There are no referees during indoor Ultimate Frisbee, so the speed of play is rarely interrupted during the 45-minute game clock. Ultimate players dash in intricate patterns on the gym floor, going around opposing defenders to catch tosses low, high and behind the back. Defenders watch the eyes of their mark, and react off of any slightest hint of a body twitch that may give away an opportunity for a disc swat, or interception.
The University of Idaho Ultimate Frisbee Club hosted its third annual Indoor Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19. The tournament hosted ultimate teams from all over the Pacific Northwest, and raised money for the club to be able to travel to tournaments in
the spring.
UI Ultimate Frisbee Club captain Kyle Oldemeyer said there were nine teams participating in the tournament, including three UI teams, three teams from Washington State, one team from Gonzaga, an Eastern Washington team and a club team from the Tri-Cities area. Visiting teams had to pay a tournament fee of $100, Oldemeyer said.
“This is the most teams we’ve had in attendance in the past three years,” Oldemeyer said. “We’re hoping to grow next year, maybe get another gym, and a few
more teams.”
The top UI team, known as Red Scare, placed third in the tournament, losing to a WSU alumni team that won the tournament. Eight-year UI Ultimate Frisbee club veteran Derek Davidson said the team this year has an extremely good chance of going to the Ultimate Frisbee regional competition. He said the team had a few injuries last year that led to a heartbreaking loss, during the qualifying match for regionals.
“This is easily the best team we’ve ever had,” Davidson said.
Oldemeyer coordinated the tournament, and he said the nine teams played eight games each. Whichever team had the most points at the end of the tournament, won. Other awards were also given out periodically, such as the “Best Frisbee Mom” award, given to a particularly dedicated fan from WSU.
There are no referees for these tournaments, so the game relies heavily on team sportsmanship to settle disputes over fouls and gameplay. Oldemeyer said this leads to players getting to know one another on a more personal level, much of the time becoming friends. First year UI student Margaret Fitzgerald said that the positive attitudes of the players are one of the reasons she has enjoyed being a part of the club.
“When you are all together like that in a big, smelly gym … it’s a good time,” Fitzgerald said.