Strategy - Expand and Improve the Observer System so that High-Level Competition is Experienced as Fair, Spectator-Friendly and Supported by Well-Trained, Highly Regarded Observers

In an effort to uphold SOTG, ensure greater adherence to the rules, support player accountability, and resolve on-field stand-offs, the practice of using Observers in highly contested games began at Club Nationals in 1981. Since that time players and organizers have debated the effectiveness of the system. Results from the planning process research indicated that most players are happy with the current Observer system, but would like to see improvements and experimentation in order to facilitate the ideal blend of player accountability and responsibility and spectator-friendly on-field action. 

Tactic: Increase the number and quality of Observers across the country. More training clinics will be held. Certification procedures will be revamped to provide a tiered system of certification based on objective criteria. Observer compensation system will be implemented.

Tactic: Expand and experiment with the Observer’s role in competitive play. Research suggests a need to widen the array of active Observer calls, a need for improvement in the misconduct system, as well as implementation of hand signals for stoppages of play and calls. Experimentation will take place with the dual goals of speeding up the game while keeping control in the hands of the players.
 
Tactic: Expand and experiment with the scope of the Observer program. Should observers be used in Youth Ultimate? Should there be different levels of Observer involvement based on the level of competition? The UPA will create partnerships with various college/club tournaments to explore options.