EDI Update: December 2020

As part of the launch of a new front-end website, USA Ultimate created a series of webpages dedicated to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. These pages are intended to  be a landing space for new and current members of the ultimate community to learn about the ongoing work USA Ultimate is doing in its commitment to increasing access to and participation in ultimate, particularly amongst Black, Indigenous and other youth of color, as well as youth from diverse socioeconomic communities. The pages also provide information about our initiatives to create an inclusive playing environment where all athletes, regardless of race or gender identity, can be their authentic selves.

After hearing recommendations from an independently moderated focus group featuring Black members of the local and national ultimate community, and Black community members living in Aurora, Colo., USA Ultimate and Altitude Youth Ultimate announced a list of commitments to advance progress in serving BIPOC communities. We, as a community, are committed to taking action and prioritizing work around anti-racism and inclusion, recognizing the critical role of such efforts in the integrity of our sport’s culture. We welcome your thoughts and involvement as we strive to create meaningful change for BIPOC communities.

For the second consecutive year, the Ultimate Foundation’s Signature Series disc highlights our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and access for everyone, especially youth from new and diverse communities, to experience the joy of ultimate. This year’s design, created by Sylvester “Sly” Norris of Atlanta Orbit, spotlights the Play It Forward program and Delrico Johnson Fund, two programs we expanded in 2020.

For those who don’t have a USAU member account, you can still donate to the Ultimate Foundation and qualify for a 2020 Signature Series disc* and more.

*signatures of the Spirit Award winners coming soon

After a full year of research and development, in collaboration with our Community Liaison Volunteers, USA Ultimate is excited to announce our new Gender Inclusion Policy! The new policy, unanimously approved by our board of directors, advocates for all athletes to participate in the division in which they feel most comfortable and safe, based on their indicated gender identity.