Key Learnings from World Games:
Professionalism
If you act professional - you look professional.
WFDF and the TD put a lot of effort into making the event appear like a legitimate sport event. All the little things, like the uniforms, introductions, commentators, all added up to present a great spectacle. But the key thing is that although behind the scenes things might not be 100% professional, you can give the 'illusion' of professionalism. This is something that smaller tournament could also use.
Self Refereeing Works
Despite appearances in this clip, self refereeing actually works.
Even at an event like World Games, players are capable of self officiating in a fair and honest manner. One of the key factors in this is the level of respect that the athletes had for each other. Also all the players were aware that the sport was on show and were keen to present it in the best light possible. I am confident that Ultimate can occur at the highest level without the need for control of the game to be taken out of the hands of the players.
"Within one" points cap are no good
Games at World Games weren't played to a win by 2 cap, rather they were just win by one. This meant that if each team had the same number of breaks, the team that started on Offence would win. This happened to the Crocs against Japan. Effectively the toss at the start of the game decided the outcome.
In 2001 World Games they had a different method for resolving games that came down to double game point (ie 12-12). Teams played the Ultimate equivalent of a penalty shoot out, where they essentially played "one shot" ultimate until one team had the advantage. One team would start on their defending brick mark and attempt to score. If they scored they got a point, if the turned it over, play stopped and they got no points.The other team then got the chance to score from the same brick mark heading in the same direction. If after this no team had the advantage, it restarted with the team the started second starting first and heading in the opposite direction. In this way the wind was removed as a determining factor. This could be a great way to fairly determine the outcome of games where no team has been able to make more than a 1 point lead.
Mixed is still all about the Men
It's unfortunate, but it's true. The men still dominate Mixed Ultimate.
During training with the Crocs we were quite good at using or women, especially cutting deep. However during World Games is resorted back to the usual pattern of hucking to guys. This was mostly the case for all the other teams, and women making a significant impact on a whole game was the exception rather than the standard. Even with the best women in the world on the field, the lure of throwing to the faster and taller guys seemed to be too strong. This was a real shame as I think one of the great aspects of the sport is that it can be played mixed and that women can have as big an impact as men on the field.
Tactics v 'Ticker'
At the elite level of World Games, every player is an exceptional athlete with amazing skills. So the difference between the teams comes down to other things - like tactics and 'ticker'. And at an event that was so arduous, in terms of player numbers and the playing conditions, 'ticker' became the biggest factor. The different team tactics, and how other teams responded to these, did play a factor, but at this level the impact of the tactics was not huge. It really came down to which team wanted it more - which player was prepared to dig deep and go that extra bit to beat their opponent - which player was prepared to do those little things that help make that next cut work - which player had the 'ticker' to win no matter what their body or mind was thinking. It was a real pleasure to watch some of these athletes go out there and put it all on the line. 'Ticker' is not necessarily something you can train for, but it's something that is necessary to win.
Jonno Holmes is amazing
Every Croc played exceptionally well and I am hesitant to single one player out over the rest, but Jonno Holmes played amazingly. As co-captain he led the team in every way imaginable, with his words and actions. When he was on the field you knew that if a disc needed to be caught - he would catch it. If a huck needed to be completed - he would throw it. If a block needed to be gotten - he got it. He was a true inspiration. Despite his lack of appearance in the huddle's mock draft, Jonno would easily be the first Australian player I would pick for any team, any time.
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