Helping out

There's not much to say on the subject that hasn't been said already, but everyone in the elite ultimate community (and theoretically everyone who plays ultimate) should either volunteer for, help, or take part in the ultimate community at least once a year. Here are some ways to do just that:

• Become a USAU certified observer
• Be an observer at a tournament
• Become a USAU certified coach
• Coach a middle school, high school, college, or club team
• Help out an elementary school
• Write for Skyd, Ultiworld, USAU, or your own blog
• Volunteer at a local tournament (that's volunteer at, not play in)
• Run or help run a clinic for new or young ultimate players
• Donate to an ultimate specific charity (Ultimate Peace and NUTC come to mind)
• Donate to a team or program (money or item donations are nearly always welcome for high school and college programs)
• Teach the game in a non-coaching aspect (camp counselor, volunteer at the physical education department of school where you don't coach, etc.)

Each of these will make someone happy, and by giving back to a community from which you've likely taken, you will create more people who love ultimate.

Personally, what's one of my favorite ways to give back? Throw with those who look up to you. As long as you've been playing for a little while (no matter your talent level), there's someone who either already thinks you're amazing at ultimate or would think that if you got to know them more. Throw with them and make their day/week/year.