Castaway's FAQ

Here are a few of the more common questions and what not. Have a suggestion for the FAQ? Then please let me know.

1. What's a typical Castaway's Practice Like? When are they? etc.

   • Practices do not have a rigid format due to the laid back nature of the team in general. Even the starting time is a bit fuzzy due to the various traveling distances of the team members.
     

   • Practices are Tuesday and Thursday in Chelmsford and when games start we typically drop the Thursday practice and replace it with a game (more info on games later).
     
   • Most folks show up about 6pm
     
   • When folks arrive at practice I strongly encourage them to
     1. do an easy (subjective) lap around the field area
        
     2. stretch all the major leg muscles and any other muscles/joints that are important to you. :-)
        
     3. practice throws whilst we wait for critical mass. It's a good idea to not just practice forehands, backhands, etc. but also pivoting, faking, arching the disc (normal and "inside out") and leading your receiver.
   • Most often practice consists of scrimmaging but occasionally drills and/or a "chalk talk" are done. If you have a topic you'd like covered "chalk talk" please let me know. Previous topics include: basic stack offense, defeating a zone defense, executing a zone defense, and "poaching".

2. What do I bring to practice/games?

   • a light and a dark t-shirt
     

   • water or an appropriate substitute
     
   • cleats if you have 'em and like 'em. I'm fond of the Nike Land Sharks which can be had for $30 at Alec's (downtown Nashua in tax free NH).

3. Will a practice or game be canceled due to weather?

   • This comes up a lot and the answer is: "I have no idea!" This being New England the weather changes faster than I can send mail saying "It's sunny in Nashua, anyone know what it's like at the field?".
     

   • Keep this in mind though: A light to moderate rain won't stop a game unless
     • the field is thoroughly soaked and running on it would tear up the sod, or
       
     • there's lightning as well.
   • Fortunately for us the Chelmsford field drains extremely well and even after several days of rain will be playable after several hours without precipitation (a bit longer in the early spring). It can rain all day, clear up at 5:00, and Chelmsford is good to go at 6:00.
     
   • So, on inclement days each team member has to make a judgement call as to whether it worth their while to brave the weather in hopes that they'll get some disc time.

4. I've never been to an Ultimate Tournament. What's the end of season tourney typically like? What should I bring?

   • The BUDACOL end of season tourney breaks the 60 or so teams currently in the league down into divisions based roughly on their performance during the regular season.
     

   • Each division (1 through 4) is further divided into pools of (a hopefully equal number of) teams.
     
   • On the Saturday of the tourney each team plays each other team in their pool. Depending on the division and number of teams in the pool each game could be to 15, 13, or 11 points but other than that normal BUDACOL rules apply.
     
   • A cut off point is established for which teams will advance to Sunday's play (e.g. top two teams from each pool). Sunday play is normally single elimination format.
     
   • Things to definitely bring...
     • Lots of water/gatorade! Drink fluids as often as reasonably possible.
       
     • Food: a light lunch and energy snacks -- Power Bars, fruit (bananas!), candy, bread.
       
     • Sun block/screen
       
     • Extra clothing -- Light/Dark t-shirt and spare [dry] socks.
   • Things to consider bringing...
     • A lawn Chair -- it's not unusual to have a "bye" round in which we'll be idle.
       
     • A CD or two -- I typically bring a portable radio.
       
     • Bug spray