>It's true that a small minority of players indulge in a joint or two at
>tournaments, and most of us will acknowledge that. However as soon as that
>ceases to be a sub-culture, it's going to have a very detrimental effect on
>how Ultimate is perceived. Openly endorsing and associating illegal
>behaviour with Ultimate is only going to cause the sport to be even further
>marginalised.
>
>It's a shame that this is what this debate is focusing on, but I guess this
>underlines the point being made - an excellent tournament is being
>completely overshadowed by the drugs issue. Is this what we want *all*
>discussion about Ultimate to focus on?
the fact is, we all know there is a certain degree of substance abuse
involved with our sport and opinions will undoubtably be divided as to how
much this is an essential aspect of the ultimate community and as to how
serious a problem it is.
some may well say it is in the nature of the sport, but even those who have
no qualms about it (and even play under the influence) will admit that
there's far more to the sport than that, if only the ignorant,
mainstream-sport-supporting public would realise it.
but then, while the sport is minority and alternative, why not combine it
with more illicit pleasures?
ultimate is unique in many ways, and one is its laid back, beach-chuckabout,
showboating style. i'd be interested in whether there were similar obstacles
to beach volleyball being embraced by the mainstream.
ultimately, drug use was a minor factor when snowboarding was integrated
into the olympics, but the sport spoke for itself.
ed
japan
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