ultimate tournament, a Most Valuable Player award is as much about 'standing out from a crowd' than it is about being valuable, and perhaps more importantly, not really anything about somehow being 'the best'. Still, its nice and fun for the winners (who are rarely the same people event after event (save for a few Adam Mortimers and Mike Bakers - and who's going to begrudge them that?)) and makes the ceremonies a bit more interesting.
In particular in my mind, I worry when Ultimate players start thinking up convoluted systems. Yes, many of us are systems builders (me included) - self-refereed sport appeals to us thinkers. But the beauty of sport and sporting recognition is in the simplicity. A champion player will be recognised, whether or not they win an award.
I've been more interested though by discussions about Spirit Scores and the Spirit Winner, as I think this is somewhat closer to more people's hearts (Jangles even sent me the Beach Ultimate Lovers Association's spirit score sheet for a look).
Again, I would say, don't oversweat it. Everyone knows how a spirit winner comes about, and usually when you examine the scores you see that normally any number of teams could have come 'first'.
My view of the reasons we give out a Spirit Prize is a) its easy to do and draws a bit of attention to spirit; b) its nice and fun again to have something else to give out; and c) "Well, we've collected these scores, so we might as well do something, like add them up".
So I worry a bit when people want to introduce some more systematic spirit scoring. Yes that is fine, but in a 24 team competition like Mixed Nationals, spread over dozens of games over three days, where people only play a portion of teams ... you're still not really and regularly going to be able to separate the 'most spirited' teams to somehow have a winner.
Fortunately, there's a lot of talk in the thread about examples of good and bad spirit, and I think these people are starting to get to the nub of the issue ... but let me take you there.
What Spirit Scores are really about is ... having a team sit down after a game and talk about good and bad spirit. That's pretty much it. If teams sit down afterwards and spend 5 minutes discussing the spirit in the game they played, then they should incrementally come out having a better idea of what good and bad spirit are and mean.
This is where I get worried when people want to quantify spirit and have little checklists and stuff. I worry that subconsciously, some people have missed the point and think its about getting a score in and someone winning a spirit prize. They want to do it quickly and easily and get onto the next bit of the tournament, so they like the idea of a little checklist that a Captain can fill in on their own (maybe talking to a couple of confidants) in about 10 seconds.
But such things won't promote good spirit. I wonder if teams who are rated poorly for spirit bother to talk about spirit after the game? I suspect (in general) they don't.
If you want to foster good spirit, then make sure your team sits down together and discusses the game, the good and the bad, for a good while after the game. Don't let one player just fill in a sheet. Help yourself and your team-mates to understand spirit better. The more we talk about it, and share stories and examples of Spirit (such as through good threads on Ulti-talk), the more Spirit will grow and thrive.
Anyway, my take is that people are over-worrying these awards a little a little.
Short of having a set of people who's job it is to watch lots of games and then form an opinion (which is what happens when spectator sports have MVP awards like the Brownlow or the Dally M), you're not going to get something non-controversial (and even then, think about the controversy that's often involved with those awards (and I mean controversy in the positive sense, that there's lots of worthies but there can be only one winner).
So until Ultimate has that, don't stress it, and just remember that at an Ultimate tournament, a Most Valuable Player award is as much about 'standing out from a crowd' than it is about being valuable, and perhaps more importantly, not really anything about somehow being 'the best'. Still, its nice and fun for the winners (who are rarely the same people event after event (save for a few Adam Mortimers and Mike Bakers - and who's going to begrudge them that?)) and makes the ceremonies a bit more interesting.
In particular in my mind, I worry when Ultimate players start thinking up convoluted systems. Yes, many of us are systems builders (me included) - self-refereed sport appeals to us thinkers. But the beauty of sport and sporting recognition is in the simplicity. A champion player will be recognised, whether or not they win an award.
I've been more interested though by discussions about Spirit Scores and the Spirit Winner, as I think this is somewhat closer to more people's hearts (Jangles even sent me the Beach Ultimate Lovers Association's spirit score sheet for a look).
Again, I would say, don't oversweat it. Everyone knows how a spirit winner comes about, and usually when you examine the scores you see that normally any number of teams could have come 'first'.
My view of the reasons we give out a Spirit Prize is a) its easy to do and draws a bit of attention to spirit; b) its nice and fun again to have something else to give out; and c) "Well, we've collected these scores, so we might as well do something, like add them up".
So I worry a bit when people want to introduce some more systematic spirit scoring. Yes that is fine, but in a 24 team competition like Mixed Nationals, spread over dozens of games over three days, where people only play a portion of teams ... you're still not really and regularly going to be able to separate the 'most spirited' teams to somehow have a winner.
Fortunately, there's a lot of talk in the thread about examples of good and bad spirit, and I think these people are starting to get to the nub of the issue ... but let me take you there.
What Spirit Scores are really about is ... having a team sit down after a game and talk about good and bad spirit. That's pretty much it. If teams sit down afterwards and spend 5 minutes discussing the spirit in the game they played, then they should incrementally come out having a better idea of what good and bad spirit are and mean.
This is where I get worried when people want to quantify spirit and have little checklists and stuff. I worry that subconsciously, some people have missed the point and think its about getting a score in and someone winning a spirit prize. They want to do it quickly and easily and get onto the next bit of the tournament, so they like the idea of a little checklist that a Captain can fill in on their own (maybe talking to a couple of confidants) in about 10 seconds.
But such things won't promote good spirit. I wonder if teams who are rated poorly for spirit bother to talk about spirit after the game? I suspect (in general) they don't.
If you want to foster good spirit, then make sure your team sits down together and discusses the game, the good and the bad, for a good while after the game. Don't let one player just fill in a sheet. Help yourself and your team-mates to understand spirit better. The more we talk about it, and share stories and examples of Spirit (such as through good threads on Ulti-talk), the more Spirit will grow and thrive.
Got Your Calendars Marked?
A few things for your calendar as we rush towards the end of 2008!
- Badman's Birthday Bash is on 15-16 November at Byron Bay. Do Bads and the Byron kids a favour and register early, and don't forget to organise yourself some accommodation. It looks like there's 37 Queenslanders registered so far ....
- The 2008 QUDA Bash is on again - lock in the evening of 22 November. Here's a summary of last year's bash. This year we'll be at the AJSC Soccer Clubhouse (next to where BPL and BUML are played) from 6pm onwards, with a bus into the city afterwards (from the Greenslopes Busway stop, 8 minutes walk away). Dinner is included and tickets will soon be on sale. Help the organisers by registering your interest.
- The 2008 QUDA Planning Weekend is coming soon too - its on the 22-23 November at the AJSC Clubhouse (handy place this is becoming to be!). Agendas and such to come, but this is a good way to find out what's planned for next year, and more importantly, have your say!
- BUML is only a short season this time around, so the end of year Final is not far off! Keep Monday 8 December clear!
- And to (probably) finish the year of Ultimate in Brisbane and Queensland, the Final of BPL Season 3 2008 is programmed for Thursday 11 December!
- Badman's Birthday Bash is on 15-16 November at Byron Bay. Do Bads and the Byron kids a favour and register early, and don't forget to organise yourself some accommodation. It looks like there's 37 Queenslanders registered so far ....
- The 2008 QUDA Bash is on again - lock in the evening of 22 November. Here's a summary of last year's bash. This year we'll be at the AJSC Soccer Clubhouse (next to where BPL and BUML are played) from 6pm onwards, with a bus into the city afterwards (from the Greenslopes Busway stop, 8 minutes walk away). Dinner is included and tickets will soon be on sale. Help the organisers by registering your interest.
- The 2008 QUDA Planning Weekend is coming soon too - its on the 22-23 November at the AJSC Clubhouse (handy place this is becoming to be!). Agendas and such to come, but this is a good way to find out what's planned for next year, and more importantly, have your say!
- BUML is only a short season this time around, so the end of year Final is not far off! Keep Monday 8 December clear!
- And to (probably) finish the year of Ultimate in Brisbane and Queensland, the Final of BPL Season 3 2008 is programmed for Thursday 11 December!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Getting Into Open Play in 2009
Just in case you're not on the various Brisbane-y email lists, you might be interested in the following:
Gentlemen (apologies ladies, you can stop reading now),
If you enjoy improving your game, learning more about the sport, and generally playing good, competitive Ultimate, please read on.
WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?
My name's John McNaughton, and I'm one of the captains of Firestorm. This is the Brisbane representative men's club, taking the best players from Brisbane (and surrounds) to compete at national level tournaments. The season will be running from January to April, with pre-season training happening from November, and culminating in Nationals in Perth in late April.
NATIONALS??? SLOW DOWN, CHAMP...
In addition to competing at the elite level, we're also focused on improving the level of local Ultimate. To this end, we're keen to get people into the club who may not want to go to Nationals, or who don't think they're good enough, but who love playing and want to improve their games. We're really keen to see the club grow and to welcome new players on board - it's great for us, for you, and for Brisbane frisbee.
AM I GOOD ENOUGH?
If you're a complete beginner, and only just figuring out your forehand and where you're meant to stand and run, Firestorm probably isn't for you this season. Next year :-) If you have a basic grasp of skills and how the game works, we'd be keen to hear from you. Maybe it'll be that you should wait another year, but we're quite open to newer players if they're really keen to improve, and you'll never know unless you try. If you're concerned, ask someone who was part of the club in 2008 to give you some idea.
WHAT ARE YOU ASKING FROM ME?
We don't need any sort of commitment now. Have a think, ask any questions you want (feel free to ask me, or anyone who was part of the club in 2008), and come along to a few training sessions when we kick off to get a feel for it. You'll find it's a big step up, but I hope you'll also find a welcoming atmosphere, friendly Firestormers and quality coaching to help you get up to speed.
HOW CAN I STAY IN THE LOOP?
If this sounds at all interesting, sign up to the Firestorm email list. You'll get plenty more information about what's happening, and get a bit of a feel for the club.
To join, send a blank email to: firestorm-ultimate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
(you should get a confirmation email in reply if it worked)
I'M ALREADY KEEN, WHERE DO I SIGN UP?
If you've already made up your mind and decided you want to come and get involved, register your interest at: http://www.afda.com/rego/showcompetition.php?competitionid=559 Again, this is NOT a commitment - this is just for the club leadership, to help with our planning for the season.
ANYTHING ELSE??
As I say, if you've got any questions, please feel free to chat to me (this email, 0411 835 750, or catch me on Mon nights with UQ Playaz) or any other Firestorm boys.
Thanks all.
John McNaughton
Firestorm #10
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