Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 24, 2025)—USA Ultimate has released new guidelines for local organizing committees of championship events in support of the organization’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States announced today.
The new guidance was unanimously approved by the USA Ultimate Board of Directors at its Q1 meeting earlier this month and replaces the organization’s previous Event Hosting and Transgender Sports Legislation Policy that was adopted in March of 2023.
The updated guidelines will be codified in USA Ultimate’s championship event bid documents for its six major tournaments (Beach Championships, D-I and D-III College Championships, Masters Championships, U.S. Open & Youth Club Championships, National Championships) and are designed to identify and establish partnerships with potential host communities and local disc organizations through a more granular examination of opportunities to offer an inclusive and welcoming experience for all event participants.
The guidance was developed in consultation with a variety of resources, including USA Ultimate’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, sports equity and advocacy groups and other national governing bodies of amateur sport, to better understand their experiences, learn more about best practices and identify challenges and opportunities.
The new guidance issued today by USA Ultimate reinforces its steadfast and continued commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as its existing policies and procedures that promote safe and welcoming spaces for all participants. More specifically, USA Ultimate remains committed to its Gender Inclusion Policy and the belief that athletes of all gender identities should have the freedom to participate in the competitive division in which they feel most comfortable. Accordingly, USA Ultimate will continue not to discriminate based on gender identity (or other protected classes) and maintain and uphold its values while respecting and adhering to all applicable laws.
“The updated event selection framework reaffirms our unwavering commitment to inclusivity while refining our approach to evaluating bids and awarding championship events,” explained USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer Kevin Erlenbach. “By prioritizing safety, community engagement, and proactive measures to promote inclusivity, we are ensuring that all athletes, regardless of identity, feel welcome and supported. This evolution reflects our dedication to fostering a more diverse and accessible ultimate community.”
For more details, read the complete event guidance submitted and approved by the board of directors.
