1.About Ultimate Frisbee:
(1) Please introduce the sport of Ultimate Frisbee.
From humble beginnings as recreation from skilled expatriates in Singapore, Ultimate Frisbee has a thriving community of more than 3,000 people from the various schools & varsities who play the sport as part of their school programme or as an extra-curricular activity, with many recreational and competitive groups that play the sport in Singapore. On the international level, there are 90 member federations worldwide including Australia, India, Vietnam, and China. A full sized proper Ultimate game is a seven-a-side team sport played on a rectangular field about half the width of a football field, with an end zone at each end. The objective of each team is to score a goal by having a player catch a pass in the end zone that they are attacking. Ultimate is a team sport which mixes elements of football, basketball and rugby, with the scoring object being a flying disc (called a Frisbee). A unique point in this team sport is that all players are considered referees with self-calls and discussion culture for agreeing to resolve disputes quickly, and therefore termed as spirit of the game. Giving its rising popularity and well organised international competitive events, it was given the highest recognition by the Olympic Committee as a strong possible candidate as an Olympic sport.
(2) How to play Ultimate Frisbee?
You need a large flat open space, some cones to mark out the end zones in a rectangle field, a disc, and decent amount of players to form teams. Start the point with two teams in opposite end zones, and initiate by throwing the disc towards the other team. Offense team will attempt to connect floating passes to score with a pass into the opposite end zone. During play, contact is to be avoided. Once a score is made, the scorer team stays while the other team goes to the opposite end zone to prepare to play the next point. Games are won by first to a set number of points or most points within a certain period of time. Best way to understand is to actually come down and play with JCUS Ultimate when possible!
(3) What is the most interesting part in Ultimate Frisbee? Why?
I think that I meet more friends from this team sport than any other way, this can also extend to other mutual interests, and I see myself singing out louder in karaoke, spending more time chilling at the beach, or even eating good food within a fun day of playing!
2.About Your Club:
(1) Please introduce your club.
JCUS Ultimate (Flying Disc) Sports Club is committed to growing a sporting culture and improving social, physical and mental health within the student body. Not just in terms of the game but lessons that can apply to life as well. We allow active practice of the values of integrity and mutual respect, as integrated into the rules of the game of Ultimate. On a personal level, we also give opportunities for our members to discover more about themselves, be responsible towards their development, and contributors to team culture. Offering time for volunteering or putting forth ideas for social events are some instances on how we build better people. Have fun, respect and care!
(2) Please describe your club activities.
JCUS Ultimate (Flying Disc) Sports Club holds weekly events during the school term. We have skills and physical training, certification of rules on-demand basis, and open social games with other groups or members of public. At this time, there are hardly any competitive events due to the high number of participants required and this is not permitted for now. Our social games have been relatively popular though, and feedback for more of such sessions have been encouraging.
(3) How can students join the club? Are there any requirements for students to join the club?
Do approach any member for information and register your details for free student membership done online, which is renewable every semester. You may also approach our friendly campus activities staff for assistance. Any ability level is welcome!
(4) Whether all members can participate in club activities, or do they need to be screened for participation?
All members can participate in club activities. There is a screening process to find out what level you can currently play at and your personal expectations for consideration, but it serves to build better and more meaningful experiences within club activities. The only screening for physical events participation is the check in and out procedure for temperature taking due to covid-19 safe management measures. If you have a fever or feel unwell, do stay safe and see a doctor!
(5) What can this club bring to its members? (In terms of students’ study or life)
This club can encourage you to deepen your friendships and form new ones in your student life, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to improving the relationship. The process of putting in the work, acquiring and improving your skillsets on a technical level as well as a social level, makes playing so much more experiential and enjoyable!
3.Personal Questions:
(1) Please introduce your background.
Hi, I'm Jeremy, graduating student majoring in Psychological Science from Singapore and I love multiple sports including Basketball, Swimming, Running, Badminton and Ultimate Frisbee!
(2) Why did you choose to join this club at the beginning? And why did you decide to become the president of the club?
Some of the students and friends were very interested to pick up a new activity that is growing in popularity in Singapore and all around the world. It is very easy to pick up and learn the basic skills but can take more commitment to reach higher levels and have local and international interaction which JCU Singapore is uniquely able to offer and have a good mix of students. The university is ready to offer support to fresh ideas that can be workable within the school culture that is why I felt that the decision to create this club and become a club president was a possible route to have more interesting activities in JCUS.
(3) As a president of the club, what challenges have you ever met in your club? How did you overcome them?
Due to the current pandemic, a lot more considerations on proper spacing and infection control measures were implemented on a national level as well as within campus that affected the planning and running on activities and physical events. By having a willingness to be updated on the current guidelines and working with the stakeholders and participants it can be overcome. Having some previous experience working in the healthcare industry as well helped me as well in terms of being able to classify and modify activities in context of lowering the risk of transmission to be responsible when conducting activities as well. This is important as at any point things are fluid and can change for the worse or better but I can be prepared and adaptable for most situations.
(4) How do you balance the club work and your study?
What I found that works for me is to allocate and stick to the time you have set for doing your school work and club activities. One thing to recognise is to also account for buffer time the more complicated the task is, but do not be reliant on it. Having like-minded friends helps as well. Also, have some time for yourself doing a favourite thing to spend at the start or end of the day to reward yourself on having worked on something over the course of the day!
(5) Do you have any suggestions or advice for new students?
Be approachable, have a positive attitude, ready to learn and communicate with whoever you may have interaction with!
