Spirit of the Game The Spirit of the Game (SOTG) is what distinguishes Ultimate frisbee from all other sports. It allows us to play the game competitively and fairly, obviating the need for referees, penalties and poor flow. The concept of SOTG places the responsibility of sportsmanship directly on the player. Competitive play is encouraged but never at the cost of mutual respect, adherence to the rules and enjoyment of the game. Aggressive play, intentional fouling and other ‘win at all cost’ behavior are contrary to SOTG, they must be avoided by all players. If you are playing Ultimate only to win, you just don’t get it. When we think of SOTG we often find ourselves thinking of the singing at the end of the game. Although this is a great tool for deflating any intense emotions built-up during the game, it is not a substitute for a game played in poor spirit. SOTG should pervade through the entirety of the game. You can demonstrate spirit through a positive attitude of camaraderie within your team and with the team you are playing with. Know the rules and stick to them, avoid dangerous play and eliminate arguments. Remember to celebrate the other team, without them you would be unable to play the game. By fostering a positive environment you will end the game more satisfied than frustrated and have made a new set of friends. Check out SOTG suggestions for ideas on how to foster SOTG. This year HUC is instating a Spirit Rating System to emphasize the importance of SOTG. Why you ask? Because Ultimate’s foundation is SOTG and HUC is not prepared to see this foundation undermined. Because over the last few years our league has dramatically increased in size and unfortunately, as a result, the knowledge of this most important tenet of Ultimate has been diluted. Because this lack of SOTG knowledge has led to an increased number of injuries and incidents occurring on the fields. Because teams who play with SOTG are our greatest assets and deserve this acknowledgement. If you have any questions about Spirit of the Game or the HUC Spirit Rating System, please contact the Spirit Representative on the HUC BOD at SOTG@hamiltonultimate.com Spirit Rating System The new spirit rating system (SRS) is designed to render the scoring procedure objective. It emphasizes the really important points that make up the Spirit of the Game (SOTG) and help remind you of them every time you enter a team’s spirit score. Please note that a perfect score (10) is limited to an amazing game where there was terrific flow and outstanding sportsmanship between all players throughout the entire game. All teams start with a spirit rating of 5 and points are added or subtracted according to the criteria listed in the SRS table below. You are asked to check off each of the criteria that best describe aspects of your game, then to add the respective pluses and minuses (this may be automatically done when entering the score on line). The Spirit score then becomes: Spirit Score = 5 + (total_plus) – (total_minus) If you have any questions about Spirit of the Game or the HUC Spirit Rating System, please contact the Spirit Representative on the HUC board of directors at SOTG@hamiltonultimate.com Spirit of the Game Suggestions Here are a few ideas for improving Spirit of the Game in your play: 1. Consider the other team as part of your Ultimate community, not as an opponent to beat. Without them you wouldn’t be able to play. 2. Take time to learn the rules. HUC plays by the 10th Edition UPA Official Rules of Ultimate. A summary of the rules can be found on our website. It can be frustrating when others are unaware of the rules and un-willing to learn them. So take the time to read them. 3. Sing a song a the end of the game. It helps to deflate emotions built-up during the game, will remind you that this is just a game and make you laugh! 4. Introduce yourself. If someone is marking you for the first time, give them a handshake and let them know your name. Instantly you’ve built a relationship with your marker making the game friendlier. 5. Keep score. If both teams have official score keepers you will be less likely to be confused and later argue about the score. 6. Play safe! Respect the other players on the field and avoid physical contact. Remember that we play for the disc and that doesn’t mean that we can play through people to get it. If you’re that type of player perhaps you need to find another sport to play (might we suggest Tae Kwon Doe or Sumo wrestling!). 7. Watch your mouth. Swearing, angry words and raised voices can easily be taken out of context on the field. They build up tension and make the game less enjoyable. For those on your team who can’t keep their mouth clean, feed them a bar of soap! That’ll teach ‘em! ? 8. Shrug things off. So what if it’s the third time you've told someone they've traveled. Most likely they weren't aware of it before you pointed it out and its going to take time for them to modify their “style” of play. 9. Use your Captains more often to clarify rules and settle disputes. 10. Congratulate the other team when they’ve made a nice play or a good call. 11. Focus on having fun out there, it’s contagious!