We
are all very excited about the Ultimate program here at HIMS. It's
been a great success! But we are being overwhelmed by its
popularity. It's
heartbreaking to exclude any kids, but we don't have enough
practice field space to accommodate everyone. We've come to understand that a team with too many players creates a
difficult and frustrating environment. Play time becomes
very limited, in practices and especially in games, and it can be a very
frustrating experience for players and coaches. Because of this we have instituted a
program size cap in order to improve the experience of participating
players. Team Numbers Cap
Acceptance Into Our Program Ultimate prides itself on its focus on community and "Spirit of the Game". We will always put our greatest emphasis on sportsmanship, inclusion, community, and a commitment to learning the game and becoming a better player and teammate while adhering to these principles. We will accept players into the program based on their commitment to the sport and their teammates, their citizenship and contribution to the "Spirit of the Game". This season, game and disc skills will also be a contributing factor in acceptance into the program. We will rank players based on basic disc skills, quickness and speed, field awareness, experience, and knowledge of the game. Below is our list of Acceptance Criteria. This list is in our primary order of preference, though for some players, one thing may be weighted more than for others. For example, a player who has previously been committed to the program at Hamilton for years, is a recognized leader, and has an understanding and commitment to the "Spirit of the Game" may rank higher than a player who is simply a strong and accomplished athlete.
Note: there is no fee for Fall Ultimate as it is an SPS sport. While we invite all students to tryout for ultimate at HIMS, and we hope that ultimate will become a part of their life, not all players (primarily boys) can be placed on a team due to limited spaces. Middle School ultimate in Seattle has become a very competitive sport over the years. Because of increased interest at HIMS, and more students entering Middle School with a couple years of ultimate already under their belts, acceptance into our program can be competitive (especially for boys). For those who are not placed on a Fall Team, our club offers a slightly less competitive program in the Spring (meaning, we have fewer students who participate) that may be an option for your player. And while Fall Ultimate has historically been able to accept students who are either new to the game or are new to organized team sports, this season we will likely need to be more selective (especially for boys). To be clear: interest, enthusiasm, commitment and "Spirit of the Game" are very important to us. Paramount, in fact. We truly aren't looking only for the natural and gifted athletes. We want kids who want to play Ultimate! But we don't have room for students who are simply applying to acquire a PE waiver. We expect a lot from players in our program. Now.. that said.. WE NEED MORE GIRLS! Our
program is co-ed, and we have a set amount of open slots for both boys
and girls. Historically we have typically not filled the maximum amount of girls on our teams. Because of this, we will likely be able to accept all
female registrants into our program (so long as the student meets our
Acceptance Criteria). Girls with no ultimate experience are encouraged to try out. Please forward this website link to any girls who you think
might enjoy joining our program!Opportunities to Learn Ultimate, and Work On Your Chops! Here are a few options for students who aren't accepted into, or who choose not to play HIMS Fall ultimate, but still want to play the game.
Game Rosters Coaches will have final discretion on game rosters, substitutions, and play time. While we will absolutely do our best to see that all players get equal play time during the regular season (per our program policy), we are under no obligation to do so. Please understand this. More Information about the Ultimate Program Academic Eligibility
Discipline policy For the most part, we are very lucky to have a crew of dedicated and respectful players, but sometimes middle schoolers will be middle schoolers. When those actions are repeatedly causing disruptions that prevent their teammates from participating and improving, coaches have to take action beyond the typical corrections (e.g., pay attention, extra laps). Hamilton Ultimate follows a two warning policy. Repeated interruptions will be followed by a one-on-one discussion with coaches and the player, where we will explain specifically what the player needs to improve. That is their first warning. If the behavior continues, a discussion between coaches and the player's parents is the second warning. Finally if the behavior persists, the player will be cut from the team. Players were told about this at their first practice, but wanted to make sure parents are aware of policy. It is rare that we get to even the second warning. PE Waivers Students who do not enroll in a PE class at HIMS are required to complete at least 60 hours of organized athletic activity during the school year. Students are required to submit a PE Waiver to the HIMS Office, stating their plan for organized athletic activity.
Transportation Game Days
Tournaments
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