A mission statement is not just words on a page. A strong mission statement focuses the plans and actions of everyone associated with the organization. Big (and small) decisions can and should be made based on its vision, values and principles. At statement however is made up of words, words that in and of themselves have a powerful meaning.

Through research conducted over the past year, our players have indicated that they want two things at the highest level – more and better opportunities to play Ultimate, and a greater understanding of and appreciation for the sport by others. The UPA believes that “advance the sport of Ultimate” is a clean and concise way to capture these concepts.

Officially recognized by our international federation, the World Flying Disc Federation, as the national governing body of the sport “in the United States”, the UPA’s membership has historically been composed primarily of those who live within US borders. In the research conducted as part of the Ultimate Revolution process, very few stakeholders expressed a desire for the UPA to expand its efforts outside the United States. Our priorities will therefore focus on efforts that advance the sport for US-based Ultimate community members, but could also include programs that extend beyond the US, as long as those programs advance Ultimate in the US.

Combining the dual goal of making the sport better (enhancing) and increasing awareness/appreciation of the sport (promoting), the UPA will focus on three aspects of the sport that our members expressed as making Ultimate, Ultimate.

First, Character.  The personality of the Ultimate community is an essential part of the future of the sport. Many associate this with “Spirit of the Game” and sportsmanship, others with the personal responsibility that comes from the self-officiating nature of the sport, others still with the flexibility of the sport to be “what the players want it to be”. For the UPA, the term “character” represents our members desire to keep the Ultimate community’s personality front and center as we work to improve the “watchability” of Ultimate as well as its marketability to the mainstream.

Second, Community. Ultimate includes many groups who are passionate about the sport and who can help to move it forward. As a small national organization the UPA cannot do it all, but we can take a leadership role by creating a stronger community between current and former players, coaches, officials, local league and tournament organizers, parents/relatives, school administrators and corporations. Through training and tools, the UPA can enable each to enhance participation and acceptance of the sport at the local, regional and national levels.

Last, but certainly not least, Competition. It’s clear from the research conducted that players want more opportunities to play, and that the UPA should continue to use competitive events as a way to showcase the sport. For almost three decades the UPA has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for people to organize and play Ultimate. Going forward the UPA will seek avenues for new categories of players to compete as well as ways to restructure our formats and organizational partnerships to makes the competitive experience more fulfilling for players of all levels. Through improved player knowledge of the rules and an increase in the number and skill level of observers, the UPA will facilitate the ideal blend of fair play and fast-paced action.