Barry & BD, I'd like to register my support for the Belgian Flying Disc Federation in their request to have observers withdrawn from the game of Ultimate.
In any sport where there is a third party making decisions about the outcome of the game the sport leans towards trying to get away with as much rule bending/breaking as possible. Self-responsibility and self-refereeing are the factors that stand our sport above all others. We have every right to be proud of that fact. The concept of observers has always seemed like a reasonable one. Quite often a person off the pitch has a better view of a line call, infringement, or travel than the players involved. However by handing over responsibility for any sort of calls to a third party you take something away from the players. That is the requirement to be honest and spirited and play with respect for the rules and other players. The UK scene has proved time and time again that we can play at the very highest level and still settle highly charged and contentious situations in a amicable manner. At European's and in our own Nationals last year there were examples of high profile games being paused while a situation, that would have finished in the lap of the observers in the USA, was sorted out by the players. I'd be interested to hear from any Americans on the list who have practical experience of observers in big games and how they effect the flow of play and the attitude of the players. Cheers Tom Flyght Club #1 Voice of UK Ultimate The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. __________________________________________________ BritDisc mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://pootle.near.me.uk/mailman/listinfo/britdisc Staying informed - http://www.ukultimate.com/informed.asp
