Frequently Asked QuestionsHere are some (hopefully) helpful questions and answers. For more questions email Coach Kimberly Reynolds (MHS Girls and Kromrey MS coach) at [email protected] or Coach Ryan Natzke (MHS Boys coach) at [email protected]
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Q: What is Ultimate?
A: Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, the game of Ultimate is played by two seven-player squads with a high-tech plastic disc on a field similar to football. The object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone. A player must stop running while in possession of the disc, but may pivot and pass to any of the other receivers on the field.
Ultimate is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds.
Ultimate is governed by Spirit of the Game, a tradition of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the players rather than referees. Ultimate is played in more than 42 countries by hundreds of thousands of men and women, girls and boys. Check out more on the USAU Site.
Q: Is Ultimate a real sport?
A: Absolutely! Ultimate is growing in popularity around the world and is beginning to be recognized as a high school varsity sport in the USA. Ultimate is played at the youth, high school, college, club and even the semi-professional level. There is also a very good chance that ultimate will become an Olympic sport in the near future and is already played in many other international competitions such as The World Games. It is only a matter of time for ultimate to be considered equal to soccer, football, lacrosse, track & field and other established high school sports.
Q: How do I get involved? How do I get my son or daughter or both involved?
A: Have them (or you) submit their contact info via this form. We have opportunities for middle school and high school ultimate for boys and girls. Schedule is posted and they are welcome to come check-out the action. Initially, they will need cleats (non-metal), their own water vessel/jug (very important), a white shirt and a dark shirt (not grey), and comfortable clothing to run in.
Q: What are the financial requirements for participation?
A: For high school, the financial requirements are roughly $100. USA YOUTH ULTIMATE MEMBERSHIP ($36.00), PAYMENT OF MHS STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE ($22), AND A JERSEY KIT PURCHASE ($30-$50). There are no fees at this time for Youth.
Q: Are options available for financial assistance?
A: Yes! Please email [email protected] with inquiries.
Q: What is the time commitment and schedule?
A: High school participation in ultimate is similar to what you'd find in other sports and regular attendance is required. Practices are 2-3 times a week from roughly 3:45 - 6pm and weekly league games (Thursdays - Boys, Wednesdays - Girls) begin at 6pm and require transportation (not provided by school or coach). The bulk of the season runs from late February to the end of May. For detailed schedules, see Boys Schedule or Girls Schedule
Q: League Games?
A: Yes, we compete against other schools in the area over the 2 months or April and May one time a week. Away games require transportation. All league games begin at 6pm and conclude around 8.
Q: I'm not/My child isn't very athletic, can I/they still participate?
A: Absolutely! We've had many students come out who got hooked on the sport and became successful athletes. Sometimes students just need a place where they fit in in order to find their niche and ultimate is often that place. You may be surprised to find an athlete hiding within your child after all.
Q: I'm/My child is very athletic, can I/they still participate?
A: Absolutely! We've had numerous varsity athletes come out from other sports such as football, swimming, tennis and track, and they've all been very successful at ultimate. Many of them have even chosen ultimate as their favorite sport after learning how to play.
Q: How can I get involved as a parent?
A: Parents can play an important role in creating a great experience for the athletes.
Q: Is there any lingo I learn so I can better understand the game?
A: Yes. Ultimate Lingo Primer:
A: Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, the game of Ultimate is played by two seven-player squads with a high-tech plastic disc on a field similar to football. The object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone. A player must stop running while in possession of the disc, but may pivot and pass to any of the other receivers on the field.
Ultimate is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds.
Ultimate is governed by Spirit of the Game, a tradition of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the players rather than referees. Ultimate is played in more than 42 countries by hundreds of thousands of men and women, girls and boys. Check out more on the USAU Site.
Q: Is Ultimate a real sport?
A: Absolutely! Ultimate is growing in popularity around the world and is beginning to be recognized as a high school varsity sport in the USA. Ultimate is played at the youth, high school, college, club and even the semi-professional level. There is also a very good chance that ultimate will become an Olympic sport in the near future and is already played in many other international competitions such as The World Games. It is only a matter of time for ultimate to be considered equal to soccer, football, lacrosse, track & field and other established high school sports.
Q: How do I get involved? How do I get my son or daughter or both involved?
A: Have them (or you) submit their contact info via this form. We have opportunities for middle school and high school ultimate for boys and girls. Schedule is posted and they are welcome to come check-out the action. Initially, they will need cleats (non-metal), their own water vessel/jug (very important), a white shirt and a dark shirt (not grey), and comfortable clothing to run in.
Q: What are the financial requirements for participation?
A: For high school, the financial requirements are roughly $100. USA YOUTH ULTIMATE MEMBERSHIP ($36.00), PAYMENT OF MHS STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE ($22), AND A JERSEY KIT PURCHASE ($30-$50). There are no fees at this time for Youth.
Q: Are options available for financial assistance?
A: Yes! Please email [email protected] with inquiries.
Q: What is the time commitment and schedule?
A: High school participation in ultimate is similar to what you'd find in other sports and regular attendance is required. Practices are 2-3 times a week from roughly 3:45 - 6pm and weekly league games (Thursdays - Boys, Wednesdays - Girls) begin at 6pm and require transportation (not provided by school or coach). The bulk of the season runs from late February to the end of May. For detailed schedules, see Boys Schedule or Girls Schedule
Q: League Games?
A: Yes, we compete against other schools in the area over the 2 months or April and May one time a week. Away games require transportation. All league games begin at 6pm and conclude around 8.
Q: I'm not/My child isn't very athletic, can I/they still participate?
A: Absolutely! We've had many students come out who got hooked on the sport and became successful athletes. Sometimes students just need a place where they fit in in order to find their niche and ultimate is often that place. You may be surprised to find an athlete hiding within your child after all.
Q: I'm/My child is very athletic, can I/they still participate?
A: Absolutely! We've had numerous varsity athletes come out from other sports such as football, swimming, tennis and track, and they've all been very successful at ultimate. Many of them have even chosen ultimate as their favorite sport after learning how to play.
Q: How can I get involved as a parent?
A: Parents can play an important role in creating a great experience for the athletes.
- Talk to the coach about how you can help - Create a parent leadership group. Talk to the coach first so that this is done as a partnership. Ask what the group can do to help. Email at [email protected], or come after a practice or game to talk.
- Parent leadership organization - The parent leadership group can help organize many of the events that make a season special, such as:
- Organize social events (team dinners, etc.)
- Assist the coach by handling many of the off-field aspects (team photo, ordering jerseys, transportation, etc.)
- Organize "extra" events that can help build the team (a potluck after the first practice, a parent/player hat tournament)
- Engage in fundraising to help offset the costs of the team. Some examples may include hosting a charity auction, car wash, tournament, etc.
- Volunteer to drive to games - Coaches are not allowed to transport students, so occasionally students need assistance getting to away games in the Madison area. Please let coach know if you can help!
- Become a USAU certified chaperone - At many youth events chaperones are required for teams with players under the age of 18. Become a USA Ultimate certified chaperone today!
- Spread the word! Encourage parents and spectators to come to games. Spread the word to the community, school principal, athletic director, neighbors, etc.!
Q: Is there any lingo I learn so I can better understand the game?
A: Yes. Ultimate Lingo Primer:
- Handler: Offensive player who primarily throws the disc and controls the flow of play.
- Cutter: Offensive player who primarily receives the disc and scores points. Players are either handlers or cutters, but obviously all players must throw and catch the disc at some point during the flow of play.
- Pull: The throw from one team standing at their end zone line to the other team standing on their end zone line. The pull initiates play for the series (like a kick-off in football). The throwing team starts on defense and the receiving team starts on offense. If a turnover occurs then those roles immediately change.
- Huck: A long throw by an offensive handler during the course of play.
- Layout: When a player dives to catch a throw that would otherwise be beyond his/her reach.
- D: An intercepted or knocked down pass by a defensive player that results in a turnover.
- Callahan: When the defending team catches a D in the oppositions end zone - an immediate score and a big momentum changer.
What is Ultimate?Ultimate is fun! Ultimate is exciting! Ultimate keeps you active and healthy. Ultimate is a real sport played at the local, national and international level. Ultimate builds character and is open to anyone and everyone. Click to learn more!
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Parents ResourcesWant to learn more about schedules, fees, requirements, uniforms, travel or anything else related to your son or daughters experience? Here you will find some FAQ's and a helpful guide for keeping you informed and in the loop!
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RegistrationSign-up and RegistrationRegistrationParticipation in the Madison High School League and the State Tournament requires registration with USAU, the governing body of ultimate. Click here for instructions on registration.
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