Layout June 2007, Volume 1

We are writing you in response to a growing number of concerns and complaints regarding the issue of cleats and cricket fields. At our Captain’s meetings in mid-May we asked Captain’s to impose the ‘no-cleat’ rule at a few fields where we host TUC games. The rule is simple: TUC players are not allowed to wear cleats on Sunnybrook or G. Ross Lord cricket fields (cricket fields only, cleats on other fields are acceptable). Acceptable footwear includes running shoes or turf shoes (the G4 Indoor Shoe is ok), but shoes with studs, blades, or other cleat forms are not acceptable.

The reason for imposing this rule is simple. The City of Toronto has specifically asked us not to wear cleats on cricket fields. Cricket fields are cut shorter than normal sport grass surfaces and are more susceptible to damage caused by cleats. Cricket teams and players, who are generally perturbed by our presence on the fields, actively complain to the City when they feel that their playing surface is being damaged. The City recognizes that the priority use of those fields is for cricket games and has increasingly reinforced their stance on this issue, to the point that continued cleat use on cricket fields will result in the removal of sport groups from those fields. Furthermore, such an incident does not put us in good stead with the City and jeopardizes other permits that the City grants us. We must adhere to the City rules to protect the fields as well as protect our strong status with Parks & Recreation.

While some may not agree with this rule we ask you to look at the big picture and understand why we must impose the no-cleat rule on cricket fields. Our players demand better playing locations and quality surfaces and cricket fields are part of our efforts to provide that. Overall we feel that players would prefer to play the odd game at Sunnybrook cricket (great location, premier quality) as opposed to another game in a more remote location. We have made this decision in the best interest of our overall membership and the overall field layout for TUC.

This rule is not flexible or negotiable. The City’s stance is black-and-white and so too must be the rules that we declare to our membership. All TUC members have agreed to abide by all TUC policies when they signed the Code of Conduct in their membership registration. Specifically the Code of Conduct states:

5. I will respect the playing field.
I understand that if my actions, or those of my teammates, jeopardize TUC's access to field permits, my team faces suspension from the league, and perhaps even expulsion without refund.

6. I will abide by all TUC policies.
As a member of the Toronto Ultimate Club, I agree to abide by all club policies. I understand that these policies are there for the benefit of all members, including myself, and address a variety of issues such as community relations, player safety, spirit of the game, and league structure & administration. I understand that violations of these policies will be investigated and disciplinary measures will be applied to my team.

Teams who are reported (with validation) to have violated the no-cleat rule will face the following sanctions, at the discretion of the General Manager and League Convenors:

• Teams will have their games recorded as a default/loss. Note that both teams can be given a default/loss.
• Teams will be removed from scheduling consideration for preferred TUC fields for the remainder of the TUC Summer Season. Therefore if you violate the no-cleat rule at Sunnybrook cricket your team should not expect to play at any Sunnybrook field again this season.
• Teams or individuals may be subject to further sanctions such as exclusion from tournaments or playoffs, team suspension, or team expulsion.

We realize that there are many varying opinions on this topic and we have taken them into consideration. Ultimately, two solutions were available to us: A) Clearly define and enforce the rule; or B) Remove the rule altogether and face the consequences. While solution B might initially please some players, it would only be a temporary gain that would result in long term damage to our field status. In addition, our Board of Directors work very hard to establish rules and policies that benefit the greater good for TUC members and we have always felt that this rule exemplifies that.

Please remember; playing with Spirit not only embodies respect for your teammates and opponents, but also the playing field, the City, and your fellow TUC members. We thank you for your feedback and understanding on this matter and we hope that you enjoy the rest of the Summer Season!

We have completed the initial phase of membership package distribution, with over 2000 packages already disseminated to players via their captains (thanks so much captains!!!). If you have not yet received your membership package it is because either a) your captain has not yet picked up the team info; b) your captain has your package but has not yet distributed it to you; or c) you signed up after the captain’s meeting and therefore were not on the original list. We encourage you to check with your captain first for your package, and if he/she does not have it then come see us. You can pick-up your TUC membership package at the TUC office during regular business hours or at one of these upcoming events:

TUC Summer Experience, June 16-17: We are hosting a NEW tournament on June 16-17 at Sunnybrook Park. This tournament will feature a mixed touring team division as well as a TUC Summer Team and Hat team division. Membership packages will be available for pickup.

Mid-Season Tournament, July 21-22: This weekend tournament at Sunnybrook is free to TUC teams and is an absolute blast! We will make membership packages available at this event.

What happens if you don’t pick up your package? Packages will be made available to the membership until the Mid-Season Tournament (July 21-22). For any packages that are not picked up at that point, we will donate the SOTG discs to school programs. The exceptions are late summer registrants and Fall League players.

Our handy sideline camera man, Craig Stephen, has all of his 2007 TUC photos on a web page. Visit either of the above photo links, and then click on various events in the top menu for additional photos. If you like Craig’s work and are interested in the services of a great photographer, visit www.craigstephenphotography.com.

Sincerly,

The TUC Team