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U L T I M A T E H A P P E N I N G S
Issue 227 - September 6, 2002
******************* 2927 players served ********************
OCUA - The largest ultimate league in the world!
(300 teams and 3700 members in 2001)
http://www.ocua.ca/
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OCUA BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATE LIST AND BIO'S
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Well, the final candidate list stands at 10.
Lee Donovan
Megan Ironside
Chris(tine) Moran
Andy Morrisey
Steve Ott
Ines Quandel
Michael Reade
Gavin Thompson
Sue Warren
Jack Webb
A fully formatted bio with pictures is posted on the web
(http://www.ocua.ca/ocua/election/2002/), but in the
meantime, here is a plain text version of each candidate's
resume...
Don't forget, Elections will be held during league playoffs
Sept 7/8th and 14/15th.
A printed election package (with ballot) will be given to
each captain at the start of their respective playoff day,
and each captain will have to deposit their ballot in the
ballot box at the end of the day.
Stephan Suys
*****
Lee Donovan
===========
I have been playing Ultimate in Ottawa since 1988. For many
years I was coach and captain of a traveling competitive
team (Roadkill/Sphinxter Wax). Lately, I have been a captain
of a lower tier team that always brings in new players,
teaching them the rules and SOTG which we have won numerous
times. It is in this capacity that I believe keeps me in
touch with the heartbeat of this league (as opposed to
playing solely in the upper tiers). Currently I play for the
Huckin Hores (mon tier 8), the Loons (wed tier 3) and
Liverspot (Masters). I have also spent a great deal of time
volunteering at local tournaments and helping out as a
member of the web team.
Justification for election to the BOD:
PRO:
I am outspoken, opinionated and not afraid to say what I
think. But I am flexible, willing to listen to opposing
views and change my mind if justified.
CON:
I am outspoken, opinionated and not afraid to say what I
think.
Election Platform:
1. Communication with OCUA members.
a. Publish BOD meeting minutes on web page.
b. Publish main goals and accomplishments of BOD.
c. Publish goals/accomplishments for each BOD member
(Thus allowing more intelligent choices for OCUA members)
d. Have place on web for comments/questions for the BOD.
e. Publish how individual BOD members vote on issues.
(Again allowing more intelligent choices for OCUA members)
2. Fiscal responsibility and reporting to OCUA members.
3. Responsible growth of OCUA.
4. Pressure city councilors (in a mature professional
way) to come through on promises of replacement
fields for the sod farm.
Megan Ironside
==============
It wasn't until I spent this past year in South Korea that I
realized how lucky ultimate players are here in Ottawa. I
don't think I saw more than 3 blades of grass in my entire
year! While I didn't have the chance to play ultimate in
Seoul, I did hear horror stories about their fields I've
spent the past six or so years playing ultimate, and now
that I'm back in Ottawa, I'd like to give something back to
OCUA. I have a BA in Mass Communications from Carleton
University and am currently working at Canadian Geographic.
In the past I've worked at CBC, Roger's Community 22 as well
as 106.9 The Bear.
IN THE LEAGUE:
In previous years, I've played on Toss My Salad, Weed Eaters
and Prissy In Pink. This summer, I've been playing Monday,
Wednesday and Friday nights on Hell's Gazelles, Daddy's Soul
Donuts and Satchamo's Hot Sevens. I put in a lot of time
volunteering for Nationals this year, and regardless of
whether or not I'm elected, I'd like to become even more
involved in OCUA in the coming year.
VISION:
As the largest ultimate league in the world, I believe OCUA
needs to create a clear vision of the future. With a
membership of 3700+, there's an increasing need for improved
communication between the BOD and its members. I feel that
by making the BOD's meeting minutes and/or a monthly
newsletter available to everyone, we could improve the
communication and create a better understanding of how the
league is run and what the BOD's functions and goals are.
An obvious issue facing the league right now is the lack of
playing fields. As our growth rate shows no sign of slowing,
I believe one of the best options for OCUA would be to
consider purchasing more fields, as well as to work harder
at pushing the city to give us more fields. I believe that
the BOD and ultimate players alike are responsible for
bringing greater recognition to one of the greatest sports
there is. I'd like the chance to work not only with the BOD,
but also with other ultimate players to ensure that our
league remains the largest, but more importantly, the best
in the world!
Chris(tine) Moran
=================
I'm a federal policy wonk by day, devoted volunteer by
night. As a member of Ottawa's volunteer community for the
past 10 years, I've served in many capacities and have
learned how to navigate some of the city's most bureaucratic
nightmares. I'd now like to share my experience and give my
volunteer hours to OCUA.
I have been playing Ultimate twice a week with OCUA since
1996 and have consistently chosen (ahem) to play in the
lower tiers. Two years ago, I founded Wednesday night's
Waffle (Tier 9), and served as captain for two seasons. Over
the years, I have also served as co- captain on various
other teams, in different tiers, and have volunteered at
tournaments most recently for the 2002 Canadian Nationals. I
plan to bring to the Board the perspective of the
recreationally-oriented lower tiers and the views of one who
has seen the league change dramatically. OCUA is a positive
sporting organization that encourages play at all levels.
The league should continue sustainable growth, which
includes securing fields and fostering ties between players
of all levels.
I have always felt that Spirit of the Game is what really
sets Ultimate apart from other sports and have been
concerned by the recent discussions that this is being lost
as a result of league growth. Among other things, I would
like to see that new Ottawa teams are equipped to play
competitively, and are encouraged to embrace Spirit of the
Game.
In an effort to represent all league members, I would like
to see the Board consider issues such as:
* Fund raising - to help keep team fees reasonable
while ensuring that the General Manager has adequate cash
flow to operate the League;
* Mentoring - to assist new teams to understand the
fundamentals of the sport (ie - playing competitively, by
the rules, with spirit)
* Communications - improving the exchange of ideas and
notice of events among Board members, Coordinators,
Captains, and players; and
* Partnerships - exploring strategic partnerships for
securing new fields.
Andy Morrisey
=============
My name is Andrew (Andy) Morrisey and I was born in Ottawa
on December 6th 1973. I have lived in Ottawa for half my
life, and spent the rest in New Dehli, Geneva, and
Washington DC. In 2001, I was elected to the OCUA Board of
Directors (BoD) for a one-year term. I have a Diploma in
Finance from Algonquin College and a Bachelor of Business
Administration Management from Bishop's University.
I have been involved with OCUA for 7 years, playing on NUTS,
CURSE, and FFF. I feel very passionate about this league
from which I have derived so much enjoyment over the years
and feel that I could greatly contribute to furthering the
success of this tremendous organization.
My experience as a league player, a competitive player, a
league coordinator, and member of the Board of Directors,
has allowed me to develop a unique perspective on our
organization and our sport as a whole. I believe that this
perspective, coupled with my business experience, will allow
me to continue serving OCUA as a highly productive member of
the Board of Directors.
During my term as a member of the BoD, I was directly
responsible for overseeing sponsorship activities for the
Canadian Ultimate Championships. This year's national
tournament had the highest ever level of 'unobtrusive'
corporate participation; which I believe, brought
exceptional value added to the players, and a sense of
legitimacy to our sport's national tournament. I have also
been involved with developing a plan to create a consistent
revenue stream of OCUA merchandise for the upcoming 2003
season.
I would like to continue as the lead of OCUA's sales and
marketing operations and increase the return from these new
revenue streams.
My two-year vision for OCUA involves the association
providing substantially more value-added services to its
members. I would like to see the proceeds from these revenue
streams plowed back into the league in the form of financing
for coaches, skills clinics, rules clinics, and hat
tourneys, in order to increase the skill level of our
association as a whole. I would like to see a greater share
of our revenues reinvested in our most valuable asset our
membership.
Andy Morrisey
chowder@hotmail.com
Steve Ott
=========
Steve Ott has been playing in Ottawa Ultimate since 1989.
During the days Steve is a senior web developer at a local
software company. He is well versed in the league and it's
internal workings and has strong enthusiasm for OCUA and
it's direction.
If elected he would like to see some of the following issues
worked on to improve the league.
- More accessibility for the average ultimate player. The
majority of our league do not play in the upper tiers thus
we need more input and direction from the lower tiered teams
who constitute the bulk of our membership.
- More accountability from the board : this would include
publishing the minutes of the regular meetings : players
need to know what is going on at the meetings
- Freeze and/or lower our fees if possible : they have gone
up tremendously in the past few years.
- Better rules and enforcement of such
- Standard structured divisions
- Standard round robins and playoffs
- Acquire the use of more in-city fields
- Rewards for teams/players that find OCUA good in-city
fields
Accomplishments:
- Former board member
- Divisional Monday night coordinator since mid 90's
- Co-organizer of annual Britannia Beach tournament (11
years running : this year we started contributing profits to
local charities)
- Co-ran outdoor snow league for several winters
- Co-started and still run Friday night indoor Ultimate in
the winters
- Currently play 3 nights a week (captain's 2 teams)
Ines Quandel
============
My name is Ines Quandel and I would like to introduce myself
to you as one of the candidates in this year's election of
the OCUA Board of Directors. Three years ago I graduated
from the University of Waterloo, with an Honours B.A. Co-op
in German. After graduation I moved here to work and am
currently employed with the government as a research
assistant. Outside of work and Ultimate, I'm into
rollerblading and rockclimbing, and had the opportunity to
volunteer this year as a Liaison Officer at the G8 Summit
held by the Department of Justice and the Solicitor
General's Office.
Soon after moving to Ottawa I became involved in Ultimate
together with a group of friends when we started up a team.
What started out as a great way to pass a summer evening has
quickly grown into one of my favourite sports. This year my
involvement in Ultimate increased as I joined several teams
and took on the responsibility as assistant captain for one
of those teams. I also had a great time volunteering with
the onsite work at our Nationals tournament. As well, to
keep myself informed on what's going on with Ultimate, I
regularly read and contribute to the OCUA Open Forum.
The Board of Directors is already dealing with several major
issues such as obtaining fields from the city, managing
league growth and public relations. I would, of course, be
directing my skills and energy at working toward solutions
to those issues. A particular issue that I would be
supporting would be for the league to provide skills and
rules clinics for the players. Lack of knowledge of rules
has been a major concern this summer. I believe that the
league needs to ensure that the players understand the rules
and the game so that the spirit of Ultimate can continue to
thrive and grow.
Michael Reade
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I started playing Ultimate in the summer of 1995. I was
immediately hooked and that fall I captained a team that
became the Tuesday team The Moops. Along with being a
player/captain of The Moops, I've played on several other
teams, including two year on Mothra (at the time, Ottawa's
third competitive open team). And with all that, most people
recognize me by my hair...
Last year I jumped in after the season started to help co-
ordinate OCUA's fall league, and this year I've been co-
ordinating the new Friday league. Both provided me with some
challenges, but not enough to scare me off.
Outside of Ultimate, I work as a team leader of third level
technical support. I'm involved in project management,
problem management, and problem solving - all skills that I
think will be helpful for the OCUA Board of Directors. In
the past, I was also involved in the University of
Waterloo's Math Society (the Math faculty's student
society). This experience in a volunteer organization helps
me understand some of the organizational issues that will be
a part of the Board of Directors, and hopefully allow me to
provide some solutions.
The main thing I'd like to work on as a member of the OCUA
Board of Directors is consistency - whether it's in spirit
scores, league rules, or OCUA policy. I'd like to see spirit
ratings that meant something so the co- ordinators (and the
captains themselves) can tell right away what the issues
are. I'd like league rules that didn't change from year to
year (or even night to night). I'd like OCUA policy be well
defined and out in the open. I want these things so that the
players don't have to think about them. They'll just know
how the league works, because it won't keep changing on
them. That way they can focus on the reason they're here. To
play Ultimate and have fun doing in.
Will I be able to do these things? Maybe not, but if I'm on
the OCUA Board of Directors I can try.
Steve Seabrook
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[ Steve has withdrawn his candidacy as of Sept 5th;
he is no longer running for the Board ]
Gavin Thompson
==============
As someone who has sat on the Board of Directors for the
past two years and played in the league for 13 seasons, I am
well aware of the issues and challenges that face the league
in the years to come. The rapid growth of past years must
now be replaced by a period of increasing the quality of the
teams currently in the league.
As for my personal accomplishments, I have been in charge of
the winter leagues and developing a mutually beneficial
relationship between OCUA and the Ottawa Coliseum (our
indoor fields). Each year we have managed to add more field
time to allow more players to be able to play all year. I
continue on as the TD for the Layout for Life tournament,
which includes teams from all levels and raises money for a
great cause, cancer research. I was also able to secure
spring fields at the University of Ottawa for both league
players and competitive teams. I look forward to trying to
find more resources for the league to be able to use during
the Winter season.
I think all the candidates in this year's election deserve a
chance at helping to determine the future of the league and
I hope that players will take the time to study the
candidates carefully before voting. I wish the best of luck
to all the candidates running.
Sue Warren
==========
[ Note From Elections Officer:
Sue is the wife of Nick Roberts, OCUA's General Manager.
Conflict of Interest guidelines are in place to deal
with any situation where a conflict may arise. ]
My name is Sue Warren and I am running for the Board of
Directors of OCUA.
Elections give you, the members, the opportunity to choose
qualified professionals, with a variety of business and
managerial skills to serve on the Board.. Being a Board
member should be more than winning a popularity contest
because there are real issues and real responsibilities that
go along with it. I have served on the Board of a
Professional Association for two years; and am currently
serving on a Federal Working Group for Heritage Funding
Allocation. I have a Master's Degree in Art Conservation,
and have worked as an Art Conservator at the Museum of
Science & Technology for 14 years.
As a member of the Board, I would like to see OCUA become
more accountable to its general membership: both fiscally
and managerially. We are a huge organization now, and have a
very valuable asset (UPI) which needs to be safeguarded for
the shareholders and all of us players who have a stake in
it. I can't think of any other organization this size that
is not accountable to its members; that does not make its
general business decisions known to its members; and most
importantly, that does not have a year end financial
statement available to its members. OCUA should be doing all
these things, and you, as players and paying members; should
insist on it. We would have more influence with the City of
Ottawa, and more chance of having designated Ultimate fields
in-city, if we acted more like a business and less like a
social club.
I have played Ultimate for 8 years, as all levels and on all
nights. I was Captain of a women's team for three years, and
I currently play only once a week in Thursday women's
league. I have volunteered for OCUA over the years: making
water flags, stuffing envelopes etc. Both of my children are
currently playing in the OCUA Youth League, so I have a
vested interest in seeing the sport prosper in the future.
On the issues that are making the rounds this year: I don't
want to see dogs banned from our sites; but more of our
players are bringing young children to the fields, and if we
don't insist on dogs being leashed, there is going to be an
accident. My son was bitten across the face (and spent three
hours in CHEO) at an Ultimate game......it's not a good
thing. It's also a liability issue for OCUA and that affects
all of us.
Rough play is also an issue at the moment: I've had my nose
broken twice now (part of the reason I don't play co-ed any
more!), and it wasn't just by inexperienced players. We all
get carried away sometimes. I do believe that repeat
offenders (those that have been warned for rough play),
should be suspended for a length of time commensurate with
the aggressiveness of the act. That just makes sense, and it
makes it safer for the rest of us.
Sue
Jack Webb
=========
[ Note From Elections Officer:
Jack runs the People's Republic Of Ultimate Frisbee
league (PROUF).
Conflict of Interest guidelines are in place to deal
with any situation where a conflict may arise. ]
Well this year I am not going to catalogue my
accomplishments with OCUA or with Ultimate in general from
the last 10 years. I have done some good things for OCUA and
Ultimate development in the past, I am currently doing good
things for OCUA and Ultimate development in the present and
I will continue to do good things for Ultimate and OCUA in
the future. It does not really matter if I am voted on to
the BoD as I will always continue to promote this sport I
love.
Given the list of candidates I can assure you that there are
many good people to chose from this year. So choose wisely.
That is all.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Sep. 7 : Monday League Playoffs + ELECTIONS
Sep. 8 : Wednesday League Playoffs + ELECTIONS
Sep. 14 : Tuesday League Playoffs + ELECTIONS
Sep. 14 : End-of-season Party
Sep. 15 : Thursday League Playoffs + ELECTIONS
Sep. 16 : OCUA Fall League begins
Sep. 22 : Friday League Playoffs
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