Welcome to Ultimate in Vancouver
Are you new to ultimate? Or experienced but new to Vancouver?
This page should help you get started playing in the VUL.
For more information about our Society, read About Us. If you have any questions, you can contact us.
Getting Started
To start playing ultimate in Vancouver, you need to become a member, learn the game and find a team.
1. Become a Member
Membership is free! There is no cost to become a Guest member of the VULS. Guest membership allows you to attend clinics, pickup games and parties, and post in the VUL calendar and forum.
If you wish to play in a league game, you will need to pay fees and complete an online Consent form to become a League member.
Become a guest member now, or read our FAQ if you have more questions.
2. Learn The Game
Start by learning about Spirit. In the VUL we place a great deal of emphasis on Spirit of the Game. It is a unique and defining aspect of ultimate, and it guides all actions of our Society. You can read more on our Spirit page.
To develop skills and knowledge of the game:
- Attend a skills clinic. We run clinics at the start of Summer League and Fall League, and they are free for VUL members. See the clinic page for a full list.
- Read through the Basics section of the Ultimate Handbook.
- Join a pickup game. See the pickup page for more info.
- Find a team that is looking for players (see below).
3. Find A Team
Before the season starts
An easy way to start playing in the VUL is to register for a 'hat' league (see League Info for a list). For these leagues, all players register as individuals or in pairs, and the VUL forms all of the teams. Each team is a balanced mix of new and experienced players.
Alternatively, for our 'team-based' leagues, you have a two options:
- Find an existing team to join (see tips below under "During the season").
- Register as an "Individual" near the end of the registration period. For 'team-based' leagues, the VUL attempts to form teams of individuals, if a) there enough players who choose this option, and b) there is space in that league for more teams. You are not guaranteed to be placed on a team with this option, though, so we recommend you try to join an existing team.
During the season
Once a league has started, the VUL does not handle registrations for new players. However, existing teams often need replacement players. If you do join an existing team, you just pay them a share of their team fees. To find a team to join:
- Network through friends. This is the best option, but may be difficult if you're new to town.
- Use Matchmaker. You can find teams looking for players, and you can add your name to the list of players looking for teams. Be sure to select the correct event.
- Post in the Forum (Personals section). Describe what you have to offer, what you're looking for, and when you are available to play.
- Attend clinics, tournaments and parties to meet other players. See the Calendar for a list of events.
Other Options For Play
There are other leagues in Metro Vancouver. See the Links page for a full list.
If you have experience, you can try to join a Touring (Club) team. They don't participate in league play, but attend tournaments such as Provincials and Nationals. Most hold tryouts in April and May, but some have open rosters through the summer. For a full list, see the Links page, and watch the forum for announcements by these teams in the spring.
