Observers Needed for Boston Invitational/Easterns Ultimate Tournament


1) What's an Observer needed for?

At higher level of competition, there sometimes arise
situations where two players in a close play cannot come
to an agreement with each other (eg.: in-bounds or out-
of-bounds, stalled/not stalled, marker/thrower foul).
Or even agree to disagree and do the play over. At the
point of an impasse, the players can ask for the Observer
to render his opinion of the play, at which point their
ruling is final, and play continues on as if there was
no disagreement.

2) What does an Observer do?

Usually, just follow the play on the field by going up
and down the sideline and watching the play very
closely. If lucky, it might be that the Observer is never
asked to get involved in disputes. In cases when there
IS a irreconcilable difference, be ready to quickly
answer the question. This often serves to keep small
disputes from erupting into heated conflicts.

3) What is a Certified Observer?

While the concept of having Observers has been in the
Rules of Ultimate for many years, about 10 years ago, the
UPA decided to make the program more official and actually
codify the program and make certain qualifications. Thus,
we developed the Certified Observer Pool (COP). I have been
Head of COP for the past five years.

4) What's needed to qualify?

First and foremost is DESIRE. After that, demonstration
of a complete understanding of the Rules of Ultimate, 9th
Edition. To strengthen one's understanding of the rules,
there has been developed a rules review. It's a test of
sorts, but mostly it's meant to get the Observer candidates
more accustomed to the rulebook and its organization. And
some of the finer points of rules that even some of the
long-time players from Nationals-calibre teams don't always
fully understand. And, after that, it's just a matter of
mileage. That is, actually Observing games. The more games
you've worked, the more comfortable you are in Observing.

5) So, why do we need Observers at Easterns?

One problem in actually GETTING experienced COP members
is that there are few tournaments where they're actually
available and utilized. And these are the "showcase"
events, such as Nationals and College Nationals, where
the stakes are high for the participants and tempers
can flare. Therefore, we've decided to try to expand
the pool of Observers to draw from AND also increase
their experience level by having somewhat smaller,
lower stress tournaments have Observers. Easterns
is one such opportunity. It's a bit "friendlier", but
it DOES also attract some of the best teams from the
East Coast. So level of play is high, which allows the
Observers to become comfortable with making calls in
competitive games at the higher echelons.

6) What's in it for me?

Well, a lot, actually.

a) We could show the Ultimate community at large that
BUDA does support Ultimate. While not a BUDA-sponsored
event, it will show the Ultimate community that BUDA is
not isolated from the "bigger picture"

b) You'll get to see, up close (actually closer than
anybody else except the players!) some of the best played
Ultimate in the world. It's the best seat in the house!

c) A sense of satisfaction in giving back something to
the game from which you've received a lot over the years.
Ultimate, and the Ultimate Players Association (UPA) is
very much member-driven by its volunteers.

d) The opportunity to get to know Ultimate players from
more than just the Boston and Bay area. Teams come from
Philly, Pittsburg, Charlotte, and DC to compete.

e) A better appreciation of how the game is played at
the upper levels. You might even come away with some
new plays to confound your corporate league opponents!

f) PROBABLY a neat Staff T-shirt, or hat, or disc.
(Yeah, OK, you've already got enough of all of those!)

7) OK, I'm interested in giving it a shot. Now what?

Easy! EM or call me and let me know that you'd like to
try your hand at Observing. I'll get you a copy of the
9th Edition rules as well as the Observer review. Take
the quiz and then compare your answers to the answer
set. Review the areas in which you're less strong. And
then be ready to come out to Easterns in a few weeks.

I hope that I've convinced some of the members of
Boston Ultimate Disc Allinance to lend a hand.
And I hope to see you at Easterns.

Contact me if you have any further questions. Thanks
in advance.

--VIC 
 
  vmkamhi@hotmail.com
  609-588-9492 (H)
  609-716-2695 (W)