IUF COVID-19 Updates:


​IUF November Release - Nov 3, 2020
Indiana Ultimate Foundation has voted to extend its suspension of all IUF programming through March of 2021. This includes the IUF winter league, YCC tryouts, youth clinics, coaching clinics/certifications, and tournaments. 

This decision comes with much thought and consideration by our board of directors. The Indiana Ultimate Foundation continues to put the health and safety of our community members at the forefront in decision making regarding IUF events and IUF event hosting. Given the current climate of COVID-19 transmission and the rising cases both across the country, and within the state of Indiana, we have deemed it unsafe for us to resume IUF programming of any kind. We will continue to monitor the state guidelines, alongside CDC guidelines, to determine when it is best for us to resume our non-profit organization's programming. 

We recognize that IUF does not oversee every activity related to ultimate in the Indianapolis community, but we highly encourage everyone to use the same amount of caution in mitigating the risk of COVID-19. That being said, we also encourage all community members to care for their community in the following ways: 
  • Avoid unsafe play 
  • Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible
  • Avoid large groups and gatherings
  • Avoid handshakes and high-fives
  • Frequently wash your hands

As much as we all want to get back on the field, we cannot minimize COVID-19 risks enough to justify programming as a smart or safe decision for the Indiana Ultimate Foundation. Ultimate involves sustained close proximity in marking and matchup defense which can lead to a high probability for transmission of respiratory particles. Additional factors, such as a shared disc and a lack of protective barriers between participants make it tough to mitigate transmission risk in a competitive environment. These risk factors become even greater in an indoor environment. Lessened air circulation, decreased sideline space, narrow entrance and exit ways, all play a part in decreasing social distancing opportunities, and increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19. 

We appreciate your understanding and hope that everyone has found a way to stay active and healthy during this time. Please reach-out with any further questions or concerns. 

Best,
Indiana Ultimate Foundation Board of Directors
indianaultimatefoundation@gmail.com

September 1, 2020 - IUF Fall League Update (2020)
Indiana Ultimate Foundation has made the decision to cancel the 2020 IUF Fall League. 

In late May, we made the decision to halt all IUF programming, announcing an indefinite suspension of our activities, and this will likely continue throughout the duration of 2020. This decision comes with much thought and consideration by our board of directors. The Indiana Ultimate Foundation continues to put the health and safety of our community members at the forefront in decision making regarding IUF events and IUF event hosting. Given the current climate of COVID-19 transmission and rising cases both across the country, and within the state of Indiana, we have deemed it unsafe for us to host the IUF Fall League. 

As determined by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, ultimate remains a “Level 1,” high risk sport. Sustained close proximity in marking and matchup defense leads to a high probability for transmission of respiratory particles, which can be further exacerbated by audible stall counts. Additional factors, such as a shared disc and a lack of protective barriers between participants make it tough to mitigate transmission risk in a competitive environment. These risk factors become even greater in an indoor environment. Lessened air circulation, decreased sideline space, narrow entrance and exit ways, all play a part in decreasing social distancing opportunities, and increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19. No amount of caution can minimize the risks enough to make running the IUF Fall League a safe decision for the Indiana Ultimate Foundation. 

We encourage all community members to care for their community in the following ways: 
  • Avoid unsafe play of any kind
  • Wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and when indoors
  • Stay home except for essential activities
  • Avoid large groups and gatherings
  • Stay 6 feet away from others, especially those outside of your housing unit
  • Avoid handshakes, high-fives, and hugs
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds

​May 26, 2020 Press Release

​Hello IUF Community, 

Recent months have been challenging for everyone. As state and local officials begin the process of reopening our economy and restarting public activities, we remain hopeful that we will be able to resume playing the sport we love. Since the cancellation of winter league on March 12, the Indiana Ultimate Foundation board has been working to educate ourselves on all aspects of the impact of COVID-19, but most particularly on its effect on the sports world.  

At this point we have made the decision to cancel the USA Ultimate Indiana High School State Championships and are postponing all IUF leagues, practices, and clinics, as well as any other Indiana Ultimate Foundation sponsored activities. We highly recommend that all organizers of pick-up play cease any promotion of such events, as the safety requirements and liability concerns are plentiful. We will continue to monitor the expert advice of local, state, and national health experts and anxiously await a time that we can all safely participate in the great sport of ultimate. The safety of our participants, as well as the safety of their friends, family and the local community are paramount in our decision-making process. 

Outside of our local community, USA Ultimate has cancelled all TCT regular season events and postponed the Masters National Championships and Youth Club Championships, originally scheduled for late July and early August. At the national level, the likelihood of competition throughout the summer months seems slim, while at the local level we remain hopeful to put together some form of event. 

With further guidance from USA Ultimate expected in early June, we are hopeful that we will be able to announce a more specific return-to-play guideline soon and are also hopeful to finalize and announce an amount of virtual content in the coming weeks. Additionally, we will soon announce a fundraising project to give the community the opportunity to purchase IUF gear from our merchandise vendor, Breakmark. 

This decision is not made without due diligence. As organizers, we have been closely following return-to-play documents from various organizations and participating in webinars and conference calls hosted by some of the nation’s most elite organizations including the World Health Organization, USA Ultimate, Aspen Institute’s Project Play, US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Center for Disease Control, National Federation of State High School Associations, and Governor Eric Holcomb’s Back On Track Indiana. More specific guidance for sports in Indiana can be found in Section 16 of Holcomb’s latest Executive Order. As the state begins to reopen, we note that the re-opening of Marion, Lake, and Cass counties currently sit approximately two weeks behind the current state orders, eligible to enter reopening Phase 3 on June 1.  

Given the movements and interactions required in ultimate, playing this sport under the above guidelines is not currently feasible. Following the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee guidelines for assessing risk levels, ultimate falls into identification as a “Level 1” (High Risk) sport, defined as: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant protective 
barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between participants.

Sustained close proximity in marking and matchup defense lead to a high probability for transmission of respiratory particles, further exacerbated by audible stall counts while marking. Additional factors, such as a shared disc, make it tough to mitigate transmission risk to a point that is safe for the community. Putting safety at the forefront, we have made the determination that an indefinite postponement of IUF activities is what best promotes the wellbeing of our community members.  

We realize navigating this pandemic has been difficult and this is disappointing news to many. Please know that our board members are continuously monitoring changes in guidelines, requirements and recommendations in an effort to get us back on the field as quickly and safely as we can. When we have significant news to share, we will do so promptly. Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at indianaultimatefoundation@gmail.com, message us social media platforms or check our COVID-19 website page.

​We miss all of you and hope to see you soon safely! 
​
Indiana Ultimate Foundation Board 
John Rempel 
Brittney Ballard 
Blake Vanderbush 
Rechelle Frash 
Zakk Mabrey 
Kelsie Sparks  
Andrew Miller 

IUF COVID-19 Update: May 13, 2020


​Indiana Ultimate Community! As the state of Indiana begins to loosen restrictions related to COVID-19, the Indiana Ultimate Foundation board has set out to begin the process of planning a return to participation.
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As we serve the community, we seek your input in gaining direction for planning events so that the community feels safe & comfortable. Please take the following survey >> https://forms.gle/H5wDTtfpVwcrs1G76

IUF COVID-19 Update: May 5, 2020


​As the state of Indiana begins the process of reopening, the IUF Board is hard at work determining the date we can safely resume programming. Though we miss ultimate, community & all of you, safety is of utmost importance. Our goal is to get back onto the field this summer - but want to ensure the health, safety & well being of our participants first
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Please be on the lookout in the coming days, as we plan to release a general interest survey for Summer League 2020. As the community we are serving, your thoughts & feelings are important to us! If you have questions or concerns - please reach out to us at indianaultimatefoundation@gmail.com

IUF COVID-19 Update: March 12, 2020


​IUF Winter League is cancelled due to a recent update from USAU in regards to Covid-19. We will continue to update as to how this will impact the rest of our upcoming events! Feel free to reach out with questions. And also, please continue to wash your hands & look out for those around you!