Colorado Springs, Colo. (May 14, 2021)—As ultimate returns to play at the local, regional and national levels, USA Ultimate and its medical advisory working group continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing landscape and increasingly positive direction of the COVID-19 pandemic. With multiple, effective vaccines now widely available and accessible to the general public, recent approval for 12-15-year-olds, and a significant downward trend in cases, USA Ultimate continues to be optimistic about the opportunities for players to compete in leagues and tournaments across the country.
Over the course of the last several weeks, and with advice from its medical working group, USA Ultimate has been reevaluating its current policies and recommendations for a safe and equitable return to play – most notably those related to mask requirements, vaccinations and testing and how events of a different scale (local vs. national, small vs. large, etc.) are affected. Updates to USA Ultimate’s Return to Play guidelines, which will impact upcoming spring and summer events, are expected to be published in the coming days or weeks.
USA Ultimate, the ultimate community and the country continue to navigate this complex, nuanced and often times deeply divisive issue. As the situation evolves, and updates to guidelines and protocols are considered, players, coaches and parents are asked to show their understanding and patience towards the many event organizers – many of whom are volunteers – working to coordinate and offer playing opportunities.
As stated many times since the beginning of the pandemic, the health, safety and well-being of USA Ultimate’s members and the greater ultimate community stands alone as the organization’s top priority and it will continue to follow the guidance of medical experts, including its medical working group.
