Event Sanctioning Program FAQ's
Contact sanction_event@upa.org with questions.
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What events can be sanctioned by the UPA? The UPA sanctions Ultimate events such as tournaments, leagues, practices, and clinics. The UPA is devoted entirely to the sport of Ultimate and only endorses and affiliates with events that support the organization's
definition of Ultimate,
mission statement, and
current edition of rules. The UPA defines Ultimate as a:
Player defined and controlled non-contact team sport played with a flying disc on a playing surface with end zones in which all actions are governed by the "
Spirit of the Game™."
For more information on "player controlled" see information regarding
observers. Sanctioning an event with the UPA is an application process subject to approval. The UPA reserves the right to deny sanctioning to any event.
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Why do organizers sanction their events with the UPA?Most organizers apply to sanction an event with the UPA for a combination of reasons. The primary reasons for sanctioning include a desire to host an event which is affiliated and supported by the national governing body, insurance coverage, access to additional resources and legitimacy.
Back to TopIf I sanction my event, will it be considered a UPA event?UPA sanctioned events are affiliated with the organization. The UPA supports the event and its organizers. However, sanctioned events are not considered UPA events. Only events which are organized and directed by UPA staff are considered UPA events. Because event organizers for sanctioned events are in no way a direct volunteer or staff of the UPA, these events do not take on the status of being a UPA event.
Back to TopCan I use the UPA's Federal Tax ID# to secure facilities or discounts for a sanctioned event?No, a sanctioned event is not considered a UPA event and, therefore, can not use our Federal Tax ID# for the purpose of securing facilities or discounts.
Back to TopWhat does it mean to sanction my event with the UPA? As an organizer of a sanctioned event you will receive insurance, additional resources and assistance with organizing and promoting your event. In return, a sanctioned event organizer agrees to act as a representative of the UPA, support the conditions outlined in the contract, meet the criteria for event conditions and safety, and comply by the sanctioning guidelines. A sanctioned event is supported by the UPA but is not considered a UPA event because it is not organized and run by UPA staff.
What are some benefits of sanctioning my event with the UPA?There are many benefits you will receive when you sanction your event with the UPA. Common reasons for sanctioning an event are to receive insurance coverage, legitimacy, backing from a national organization and discounts. But there are other
benefits as well.
What are some reasons why the UPA sanctions events? - To assist organizers in hosting Ultimate tournaments, leagues, practices and clinics throughout the country
- To spread the enjoyment of Ultimate by supporting and affiliating with events in the local community
- To improve and ensure the quality of Ultimate events by providing them with additional services that they might not otherwise have access to on their own; and
- To improve the communication between Ultimate players and the UPA.
Back to Top As the organizer of a sanctioned event, what will I be responsible for?
You represent the UPA when acting as the organizer of a sanctioned event. Organizers are responsible for upholding UPA sanctioning guidelines and policies regarding safety and for the terms and conditions outlined in the application/contract which includes but is not limited to:
- providing rosters for all participating teams
- collecting waivers from players that don't have one on file at the UPA
- collecting fees/dues for players that are not current UPA members
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How do I apply for sanctioning? What is the process?In order to sanction your event, you must review the policies and procedures required to host a UPA sanctioned event, and then complete the sanctioning application and submit it along with the deposit to the UPA. All sanctioning applications that are submitted are subject to approval by the UPA. Event directors will be notified once their event has been approved for sanctioning. The steps and links to forms can be found
here.
I need insurance fast, how long will it take to get the certificates?
We ask that you apply for sanctioning two weeks in advance. Certificates can be issued sooner when needed.
What does the insurance cover? The UPA provides general liability insurance coverage for all sanctioned events. For more information about the UPA's insurance policy, please review this
summary.
Sanctioning is free for members. A deposit (amount varies depending on the type of event) is required for applications that are submitted on time but the deposits are refundable if the organizer meets the requirements outlined in the sanctioning contract. There is a $25 non-refundable fee if the application is submitted late.
Does every player need to be a member?
UPA membership in sanctioned events is recommended but it is not required. Players have the option of paying an event fee. Event fees qualify players to participate throughout the course of the event regardless of the duration. Players who pay the event fee are in no way members and will not receive any privileges other than participation in the event. To see a list of membership benefits, go to the
Membership Page.Event fees are $10.00 for adults (18 or older) and $5.00 for youth.
Back to Top Can I sanction multiple events, league seasons, etc. under one policy?
Event coverage is limited to 6 continuous months and policies should not cover extended gaps or lapses in play. For events and leagues lasting more than 6 months, reapplication may be necessary.
When an event goes through a new registration, changes rosters or experiences gaps when there is no scheduled activity, they must officially "end". When/if it starts back up again, the organizer will need to reapply and treat this as a separate event. Therefore, it is not possible to sanction multiple seasons of league or practice (spring, summer, fall) under one policy.
While truly independent events need to be kept separate, all segments that are part of the same event or program may be treated as one "event". For example, a clinic that leads into a summer league that ends with a tournament can all be sanctioned as part of the same "event".
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