OCUA's Return to Play Protocols have been modified to reflect the updated guidelines for participation in sport and sports training while in Step 3 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen. 

SUMMARY OF UPDATES:

• Distancing: while in game play and while calling stalls, the distance required moves from 3-metres to 2-metres. 

For the complete Return to Play Protocols click here.

We want to remind everyone that communication is needed during the games and on field, respecting space is mandatory and contact is not allowed. As members of OCUA and as ultimate players, remember "we are guided by the spirit of the game in everything we do".  Keeping plays safe have been a key part on the develop of our plan and coordination of league operations.  Here are some tips to follow before zeroing in on the disc:

• If the offense/defense has multiple steps on you, it isn't worth the risk of diving into them.
• It is hard to avoid 11 other people on the field it takes a lot of field awareness, an easy way to work on this is slow down a little, become aware of surroundings and increase our speed as skills come back to where they were pre-pandemic.
• Adjusting to being in crowds is going to be different for everyone, err on the side of caution and kindness on the sideline and field.

​Please remember respectful communication is key on the field between teams during the game. This ensures that games are fun, safe and filled with the healthy competition that we love about ultimate. Please remember to talk, respect others space and be patient.

Take a look at our Return to Play Protocols and how we are keeping everyone safe on the field and if a refresher on some rules is needed visit our rules page

OCUA is excited to confirm that, with a few small modifications to adhere to the Ontario public health directives set out for Step 2, games are set to begin July 5. 

The rules and league changes that are in effect while we're in Step 2 are laid out in the OCUA Return to Play Protocols. 

Our members' safety is of the utmost importance, we ask that all members do their part in respecting to the Protocols while playing Ultimate.

If you have any questions about the Return to Play Protocols for Step 2, please reach out to OCUA staff.

We are eager (& super excited) that it was announced Thursday that Ontario will move to Step 2 of the 'Roadmap to Reopen' on June 30.  OCUA is currently reviewing the public health guidelines for sport in Step 2 and assessing how it applies to Ultimate Summer leagues.   While Step 2 is starting a few days ahead of the original projection date (which is great), to ensure we can properly apply the public health directives for the safety of all our membership, Ultimate Summer will still begin the week of July 5. More information will be shared next week! Stay tuned (& of course, if you have any questions reach out to OCUA staff at any time!)

OCUA is fully committed to improving diversity and inclusivity within our organization.  In support of that, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force (DITF) was launched last year (March 2020).  As the first action since the 2021 AGM, the newly elected Board unanimously approved the continued support of and proposed plan of action for the DITF at the May 18th meeting.

We recognize there have been concerns of transparency and misunderstanding during the past year since the DITF was established, and the Board is prioritizing doing better.

Progress takes time, courage, effort, and a willingness to try.

You may have noticed the Progress Pride flag on OCUA’s Facebook profile, which we have shared as a symbol of our intention to strive toward equality for all our members.  The DITF and Board will work towards providing a community where no member will feel marginalized, excluded, or unappreciated.

To learn more about the DITF and the commitment of work, please read below.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE (DITF) VISION:  To provide an Ultimate league where all members feel they are welcome, safe, respected, and empowered.

DITF SHORT-TERM OBJECTIVES:

Address gender equity concerns by providing recommendations for:

• Appropriate gender-based terminology for organizational use
• Organizational policy updates
• Improving women player recruitment and retention
• Implementing a gender ratio that provides equitable on-field time and experience

Transition the DITF to a permanent committee dedicated to incorporating equity considerations on a continuous basis.  This committee will make recommendations to ensure diversity and inclusion are considered in the OCUA decision-making process and focus on reducing barriers related to, but not limited to:

• Gender diversity
• Sexual orientation
• Race and Ethnicity
• Language
• Neurodiversity
• Accessibility

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITMENTS:

• Clarify and formalize the DITF Terms of Reference, including:
• Define the Director role and term more clearly
• Define the member role and term more clearly
• Determine the process by which the leadership role of the DITF is transferred
• Provide regular updates of DITF progress to the OCUA membership.
• Support the DITF in achieving their goals and objectives.

The DITF is fully supported by the Board of Directors. Both groups are committed to transparent communications and engagement with the membership.  The DITF will meet monthly, and the membership will be updated on a regular basis. Members of the OCUA community are encouraged to communicate, share and reach out to the DITF at inclusion@ocua.ca.