Colorado Springs, Colo. (January 14, 2022)—Due to the recent surge in nationwide COVID-19 cases and the prevalence of the more contagious Omicron variant, USA Ultimate announced today several updates to its competition programs, including the postponement of the start of 2022 college regular season.

The updates were made as USA Ultimate evaluates its COVID-19 protocols and procedures with its medical advisory working group (WMG) and continues to prioritize the health and safety of its members and the ultimate community.

Revisions to USA Ultimate’s policies and recommendations are currently being reviewed and are expected to be announced next week to account for recent modifications to CDC guidance and input from the MWG.

With respect to upcoming competition, the following decisions were made:

  • The beginning of the 2022 college regular season is delayed until at least February 25*.
  • USA Ultimate will continue to sanction events as long as they adhere to all applicable local, state, and federal health regulations and USA Ultimate COVID-19 policies.
  • Results from sanctioned events through February 25 will not factor into, or otherwise impact, college rankings or postseason championship series bid allocation.
  • All U.S. National Team activity, including tryouts for the 2022 World Games and World Junior Ultimate Championships and training camps for the World Beach Ultimate Championships, are postponed until at least February 25*.

*Subject to change. Any planning should be done with maximum flexibility in mind in case additional changes are necessary to account for evolving circumstances.  

After thorough consideration, these decisions were made for a variety of reasons: to minimize any pressure felt by teams and athletes to travel to, compete, or participate in a tournament, tryout or practice in which they may not feel comfortable; to create a more flexible environment for event organizers and teams to make decisions about hosting or attending an event while still allowing for tournaments to occur when school policy or health and safety regulations allow; to maintain competitive fairness given varying circumstances across schools, teams and organizers across different parts of the country.

USA Ultimate and its MWG will continue to study and assess the latest COVID-19 data, including the spread of the virus and its related impacts, along with the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC. After updating its protocols and procedures next week, USA Ultimate will revisit and consider additional changes, including further adjustments to the college season and national team activity, if necessary.