USA Ultimate

Dear USA Ultimate Community:

We have completed the Vision Tour…whew! What a blast!  This was the second step in our strategic planning process, and we want to say a great big thanks to all the community members who took the time to come out in the 11 cities we were able to visit. The community conversations were dynamic, spirited and informative and a great exchange of information and ideas. 

Thanks very much to all who took the time to attend and participate – you were all awesome, and it was great fun to meet so many smart, passionate players, coaches, league organizers, parents and other community members! We are counting your dots!!...and there were lots! 

We recognize that there were many cities/communities we could not visit, so the next step in the process is for us to come back to the entire community with a follow-up survey to make sure everyone has a chance to weigh in on priorities for the next strategic plan. We heard lots of opinions in the cities we were able to visit – many similar, some vastly different. We want and need your input to help figure out the best possible path forward. The timing of this survey will be determined over the next few weeks, so stay tuned and please plan to complete the survey. 

Some reflections/highlights from the tour:

• Tremendous passion around equity and diversity continuing to be a top priority going forward.

• Lots of opportunities and significant challenges around growing youth ultimate.

• Gaining an appreciation for the value of being part of the ‘Olympic Family’.

• Engagement and ideas on building a strong USA Ultimate brand, internally and externally.

• Lots of differing opinions on how/if we should change our position about the AUDL and both concerns and excitement about what the sport could look like in 5-10 years.

• Gaining an understanding of how state organizations, affiliates and local disc organizations will play an important role in our future structure and growth.

• Excitement about how the Ultimate Foundation can help fund important programs and initiatives.

• A genuine desire to have more of these type meetings.

• Some fun celebrating our first 50 years with some vintage footage and photos.

The Vision Tour was a big success thanks to many local volunteers and organizers that were incredibly helpful in planning the logistics and venues, helping promote the tour, encouraging the community to come out and welcoming us warmly and enthusiastically in their communities. We are incredibly grateful for all your help and support. It was a bit exhausting but was made much easier and more fun with all your help.

Don’t forget to put ultimate’s 50th anniversary celebration at Nationals in 2018 (October 18-21) on your calendars. We want everyone to come and celebrate the amazing progress the sport has made…and have a blast in San Diego. There will be lots of parties and festivities, and we’ll be unveiling the strategic plan you helped build! 

See everyone soon!

Have any questions or comments? We welcome community feedback and discussion made in a respectful manner. Please refrain from profanity or personal attacks, as such public comments negatively reflect on our sport and community.