When asked to be an observer, I stated, "I'd love to but ______." In hindsight, I regretted using the phrase "I'd love to" because the UPA very convincingly countered my "but" and I got locked in. Still, I do love giving back to ultimate, so I went ahead with it. But it did make me realize the UPA does way too little for its observers, given these reasons:
- Missing a Game-to-Watch
Being a Minnesota alumnus, half the reason I go to Regionals is to watch those G Ducks play big games. Problem being, during important rounds, I'm tied up observing another game since I'm exempt from "officiating" any Minnesota game. But to generalize, tournaments requiring observers naturally have a lot of good games. It sucks observing a blow-out 7 fields away from the game everyone is watching. Sometimes the biggest expense is not the travel costs, but what you don't get to see ... which brings me to ... - The Compensation Sucks
Your expenses are reimbursed -- sometimes. I did receive reimbursement this year, but last year I wasn't given a nickel because I hadn't been told receipts were required for any reimbursements (yeah yeah, I guess I should have known that). It should also be noted that the UPA did not reimburse me. It was a Luther College employee associated with organizing the tournament. No additional compensation was offered. I realize ultimate is a volunteer-run activity, but observing is one of the volunteer positions held to a very high level of standards and accountability, despite the fact that it is a volunteer position ... which brings me to ... - Getting Bitched At
If you think it's fun to be approached and rebuked by complete strangers, then by all means, I highly recommend becoming a UPA Certified Observer. Yes, it has happened to me a couple times. And no it's not just irrelevant people with valueless opinions committing this act of wanton disrespect. Sometimes it's a Callahan Award winner. And even if you get a call 100% right, it may not matter given the nature of the rules ... which brings me to ... - Over-Complicated/Ambiguous Rules
For those that think the rules of ultimate are easy, I applaud you. You are obviously someone of infinite wisdom. The rules are lengthy, in large part subjective, and occasionally ambiguous. In fact, there's only one portion of the rules that is considered objective, which brings me to . . . - Sidelines
The only active call an observer makes is in/out. When there is a need for observers, there is generally a similar need for lined fields, but not always. And if they are indeed lined, but it had been raining on Friday and Saturday, the lines -- and objectivity -- are washed away by Sunday. And even if the lines are in great condition, roughly 2/3 of the spectators and players make no effort to stay off the playing field while the disc is live in order to get a good look at a play near the sideline. This is most true when there's a close play on the sideline and the observer's perspective is critical.
On a somewhat related note, I realized our sport has virtually no chance at mass spectator-appeal in its current state while I was on the field for the greatest game in Central Regionals history: Wisconsin vs Iowa, Saturday semi-finals. I have one idea that will at least begin to steer us in the right direction. My next post will provide more details and I'm going to need help. Stay tuned.
