Observer Clinic at Yale Cup, New Haven, CT

BUDA member:

I've asked Tommy to post this to you as a member of BUDA, and as part of the larger NE Ultimate Community. And as one who loves the game and wants to see it grow and improve.

This past Summer, the UPA Observer Committee, of which I'm a member, tackled a number of issues concerning the current condition and direction of the Observer program. One priority we decided upon was a method to increase the number of qualified Observers available. Concurrent to increased numbers, we also decided that we needed to improve the quality of the Observers provided, as well as have better consistency between Observers.

Towards these three inter-related ends, we decided to develop an official Observer Training Clinic, to be held at venues in each of the UPA regions. Participants who successfully complete all of the program elements will be considered qualified to Observe at UPA sanctioned events.

Because of the timing (just before the Spring championship series), the location (somewhat central to the NE Region), and the level of play expected (some of the best college teams in the NE attending), we selected Yale Cup 2005 (Sat/Sun April 9th/10th) for the first venue to conduct a clinic in this Region.

What we now need are volunteers to attend this clinic. Prospective Observers do NOT need to be "Nationals Level players". All any candidate really needs is a good understanding of the fundamentals of the game and a good grasp of the rules (10th Edition) and how they are applied in highly competitive situations. They need to be willing and able to move with the flow of a fast-moving game. A level head and a thick skin would be valuable commodities, too! Maybe most importantly, a love of the game and a desire to make it better for the participants and spectators.

The format of the clinic is two days. Prior to the clinic, we will be providing a rules quiz/review to be taken by the candidates, since knowing the rules is vital. At the event, there will be a "classroom" session on Saturday AM (April 9th), followed by some instruction at the playing fields on Saturday afternoon. Sunday (April 10th) will involve
on-field Observering for those who are deemed ready to "go live". Their preformance will be monitored by experienced Observers. Those who demonstrate the ability to stay with the action,keep the game moving, defuse tense situations, etc will be given the status of certified Observer. As such, they are now deemed capable of being an Observer in most UPA sanctioned events. The creme-de-la-creme can be considered for Finals at Regional events, as well as being candidates for Nationals.

We've heard the complaint loud and clear: "NO Observers are better than unqualified Observers". The clinic program that we've established is meant to respond to that complaint. But, like any volunteer organization, we need people to step forward and make this a reality.

That's why I'm asking YOU to come on out and attend the clinic at Yale Cup 2005. The UPA is providing these clinics free of charge during this first year, but that will not be the case in the future. At some point, only UPA-certified Observers will be allowed to work series events.

If you have any questions, or need more information, or have some people that you want to put on the list, please feel free to contact me.

I look forward to working with you in making this program a success! And hopefully have a chance to talk to some of you personally at the Yale Cup.

--VIC
Vic Kamhi
(interim) UPA NorthEast ROC (Regional Observer Coordinator)
Member, UPA Observer Committee

vmkamhi@hotmail.com

(508)872-0895 (H)
(781)839-4137 (W)