2020 Youth Competition Guidelines
2020 Youth Club Warm-Ups
2020 USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships division at the US Open
2019 USA Ultimate Youth Fall Cup Events
Event Competition Guidelines
Updates for 2020
1. New youth play recommendations in place for Middle School, U15 and U12 players. These can be found here.
2. Each team attending High School State Championships must have one MS or HS certified coach, in addition to all coaches having coach memberships, SafeSport training, and completed USAU background checks.
3. Rosters for Middle School and High School State Championships must be completed one week before the event.
4. New forms for teams applying for YCC:
a. Youth Development proposal updates
b. Out of Region players at YCC
5. Coming in 2021:
a. U20, U17 and High School coaches will require High School certification.
b. U15, U12, and Middle School coaches will require Middle School certification.
c. If organizations applying for YCC bids have outstanding events open from the previous year (events that have never been closed out with USAU) they will not be considered during Phase 1.
1. Submit all player materials (Rosters and USAU waivers) to USAU within the first week of the league beginning (Rolling rosters are accepted - the first must be submitted with the 1st week of league)
2. Submit all Chaperone names BEFORE the event occurs. All chaperones must have all requirements met before the youth event occurs. If more chaperones are added throughout the event, please make sure you are submitting their names to USAU along with any additional player rosters.
3. All players must have verified USAU Waivers
4. All players must have a current player membership
5. All materials must be finalized and received by USAU within 5 business days of the conclusion of the league. (Including Payment of missing memberships)
Beginning in 2021, if organizations have outstanding events open from the previous year (events that have never been closed out with USAU) they will not be considered during Phase 1 for YCC.
USA Ultimate Middle School Guidelines
Middle school programs are expanding. With several states holding middle school leagues and championships, having guidelines specific to these younger players is becoming important.
USAU Youth Rules Recommendations
With the adoption of the 2020-21 Rules, USA Ultimate has introduced recommendations for different ages of youth play. These recommendations can be found here:
https://www.usaultimate.org/resources/officiating/rules/2020_2021rules.aspx#appendix_d
Youth programs are not required to follow these recommendations, but we would like to know what rules and formats our youth programs are following. If you are NOT using the new recommendations, please fill out this form and let us know what rules and/or format you are using and why.
If you are using the new recommendations, please use the form to give us your feedback on these new "rules".
Requirements for USA Ultimate Middle School State Championships
A bid document must be submitted to the State Youth Coordinator (SYC), who will submit it to the Regional Youth Director (RYD) and Youth Competition Manager. If your state does not have a SYC, it should be submitted to the Regional Youth Director. Contact information for SYCs and RYDs can be found here.
The state tournament or championship must be publicly announced to local organizers and via USA Ultimate web properties at least six weeks prior to the event. Announcements must include:
- Date of event
- Location of event
- Contact information for event
- Registration requirements
Team Info
All teams must submit an official 2020 state championship roster by the deadlines outlined in the guidelines. USA Ultimate memberships and individual waivers must also be completed prior to participation at the state championships.
Players that are members of a USA Ultimate Affiliate may participate in the Middle School State Championships with their Affiliate membership, rather than a full membership.
New players who are participating in a Middle School State Championship for the first time can purchase a Youth Intro membership rather than the full youth membership.
Players can also participate with a one-time event fee.
1. Event/Team Registration Deadline
All teams competing in a state championship or qualifying event must be registered in the USA Ultimate online system (EMS) for the appropriate event two weeks prior to the event.
- Teams without this information registered in the online system by this deadline will be ineligible to compete.
- Teams that miss the deadline may contact the State Youth Coordinator. Late admittance may be granted pending completion of registration steps (USA Ultimate qualified Chaperone and Coach Member).
Each team must have a registered and rostered Chaperone who has done the following:
- Created a USA Ultimate account
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Signed a waiver.
Each team must have a chaperone listed on the event roster (Please see the Help Documentation guide for details team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have chaperones begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.
Each team must have a registered and rostered Coach Member who has completed the following:
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Completed CDC Concussion training
- Completed USA Ultimate training attached to the coach membership
- Purchased a Coach level membership
- Signed a waiver
Each team must have a Coach Member listed on the event roster (Please see the Help Documentation guide for details team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have a Coach Member begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.
*Note: There may be additional registration information required by your State Youth Coordinator. Contact your State Youth Coordinator in advance of the registration deadline for more details.
2. Rostering Deadline: One week before the State Championships
Online rostering must be completed one week prior to a team's state championship (For example, if a team's state championship is May 11-12, rostering must be completed by 5 p.m. MT on May 4)
State Youth Coordinators may set an earlier deadline for rostering in coordination with his/her Regional Youth Director
3. On-site Player Additions
State Youth Coordinators may choose not to accept on-site rosters or player additions. This will be communicated to the teams during registration.
4. Player Eligibility
USA Ultimate Middle School State Championship events are competitions for school-based teams. All players on teams participating in the event must meet the following guidelines for "Middle School Players".
To be considered a Middle School Player, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students must be regular members of the public or private school they represent in order to participate in an interscholastic athletic activity.
- Students are a "regular member" of a school if they are enrolled half time or more, exclusive of interscholastic athletic activities.
- In cases where schools can provide supporting documentation, USA Ultimate allows two or more schools meeting certain requirements to compete as a consortium (single-team from multiple schools) in the USA Ultimate middle school division. More details can be found here.
- The State Youth Coordinator, in conjunction with the Regional Youth Director, may determine that schools without a prior history of collaboration can function as a consortium at the middle school level.
- Students must be enrolled in middle school.
Students who are home schooled will be considered eligible to participate on a team at a USA Ultimate Championship event as follows:
-
If the student is part of a USA Ultimate-recognized home school cooperative, they may participate as part of that cooperative’s ultimate team, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements. This home school cooperative must be renewed every two years and may be reviewed by USA Ultimate at earlier intervals if needed.
-
If the student is not part of a USA Ultimate-recognized home school cooperative, they may participate as part of the ultimate team at the public middle school that they would normally attend, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements.
-
If a student is a regular member of a school they may not play with any other school, regardless of any homeschool designation.
5. Violations of these rules may result in disqualification of a team or individual from the state championships and possible repercussions through the USA Ultimate conduct process.
6. Clarifications and Exceptions: These rules are designed to be as fair as possible for the wide range of players participating in the state championships. Experience has shown that there can be cases where these rules do not absolutely determine the eligibility of a particular player. The following procedure is available for players/teams for whom the rules are not clear:
-
The coach, team representative or the player in question should consult with the State Youth Coordinator.
-
The State Youth Coordinator will consult the Regional Youth Director and USAU Youth Competition Manager for how to proceed.
-
In the event that the coach, team representative, or the player feels that the decision is biased, or all aspects have not been considered, s/he may submit an appeal to the Youth Eligibility Committee via its eligibility form.
-
The inquiry form must be filled out completely, and submitted between January 1 and April 5. Late requests will be considered at the discretion of the Committee.
-
The inquiry will be reviewed by the Committee, and responses sent by e-mail.
-
Email youth_elig_chair@USA Ultimateltimate.org if the form is not available or for any other questions.
-
The Eligibility Committee will rule on a player’s case based on the published Youth Competition Guidelines; this is not the mechanism for requesting changes to the guidelines. Please contact the Manager of Youth Competition and National Teams on the process for proposing changes.
Click here for USA Ultimate Staff contact info.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to complete your roster and for links to the needed forms.
Click here for the Medical Authorization Form (required for minors)
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and National Teams.
USA Ultimate High School State Championships
NOTE: The Coach Certification requirments for 2020 have been postponed until 2021.
The USA Ultimate State High School Championship program is expanding. Organizations are chosen to host a USA Ultimate State High School Championship at the discretion of the State Youth Coordinator, Regional Youth Director and Manager of Youth Competition and National Teams, with priority given to State-Based Organizations and Affiliates.
The criteria weighed in granting USA Ultimate sponsorship to a new State High School Championship are:
- Reliable organizers to host the event
- Keeping the growth at a level where high quality training can be provided to new organizers
A "state tournament" can be an independent event, run by a local organization or organizer, but it must be sanctioned by USA Ultimate. State tournaments are most often used to prepare for running a state championship in upcoming seasons.
A State Championship is a specific state tournament, owned by USA Ultimate and run by the USA Ultimate Competition State Youth Coordinator.
In 2019, the states hosting USA Ultimate High School State Championships were the following: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Requirements for State Tournaments & Championships
A bid document must be submitted to the State Youth Coordinator (SYC), who will submit it to the Regional Youth Director (RYD) and Youth Competition Manager. If your state does not have an SYC, it should be submitted to the Regional Youth Director. Contact information for SYCs and RYDs can be found here.
The state tournament or championship must be publicly announced to local organizers and via USA Ultimate web properties at least six weeks prior to the event.
Announcement must include:
- Date of event
- Location of event
- Contact information for event
- Registration requirements
The state tournament must include every high school team in the state that meets the State Youth Coordinator's deadlines
-
In the event that there are too many in-state teams to accommodate at a state tournament, there must be USA Ultimate qualifying event(s) for the state tournament.
-
If there is a qualifying event for one team within a state, then every team within the same State Championship must participate in a qualifying event in order to qualify.
- Example: If North Carolina were running qualifying events in Raleigh and Wilmington, then Charlotte teams must also compete in a qualifying event in order to be eligible for the state championship tournament.
-
The state championship can include teams from outside of the state as long as it does not prohibit in-state teams that have met the registration requirements from participating.
-
Teams cannot be directed to participate in a secondary event (such as a developmental division) without a qualifying event, unless they choose to do so.
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Youth Manager of Competition and Athletes.
Team Info
All teams must submit an official 2020 state championship roster by the deadlines outlined below. All participants must be full USA Ultimate members in good standing. USA Ultimate membership dues and individual waivers must also be submitted prior to participation at the state championships. Players may not pay one-time event fees or Affiliate membership fees for Championship events.
Players who have never had a USA Ultimate membership may be eligible for an Intro Rate membership. Team managers with new players should contact the Youth Competition Manager about these players prior to having new players purchase their memberships.
Event/Team Registration Deadline
All teams competing in a State Championship or qualifying event must be registered in the USA Ultimate online system (EMS) for the appropriate event two weeks prior to the event.
- Teams without this information registered in the online system by this deadline will be ineligible to compete.
- Teams that miss the deadline may contact the Competition State Youth Coordinator to request late acceptance and are subject to a $75 late fee. Late admittance may be granted pending completion of registration steps (USA Ultimate cleared Chaperone and Coach Member), but the SYC is not obligated to allow late teams to participate.
Each team must have a chaperone listed on the event roster (Please see the Help Documentation guide for details team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have chaperones begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.
Each team must have a registered Chaperone who has done the following:
- Created a USA Ultimate account
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Signed a waiver.
Each team must have ONE Certified coach on the roster. For 2020, this can be a High School or Middle School certification. Information on where to obtain certification can be found here. If your team is competing in the State Championships for the first time, or if you need assistance with coach certification requirements, please contact the Youth Competition Manager.
Each coach on the roster must be a registered Coach Member who has done the following:
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Completed CDC Concussion training
- Completed USA Ultimate Coach training
- Purchased a Coach level membership
- Signed a waiver
Each team must have a Coach Member listed on the event roster (Please see the Help Documentation guide for details team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have any coaches begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.
No player, coach, or chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
A coach who meets chaperone requirements (over 21 years of age) can fulfill both roles on one team roster.
It is recommended that all player membership dues and waivers should be submitted prior to the team registration deadline.
*Note: A Chaperone or Coach Member’s background check may expire prior to the end of the state championship, in which case they must renew his/her background check prior to its expiration.
There may be additional registration information required by your State Youth Coordinator. Contact your State Youth Coordinator in advance of the registration deadline for more details.
Rostering Deadline: One Week before the State Championships
- Online rostering must be completed by the one week prior to a team's State Championship (For example, if a team's state championship is May 11-12, rostering must be completed by 5 p.m. MT on May 4)
- State Youth Coordinators may set an earlier deadline for rostering in coordination with his/her Regional Youth Director.
Player Eligibility
USA Ultimate High School State Championship events are competitions for school-based teams. All players on teams participating in the event must meet the following guidelines for "High School Players".
To be considered a High School Player, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students at public and private schools must be regular members of the school they represent, during the entire term during which the event is held, in order to participate in an interscholastic athletic activity.
- Students are a "regular member" of a school if they are enrolled half time or more, exclusive of interscholastic athletic activities.
- In cases where schools can provide supporting documentation, USA Ultimate allows two or more schools meeting certain requirements to compete as a consortium (single-team from multiple schools) in the USA Ultimate high school division. More details can be found here.
- Students must be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade.
- Students in 7th or 8th grade in states where there is no middle school playing opportunity available may play with their associated high school based on approval from the tournament State Youth Coordinator, high school coach, the player’s parents and the high school administration.
- Students ineligible under the above requirements and any of their state’s eligibility exceptions may apply for an eligibility exception. Please contact your State Youth Coordinator for an application.
Students must not turn 20 prior to June 1 of the current school year.
Students who are home schooled will be considered eligible to participate on a team at a USA Ultimate championship event as follows:
- If the student is part of a USA Ultimate-recognized home school cooperative, they may participate as part of that cooperative’s ultimate team, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements. This home school cooperative must be renewed every two years and may be reviewed by USA Ultimate at earlier intervals if needed.
- If the student is not part of a USA Ultimate-recognized home school cooperative, they may participate as part of the ultimate team at the public high school that they would normally attend, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements.
- If a student is a regular member of a school they may not play with any other school, regardless of any homeschool designation.
Players under the age of 18 must have a completed a Medical Authorization form onsite at the event with their coach or chaperone.
State Eligibility Exceptions
The USA Ultimate youth guidelines provide a framework for school-based play across the country. However, State Youth Coordinators can create modifications to eligibility rules for their entire state by April 1 with Regional Youth Director and USA Ultimate approval.
If approved, these modifications will supersede the USA Ultimate eligibility guidelines for that state and must be applied consistently and to all teams within that state. These exceptions can be found here.
Coach Requirements
All teams are required to have a minimum of one USAU certified coach present and listed on the official event roster for all State Championships and Qualifying Events. Coaches for High School State Championships must be over 18, and they cannot be a student at the school for which they coach. Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.
Violations of these rules may result in disqualification of a team or individual from the state championships and/or qualifying event and possible repercussions through the USA Ultimate conduct process.
Clarifications: These rules are designed to be as fair as possible for the wide range of players participating in the state championships. Experience has shown that there can be cases where these rules do not absolutely determine the eligibility of a particular player. The following procedure is available for players/teams for whom the rules are not clear:
-
The coach, team representative, or the player in question should consult with the State Youth Coordinator and the State Eligibility Exceptions.
-
If the case is not clarified by the State Exceptions, an eligibility exception application should be turned in to the State Youth Coordinator, who will consult the Regional Youth Director and USA Ultimate Youth Competition Manager to determine if an exception will be given.
-
If the coach, team representative, or the player feels that the decision is biased, or all aspects have not been considered, s/he may submit an appeal to the Youth Eligibility Committee using the exception application and an explanation of why he/she/they are appealing. Exception requests should NOT go directly to the Committee.
-
The inquiry form must be filled out completely and submitted between March 1st and April 3rd. Late requests will be considered at the discretion of the SYC.
-
Email your SYC if the form is not available or for any other questions.
Click here for State Youth Coordinator contact info.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to complete your roster and for links to the needed forms. \
Click for the Medical Authorization Form (required for minors).
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and Athletes.
These tournaments will be run by State Based Organizationa and Affiliates for youth club players in June and July. The goal of these events is to provide accessible competition for youth ultimate players during the summer, prior to YCC. These tournaments will serve two major functions:
- To provide warm-up opportunities for teams preparing to go to YCC in August
- To provide an additional playing opportunity for those teams that are unable to attend YCC.
Bid Application
Bid applications to host an event will open in February. Please email joy@hq.usaultimate.org if you would like to host a Warm Up.
Application and Team Selection
Application deadlines will be set by the tournament organizer. Teams must be eligible by the USA Ultimate YCC guidelines to participate in these events:
- Teams should be given bid priority based on YCC guidelines
- Events must offer equal playing opportunities for boys and girls
- Players must be full USA Ultimate members in good standing
- Players must have competed in a High School State Championship or a USA Ultimate sanctioned league to be eligible
Team and Player Requirements
On-time receipt of application
Adequate adult support structure
Players in the U20 division must not turn 20 before January 1, 2021.
Players in the U17 division must not turn 17 before January 1, 2021.
Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay onetime event fees, or Affiliate Membership fees, for warm-up events.
Teams must be made up of players residing in the same (USA Ultimate adult club) region, with residency defined as the following:
- The location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
- The location where the person is living for the majority of the three (3) months prior to August
- If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their "residence", then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
- Teams are allowed a maximum of four (4) out-of-region players.
Multiple team affiliations are not allowed. No player, coach or chaperone may be listed on two rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
A coach who meets chapterone requirements can fulfill both roles on one team roster.
Event Information:
At this time, we will not be running any Youth Club Warm-Ups in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pademic. Up to date information on USAU's plans can be found here: https://www.usaultimate.org/news/usa-ultimate-response-to-coronavirus/
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and National Teams.
2020 USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships
POSTPONED - TBD
Overview
The goal of this event is to provide national level competition for youth ultimate players and encourage local playing opportunities for youth within the USA Ultimate structure. In 2019, USA Ultimate will be accepting bids for two separate age divisions – U20 and U17. The guidelines that follow are USA Ultimate’s requirements for qualification and criteria for acceptance for the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships. As this is a growing division, these guidelines and the bid allocation process are subject to change.
Application Process and Dates: note that bid deposit deadlines have been changed due to the COVID-19 virus
January 3, 2020: Applications open. The application can be found here.
March 1, 2020: Phase 1 - first application deadline. We will begin assigning bids based on complete applications according to the priorities described below, although we will continue to accept applications, which will be added to a waitlist (Phase 2).
March 13, 2020: Bids awarded according to bid priorities from completed applications.
April 17, 2020: Deadline for Phase 1 applicants to accept bid via email to joy@hq.usaultimate.org
Phase 2 – application deadline.
April 20, 2020: Phase 2 - Bids awarded to applicants from the waitlist to fill out divisions.
May 8, 2020: Deadline for Phase 2 applicants to accept bid via email to joy@hq.usaultimate.org
May 15, 2020: YCC officially postponed until later in the fall.
STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS AND UPDATES.
Second teams within a single division from a specific organization, and international teams, may apply at any time, but their applications will not be considered until after Phase 1.
The purpose of multiple bid deadlines is to accommodate leagues and teams that want to know early in the year how many bids they will receive and in which division(s). In recognizing that not all leagues are ready to bid early, Phase 2 was created to fill any vacant bids after Phase 1 and give a second opportunity for new leagues/teams to apply.
Development Proposals - As a part of the application process, applicants that do not meet a given criterion will be required to have a current youth club development proposal that outlines how the applicant will contribute to the development of youth ultimate in his/her area and work with USA Ultimate to promote youth ultimate over the next two years.
Applicants who successfully receive a bid based on their youth club development proposal may apply for such a conditional bid for two consecutive years.
Teams with a proposal on file from the previous year are required to submit an update on their progress along with their application. The update form can be found here.
After the two years from the time the proposal is accepted, if no viable USA Ultimate sanctioned state championship, youth club program, or high school league has been developed, it will be at the discretion of the Manager of Youth Competition and National Teams to determine whether the team can continue to apply for bids to the Youth Club Championships.
Team Selection Process: This process is designed to encourage communities to develop both youth club playing opportunities outside of the school structure and school-based opportunities that support the USA Ultimate High School State Championship series.
For each of the priority levels, you must meet the given criteria in a division that provides playing opportunities for players on the team requesting the bid.
-
Priority bid in the boys’ division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the boys’ or mixed divisions in 2019.
-
Priority bid in the girls’ division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the girls’ or mixed division in 2019.
-
Priority bid in the mixed division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the girls’ or mixed division in 2019.
For a written description of these priorities, please click here.
For states without a sanctioned state tournament or high school state championship, the application must be accompanied by a state development proposal
The YCC U20 Girls' Developmental Scholarship program is also available for organizations that would like to bring a U20 Girls' team but have some financial hurdles. The application for this program can be found here.
If you are interested in starting a new league, please contact Sarah Powers (sarah@hq.usaultimate.org) for information on how USAU can help!
International Teams
International teams will be placed according to the discretion of the USA Ultimate staff during the Phase 2 bid allocations.
Some things that may be considered include:
- The number of bids available in the division
- Prior attendance at YCC
- Association with their home country's governing body for ultimate
Bid Allocation Limits:
Organizations can only receive one bid in any division during the Phase 1 allocations. No organization may receive more than two bids in any division.
In order to receive more than one bid for teams in boys' divisions, an organization must also submit bids for a girls' or mixed team.
League Requirements:
For the purposes of team selection for the YCC, leagues will be defined as follows:
-
USA Ultimate Youth Club or High School League – must be run within the preceding 12 months from the application deadline
-
USA Ultimate sanctioned
-
Provides playing opportunities for youth in a youth-focused environment
-
For club leagues - competition and team makeup is not based on school affiliation
-
Minimum of four league meetings (scheduled game days per team) over a minimum of four weeks
-
USA Ultimate reserves the right to determine whether leagues applying for bids to the YCC meet the above criteria.
U20 Team Requirements:
On-time receipt of application
Adequate adult support
-
At least two USA Ultimate qualified Chaperones 25 years of age or older with a USA Ultimate account, a signed waiver, a current NCSI background check and Safe Sport certification
-
At least one rostered Coach with USA Ultimate coaching certification (this is in addition to a coach level membership). Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.
- Coaches must be Middle School or High School certified.
-
All coaches must have coach memberships, including a completed background check and SafeSport training. This includes any adult acting in a coaching capacity for the team.
-
No Coach or Chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions). Those fulfilling the roles of the Certified coach and the Chaperones CANNOT compete in ICC (the adult Open) during YCC.
-
A Coach who meets the Chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.
Must be made up of players residing in the same (USA Ultimate youth) region, with residency defined as:
-
The location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
-
the location where the person is living for the majority of the three months prior to August
-
If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their "residence", then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
-
Teams are allowed a maximum of four out-of-region players. If you have out-of-region players, you will need to provide the reasons that these players are on your roster in this form.
Each team must provide a volunteer scorekeeper for each of their games at YCC.
U20 Player Requirements:
Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay onetime event fees, or Affiliate Membership fees, for YCC.
All players must not turn 20 before January 1, 2021.
Players must have either:
-
Participated in the USA Ultimate High School State Championships or state qualifying event during the academic year immediately preceding the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships, OR
-
Participated in a USA Ultimate-sanctioned youth club league with a start date during the 12 months prior to the current Youth Club Championships and been enrolled in high school or middle school during the academic year immediately preceding the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships.
Player Eligibility Exception Process: Players that do not meet above requirements but wish to participate may be granted an exception and are encouraged to apply for one. These situations require completion of a Player Exception Application (FORM LINKED HERE).
No player may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
Note: Players under the age of 18 must have a completed Medical Authorization Form onsite in order to be able to participate; these will be checked at Registration. This is true even if their parents are onsite.
U17 Team Requirements:
On-time receipt of application
Adequate adult support
-
At least two USA Ultimate qualified Chaperones 25 years of age or older with a USA Ultimate account, a signed waiver, a current NCSI background check and Safe Sport certification
-
At least one rostered Coach with USA Ultimate coaching certification (this is in addition to a coach level membership). Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.
- Coaches must be Middle School or High School level certified.
-
All coaches must have coach memberships, including a completed background check and SafeSport training. This includes any adult acting in a coaching capacity.
-
No Coach or Chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions). Those fulfilling the roles of the Certified coach and the Chaperones CANNOT compete in ICC (the adult Open) during YCC.
-
A Coach who meets the Chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.
Must be made up of players residing in the same (USA Ultimate youth) region, with residency defined as:
-
The location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
-
The location where the person is living for the majority of the three months prior to August
-
If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their "residence", then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
-
Teams are allowed a maximum of four out-of-region players. If you have out-of-region players, you will need to provide the reasons that these players are on your roster in this form.
Each team must provide a volunteer scorekeeper for each of their games at YCC.
U17 Player Requirements:
Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay onetime event fees, or Affiliate Membership fees, for YCC.
All players must not turn 17 before January 1st, 2021.
Players must have either:
-
Participated in the USA Ultimate High School State Championships or state qualifying event during the academic year immediately preceding the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships, OR
-
Participated in a USA Ultimate-sanctioned youth club league initiated during the 12 months prior to the current Youth Club Championships and been enrolled in high school or middle school during the academic year immediately preceding the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships.
Player Eligibility Exception Process: Teams and players that do not meet above requirements but wish to participate may be granted an exception and are encouraged to apply for one. These situations require completion of a Player Exception Application (FORM LINKED HERE).
-
Examples include, but are not limited to:
-
Players who do not meet Rule 3a or 3b above, but are enrolled at a school whose top (Varsity/A) team participated in the most recent USA Ultimate High School State Championship or qualifying event will be allowed to participate (must complete form).
-
All players who have not yet attended High School and do not meet Rule 3a or 3b above will be allowed to participate (must complete form).
-
All other players will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
-
USA Ultimate reserves the right to determine whether players on applying teams meet the above criteria.
No player may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
Note: Players under the age of 18 must have a completed Medical Authorization Form onsite in order to be able to participate; these will be checked at registration. This is true even if their parents are onsite.
Event Registration
Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to selected teams along with the invitation to the event.
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and Athletes.
2020 USA Ultimate Youth Fall Cup Tournaments
Overview
The goal of these events is to provide an additional, accessible opportunity for youth ultimate players, opposite the traditional spring school season and the summer club events, with an emphasis on new players and/or teams in the U17 and U15 age divisions.
In 2020, USA Ultimate will be accepting bids for three separate age divisions – U20, U17, U15. The guidelines that follow are USAU’s requirements for qualification and criteria for acceptance for the USAU Youth Fall Cup events. As this is a growing division, these guidelines and the bid allocation process are subject to change.
Bid Application: Bid applications to host these events will open in March.
Application and Team Selection
Host organizations will oversee registration for teams based on division size and field space. Please contact the organizer about how to get your team registered for the event.
Bid Priority
Teams that meet requirements will be eligible to receive an invitation. Teams will be selected based on geographic representation and gender equity. A team/organization’s history and/or contributions to the development of youth ultimate may also be considered.
Team and Player Requirements
On-time receipt of application
Adequate adult support structure
Each team must have two registered Chaperones who are over the age of 25 and have:
- Created a USA Ultimate account (they do NOT need to purchase a membership)
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Signed a waiver.
(Please see the Help Documentation guide for details team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have chaperones begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.
Each team must have a registered Coach Member who has done the following:
- Passed a USA Ultimate background check
- Completed SafeSport training
- Completed CDC Concussion training
- Completed USA Ultimate Coach training
- Purchased a Coach level membership
- Signed a waiver.
Players in the U20 division must not turn 20 before January 1st, 2021.
Players in the U17 division must not turn 17 before January 1st, 2021.
Players in the U15 division must not turn 15 before January 1st, 2021.
Players can participate with Youth memberships, Youth Intro memberships, Affiliate memberships or one-time event fees.
Teams must be made up of players residing in the same (USA Ultimate adult club) region, with residency defined as:
- The location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
- The location where the person is living for the majority of the three months prior to August
- If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their "residence", then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
- Teams are allowed a maximum of four out-of-region players.
USA Ultimate reserves the right to determine whether players on applying teams meet the above criteria.
No player, coach, or chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
A Coach who meets the Chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.
Event Registration: Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to selected teams along with the invitation to the event.
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and Athletes.
Competition Guidelines
Minor (Under 18) Player Info
Minors participating in the state championships or qualifying events, Youth Club warm-ups, YCC or Youth Fall Cup events must have a Medical Authorization Form completed prior to participation. A team with minors on it must have an approved, background-checked chaperone listed on the team’s official roster. The medical release form is the responsibility of the chaperone; it must be brought to each USA Ultimate event and kept on hand by the chaperone.This form will allow medical personnel to treat an injured minor without a parent/guardian having to be present. (Without this form a doctor might not be able to treat an injured minor.)
Note: A Medical Authorization is not the same as the USA Ultimate Membership waiver.
Spirit of the Game
Ultimate has traditionally relied upon a spirit of sportsmanship which places the responsibility for fair play on the players themselves. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the bond of mutual respect between players, adherence to the agreed-upon rules of the game or the basic joy of play.
Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate adverse conduct from the Ultimate field. Such actions as taunting of opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling or other 'win at all costs' behavior are contrary to the Spirit of the Game and must be avoided by all players.
Spirit of the Game sets ultimate apart from other competitive team sports. For over 30 years, ultimate has flourished, reaching a highly competitive level, without the use of referees. In ultimate, the honor system works. Sure, human nature rears its ugly head from time to time - just as in any sport, just as in life. Yet, one of the many beauties of ultimate is how, even amid the most difficult of situations, utmost graciousness is allowed to meet that challenge head on. Through this balance, ultimate players are free to demonstrate the most honorable and the most joyous sides of human nature in sport.
Most ultimate players care deeply about Spirit of the Game. The organizational challenge for USA Ultimate is to foster an environment where the challenge does not become, "to see what I can get away with." Rather than dictate what Spirit of the Game is or should be, it is up to each player to do so for him or herself within the context of the teams he or she plays with and against.
Gender Division Eligibility
-
Males are eligible to compete in the boys and mixed divisions.
-
Females are eligible to compete in the boys, mixed and girls divisions.
-
On-field gender ratio rules for the mixed division are described in the Mixed Division Gender Ratio section of the Competition Guidelines.
-
The eligibility of transgender athletes will be governed by the USA UltimateTransgender Inclusion Policy . Contact USA Ultimate HQ for more information as needed.
Coaching Certification Requirements
The following describes coach requirements for Middle School and High School State Championships:
• Each team must have one certified coach at the Middle School or High School level.
• All coaches must be rostered and have a coach level membership, SafeSport certification, and a current USAU background check.
The following describes coach requirements for Youth Fall Cup events.
• All coaches must be rostered and have a coach level membership, SafeSport certification, and a current USAU background check.
The following describes coach requirements for Youth Club Warm-Ups and YCC at the USOCC.
• Each team must have one rostered Coach with USAU Coaching certification (this is in addition to a coach level membership, SafeSport training, and a USAU background check).
• For 2020, certification can be at the Middle School or High School level
• All other coaches must be rostered, which means that they have coach level membership, SafeSport certification, and a current USAU background check..
• Also, coaches who are not certified must read, sign and agree to abide by the USA Ultimate Coaching Code of Ethics and Spirit of Coaching Statement
Information on upcoming certification clinics can be found here. If there is not a clinic in your area, contact your local organization to request getting a clinic set up near you.
Sideline and Field Access Requirements
All coaches that have not completed a USA Ultimate Coaching certification, will read, sign and agree to abide by the USA Ultimate Coaching Ethics Code and USA Ultimate Spirit of Coaching statement. This is completed during the NCSI background screening process.
Limits on number of coaches and other non-player support staff will be determined by specific event guidelines.
Name/Logo/Uniform Guidelines
USA Ultimate reserves the right to alter, or require a team to alter, a team name, player nickname, team logo, jersey graphic, or uniform and/or suggest alternatives at or in conjunction with a USA Ultimate program or event should USA Ultimate personnel determine that the existing name, logo, graphic, or uniform might hinder the mission of the organization or the goals of a specific USA Ultimate program or event. Alterations must meet with the approval of USA Ultimate personnel.
Uniform Requirements
Player Uniform Requirements
-
All players participating in the USA Ultimate High School Regional Championships and the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championship tournaments for a given team must wear jerseys of identical color and design.
-
Teams must have two jerseys of distinctly different color.
-
Jerseys must have numbers on the back. The numbers must be at least six (6) inches high and be one or two digit Arabic numerals. No two players on a given team may use the same number or numbers with the same value (e.g. 00 and 0, 01 and 1, etc.).
-
Uniform bottoms (shorts, pants, skirts) worn by players on the field must be the same color.
-
It is recommended that uniform accessories including tights, undershirts, hats and socks be of identical or coordinated style and color.
-
USA Ultimate reserves the right to disqualify and/or fine players who fail to meet the uniform requirements.
-
The uniform requirements for USA Ultimate State High School Championships are to be determined by the State Youth Coordinator.
Coach Uniform Requirements
-
All coaches participating in the USA Ultimate High School Regional Championships or Youth Club Championships must wear either a uniform of identical color and design as the team, or professional coaching attire as defined below.
-
Professional coaching attire is defined as any combination of the following:
-
The team jersey, or a sleeved shirt/polo matching the team uniform colors (and/or high school, if the team uses the school colors for their uniforms).
-
Team shorts/skirt or hemmed slacks/shorts/skirt of an appropriate solid color
-
Business casual attire
-
Closed toe shoes such as cleats, flats or athletic shoes. Flip flops, open toed sandals and bare feet are not considered professional coaching attire.
-
Coach jerseys and shorts are not subject to the number requirements for players.
-
Names, logos, and graphics on jerseys must comply with the Name/Logo/Uniform Guidelines above.
-
It is recommended that uniform accessories including weather related gear, tights, undershirts, hats and socks be of identical or coordinated style and color.
-
USA Ultimate reserves the right to remove from the sideline/field and/or fine coaches who fail to meet the uniform requirements.
-
These requirements do not apply to state championships
Formats
State championship tournament formats will be determined by coordinators using USA Ultimate guidelines for the Championship Series. Contact your State Youth Coordinator for information. Formats for High School Regionals and the YCC will depend on the number of teams and fields, with the goals of determining a champion, showcasing the division at its best, and providing a great playing experience for all the teams.
Note that formats in the current USA Ultimate Formats Manual are being updated to meet the following guidelines. State Youth Coordinators must contact their Regional Youth Director to have a format approved.
Event Competition Schedule Standards
-
Only eligible players can compete in sanctioned youth events.
-
Maximum amount of time that players are at the fields is nine hours per day.
-
Maximum amount of actual game time is six hours per day.
-
For standard 2-hour rounds (games to 15),there is a max of three games a day (six per weekend)
-
Minimum of 30 minutes from hard cap to beginning of the next round.
-
If teams have more than two games per day, an 1-hour break between games is recommended.
Seeding
-
Seeding for the State High School Championships will be done by the SYC using the following information: input solicited from all the captains of participating teams; results of head to head match-ups prior to the championships; results of last year's championships; and other applicable information such as team composition during or prior to the championships. (The coordinator has the authority to adjust rankings according to the best information available.)
-
Seeding for the USA Ultimate Youth Club Championships and USA Ultimate Regional Championships will be done by the USA Ultimate Championship series staff using the following information: input solicited from all the coaches of participating teams; results of head to head match-ups prior to the championships; results of last year's championships; and other applicable information such as team composition during or prior to the championships and geographic location.
Forfeit Rule
-
A team must play all of its games at a tournament.
-
Any team that declines to finish a scheduled game or games or attempts to decide a match by any manner other than playing ultimate on the field will forfeit those games. Should both teams in a match choose not to play, then it will be considered a double forfeit.
-
At the discretion of the event's USA Ultimate coordinator, consideration may be given to situations that might warrant an exception being made, provided it does not affect the fairness or integrity of the competition.
-
Consideration should be given if a team misses the first game of the first day because of travel problems.
-
If one team is not ready to play at game-time, points may be assessed in accordance with the current edition of the USA Ultimate Official Rules of Ultimate (Section VIII.A.4). Under these conditions, if the score of the game reaches 8-0, the team that has failed to signal readiness will technically forfeit the game (see rule above).
-
A team will be considered to have forfeited any game where the number of players that can safely participate falls below the minimum requirement set by the Event Organizer for that specific event. (See "Player Minimums" below).
Rules
2020 USAU Youth and High School Championship events will be played using the current edition of the USAU Official Rules of Ultimate. Any changes to these rules must be pre-approved by the USAU Championship Series headquarters staff.
Observers
Only USA Ultimate Certified Observers or Instructional Observers are permitted to officiate at USA Ultimate Championship or Championship Series Events.
If officials are used during USA Ultimate Youth or High School Championship events, their duties must be in line with those described in the USA Ultimate Observer Manual. Any changes to these duties must be pre-approved by the Championship Series Manager.
If captains want observers to be present at a tournament, they must notify the event coordinator at least four weeks prior to the tournament. This will facilitate recruitment prior to the event. The use of observers is subject to the availability of observer staff.
Gender Ratio for Mixed Division
Player Minimums
-
USA Ultimate Youth and High School Championship events set specific player minimum requirements for both registration and competition.
-
Registration Minimums: Set to determine whether a team can officially register for an event.
-
For Sanctioned/Championship Tournament play: 10 total players minimum, and for mixed divisions, at least four players per gender.
-
For League Match play: 10 total players minimum, and for mixed divisions, at least four players per gender.
-
For Youth Warm-Up Events/Youth Club Championships/Youth Fall Cups: 12 total players minimum registered and attending the event, and for mixed divisions, at least four players per gender.
-
Competition Minimums: Set to determine whether a team can continue to compete safely at an event.
-
For Sanctioned/Championship Tournament play: seven players to start, five to continue playing. Fewer than five is a forfeit. For mixed: four players per gender to start, five to continue playing.
-
For League Match play: seven players to start, five to continue playing. Fewer than five is a forfeit. For mixed: four players per gender to start, five to continue playing.
-
For youth club events, including the Youth Club Championships: seven players to start, five to continue playing. Fewer than five is a forfeit. For mixed: four players per gender to start, five to continue playing.
-
Contact the event organizer or USA Ultimate headquarters to determine any requirements beyond these minimums.
Violations and Sanctions
Failure to abide by any of the Competition Guidelines may result in sanctions through the USA Ultimate conduct process. Such sanctions may be imposed on a team or individuals associated with a team deemed to be in violation of the guidelines, and may include, but are not limited to, suspension or disqualification from USA Ultimate competition.
In order to help teams follow the Competition Guidelines and avoid violations, USA Ultimate will continue to work to improve registration procedures and communication of information pertaining to youth competition. As these improvements are made by the organization, teams will continue to be held more fully responsible for following procedures and understanding information. Because consistency in holding all participants to the same administrative and competitive standards is vital to the integrity of the competition, because many violations lead to unfair advantages in competition, and because it is often difficult to determine intent, guideline violations will result in serious repercussions. Such repercussions will provide an incentive for players and teams to understand the guidelines fully, follow the guidelines carefully, and avoid intended or unintended violations in the future.
Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Youth Competition and Athletes.