USA Ultimate to Invest Millions of Dollars in Development of Ultimate Locally

National Governing Body Rolls Out Funding Initiative for State-Based Ultimate Organizations



Colorado Springs, Colo. (September 25, 2015) – USA Ultimate, the national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, announced today plans to invest several million dollars in the development of ultimate at the local level through the creation of state-based organizations.



USA Ultimate State Organizations are designed to effectively be an extension of the national governing body and will be responsible for administering USA Ultimate programs and services through its local affiliates and communities within their designated boundaries.



As part of its financial commitment, USA Ultimate will provide each State Organization with a recurring annual start-up grant for three years plus regular payments based on the number of USA Ultimate members in their respective territories. State organizations will also have the ability to set and retain event sanctioning fees for events sanctioned by the national governing body in their area.



"We are making a substantial financial investment in our local partners as part of a strategic move to help grow the sport and assist our local affiliates and state organizations to evolve into sustainable entities," explained USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tom Crawford. "A large part of this investment will go towards ensuring continual growth of offerings for youth so that they may learn about, play and compete in the sport of ultimate locally. We’ve done a significant amount of research and are modeling this structure after some of the most successful sport governing bodies in the nation. Creating a national infrastructure is an important component of our mission and responsibility as ultimate’s NGB and we’re excited about what the future holds for millions of future athletes as a result of this initiative."



As the sport of ultimate continues to grow at a record pace in the United States, the need to effectively manage and stimulate that growth requires a consistent and localized approach that is partially funded by the national office, but primarily managed by entrepreneurial leaders on the ground locally. This governance model closely mirrors those of virtually every other successful NGB.



The creation and implementation of USA Ultimate State Organizations is being led by Josh Murphy, Director of Member Services and Community Development.



"I’m extremely excited about our plans to add state organizations to the sport’s national infrastructure," said Murphy. "These organizations will be in the ideal position to really drive the growth of ultimate and better fulfill the vision and mission of USA Ultimate with consistency, oversight and promotion at the appropriate state level. Providing dedicated and locally focused resources to affiliates, leagues, clubs, organizers, athletes, coaches and fans will ultimately benefit the entire USA Ultimate community and will encourage more youth participation."



USA Ultimate is actively searching for individuals with an entrepreneurial approach and mindset to serve as State Organization leaders. Interested candidates should contact Josh Murphy at josh@hq.usaultimate.org.

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