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last updated 7/30/09 by Keith

Friday Night Flights

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?

Unlike VOTS's traditional spring and fall leagues which use only a draft, Friday Night Flights is using a "Core and draft" approach to league formation, based on a model used by the Atlanta Flying Disc Club. The core is allowed to have 8 players on it--5 men and 3 women. Please note on your registration if you are part of a core. Each core should designate one person as the core captain. The purpose of the core is to allow players the chance to play league with friends, recruited new players, significant others or form theme teams. Cores will also have the option, if they choose, to design their own shirts. So if you are part of a core, think about what you want on your shirts! One color, one side designs only. To make sure teams are balanced, cores must be approved by the league director. If you are not part of a core, you will be placed on a team. Core captains will meet with the league director to allocate the rest of the players. As this format is new to VOTS, details may be revised as registration progresses.

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

The season will begin Friday, August 28 and end on Friday, November 13. No games are scheduled for September 4 (Labor Day Weekend). VOTS, as of July 30 does not have reserved fields on October 9 and November 6 (Scottsdale Sports Complex is booked with soccer tournaments). Fields are being sought as close to SSC as possible, but be aware games those two weeks may be elsewhere in the Valley. All games are currently at 8 pm. Please note games are scheduled for the Fridays before Club Sectionals and Club Regionals.

Do I need to have a team to sign up?

Nope! Even if you are not part of a core, you can sign up as an individual and you will be placed on one of the teams in league in a manner that will balance out the number of beginner, intermediate, and advanced players per team. Individuals requesting to play on the same team are encouraged to form a core, but if you are unable to get a group together, requests will try to be accomodated.

How much does league cost and how do I register?

Registration for all players will cost $25. Team cores (via the captain) will be responsible for an additional payment of $25, paid separately from registration.

As per League Policy:

  • Ages 18 and over are allowed to participate in VOTS-sponsored leagues.
  • Ages 16-17 must have signed parental consent to participate in VOTS-sponsored leagues and must turn 16 by the last day of league play.
  • Ages 15 and below are not allowed to participate in VOTS-sponsored league.
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. Might also need to include a note about shirts
  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, but you must buy an alcohol permit at the SSC main office. Cost is $5 and can cover all people at league. 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 director.