Saturday, July 08, 2006

MLU Impact on Juniors...

I'm curious what others are thinking in regards to the recent introduction of MLU (Major League Ultimate) play and the new rule set being designed...
-Does this format have a place in ultimate?
-Is it the inevitable evolution of the sport as many have said?
-Are we going to see this new format completely or partially adapted in college and then juniors play?
-Is there legitimate justification to promote this style of ultimate in other divisions and age groups?
-Are the inherent conflicts different at the club and juniors levels? (eg: self-officiating promoting sotg vs. referees promoting sotg)

If you're unfamiliar with what the MLU is, take a look at the more recent postings on rec.sport.disc here: MLU 2006 Opinions There are also other threads on the discussion...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

After reading the link i have made a few conclusions. It seems like more of a lacrosse based game with the pulling hurting ect. I personnally dont like it because it takes away from what ultimate is. Self officiated and fun to have those player arguments and all the other junk. I dont want this to take off even if it meant that ultimate would be recognized this is not how i want it to be seen

Anonymous said...

I wasn't too thrilled about it until I saw it. On paper MLU seemed like a bad way to show case the game, but after watching it I am a huge supporter. The faster paced game is way more exciting, but I could see problems if it wasn't being played by the best players. Games were a good length and the mental adjustments players had to make for refs was entertaining.
Just a few thoughts... I really enjoyed it and hope it will be back in the area again.

McCabe said...

this is somewhat on topic but something of an aside - it seems that one rationale for using refs or the MLU model is that a player officiated game is not marketable.

i.e. - you wouldnt be able to pitch a league of ultimate teams playing ultimate to a major broadcasting corporation, and that this different game (with the refs, 2 point line, silent stall etc) would be more appealing.

i cant really bring myself to believe that. as of yet i havent seen ultimate itself marketed in a way that makes sense with the in depth commentary, background story (player interviews etc) that would be permissable for a major station to carry. CSTV these last few years has come close, but its hard to believe its an earnest effort.

look at an NFL game, there are what 20-30 cameras on the field at all times, two or three aerial shots from different directions, sideline cameras etc.

the simple fact of it is you arent going to be able to capture all of the action in a high speed game like football or ultimate without multiple cameras and high quality editing.

idk, its just a pet peeve of mine that people discount the game that they were originally drawn to, and consider it a dud when really there has yet to be an effort worthy enough to qualify if a.) yes ultimate is marketable, fun to watch for outsiders etc or b.) if that is the goal we need to make changes similar to the MLU etc.

frustrating but i dont exactly have the financial power at the moment to make my own stab at things... i guess we'll see...

McCabe said...

further side note - east coast location for the PlayUltimate CSTV event will be announced tomorrow.... yay!