Draft Minutes (to be confirmed at the next meeting!)

Tasmanian Ultimate Association Meeting

16 October 2002

62 Taroona Crescent, Taroona

Present: Jemery, Madeleine, Jeff, Mamoru, Dan, Leslie, Shavawn (late), Inala (late), Louise (late)

Apologies: Joe, James, Dave C, Ian

Business Arising:

MINUTES

The Committee accepted that the previous minutes were a true and accurate account of the meeting.

Two Hat Wrap-up

It was agreed that the tournament was a success, with only a few minor hiccups. Jemery admitted to "pure incompetence" at not ensuring that the first aid kit was present, and that the scoring of teams was not correctly done. After a breakdown of the budget, the Two Hat holds 8 drinks, 19 chocolate bars and 18 t-shirts in assets, and ran at a $50 deficit, which is acceptable. Money can be regained through the sale of the items at Tuesday/Thursday pick-up games and during the spring league. 2001 t-shirts will be sold for $10/shirt and 2002 shirts for $15. The 14 interstate players that attended, the most of any Two Hat, contributed immensely to the tournament with their experience and enthusiasm. The party was deemed a success, great for kids of all ages, and the contributions of all who brought plates of food was acknowledged and greatly appreciated. Jemery (TD) will send a TD wrap-up email and thank the many people helped out, with recognition to Dan for organising the lunches and to Leslie for organising the party. Also special thanks will be made on the TasFDA website to the Salamanca Fruit Market and Jackman & McRoss Bakery for their generous discounts on tournament food. Dan suggested writing down a few points for future lunch and party organisers on where to get food, who to contact etc.

League Rules

In previous leagues, the league rules have been adapted from the VFDA with slight variations for Tasmania. Rules discussed were #1,2,3,5,7,9. A theme that ran throughout the discussions was the importance of thoroughly briefing the captains on their role and responsibilities, emphasising team work, and above all, spirit of the game. A suggestion was put forth to have a "captain's handbook" made, including rules of the game.

Rule 1. Pull may be dropped.

Ultimately the committee agreed to keep the rule that the pull may be dropped as it adds a more social and beginner-friendly aspect to the leagues.

Rule 2. Brick rule.

The committee agreed to simplify the rule in accordance with the WFDF rule with the exception that the brick mark will be 10 metres in front of the endzone.

Rule 3. Seven-a-side league.

A decision on the rule is pending, based on the number of players and women who will play in the spring league. Will either make it 4/1, or 5/2 depending on the type of league.

Concern was voiced over the fact that Tasmanian leagues do not have enough players to play 7-a-side and do not have enough women playing to always match players. Jemery suggested making it a 4/3 league in order to encourage more women to play and "get over the hump" of the women shortage. Having a 'Women's coordinator" or women-only frisbee workshops in evenings or on weekends was considered a good idea to attract potential women players by introducing ultimate in an inclusive, non-threatening, and relaxed environment. Action: Shavawn, Madeleine and Leslie to chat about the idea.

Rule 5. Forfeit rule.

Depending on the league type (either 7-a-side or 5-a-side) the committee agreed teams must have at least 5 players on the field 10 minutes after the start (for 7s) or 4 players on the field within 10 minutes after the start (5s) otherwise the team with not enough players will forfeit. If the team is able to inform of the forfeit 24 hours in advance, then the repercussions will be less. Teams will get an average spirit score and the forfeit will count as a loss and not a forfeit. Jeff and Mamoru (league organisers) will brief the team captains on their responsibilities of fielding a team. Teams must field at least one woman unless the captains agree otherwise.

Rule 7. End of Game

The committee agreed that the game will finish once the whistle blows, with a slight modification to fall into line with the Sydney league disc in the air rule.

Rule 9. Cheers

Some committee members feel that enforcing mandatory cheers at the end of the game can be discouraging for new players. However it was recognised that cheering is an important aspect of the game and creates positive spirit by acknowledging the other team. The committee agreed to leave the Rule as it is but allow for a more liberal interpretation of what a cheer is, and flexibility in the implementation of cheers. Captains will be briefed on the importance of cheers, and spirit scores.

League

Discussion of a fee for part-time and drop-in players. Dan will pay up to $5 per game to a maximum of $20 (league fee). New players are allowed 3 free games, and are covered under AFDA insurance and liability for those games.

Nationals

Concerns were expressed that Tasmania may not have enough players to field an open team this year. If a team cannot be fielded, there was discussion of combining with another team a la Vacant Air. Jemery mentioned that it is difficult to start organising and training for Nationals so early on. Mamoru said that the current Sunday sessions were general skills training sessions and that it is important for players to improve on their basic skills before doing drills and plays. Shavawn suggested having a shorter, bigger build-up to nationals rather that a longer one. There was also the suggestion of combining the TUC with Nationals training.

Draft Constitution

Action: Everyone shall read the draft constitution at their leisure and submit comments. Jemery will send an email highlighting the contentious issues in the constitution. Jemery and Mamoru like the liability thing like in the ACT and may include that in the constitution as well.

Next meeting

The next meeting will be in 4 weeks on Wednesday, 13 November. The time and location to be announced.