Captains Guide

Thank you for being an OCUA captain!

Being a captain is hard work, so to make your season easier and maximize the fun you and your teammates will have, we created this handy captains guide.

The guide summarizes the key roles and responsibilites of a captain and answers frequently asked question!

First off, the Rules

OCUA follows USA Ultimate's most recent edition of the rules, which are available here: USA Ultimate's Official Rules of Ultimate 2022-23

We do however make some small changes to better fit our league. These changes are availablere here but mostly deal with field dimensions, time caps, and reasons to cancel games.

Your Role as a Captain

1. Leader: Your teammates look to you for guidance on and off the field. This could mean knowing your game location each week, bringing spares cones, or helping in a rules dispute! Regardless of the circumstance, remember people look up to you!

2. Liaison: As a team captain, you are the contact point between OCUA and your teammates! Please relay our information to them, and their information to us! With over 4000 members, it is important to have key contact points and that is you!

3. Ambassador: Ultimate is heavily focused on spirit and as a captain of your team, you get to set the tone! From interacting with the Public at some of our shared fields to other players and captains, we hope that you can treat everyone with respect and maintain the positive reputation that Ultimate has in the Ottawa area and beyond!

Game Responsibilities

Every week you will be playing Ultimate, which sounds pretty fantastic! However, as a captain you do have some additional responsibilities when 6:45 rolls around. Here is a list of items and key things to remember:

  • Cones: Not every field is lined, and even if they are, you need cones! Please bring a set with you to all games. Remember, fields are 40 yards wide and 110 yards long (70 yard field, 2x20 yard endzones)
  • Game Disc: Can't play Ultimate without one!
  • Jersey: Make sure to bring a light and dark, or alternate option that will ensure both teams are easily distinguishable on the field. Ensure your teammates know ahead of time as well!
  • Attendance: Having enough players is crucial to your team success, but rostering a full team is also respectful to your opposition. Check zuluru days before the game and alter the attendance reminder for your teammates generated by zuluru if necessary. Recall that the default fee is $75!
  • Location: Ensure all of your teammates know where the game is, and on which field. A map of all fields is available here
  • Daily Game Call: OCUA makes a game call every day at 3pm as to whether games are on or not. Make sure to check the website for the daily game call. Field saturation is our number one reason for postponing games, so it doesn't need to be a thunderstorm outside to have games called

Key Dates

Throughout the season there are a couple key dates for you to remember as a captain and that you should relay to your teammates:

  • AGM & Information Session: April 27th, virtual meeting space
  • Start of the Season: The start of the season is May 15th, look out for any postponement due to field conditions
  • Playoff Weekend: The playoff weekend marks the end of the summer season and gives everyone a chance to compete against other teams in a tournament style set of games! August 24th- 25th.
  • Godzilla Game: Watch as the winners of each league face off against each other fillmed by Rogers TV! August 28th 

Additional Resources

Linked below are additional resources that you as a captain may find useful!