Youth Guidelines

Covid-19 Note

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, USA Ultimate regularly reviews and revises its related policies and procedures, keeping player and community safety at the forefront and as the number one priority. These protocols were developed based on the most recent recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and expert input from the USA Ultimate Medical Advisory Group: a panel of doctors and other health care professionals.

Ultimate activities include an assumption of risk on the part of the participants. Closely following all state, local and event-related health and safety protocols, including the procedures outlined below, helps limit the spread of COVID-19 and better protects our community. COVID vaccinations, including boosters for those eligible, are highly encouraged for all ultimate players and community members. Regular testing is also recommended, especially in conjunction with travel, team activities and participation in events.

Contact COVID@usaultimate.org if you have questions about these policies or need to report an event-related COVID incident or infection prior to, during, or following an event.

See the COVID-19 Protocols & Information webpage on the USAU website for more information.

Youth Guidelines Purpose

This document is designed to layout player requirements for a variety of youth playing opportunities, including, but not limited to, high school and middle school state championship events for school-based play and youth club regional events and the Youth Club Championships (YCC) for age-based youth club play.

Updates for 2023

• Teams attending Middle and High School State Championship events must have at least one middle or high school certified coach, respectively. In addition, all coaches must have a current Foundational Coach training at the time of the tournament, including an active membership, current SafeSport training completed, and cleared background check as well.
  • However, first year teams competing at a USAU state championship event (both middle and high school) are not required to meet the coach certification requirement. This is meant to help make these events more accessible for new teams and players to participate. Coaches are still encouraged to become certified, since they will be required to meet this expectation the following year.
• For teams applying to/interested in YCC:
  • YCC has moved from Blaine, Minnesota to Aurora, Colorado in 2023, taking place August 5-7. Past 2023, there is no current information on location and dates for proceeding YCC’s unless otherwise announced.
  • For YCC and regional youth club events, players can be no younger than 12 years old at the time of the event for a U17 event and no younger than 14 years old at the time of the event for a U20 event.
  • Changes potentially coming to the YCC qualifying process after 2023 (see note in 2023 USAU Youth Club Championships section).
  • Updated description around YCC player eligibility (see 2023 USAU Youth Club Championships section for full eligibility description). You are eligible for YCC if you:
    • Meet the age requirement
    • Were enrolled in high school or middle school in the academic year leading into the current year’s YCC
    • Have never been rostered with a college team (on a college team personnel roster)

Updates from 2022

• For teams applying to YCC:
  • If your organization is applying to send two boys’ teams for YCC, it must also be applying to send either a girls’ or a mixed team. Acceptance of a second boys’ team may be contingent on your organization accepting the bid and fielding that girls’ or mixed team.
  • Medical Authorization Forms will be collected electronically.
  • For the U20 Mixed Division, we will be following WFDF Rule A:
    •  Games played at the Youth Club Championship for the U20 Mixed Division will also have an additional disc flip after the initial flip, where the winner will decide the personnel ratio for the first point. For the second and third points the ratio must be the reverse of the first point. For the fourth and fifth points the ratio must be the same as the first point. This pattern of alternating the ratio every two points repeats until the end of the game (half time has no impact on the pattern). This is in line with WFDF’s Rule A, also known as the “prescribed ratio” rule described in the official WFDF Rules of Ultimate 2021-2024 – APPENDIX v1.0.
    • In addition to Rule A, whichever gender-matching players have the majority on the starting line, a player of that gender-matching group will need to pull. For example, if there are 4 woman-matching players and 3 man-matching players on the line that is pulling, one of their woman-matching players must pull the disc and vice versa.
  • Player minimums are going from 12 to 14 players per team, and for mixed divisions, at least 6 man-matching and 6 woman-matching players instead of 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching.
• Instead of Fall Youth Cups, we are encouraging organizers to set up and run regional youth events to encourage more playing opportunities across state borders.
  • For these regional youth events, player minimums are going from 12 to 14 players per team, and for mixed divisions, at least 6 man-matching and 6 woman-matching players instead of 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching.

Youth League Sanctioning

League Sanctioning Requirements

1. Submit all player materials (rosters and USAU waivers) to USAU within the first week of the league beginning (rolling rosters are accepted – the first must be submitted with the first week of league).
2. Submit all Chaperone names BEFORE the event occurs. All chaperones must have all requirements met before the youth event occurs. If more chaperones are added throughout the event, please make sure you are submitting their names to USAU, along with any additional player rosters.
3. All players must have verified USAU waivers.
4. All players must have a current player membership.
5. All materials must be finalized and received by USAU within 5 business days of the conclusion of the league (including payment of missing memberships).

As of 2021, if organizations have outstanding events open from the previous year (events that have never been closed out with USAU), they will not be considered during Phase 1 for YCC.

USAU Youth Rules Recommendations

With the adoption of the 2022-23 Rules, USA Ultimate has introduced recommendations for different ages of youth play. These recommendations can be found here under “Appendix D: Youth Rules Adaptations”.

Youth programs are not required to follow these recommendations, but we would like to know what rules and format our youth programs are following. If you are NOT using the new recommendations, please fill out this form and let us know what rules and/or format you are using and why.

If you are using the new recommendations, please fill out the same form to give us your feedback on these new rules.

2023 USA Ultimate Middle School Guidelines

Requirements for USAU Middle School State Championships

A bid document must be submitted to the State Youth Coordinator (SYC), who will submit it to the Regional Youth Director (RYD) and the Youth Competition Manager. If your state does not have an SYC, it should be submitted to the RYD. Contact information for SYCs and RYDs can be found here.

The State Championship must be publicly announced to local organizers and via USA Ultimate web properties at least six (6) weeks prior to the event. Announcement must include:

1. Date(s) of event
2. Location of event
3. Contact information for event
4. Registration requirements

Team Info

All teams must submit an official 2023 State Championship roster by the deadlines outlined in the guidelines. USAU memberships and all individual waivers must also be completed prior to participation at the State Championships.

Membership options for players participating in a HS State Championship event include:

• A full Youth membership
• Players that are members of a USAU Affiliate may participate in the MS State Championships with their Affiliate membership, rather than a full Youth membership
• New players who are participating in a MS State Championship for the first time can purchase a Youth Intro membership rather than the full Youth membership
• Players can also participate with a one-time event fee

1. Event/Team Registration Deadline

1. All teams competing in a State Championship or Qualifying Event must be registered in the USAU online system (EMS) for the appropriate event two weeks prior to the event.
   • Teams without this information registered in the online system by this deadline will be ineligible to compete.
   • Teams that miss the deadline may contact the State Youth Coordinator. Late admittance may be granted pending completion of registration steps (USAU qualified chaperone and Foundational Coach with MS certification* (*see exception for this described below)).
   • Registering your team in EMS requires having a Chaperone and a coach on the roster. Players can be rostered until one week before the event.
2. Each team must have a registered and rostered Chaperone who has:
   • met the age requirement (21 years or older)
   • created a USAU account and purchased a membership
   • passed a USAU background check
   • completed SafeSport training
   • signed all waivers

   Each team must have a chaperone listed on the event roster (please see the Team Organizers page for details on team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have Chaperones begin the background check process no later than two (2) weeks prior to the team registration deadline (i.e. four weeks prior to the event).

3. Every coach on the roster must be a Foundational Coach who has:
   • met the age requirement (18 years or older)
   • an active USAU membership
   • passed a USAU background check
   • completed SafeSport training
   • completed CDC Concussion training
   • completed USAU Coach training and passed the Foundational Coach test
   • signed all waivers

Each team must have ONE USAU MS certified coach* listed on the event roster (please see the Team Organizers page for details on team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. Middle school coaches must have a Middle School Certification. Information on where to obtain certification can be found here. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have coaches begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline (i.e. four weeks prior to the event).

*If 2023 is the first year that a team is playing in a Middle School State Championship, they are exempt from this requirement. However, it is strongly encouraged that they have a coach get the middle school coach certification as they will be expected to meet this requirement in the subsequent years.

Note: There may be additional registration information required by your State Youth Coordinator. Contact your State Youth Coordinator in advance of the registration deadline for more details.

2. Rostering Deadline: One week before the State Championships

1. Online rostering must be completed one week prior to a team’s State Championship (for example, if a team’s State Championship is May 13-14, rostering must be completed by May 6).
2. State Youth Coordinators may set an earlier deadline for rostering in coordination with their Regional Youth Director.

3. On-site Player Additions

1. State Youth Coordinators will not accept on-site rosters or player additions. If you expect to need an exception, please discuss this with your SYC prior to the player registration deadline.

4. Player Eligibility

1. USA Ultimate Middle School State Championship events are competitions for school-based teams. All players on teams participating in the event must meet the following guidelines for “Middle School Players.”
2. To be considered a Middle School Player, students must meet the following requirements:
   • Students must be regular members of the school they represent in order to participate in an interscholastic athletic activity.
     1. Students are a “regular member” of a school if they are enrolled half time or more, exclusive of interscholastic athletic activities.
     2. In cases where schools can provide supporting documentation, USA Ultimate allows two or more schools meeting certain requirements to compete as a consortium (single-team from multiple schools) in the USA Ultimate Middle School division. More details can be found here. The State Youth Coordinator, in conjunction with the Regional Youth Director, may determine that schools without a prior history of collaboration can function as a consortium at the Middle School level.
   • Students must be enrolled in middle school.
   • Students in fourth or fifth grade in states where there is no elementary school playing opportunity available for their division may play with their associated middle school based on approval from the middle school coach, the player’s parents/guardians, and the middle school administration.
3. Students who are homeschooled will be considered eligible to participate on a team at a USA Ultimate Championship event as follows:
   • If the student is part of a USAU-recognized homeschool cooperative, they may participate as part of that cooperative’s ultimate team, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements. This homeschool cooperative must be renewed every two years and may be reviewed by USA Ultimate at earlier intervals if needed.
   • If the student is not part of a USAU-recognized homeschool cooperative, they may participate as part of the ultimate team at the public middle school that they would normally attend, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements.
   • If a student is a regular member of a school they may not play with any other school, regardless of any homeschool designation.
4. Players under the age of 18 must have a completed Medical Authorization form onsite at the event with their coach or chaperone.

5. Violations

Violations of these rules may result in disqualification of a team or individual from the State Championships and possible repercussions through the USAU Conduct Policy.

6. Clarifications and Exceptions

These rules are designed to be as fair as possible for the wide range of players participating in the State Championships. Experience has shown that there can be cases where these rules do not absolutely determine the eligibility of a particular player. The following procedure is available for players/teams for whom the rules are not clear:

1. The coach, team representative, or the player in question should consult with the State Youth Coordinator.
2. The State Youth Coordinator will consult the Regional Youth Director and USAU Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth for how to proceed.
3. In the event that the coach, team representative, or the player feels that the decision is biased, or all aspects have not been considered, they may submit an appeal. To do this, please email dana@hq.usaultimate.org.
4. The inquiry form must be filled out completely, and submitted between January 1 and April 5. Late requests will be considered at the discretion of the Committee.
5. The inquiry will be reviewed by the Committee, and responses sent by email.
6. Email youth_elig_chair@usaultimate.org if the form is not available or for any other questions.
7. The Eligibility Committee will rule on a player’s case based on the published Youth Competition Guidelines; this is not the mechanism for requesting changes to the guidelines. Please contact the Youth Manager of Competition and National Team Programs on the process for proposing changes.

Click here for USAU Staff contact info.

Click here for detailed instructions on how to complete your roster and for links to the needed forms.

Click here for the Medical Authorization Form (required for minors). This is NOT the same as the USAU liability waiver.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth.

2023 USA Ultimate High School Guidelines

The USAU State High School State Championship program is expanding. Organizations are chosen to host a USAU HS State Championship at the discretion of the State Youth Coordinator, Regional Youth Director, and Manager of Youth Competition and National Team Programs, with priority given to State-Based Organizations and Affiliates.

The criteria weighed in granting USAU sponsorship to a new HS State Championship are:

1. Reliable organizers to host the event.
2. Keeping the growth at a level where high quality training can be provided to new organizers.

A “state tournament” can be an independent event, run by a local organization or organizer, but it must be sanctioned by USA Ultimate. State tournaments are most often used to prepare for running a State Championship in upcoming seasons.

A State Championship is a specific state tournament, owned by USA Ultimate and run by the USA Ultimate Competition State Youth Coordinator (SYC).

In 2022, the states hosting USA Ultimate High School State Championships were the following: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Requirements for USAU High School State Tournaments & Championships

A bid document must be submitted to the State Youth Coordinator (SYC), who will submit it to the Regional Youth Director (RYD) and Youth Competition Manager. If your state does not have an SYC, it should be submitted to the RYD. Contact information for SYCs and RYDs can be found here.

1. The state tournament or championship must be publicly announced to local organizers and via USA Ultimate web properties at least six weeks prior to the event. Announcement must include:
   1. Date(s) of event
   2. Location of event
   3. Contact information for event
   4. Registration requirements
2. The state tournament must include every HS team in the state that meets the State Youth Coordinator’s deadlines.
   1. In the event that there are too many in-state teams to accommodate at a state tournament, there must be a USAU qualifying event(s)* for the state tournament.
   2. b. If there is a qualification process or qualifying event for one team within the state, then all teams must participate in the qualification process or appropriate qualifying events. Example: If North Carolina were running Qualifying Events in Raleigh and Wilmington, then Charlotte teams must also compete in a Qualifying Event in order to be eligible for the state championship tournament.
   3. The State Championship can include teams from outside of the state as long as it does not prohibit in-state teams that have met the registration requirements from participating. Additionally, both the SYC and the RYD should be made aware of this arrangement.
   4. Teams cannot be directed to participate in a secondary event (such as a Division II or developmental division) without a Qualifying Event, unless they choose to do so.

*Qualifying Events: To be considered a qualifying event, the qualifying USAU-sanctioned structure for states must be accessible for everyone to participate in it. Any questions around what is considered a qualifying event, please contact your RYD.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the State Youth Coordinator, Regional Youth Director, and USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth.

Team Info

All teams must submit an official 2023 State Championship roster by the deadlines outlined below. All participants must be full USAU members in good standing. USAU membership dues and individual waivers must also be submitted prior to participation at the State Championships. Players may NOT pay one-time event fees or Affiliate Membership fees for championship events.

Membership options for players participating in a HS State Championship event include:

• A full Youth membership
• Players who have never had a USA Ultimate membership may be eligible for an Intro Rate membership at the discretion of the Youth Competition Manager. Team managers with new players should contact the Youth Competition Manager about these players prior to having new players purchase their memberships.

1. Event/Team Registration Deadline

1. All teams competing in a State Championship or Qualifying Event must be registered in the USAU online system (EMS) for the appropriate event two weeks prior to the event.
   • Teams without this information registered in the online system by this deadline will be ineligible to compete.
   • Teams that miss the deadline may contact the Competition State Youth Coordinator to request late acceptance and are subject to a $75 late fee. Late admittance may be granted pending completion of registration steps (USAU qualified Chaperone and Foundational Coach), but the SYC is not obligated to allow late teams to participate.
   • Registering your team in EMS requires having a Chaperone and coach on the roster. Players can be rostered until one week before the event.
2. Each team must have a registered Chaperone who has:
   • met the age requirement (21 years or older)
   • created a USAU account and purchased a membership
   • passed a USAU background check
   • completed SafeSport training
   • signed all waivers

   Each team must have a chaperone listed on the event roster (please see the Team Organizers page for details on team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have chaperones begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline (i.e. four weeks before the event).

   *If your team is competing in the State Championships for the first time, or if you need assistance with coach certification requirements, please contact the Youth Competition Manager.

3. Every coach on the roster must be a Foundational Coach who has:
   • met the age requirement (18 years or older)
   • an active USAU membership
   • passed a USAU background check
   • completed SafeSport training
   • completed CDC Concussion training
   • completed USAU Coach training and passed the Foundational Coach test
   • signed all waivers

Each team must have a USAU HS certified coach listed on the event roster* (please see the Team Organizers page for details on team creation and event registration) by the team registration deadline. Middle school coaches must have a Middle School Certification. Information on where to obtain certification can be found here. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have any coaches begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline (i.e. four weeks prior to the event).

*If 2023 is the first year that a team is playing in a High School State Championship, they are exempt from this requirement. However, it is strongly encouraged that they have a coach get the high school coach certification as they will be expected to meet this requirement in the subsequent years.

• No player, coach, or chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
• A coach who meets chaperone requirements (over 21 years of age) can fulfill both roles on one team roster.
• It is recommended that all player membership dues and waivers should be submitted prior to the team registration deadline.

Note: A chaperone or coach’s background check may expire prior to the end of the State Championship, in which case they must renew their background check prior to its expiration.

There may be additional registration information required by your State Youth Coordinator. Contact your State Youth Coordinator in advance of the registration deadline for more details.

2. Rostering Deadline: One week before the State Championships

1. Online rostering must be completed one week prior to a team’s State Championship (For example, if a team’s State Championship is May 13-14, rostering must be completed by May 6).
2. State Youth Coordinators may set an earlier deadline for rostering in coordination with their Regional Youth Director.

3. Player Eligibility

1. USA Ultimate High School Championship events are competitions for school-based teams. All players on teams participating in the event must meet the following guidelines for “High School Players.”
2. To be considered a High School Player, students must meet the following requirements:
   • Students must be regular members of the school they represent in order to participate in an interscholastic athletic activity.
     1. Students at public and private schools must be regular members of the school they represent, during the entire term during which the event is held, in order to participate in an interscholastic athletic activity.
        1. Students are a “regular member” of a school if they are enrolled half time or more, exclusive of interscholastic athletic activities.
        2. In cases where schools can provide supporting documentation, USA Ultimate allows two or more schools meeting certain requirements to compete as a consortium (single-team from multiple schools) in the USA Ultimate High School division. More details can be found here.
   • Students must be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
   • Students in 7th or 8th grade in states where there is no middle school playing opportunity available for their division may play with their associated high school based on approval from the high school coach, the player’s parents/guardians, and the high school administration.
3. Students ineligible under the above requirements and any of their state’s eligibility exceptions may apply for an eligibility exception. Please contact your State Youth Coordinator for an application.
4. Students must not turn 20 years old prior to June 1 of the current school year.
5. Students who are homeschooled will be considered eligible to participate on a team at a USA Ultimate Championship event as follows:
   • If the student is part of a USAU-recognized homeschool cooperative, they may participate as part of that cooperative’s ultimate team, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements. This homeschool cooperative must be renewed every two years and may be reviewed by USA Ultimate at earlier intervals if needed.
   • If the student is not part of a USAU-recognized homeschool cooperative, they may participate as part of the ultimate team at the public middle school that they would normally attend, provided that team meets the state tournament participation requirements.
   • If a student is a regular member of a school they may not play with any other school, regardless of any homeschool designation.
6. Players under the age of 18 must have a completed Medical Authorization form onsite at the event with their coach or chaperone.

4. State Eligibility Exceptions

The USAU Youth Guidelines provide a framework for school-based play across the country. However, State Youth Coordinators can create modifications to eligibility rules for their entire state up to one month before the event date with Regional Youth Director and USA Ultimate approval.

If approved, these modifications will supersede the USAU eligibility guidelines for that state and must be applied consistently and to all teams within that state. These exceptions can be found here and will be updated after April 1.

5. Coach Requirements

All teams are required to have a minimum of ONE USAU HS certified coach present and listed on the official event roster for all State Championships and Qualifying Events, unless it is a team’s first year competing at their state championship event. Then they are granted an exception to this requirement. Coaches for High School State Championships must be over 18, and they cannot be a student at the school for which they coach. Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.

6. Violations

Violations of these rules may result in disqualification of a team or individual from the State Championships and possible repercussions through the USAU Conduct Policy.

6. Clarifications and Exceptions

These rules are designed to be as fair as possible for the wide range of players participating in the State Championships. Experience has shown that there can be cases where these rules do not absolutely determine the eligibility of a particular player. The following procedure is available for players/teams for whom the rules are not clear:

1. The coach, team representative, or the player in question should consult with the State Youth Coordinator and the State Eligibility Exceptions, which are linked here and will be updated after April 1.
2. If the case is not clarified by the State Exceptions, the player can submit an exception request to the State Youth Coordinator, who will consult the Regional Youth Director and USAU Manager of Competition National Team Programs – Youth for how to proceed.
3. In the event that the coach, team representative, or the player feels that the decision is biased, or all aspects have not been considered, they may submit an appeal. To do this, please email youth_elig_chair@usaultimate.org.
4. An email to appeal must be sent to the Youth Eligibility Committee at least two weeks before the rostering deadline for the event. Late requests will be considered at the discretion of the Committee.
5. The inquiry will be reviewed by the Committee and responses sent by email.
6. Email youth_elig_chair@usaultimate.org if the form is not available or for any other questions.

The Eligibility Committee will rule on a player’s case based on the published Youth Competition Guidelines; this is not the mechanism for requesting changes to the guidelines. Please contact the Youth Manager of Competition and National Team Programs on the process for proposing changes.

Click here for State Youth Coordinator contact info.

Click here for detailed instructions on how to complete your roster and for links to the needed forms.

Click here for the Medical Authorization Form (required for minors). This is NOT the same as the USAU liability waiver.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth.

2023 Youth Club Warm-Ups

Overview

These tournaments may be run by local organizers for youth club players in June and July if in compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations, including USA Ultimate Return to Play Guidelines. The goal of these events is to provide accessible competition for youth ultimate players during the summer, prior to YCC. These tournaments will serve two major functions:

1. To provide warm-up opportunities for teams preparing to go to YCC in August.
2. To provide an additional playing opportunity for those teams that are unable to attend YCC.

Bid Application

Any organization that wants to run a Youth Club Warm-Up should email the Youth Competition Manager in order to get an application.

Application and Team Selection

Application deadlines will be set by the tournament organizer. Teams must be eligible by the USAU YCC guidelines to participate in these events:

• Teams should be given bid priority based on YCC guidelines.
• Events must offer equal playing opportunities for boys and girls.
• Players must be full USAU members in good standing to participate.

Team and Player Requirements

1. On-time receipt of application
2. Adequate adult support structure
   1. At least one rostered coach with USAU coach certification (this is in addition to being a Foundational Coach)
      • Coaches must be Middle School level certified for U15 or U12 teams and High School level certified for U20 and U17 teams.
   2. Two USAU qualified Chaperones over the age of 25.
3. Players in the U20 division must not turn 20 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the event.
4. Players in the U17 division must not turn 17 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 12 years of age at the time of the event.
5. Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay one-time event fees, or Affiliate membership fees, for Warm-up events.
6. Teams must be made up of players residing in the same region*, with residency defined as:
   1. the location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
   2. the location where the person is living for the majority of the 3 months prior to August.
   3. If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their “residence”, then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
   4. Teams are allowed a maximum of 4 out-of-region players.
7. Multiple team affiliations are not allowed. No player, coach, or Chaperone may be listed on two rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
8. A coach who meets chaperone requirements can fulfill both roles on one team roster.

*Youth Regions

• Central: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
• Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
• South: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
• West: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah

Event Registration

Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to attending teams along with the invitation to the event.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs (Youth).

2023 USA Ultimate Youth Club Championship (August 5-7, Aurora, CO)

Overview

The goal of this event is to provide national-level competition for youth ultimate players and encourage local playing opportunities for youth within the USAU structure. In 2023, USA Ultimate will be accepting bids for two separate age divisions – U20 and U17. The guidelines that follow are USAU’s requirements for qualification and criteria for acceptance for the USAU Youth Club Championships. As this is a growing division, these guidelines and the bid allocation process are subject to change.

As of 2021, if organizations have outstanding events open from the previous year (tournaments and/or leagues that have never been closed out with USAU) they will not be considered for Phase 1.

Application Process and Dates

Second teams* within a single division from a specific organization, and international teams, may apply at any time, but their applications will not be considered until after Phase 1.

The purpose of multiple bid deadlines is to accommodate leagues and teams that want to know early in the year how many bids they will receive and in which division(s). In recognizing that not all leagues are ready to bid early, Phase 2 was created to fill any vacant bids after Phase 1 and to give a second opportunity for new leagues/teams to apply.

*Note: If your organization is applying to send two boys’ teams for YCC, it must also be applying to send either a girls’ or a mixed team. Acceptance of a second boys’ team may be contingent on your organization accepting the bid and fielding that girls’ or mixed team.

As a part of the application process, applicants that do not meet a given criterion will be required to have a current youth club development proposal that outlines how the applicant will contribute to the development of youth ultimate in their area, and work with USAU to promote youth ultimate, over the next two years.

Applicants who successfully receive a bid based on their youth club development proposal may apply for such a conditional bid for two consecutive years.

IF you have not attended YCC previously, please complete the proposal and email it to the Youth Competition Manager.

After the two years from the time the proposal is accepted, if no viable USAU-sanctioned State Championship, youth club program, or high school league has been developed, it will be at the discretion of the Manager of Youth Competition and National Team Programs to determine whether the team can continue to apply for bids to the Youth Club Championships.

Team Selection Process

This process is designed to encourage communities to develop both youth club playing opportunities outside of the school structure and school-based opportunities that support the USAU High School State Championship series.

**If you run a USAU sanctioned regional youth event (see 2023 Youth Guidelines for details) instead of or in addition to a USAU sanctioned Youth Club League, this will count the same as a USAU sanctioned Youth Club League.

In the event that two teams have equal priority status on the above diagram, the bid priority will be given to the team that has the larger number of participants in their club and high school leagues, combined.

For each of the priority levels, you must meet the given criteria in a division that provides playing opportunities for players on the team requesting the bid.

• Priority bid in the boys’ division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the boys’ or mixed divisions in 2022.
• Priority bid in the girls’ division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the girls’ or mixed division in 2022.
• Priority bid in the mixed division is dependent upon meeting these criteria in the girls’ or mixed division in 2022.

We do not want the 2023 priority structure to keep any club or organization from submitting bids for YCC. For example, clubs submitting bids for the first time should not worry that it will preclude them from obtaining a bid. However, we do need a way to rank bid applications in order to offer bids in a consistent, equitable order.

IMPORTANT – Changes potentially happening to the YCC Qualifying process in 2024. Please read below for more information:

Beyond 2023, USAU is exploring running regional qualifying events that teams would participate in prior to YCC in order to qualify for the event. Regional events would be designed to help address capacity issues at YCC and provide more accessible playing opportunities for more teams around the country. This new qualifying structure may still include/incorporate existing qualifying criteria that are a part of the current YCC Bid Priority process. In order to ensure that these changes serve the development and growth of youth ultimate as best they can, there will be very intentional outreach efforts made to gain further community and organizer feedback throughout 2023.

International Teams

International teams will be placed according to the discretion of the USA Ultimate staff.

Some things that may be considered include:

• The number of bids available in the division
• Prior attendance at YCC
• Association with their home country’s governing body for ultimate
• COVID-19 and travel restrictions

Bid Allocation Limits

Organizations can only receive one bid per division during the Phase 1 allocations. A second bid within a division will only be considered in Phase 2 and if the division isn’t full. It will also be evaluated if the organization is adhering to the expectation about fulfilling teams across gender divisions noted above.

League Requirements

For the purposes of Team Selection for YCC, leagues will be defined as follows:

1. USAU Youth Club or High School League – must be run within the preceding 12 months at the time of the application deadline.
   1. USAU sanctioned
   2. Provides playing opportunities for youth in a youth-focused environment
   3. Competition and team makeup is not based on school affiliation
   4. Minimum of 4 league meetings (scheduled game days per team) over a minimum of 4 weeks
2. USA Ultimate reserves the right to determine whether leagues applying for bids to YCC meet the above criteria.

All Teams – COVID Contingencies

All teams will be expected to comply with federal, state, local, and USA Ultimate medical and safety requirements for the event, including USA Ultimate’s COVID-19 Protocols and Procedures. Teams should make team and travel plans with potential COVID-related issues in mind.

U20 Teams

U20 Team Requirements

1. On-time receipt of application
2. Adequate adult support
   1. At least two USAU-qualified chaperones 25 years of age or older with a USAU membership, signed waivers, a current NCSI background check, and current SafeSport training.
   2. At least one rostered coach with USAU coaching certification (this is in addition to being a Foundational Coach). Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.
      • Coaches must be High School or Middle School level certified.
   3. No coach or chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions). Those fulfilling the required roles of certified coaches and chaperones CANNOT compete in ICC (the adult U.S. Open) during YCC.
   4. A coach who meets the chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.
3. Must be made up of players residing in the same (USAU youth) region (see Youth Regions defined under Youth Club Warm-Ups), with residency defined as:
   1. the location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
   2. the location where the person is living for the majority of the 3 months prior to August.
   3. If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their “residence”, then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
   4. Teams are allowed a maximum of 4 out-of-region players. If you have out-of-region players, you will need to provide the reasons that these players are on your roster in this form.
4. Each team must provide a volunteer scorekeeper for each of their games at YCC.

U20 High School Player Requirements

This division is for youth players still in high school or middle school or have recently graduated high school in the preceding academic year.

1. Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay one-time event fees, or Affiliate Membership fees, for YCC.
2. All players must not turn 20 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the event.
   1. Medical Authorization Forms for players under the age of 18 will be collected electronically. More details on submitting these forms will be shared upon your bid acceptance.
3. Player Eligibility Exception Process: Players that do not meet above requirements but wish to participate may be granted an exception and are encouraged to apply for one. These situations require completion of a Player Eligibility Exception Application. Please submit your exception request by May 26, 2023. No exception requests will be considered past June 23, 2023.
   1. All other players will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   2. College students that have completed their freshman year or are rostered with a college team (on a college team personnel roster) are not eligible.
   3. No exceptions will be made for players more than one full academic year out from their high school graduation date.
   4. USAU reserves the right to determine whether players on applying teams meet the above criteria.
4. No player may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).

U20 Event Registration

Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to selected teams along with the invitation to the event.

U17 Teams

U17 Team Requirements

1. On-time receipt of application
2. Adequate adult support
   1. At least two USAU-qualified chaperones 25 years of age or older with a USAU membership, signed waivers, a current NCSI background check, and current SafeSport training.
   2. At least one rostered coach with USAU coaching certification (this is in addition to being a Foundational Coach). Information on where to obtain certification can be found here.
      • Coaches must be High School level certified.
   3. No coach or chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions). Those fulfilling the required roles of certified coaches and chaperones CANNOT compete in ICC (the adult U.S. Open) during YCC.
   4. A coach who meets the chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.
3. Must be made up of players residing in the same (USAU youth) region (see Youth Regions defined under Youth Club Warm-Ups), with residency defined as:
   1. the location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
   2. the location where the person is living for the majority of the 3 months prior to August.
   3. If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their “residence”, then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
   4. Teams are allowed a maximum of 4 out-of-region players. If you have out-of-region players, you will need to provide the reasons that these players are on your roster in this form.
4. Each team must provide a volunteer scorekeeper for each of their games at YCC.

U17 U17 Middle and High School Player Requirements

This division is for youth players in Middle or High School

1. Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event. Players may not pay one-time event fees, or Affiliate Membership fees, for YCC.
2. All players must not turn 17 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 12 years of age at the time of the event.
   1. Medical Authorization Forms for players under the age of 18 will be collected electronically. More details on submitting these forms will be shared upon your bid acceptance.
3. Player Eligibility Exception Process: Players that do not meet above requirements but wish to participate may be granted an exception and are encouraged to apply for one. These situations require completion of a Player Eligibility Exception Application. Please submit your exception request by May 26, 2023. No exception requests will be considered past June 23, 2023.
   1. All other players will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   2. USAU reserves the right to determine whether players on applying teams meet the above criteria.
   3. No player may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).

U17 Event Registration

Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to selected teams along with the invitation to the event.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs (Youth).

2023 USA Ultimate Regional Youth Club Events

Overview

USA Ultimate is looking for organizations who want to host a regional tournament in their area, bringing in teams from within their region to compete against one another. The goal of these events is to provide an additional, accessible opportunity for youth ultimate players who YCC might pose a large financial burden to participation but still provide them with the opportunity to (potentially) travel and to play teams outside of their usual local or state-based play. It would also be great to have these events put an emphasis on new players and/or teams in the U17 and U15 age divisions. Otherwise, the hope is that these events draw new players to the sport.

USA Ultimate will be working with interested organizers in coordinating these regional youth events for the following age divisions: U20, U17, and U15, as well as any other age groups under 20 who they want to gear their event towards. The following information are USAU’s suggestions for qualifications for participating teams and players as well as criteria for those hosting a regional youth event. As this is a developing event opportunity, these guidelines and the bid application process for organizations and teams are subject to change and at the discretion of the event organizer(s) and USAU headquarters staff.

To Organize a Regional Youth Event

Any organization that wants to run a regional youth event should email the Youth Competition Manager in order to begin planning the event and to coordinate the timing of their event along with other potential regional youth events. Organizations must show that they are complying with all USA Ultimate and local/state health and safety requirements, including USA Ultimate’s COVID-19 Protocols and Procedures, and have requirements in place for participating teams that ensure adequate adult supervision and quarantine contingencies in place.

To Participate in a Regional Youth Event

If you are interested in attending one of these events, or in hosting one, this is a description of what kind of teams and players we are hoping to serve with these events, but this is ultimately up to the discretion of the organizer(s)/organization running the event, so please look for communication on the event webpage and from the organizers themselves for more information.

You may likely be expected to meet the following team and player requirements that are similar to those for YCC and Youth Club Warm-Ups:

Potential Team and Player Requirements

1. On-time receipt of application
2. Adequate adult support structure
   1. Each team must have two registered chaperones who are over the age of 25 and have:
      • created a USAU account and purchased a membership
      • passed a USAU background check
      • completed SafeSport training
      • signed all waivers

      Please see the Resources page for details team creation and event registration. In order to meet the event deadlines, teams must have chaperones begin the background check process no later than two weeks prior to the team registration deadline.

   2. Each team must have a Foundational Coach* who has:
      • met the age requirement (18 years or older)
      • an active USAU membership
      • passed a USAU background check
      • completed SafeSport training
      • completed CDC Concussion training
      • completed USAU Coach training and passed the Foundational Coach test
      • signed waivers

      *Coaches for Regional Youth Events will not be required to become certified for these events, but it may be required in 2024. This would mean that coaches have completed High School coach certification for the U20 or U17 division or Middle School coach certification for the U15 division, on top of meeting the above criteria.

3. Players in a U20 division must not turn 20 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the event.
4. Players in a U17 division must not turn 17 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 12 years of age at the time of the event.
5. Players in a U15 division must not turn 15 before January 1, 2024 and must be at least 10 years of age at the time of the event.
6. Each player on the roster must be a USA Ultimate member in good standing at all times during the event.
7. Teams must be made up of players residing in the same (USAU youth) region (see Youth Regions defined under Youth Club Warm-Ups), with residency defined as:
   1. the location where the person is living for the majority of August, AND
   2. the location where the person is living for the majority of the 3 months prior to August.
   3. If the above definition means that a player does not have a region as their “residence”, then the player is considered to be an out-of-region player.
   4. Teams are allowed a maximum of 4 out-of-region players.
8. USAU reserves the right to determine whether players on applying teams meet the above criteria.
9. No player, coach, or Chaperone may be listed on two or more rosters at the same event (including across multiple gender or age divisions).
10. A Foundational Coach who meets the Chaperone requirements may fulfill both roles on one team roster.

Event Registration

Information on paperwork requirements and deadlines will be sent to selected teams along with the invitation to the event.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the event organizer/organization running this event and the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth.

Competition Guidelines

Minor (Under 18) Player Info

Minors participating in the State Championships or Qualifying Events, Youth Club Warm-ups, YCC, or regional youth events must have a Medical Authorization Form completed prior to participation. A team with minors on it must have one or more approved, background-checked Chaperones listed on the team’s official roster.

The medical release form is the responsibility of the chaperone; it must be brought to each USAU event and kept on hand by the chaperone. This form will allow medical personnel to treat an injured minor without a parent/guardian having to be present. Without this form, a doctor might not be able to treat an injured minor.

Note: A Medical Authorization is not the same as the USAU liability waiver or infectious disease waiver.

Spirit of the Game

Spirit of the Game is a set of principles which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play.

All players are responsible for knowing, administering, and adhering to the rules. The integrity of ultimate depends on each player’s responsibility to uphold the Spirit of the Game, and this responsibility should remain paramount.

It is assumed that no player will intentionally violate the rules; thus, there are no harsh penalties for inadvertent infractions, but rather a method for resuming play in a manner that simulates what most likely would have occurred absent the infraction. An intentional infraction is cheating and considered a gross offense against the Spirit of the Game. Players are morally bound to abide by the rules and not gain advantage by knowingly committing an infraction, or calling one where none exists.

For more information on Spirit of the Game, click here.

School-Based vs. Youth Club

For school-based events, i.e. High School and Middle School State Championships, it is expected that all students are competing with their primary full-time school where they are seeking a diploma or equivalent. If all students do not attend the same school, they must request exceptions in advance according to the guidelines of that event.

For youth club events, i.e. YCC, Warm-Ups, Youth Regionals, teams may consist of any youth players within their youth region. Overall, the youth division is designed for players who are high-school aged or younger.

Gender Division Eligibility

In their USA Ultimate membership account, every athlete should select the gender identity option that best aligns with their gender identity. When registering for a USA Ultimate sanctioned or championship series event, athletes should select to participate in the division in which they feel most comfortable and safe based on their indicated gender identity.

1. Players who select Man (cis or trans) as their gender identity option are eligible to compete in men’s/boys’ divisions or as a man-matching player in mixed divisions.
2. Players who select Woman (cis or trans) as their gender identity option are eligible to compete in men’s/boys’ or women’s/girls’ divisions, or as a woman-matching player in mixed divisions.
3. Players who select the Non-Binary or Prefer to Self-Report gender identity option are eligible to compete in the division in which they feel most comfortable and safe, as per USA Ultimate’s Gender Inclusion Policy (approved 11.2020).
   
   Note: For those who select Prefer to Self-Report, there will be a fill-in option to provide any additional information regarding your gender identity. This is for internal educational purposes only and will not be shared.
4. On-field personnel ratio rules for the mixed division are described in the On-field Personnel Ratio for Mixed Division section of the Competition Guidelines.

Coaching Certification Requirements

The following describes coach requirements for High School State Championships:

• Every team must have one High School certified coach present and on the roster.*
  • *Unless they are a first-year team, then this certification requirement is waived. However, their coaches are still encouraged to become high school coach certified, since they will be required to be certified in subsequent years.
• All coaches must be rostered and have completed the Foundational Coach requirements.

The following describes coach requirements for Middle School State Championships:

• Every team must have one Middle School certified coach present and on the roster.*
  • *Unless they are a first-year team, then this certification requirement is waived. However, their coaches are still encouraged to become high school coach certified, since they will be required to be certified in subsequent years.
• All coaches must be rostered and have completed the Foundational Coach requirements.

The following describes coach requirements for YCC at the USOCC:

• Each team must have one rostered coach with USAU High School Coaching Certification (this is in addition to the Foundational Coach requirements).
• All other coaches must be rostered, which means that they have completed the Foundational Coach requirements.

Information on upcoming certification clinics can be found here. If there is not a clinic in your area, contact your local organization to request getting a clinic set up near you.

Name/Logo/Uniform Guidelines

USAU reserves the right to alter, or require a team to alter, a team name, player nickname, team logo, jersey graphic, or uniform and/or suggest alternatives at or in conjunction with a USAU program or event should USAU personnel determine that the existing name, logo, graphic, or uniform might hinder the mission of the organization or the goals of a specific USAU program or event. Alterations must meet with the approval of USAU personnel.

Player Uniform Requirements

• All players participating in the USAU Warm-Up events and the USAU Youth Club Championship tournaments for a given team must wear jerseys of identical color and design.
• Teams must have two jerseys of distinctly different colors.
• Jerseys must have numbers on the back. The numbers must be at least 6 inches high and be one or two digit Arabic numerals. No two players on a given team may use the same number or numbers with the same value (e.g. 00 and 0, 01 and 1, etc.).
• Uniform bottoms (shorts, pants, skirts) worn by players on the field must be the same color.
• It is recommended that uniform accessories including tights, undershirts, hats, and socks be of identical or coordinated style and color.
• USAU reserves the right to disqualify and/or fine players who fail to meet the uniform requirements.
• The uniform requirements for USAU State HS Championships are to be determined by the State Youth Coordinator.

Coach Uniform Requirements

• All coaches participating in the USAU Warm-Up events or Youth Club Championships must wear either a uniform of identical color and design as the team, or professional coaching attire as defined below.
• Professional coaching attire is defined as any combination of the following:
  • The team jersey, or a sleeved shirt/polo matching the team uniform colors (and/or high school, if the team uses the school colors for their uniforms)
  • Team shorts/skirt or hemmed slacks/shorts/skirt of an appropriate solid color
  • Business casual attire
  • Closed toe shoes such as cleats, flats, or athletic shoes. Flip flops, open toed sandals, and bare feet are not considered professional coaching attire.
• Coach jerseys and shorts are not subject to the number requirements for players.
• Names, logos, and graphics on jerseys must comply with the Name/Logo/Uniform Guidelines above.
• It is recommended that uniform accessories including weather related gear, tights, undershirts, hats, and socks be of identical or coordinated style and color.
• USA Ultimate reserves the right to remove from the sideline/field and/or fine coaches who fail to meet the uniform requirements.
These requirements do not apply to State Championships.

Formats

State Championship tournament formats will be determined by coordinators using USAU guidelines for the Championship Series. Contact your Competition State Youth Coordinator for information. Formats for HS State Championships and Youth Club Warm-Ups will be determined by the local organizer/Tournament Director. Formats for regional youth events and YCC will depend on the number of teams and fields, showcasing the division at its best, and providing a great playing experience for all the teams.

Note that formats in the current USA Ultimate Formats Manual are being updated to meet the following guidelines. State Youth Coordinators must contact their Regional Youth Director to have a format approved.

Youth Event Competition Schedule Standards

1. Only eligible players can compete in sanctioned youth events.
2. Maximum amount of time that players are at the fields is 9 hours per day.
3. Maximum amount of actual game time is 6 hours per day.
4. For standard 2 hour rounds (games to 15), there is a max of 3 games a day (6 per weekend).
5. Minimum of 30 minutes from hard cap to beginning of the next round.
6. If teams have more than 2 games per day, a 1-hour break between games is recommended.

Seeding

Seeding for the HS State Championships will be done by the SYC using the following information: input solicited from all the coaches/captains of participating teams; results of head-to-head match-ups prior to the Championships; results of previous years’ Championships; and other applicable information such as team composition during or prior to the Championships.

• The coordinator has the authority to adjust rankings according to the best information available.

Seeding for the USAU Youth Club Championships will be done by the USAU Championship series staff using the following information: input solicited from all the coaches of participating teams; results of head-to-head match-ups prior to the Championships; results of last year’s Championships; and other applicable information such as team composition during or prior to the Championships and geographic location.

Forfeit Rule

1. A team must play all of its games at a tournament.
   1. Any team that declines to finish a scheduled game or games or attempts to decide a match by any manner other than playing ultimate on the field will forfeit those games. Should both teams in a match choose not to play, then it will be considered a double forfeit.
   2. At the discretion of the event’s USAU coordinator, consideration may be given to situations that might warrant an exception being made, provided it does not affect the fairness or integrity of the competition.
   3. Consideration should be given if a team misses the first game of the first day because of travel problems.
2. If one team is not ready to play at game-time, points may be assessed in accordance with the current edition of the USAU Official Rules of Ultimate. Under these conditions, if the score of the game reaches 8-0, the team that has failed to signal readiness will technically forfeit the game (see rule above).
3. A team will be considered to have forfeited any game where the number of players that can safely participate falls below the minimum requirement set by the Event Organizer for that specific event (see “Player Minimums” below).

Rules

2023 USAU Youth and High School Championship events will be played using the current edition of the USAU Official Rules of Ultimate. Any changes to these rules must be pre-approved by the USAU Championship Series headquarters staff.

Observers

Only USAU Certified Observers or Instructional Observers are permitted to officiate at USAU Championship or Championship Series Events.

If officials are used during USAU Youth or High School Championship events, their duties must be in line with those described in the USAU Observer Manual. Any changes to these duties must be pre-approved by the Championship Series Manager.

If captains want observers to be present at a tournament, they must notify the event coordinator at least 4 weeks prior to the tournament. This will facilitate recruitment prior to the event. The use of observers is subject to the availability of observer staff.

On-Field Personnel Ratio for Mixed Division

1. Youth Club Championships
   1. The personnel ratio for the mixed division of the Youth Club Championships will be 4/3 (4 man-matching players and 3 woman-matching players, or 4 woman-matching players and 3 man-matching players), adhering to WFDF Rule A:
      • Games played at the Youth Club Championship for the U20 Mixed Division will also have an additional disc flip after the initial flip, where the winner will decide the personnel ratio for the first point. For the second and third points the ratio must be the reverse of the first point. For the fourth and fifth points the ratio must be the same as the first point. This pattern of alternating the ratio every two points repeats until the end of the game (half time has no impact on the pattern). This is in line with WFDF’s Rule A, also known as the “prescribed ratio” rule described in the official WFDF Rules of Ultimate 2021-2024 – APPENDIX v1.0.
      • In addition to Rule A, whichever gender-matching players have the majority on the starting line, a player of that gender-matching group will need to pull. For example, if there are 4 woman-matching players and 3 man-matching players on the line that is pulling, one of their woman-matching players must pull the disc to start the point and vice versa.
   2. If the pulling team cannot match the on-field personnel ratio of all 7 players, then it must play with fewer than 7 players, matching the personnel ratio with as many players as possible.
   3. Injury timeouts
      • In the event of an injury time-out where a player leaves the field, the replacing player must maintain the same personnel ratio as was with the injured player.
      • If a team replaces players, the opposing team has the option of substituting a like number of, or fewer players.
      • The replacing player(s) must maintain the same personnel ratio as was with the player(s) they replace.
      • If a team calls an injury time-out but does not have a replacement player to maintain the same personnelusatio as was with the injured player, it may not replace that player and must play with fewer than 7 players.
2. HS State Championships
   1. At USAU HS State Championships that include a mixed division, the on-field personnel ratio for that division will be determined by the USAU State Youth Coordinator after consulting with the affected teams’ captains and coaches.
   2. Please note that for teams to be eligible to apply for participation at the mixed division of a State Championship, Youth Club Warm-Ups, YCC, or regional youth events must have an on-field personnel ratio of 4/3 (4 man-matching players and 3 woman-matching players, or 4 woman-matching players and 3 man-matching players).

Player Minimums

1. USAU Youth and High School Championship events set specific player minimum requirements for both registration and competition.
2. Registration Minimums: Set to determine whether a team can officially register for an event.
   1. For Sanctioned/Championship Tournament play: 10 total players minimum, and for mixed divisions, at least 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching players.
   2. For League Match play: 10 total players minimum, and for mixed divisions, at least 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching players.
   3. For Youth Club Warm-Ups: 14 total players minimum registered and attending the event, and for mixed divisions, at least 6 man-matching and 6 woman-matching players.
   4. For Youth Club Championships: 14 total players minimum registered and attending the event, and for mixed divisions, at least 6 man-matching and 6 woman-matching players.
   5. For Regional Youth Events: 14 total players minimum registered and attending the event, and for mixed divisions, at least 6 man-matching and 6 woman-matching players.
3. Competition Minimums: Set to determine whether a team can continue to compete safely at an event.
   1. For Sanctioned/Championship Tournament play: 7 players to start, 5 to continue playing. Fewer than 5 is a forfeit. For mixed: 8 players to start, 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching players to start. 5 to continue playing.
   2. For League Match play: 7 players to start, 5 to continue playing. Fewer than 5 is a forfeit. For mixed: 8 players to start, 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching players. 5 to continue playing.
   3. For Regional Events/Youth Club Championships: 7 players to start, 5 to continue playing. Fewer than 5 is a forfeit. For mixed: 8 players to start, 4 man-matching and 4 woman-matching players. 5 to continue playing.

Contact the event organizer or USAU headquarters to determine any requirements beyond these minimums.

Violations and Sanctions

Failure to abide by any of the Competition Guidelines may result in sanctions through the USA Ultimate conduct process. Such sanctions may be imposed on a team or individuals associated with a team deemed to be in violation of the guidelines, and may include, but are not limited to, suspension or disqualification from USA Ultimate competition.

In order to help teams follow the Competition Guidelines and avoid violations, USA Ultimate will continue to work to improve registration procedures and communication of information pertaining to youth competition. As these improvements are made by the organization, teams will continue to be held more fully responsible for following procedures and understanding information. Because consistency in holding all participants to the same administrative and competitive standards is vital to the integrity of the competition, because many violations lead to unfair advantages in competition, and because it is often difficult to determine intent, guideline violations will result in serious repercussions. Such repercussions will provide an incentive for players and teams to understand the guidelines fully, follow the guidelines carefully, and avoid intended or unintended violations in the future.

Application and compliance of the above guidelines will be subject to the discretion of the USA Ultimate Manager of Competition and National Team Programs – Youth.