Weather Delay Caused by AUDL Team Logos

Tonight's Madison Radicals-Pittsburgh Thunderbirds AUDL game is delayed because of....

Lightning.

[Posted on Twitter]

Ultimate Draft Day

This exchange from Ultiworld's Deep Look podcast [April 20, 2016 episode] is entertaining.

Sean Childers asks Charlie Eisenhood to imagine a fall college ultimate tournament (with extremely windy conditions at the Triple Crown Tour  2015 Pro Flight Finale, back in August 2015).

Charlie hilariously responds: "I don't even want to think about that. That hurts me. I'm physically in pain."

[Quote card by SLUDGE]

Compilation of Fallen Portable Toilets at Ultimate Tournaments

Last week was windy!  How windy was it?

@UltiProblems wind:5
Portapotties:1 pic.twitter.com/ctzYwgRBij

— pseibs (@PaulineSeibert) April 3, 2016

@UltiProblems not sure if you got this one or not. This is when we were leaving the fields at Huck Finn yesterday. pic.twitter.com/otK1EkgyYZ

— UMD Northern Lights (@UMD_Lights) April 3, 2016

@UltiProblems new update from Garden State Tourney pic.twitter.com/6gWOkfxtEv

— Joseph Puryear III (@JosephPuryear22) April 3, 2016

@vcultimate @UltiProblems when the staked-down portojohn blows over @IHUC_OCO pic.twitter.com/MTA74dUpOO

— Contraband (@wucontraband) April 2, 2016

Wind v.s. Portapotty #portapottylost #50mphwinds #welcometoillinois @UltiProblems pic.twitter.com/GH0MGDLbUn

— CC Ultimate Wasabi (@WasabiUltimate) April 2, 2016

Dealing with WUCC Playing Fields

The solutions for WUCC's soggy fields were to:
1) Cancel Sunday's games.
2) Special order a helicopter to move standing water off the playing fields.
Similar to how the NFL's Washington football team dried their practice fields in 2013:



Knowing the frustration of weather delays, plus the magnitude of this international tournament, the last thing WUCC Tournament Directors want to hear is anything to do with water. That is why we joked WFDF sought to remove the use of the word "pool" at the Lecco tourney.

"Updated" Pools Groups [spoof]

Weather Cancels WUCC Sunday Games

As reported by multiple sources - namely anyone in Lecco waiting to play Ultimate - the first day of scheduled games for World Ultimate Club Championships were cancelled due to rain. Organizers have stated, "We are working to give you a great tournament despite the rainiest year since when the records have been taken." Their claim holds water since its the wettest July since 1899.

From registration room at gym: pic.twitter.com/cZY5uEAC4c
— Ultiworld (@Ulti_world) August 2, 2014

This translated version of an Corriere della Sera article mentions a "backhand summer," which sounds good in Ultimate lingo, but not-so-much in weather jargon:
"Fault of the Azores, the area of ​​tropical high pressure that usually guarantees good weather in Northern Italy. "This year, the anticyclone is weaker and far away, so it does not protect the Po Valley from the perturbations', reason Observatory. Compounding the situation you are putting temperature: "As soon as the sun comes out the air warms, creating a wet hood around the city. So, when they come fronts of cold air, immediately triggered the storm. " The classic backhand summer. However repeated for several days. The result is "water bombs" concentrated in a few hours."

Frisbee Snowshoes

Get ready for this brilliant idea!  Ready?
SNOWSHOES MADE FROM FRISBEES!!!

UPDATE: Not original.

Tracking Wind for Ultimate Broadcasts

There are two wind factors which  impact an Ultimate game -- speed and direction. Unfortunately, these important elements are under-reported during a broadcast. Viewers can get a general sense of wind strength based on: waving sideline flags, flapping jersey/shorts, blown over cones, and hearing gusts flow through the audio.

This CBS "Wind Tracker" was shown right before the field goal on its NFL game broadcast. I found this gauge helpful providing in-moment factors on the impending play.

TV screenshot of Wind Tracker

The visual of wind speed (in MPH) and wind direction (arrow) appropriately conveys real-time data for viewers. For all Ultimate game broadcasts, this wind measurement tool would be a valuable addition.

[Enlarged View] CBS Wind Tracker

Cold Weather Ultimate Disc

Keep your fingers happy during outdoor winter league with this Ultimate disc designed with "softer" plastic.

Frostie disc [Daredevil]

Info: Made of a softer plastic that's suitable for colder weather conditions. Excellent for youth ultimate, too. Specs = 27 cm, 175 grams. Temp range: -30 to +5 Celsius (-22 to 41degrees Fahrenheit)

Colors: White, Neon Yellow

Price: $14.12 USD ($14.99 CAD)

[h/t @UltiCraig]

Crossover Cancellation

The Labor Day holiday was celebrated early at the USAU Pro Flight Finale in Davis, California.

The USA Ultimate Club regular season finished this past weekend with the Pro Flight Finale featuring 8 teams in each of the men, women & mixed divisions. On the first day, all 8 teams were scheduled with 3 pool games and 1 crossover game (same-seeded team from a different pool). After the 3rd game, USAU, citing weather/health concerns, cancelled the last game of the day. The crossover games were highly anticipated matchups before the next day's 8-team tournament.

Here's the schedule before the cancellation of the fourth game:

#1s: Revolver, Ironside; #2: Ring of Fire, Machine; #3: Chain of Lightning, Sockeye; #4: GOAT, Doublewide 

#1: Chad Larson Experience, Polar Bears; #2: Mischief, Slow White; #3: Drag'n Thrust, Blackbird; #4: American BBQ, Cosa Nostra

#1: Nemesis, Riot; #2: Fury, Scandal; #3: Ozone, Capitals; #4: Molly Brown, Showdown

Per USAU's Score Reporter: "Update 8/31/13 - Crossover games cancelled due to heat, taking into account the fact that games were originally scheduled as an additional playing opportunity, but did not impact Pro Finale competition format."

Per USAU's facebook post: "Due to extreme heat-related weather concerns and after consulting with participating teams, event organizers and USA Ultimate have cancelled today's final round of the Pro Flight Finale. This round was originally intended as a bonus "crossover" round with no impact on the outcome of the tournament. Action continues on Sunday with the quarters, semis, and finals."

USA Ultimate U.S. Open (Raleigh, NC)

The 1st annual Triple Crown Tour event & 2nd annual U.S. Open event happens on July 4 - July 7, 2013 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Eight teams from each of the divisions - Men's, Women's, and Mixed - will compete. Besides domestic club teams, there will also be international teams from Japan, Canada, Colombia and Denmark. There is $6000 in prize money; each divisional team winner will win $2000; about $80 per player on a 25-person roster.

Learn more about the teams.
Download the Event Guide [PDF].

:Live Stream Schedule:
ESPN3 will live-stream games for free on Saturday & Sunday. Ultiworld is streaming games for a fee on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

Ultiworld
Thursday, July 4
10:30am: Women: MUD vs. Scandal
12:45pm: Men: Doublewide vs. Ring of Fire
3:00pm: Women: Fury vs. Riot

Friday, July 5
12:00pm: Men: Ironside vs. Revolver
2:15pm: Women: Scandal vs. Showdown
5:30pm: Men: Ring of Fire vs. Euforia
7:30pm: Mixed: U.S. National Team vs. Team Colombia

Saturday, July 6
9:30am: Men: Doublewide vs. Ragnarok
TBD: Mixed Semifinal (tape delay)
TBD: Women Semifinal (tape delay)

ESPN3
Saturday, July 6 
Mixed Division Semifinal @ 12pm EDT
Women Division Semifinal @ 2:30pm
Men Division Semifinal @ 5:30pm
Men Division Semifinal @8pm

Sunday, July 7
Mixed Division Final @ 11am
Women Division Final @ 1:30pm
Men Division Final @ 4pm

:Weather:
A serious flash flood threat is in effect during this July 4th weekend for the east coast. Wind is not forecasted to be a factor, though humidity and slick field conditions may affect play in Raleigh.

Club 2012 Nationals Recap

Over this past weekend, the 4-day 2012 Club Nationals tournament organized by USA Ultimate concluded in Sarasota, Florida. Game conditions were, again, not ideal as steady winds from Hurricane Sandy distracted from Ultimate's true sport flow.

Congratulations to the following 2012 winners...
Masters 3-peat Champions:
Minnesota Surly (1) over Raleigh-Durham Boneyard (3)
WEEKEND TOTALS: 43 games played; 824 points scored.

Mixed Repeat Champions:
San Francisco Blackbird (11) over San Francisco Polar Bears (1)
WEEKEND TOTALS: 66 games played; 1633 points scored.

Women 7-peat Champions:
San Francisco Fury (1) over Seattle Riot (2)
WEEKEND TOTALS: 67 games played; 1583 points scored.

Open (Men) 1st-time Champions:
Austin Doublewide (4) over San Francisco Revolver (2)
WEEKEND TOTALS: 65 games played; 1599 points scored.

Grand Masters Champions: [played Sept 2012]
Minnesota Surly GM (3) over Philadelphia Scrapple (1)

View video archive of select games [YouTube].

Week 7: cancelled

Games cancelled due to Friday's night's inclement weather.

Hydrate, or Be Dehydrated

Hydration is essential during every season, not just during warmer weather. Urine You're in for a shock if your pee is brownish/not yellowy whether sitting or playing Ultimate. Lack of fluids may cause less than optimal performance on the Ultimate field.

The Boy Scouts - who offer a belt loop for playing Ultimate - chart out pee color & de/hydration:

There's no need to try to super-hydrate pre-exercise; your body can absorb just so much fluid. If you overdrink, you then may have to (inconveniently) urinate during exercise; the kidneys can only make about one quart of urine per hour. A wise tactic is to tank-up two or more hours pre-exercise; this allows time for your kidneys to process and eliminate the excess. Then drink again five to 15 minutes pre-exercise.
[SOURCE: Active.com]

How To: Dry Wet Cleats

Rain celebration at WFDF World Jr Ultimate Championships 2012 (by Vaclav Pachta)

Cleats are important. Dry cleats - if needed - are even more important. Here's what I have learned on drying wet Ultimate cleats.

Step 1. Take your cleats off (true; they dry better that way.)
Step 2: Wipe away any mud and remove the insole, if possible.
Step 3: Loosen the laces of the cleats.
Step 4: Cram the ends of a something absorbent (crumpled newspaper, bunched-up paper towels or a rolled-up towel) into each cleat. Push all the way down into the toes.
NOTE: Don't overstuff! Prevent cleats from getting stretched out.
Step 5: Tighten the laces & tongue down.
Step 6: Wrap each insole in the absorbent material.
Step 7: After an hour, check on the drying cleats & replace with new absorbent, as necessary.
Step 8: Repeat step 7 as needed.

RELATED CAUTION: Never leave wet SOCKS overnight in your Ultimate bag or in the car! Wash those stinkers immediately or put them in well ventilated area (outside).

[THX to: online method & instructions]

Cool Clothing

This clothing is literally SO COOL! The question for Ultimate teams is: Can it be sublimated?

Another question...
Would wearing this cool clothing be in violation of this Ultimate rule under IV. Equipment? B. Players may wear any soft clothing that does not endanger the safety of other players or provide unfair advantage.

OMNI-Freeze Ice [Columbia]

Info: This active cooling technology makes use of moisture to lower the temperature of the fabric, so it feels cool to the touch, and so you stay extra comfortable in hot conditions. The difference from wicking materials is blue rings of cooling polymer cover the garments, which swell when exposed to moisture -- letting air pass around you. Shirts, pullovers, hats, fingerless gloves and shorts.

Price: Shirts: $50 (men) / $45 (women)

Colorado Fires impact Ultimate

Next week's U.S. Open is in jeopardy due to the 4,500-acre Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Updated on 6/29:

UPDATED SCHEDULE FOR U.S. OPEN ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIPS & CONVENTION ANNOUNCED

USA Ultimate announced today revised plans for the  U.S. Open Ultimate Championships and Convention following a difficult and tragic week for its host city of Colorado Springs.

The world-class tournament and industry convention, scheduled for July 5-8, will go on as planned, however both elements have undergone significant changes. Originally hosted by the Air Force Academy, the competition has been moved to Fountain Valley School in southeastern Colorado Springs. 

The organizer's convention continues to be hosted at the Antlers Hilton Hotel, however several sessions have been cancelled and a new schedule has been published.

• View the latest tournament schedule, field map & adjusted sched. 

USA Ultimate regrets to announce that several of the social events planned around the U.S. Open have been cancelled, including the Opening Ceremonies and the Air Force Academy’s 4th of July Celebration, the VIP reception, and Fan Fest....

--------------------------------------

USA Ultimate released a statement on 6/27:
Colorado Springs Under Duress

Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 27, 2012)--We are incredibly sorry and disappointed to announce that Colorado Springs, our host city for the U.S. Open Ultimate Championships is under great duress due to a very dangerous and damaging wild fire. Our thoughts and best wishes are with the many families who have lost their homes, and with the 600+ firefighters currently battling the blaze...

We have been informed that the U.S. Air Force Academy – the championship venue of the inaugural U.S. Open Ultimate Championships, July 4-8, 2012 – may no longer serve as the host venue of the tournament because of the aggressive and rapidly advancing forest fires in the area.

On Tuesday evening, with the fire advancing directly onto the grounds, the U.S. Air Force Academy announced a partial evacuation, as well as the tentative cancellation of all athletic events. This could change over the next two days, but only time will tell. The U.S. Air Force Academy has informed USA Ultimate that it will make a final decision on the availability of its athletic facilities on Friday, June 29. USA Ultimate will continue to keep the Ultimate community informed on the latest developments as they occur.

Meanwhile, USA Ultimate has also learned that its primary backup competition venue is being utilized as an evacuation center for area residents. As a result, USA Ultimate and the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation are working non-stop to secure alternate field sites in Colorado Springs and create a contingency plan that will allow the U.S. Open Ultimate Championships to continue as planned. The convention component remains completely unaffected. Other elements of the event, such as the opening ceremonies, are likely to be affected by this local tragedy, and we are committed to making it the best event we possibly can under these uncontrollable, difficult, sad and tragic circumstances.

USA Ultimate continues to monitor the situation and will update all of the attendees and the Ultimate community with any developments as they occur. For the latest updates, please visit www.usaultimate.org, or www.facebook.com/usaultimate.

Fire smoke near Air Force Academy's Falcon Stadium (@PatrickSandusky)

Windy Decision

Air turbulence (wind) is known to affect where a disc lands.  Wind may also be the deciding factor for future locations of USA Ultimate's college championships.

Per 2012 College Championships: Rapid Reactions [SKYD magazine]

"...none of that matters during the rounds when the winds are consistently 15+ MPH and gust to over 30. Last year's open final, the second half of this year's pre-quarters, and this year's women's semi between Michigan and Oregon were incredibly frustrating to watch. It's also disappointing that teams that practice for 100s of hours and commit most of their free time and money to this sport have their season determined by application of a much smaller set of skills than they practice and a healthy dose of luck. To be clear, I'm not saying that the teams that won those games don't deserve it. They played better and smarter given the conditions and deserved the victory. But I don't think it's how we want to determine champions in our sport or showcase. General consensus is that we can’t host in Boulder again for that reason alone despite how great the rest of the event is. Will Deaver stated that it will not be in Boulder again."

If needing guidance on where to host, consider consulting this flowing map of the US...

Wind Map

Unreasonable Request

If you're following doctor's orders, then knock it down 25% - 50%.

Unseasonably warm weather can bring problems [wtop. 3.16.12]

Forecasters say it's going to be a gorgeous weekend and many may decide to enjoy the warm weather by going out for a jog or another form of exercise (e.g. Ultimate).

But with unseasonable warmth can come unseasonable problems. That's because people aren't used to the warmer weather.

"That's a set-up for danger," says Dr. Gary Little, medical director at George Washington University Hospital. "Whatever you're used to doing, scale it back, maybe do 50 to 75 percent of what you normally do."

Another word of caution: Don't forget to hydrate.

Frisbee Weather

The Washington Post's report proclaimed Tuesday's weather (January 17) a term Ultimate players refer to as "everyday".

This has been a winterless winter, a season that can’t make it past lunchtime without busting out in a springtime melody. Every time cold weather shows up, it catches a flight back north the next day. Snow this year is a thing of myth and legend.

Tuesday was typical of Winter 2012 here: chilly and damp in the morning, but Frisbee weather by mid-afternoon. The calendar insisted, implausibly, that it was Jan. 17.

fOrBXcast

You can better prepare knowing the forecast in OBX!