6 Takeaways From WFDF’s New Strategic Plan

WFDF has a bold vision for the future of disc sports, including ultimate.

Earlier this week, the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) released a new strategic plan guiding the organization through 2018. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the international governing body’s latest goals.

1. WFDF’s membership base is growing rapidly.

Over the last 10 years, the number of members represented by WFDF has grown nearly four-fold. 84% of the members are under the age of 35, which is likely to reap huge demographic gains in years to come.

2. By 2018, WFDF wants disc sports to be a part of “mainstream broadcast media” and for WFDF to be “serious candidate” for eventual Summer Olympics inclusion.

WFDF has a bold vision of the future, including much more widespread public acceptance of disc sports as a “lifetime pastime and lifestyle,” much wider international participation, and global sponsorship for the organization. Many of the ideas are linked to better public understanding and acceptance of ultimate, disc golf, etc.

3. WFDF’s #1 strategic goal for the next four years is to “encourage disc sports as a lifetime pastime and lifestyle.”

This campaign will include simplified rule sets, more programs for non-players at tournaments, more multi-discipline disc sports events, and a marketing campaign.

4. Spirit of the Game will remain a focal point for marketing the sport.

Self-officiation is critical to the large majority WFDF’s member associations and SOTG will continue to be a key differentiator for disc sports. WFDF sees “pressure by small internal and external groups to

diminish reliance on self-officiating and/or introduce outside officials/referees” as one of its threats. WFDF does plan to “expand and enhance” the game advisers program that was first tested at this summer’s World Ultimate Club Championships (WUCC).

5. Hosting better events is a major focus and the #2 strategic goal.

After this summer’s widely-criticized WUCC, improving the quality of major international events is a big goal. WFDF is overhauling its bid process to focus more on “key elements for players” and, though the Strategic Plan doesn’t mention this, planning to manage more of the tournament financials in the future. There is also consideration being given to reducing the size of major international ultimate tournaments through possible qualification tournaments, splitting divisions, or hosting continental events prior to Worlds.

6. Improving media and communications is an across-the-board objective.

Many of WFDF’s goals include some aspect of having better media outreach, from having better internet connectivity at tournaments to hiring an outside PR firm to help spread the organization’s message. WFDF wants more video coverage, better event presentation, a new website, and a new logo and “corporate identity.”

The fifth strategic goal is clear: “increase the public face of disc sports and make them more entertaining.”