Policies

Subbing

MZU’s Subbing Policy has been updated and will take effect at the start of the 2023 Summer BIY League.

If you have any questions at all, please email: hi@milezeroultimate.com 

Roster Compliance

The first step to lessening the reliance on substitute players is to ensure Rosters are compliant.

Refer to Rules – Field and Team Composition for specific requirements for various MZU League Offerings.

For BIY leagues: All teams must submit a compliant roster by the league registration deadline.  If a team does not meet the roster requirements MZU will take steps, in the following order, to assist the team in fulfilling a compliant roster.

1. Contact team captains to ensure a player did not miss the original registration deadline, if so player can be added to the roster and must pay a nominal late registration fee within 48 hours of the original deadline.
2. Players will be added to the roster from the solo registrants.  Solo registrants will be added to meet the gender ratio requirements and in order of registration as per the time stamp on their registration. Teams with the most players will have their roster fulfilled first.
3. In the event the roster cannot be fulfilled within 72 hours of the original registration deadline the team may be dissolved. 
   1. If only one team is non-compliant the roster will be dissolved and players will have the option to have their registration refunded or join other teams
   2. If more than one team is non-compliant and neither team volunteers to dissolve in order to be split among other non-compliant teams, the teams may be entered into a lottery.
      1. One team (or more depending on need and number of incomplete team rosters submitted) whose ball is drawn will be dissolved and players from that team(s) will be added to the rosters of the other incomplete teams in the lottery to try to construct rosters of 14 players or more. 
      2. Teams must indicate if any players on their roster do not wish to be placed on other teams prior to the lottery draw as this may potentially impact the number of teams that may need to be dissolved. 
      3. Lottery odds will be based on roster size of incomplete teams, with the number of people less than the minimum required roster size of 14 equaling the total number of balls in the lotto draw. I.e. teams with a rosters of 13 people receiving just 1 ball in the lottery, teams with 12 receiving 2 balls in the lottery and so on. 
      4. The league will make an attempt to help players form a team or be added to another team, however, no team that submitted a compliant roster of 14 or more players by the registration deadline is required to accept extra players to their roster.

Player Subbing Eligibility

Often times teams will require substitutes in order to have enough players to field a game. A substitute player must meet the following criteria:

• Players MUST have paid their UNL membership fee that covers the time period for the particular league of play;
• Be at least 18 years of age by the end of the current year;
• Not be suspended from MZU or any other UNL leagues;
• Individuals must know who they are subbing for and may only substitute for rostered players with equal or better skill level.
• Individuals may sub for any number of games throughout the regular season and may sub for one playoff game.

Team Subbing Eligibility

All efforts shall be made to play the game as scheduled even if it means playing games with the minimum number of players (3 Female-matching and 3 Male Matching).  Substitute players should only be requested so that games can be played as scheduled, they are not meant to maintain and/or increase the skill level of your team. However, if an equally skilled player has been agreed upon by the opposing team, they are an acceptable substitute player.

• By default, teams are only allowed to have subs in the regular season so that they have 
  • 6 male-matching and 6 female-matching players in 7v7 leagues;
  • 5 male-matching and 5 female-matching players in 6v6 leagues;
  • 5 male-matching and 5 female-matching players in 5v5 leagues;
  • 4 male-matching and 4 female-matching players in 4v4 leagues.
• Teams will be capped for the number of allowable substitute players during the regular season at 75% of the total regular season games rounded up to the nearest whole number. (i.e. for an 11 game regular season, teams are allowed 9 total substitute players)
• Teams are encouraged to make contact with the opposing team as early as possible to discuss and agree on any substitute players. If teams cannot agree 48 hours prior to game time, the requesting team must contact the VP League and cc the opposing team captain.
• Captains should still make every effort to resolve the situation themselves (e.g., finding an alternate sub) and contacting VP League should be a last resort to resolve the situation.
• The decision of a Captain to contact VP League should not be seen as unspirited by the opposing team.
• After a review, VP League has the ability to overturn the opposing Captain’s decision to decline a sub and allow them to participate in the game.
• Captains should always ensure that players are eligible, the Captains Clause can not be used to circumvent eligibility/subbing rules.
• If players participate in a game where they are not an eligible sub, the game will be defaulted.
• For short notice sub requests that are made and accepted within 24 hours of the scheduled game, teams will be assessed a 2 point penalty for each sub up to 5 total points. For example: teams requesting to add two substitute players within 24 hours of game time will start the game with a score of 4-0 in favor of the opposing team that accepted the subs. 
• Rescheduled games due to lack of players will start 5-0 in favor of the accepting team, unless otherwise agreed with the other team (i.e. both teams are in favor of rescheduling due to lack of players).
• Except in unforeseen circumstances teams shall not request substitute players within 2 hours of the game start time.

Captains MUST record subs post-game, failure to do this may result in penalty. MZU is continually trying to improve subbing policies and captains’ cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Subbing Rules

Definitions:

• Registered Player is one who has registered for the current league and is on the roster of a team playing in the current league.
• Unregistered Player is one who has not registered for the current league and is not on the roster of a team playing in the current league.

Regular Season Subbing Rules:

• Subs can only be used in the case of an injured or missing player.
• The number of substitute players may not exceed the number of rostered players participating in the game. This applies individually to female-matching and male-matching players. For example, if there are 2 rostered female-matching players, and 3 female-matching player subs, then they are not in line with this policy. (Not applicable to hat leagues)
• Registered Players and Unregistered Players can sub in any number of games per season.
• Players can sub with multiple teams.
• Players can sub multiple games on the same night 
• Subs should be made in accordance with Spirit of the Game
• The subbing player should not greatly influence the outcome of the game, substitute players should only be requested so that games can be played as scheduled, they are not meant to maintain and/or increase the skill level of your team.
• Should the substitute player or captains determine that the sub outclasses the level at which they are playing, the sub should adjust accordingly to match the game play.

Playoff Subbing Rules (All Leagues):

• Registered Players CAN sub in ONE PLAYOFF GAME.
• Unregistered Players can sub ONE PLAYOFF GAME.
• All playoff substitutes must be accepted by the opposing team and approved by the league. 
• Teams are only allowed to have subs in playoffs so they have a maximum of the following:
  • 7v7 League – 5 male-matching and 5 female-matching players
  • 6v6 League – 4 male-matching and 4 female-matching players
  • 5v5 League – 4 male-matching and 4 female-matching players 
  • 4v4 League – 4 male-matching and 4 female-matching players
• All other subbing eligibility rules still apply (e.g.: equal or lesser playing level, agreement among captains prior to game)

Inclusion

(adapted from TUC)

Introduction and Purpose

1. Mile Zero Ultimate (MZU) operates under an Inclusivity Policy which governs all leagues and events. MZU is committed to implementing this policy in a fair and equitable manner.                                      
2. The aim of this policy is to create an environment in which all members feel welcome, respected, and able to fully participate in our events and leagues. It sets out our collective commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, and SOTG which we place at the heart of everything we do.                                    
3. We are aware that certain social structures may serve to disadvantage particular groups (including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, people of colour, women, the LGBT+ community, and people with disabilities) and therefore this policy aims to remedy that imbalance by actively challenging oppressive and discriminatory behaviour.
4. We expect our members to always act as ambassadors of the sport of Ultimate and act accordingly.                       
5. MZU complies with the Human Rights Code of Canada and this policy exists as a MZU specific extension to the Human Rights Code of Canada.

Zero Tolerance                                             

1. To ensure this environment is maintained we operate a Zero-Tolerance approach to the following behaviours towards any members, participants, and towards the general public.
   1. Harassment, defined as comment, conduct, or gesture directed towards an individual or group of individuals, which is known or ought reasonably to be known as insulting, vexatious, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, or offensive. (For complete definition, please see MZU Harassment Policy).
   2. Abuse, covering verbal, emotional, psychological, and physical abuse, including sexual assault, which results in an individual or group feeling intimidated or unsafe.
   3. Violence, defined as any act of intentional harm, intimidation or aggression, including threats of harm.
   4. Discrimination, including verbal and physical expressions of discrimination, based on any of the following characteristics:                                                          
      1. Race
      2. National or ethnic origin
      3. Religion
      4. Age
      5. Sex
      6. Marital status
      7. Disability
      8. Sexual orientation
      9. Gender identity
      10. Gender expression
      11. Colour
      12. Family status
      13. Genetic characteristics
      14. Mental health status                           

Actions for Inclusion

1. All members and participants are accountable for their own conduct and must refrain from any of the behaviours listed above. We would also encourage everyone to:
   1. Be aware of the connotations of their language.
   2. Avoid making assumptions about another person’s gender, pronouns, sexuality, disability, ethnic identity, or life experiences.
   3. Be prepared to challenge harassment and discrimination if they are witness to an incident, and where appropriate to report it.
   4. Be open if challenged on their own behaviour, and to learn from the experience.
   5. Be respectful of another’s physical and emotional boundaries.

Application

1. This policy applies to any person approved for membership as defined in the MZU By-Laws.
2. For the purposes of this policy, sport and/or workplace harassment can occur in, but is not limited to, the following places:
   1. at MZU sporting leagues, tournaments, training sessions, and clinics or workshops;
   2. at MZU-related social functions;
   3. at the business functions of MZU, such as meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops;
   4. through any form of MZU related communication device/system including but not limited to email, websites, social media;
   5. any formal or informal location where the harassment of a person is a result of their sport-related involvement.

Breaches of the Policy

1. We actively encourage the reporting of incidents that constitute a breach of the Inclusivity Policy. It is the collective responsibility of all to uphold good conduct and challenge others’ unacceptable behaviour when personal safety is not at risk. We do not encourage individuals to respond when doing so could put their safety in jeopardy (eg breaking up a fight). If you experience or witness an incident which you believe is in breach of the Inclusivity Policy you can report it through either:   
   1. Incident Reporting Form accessible by captains when submitting game scores.
   2. Inclusivity Incident Reporting Form which can be accessed here.
   3. Directly to hi@milezeroultimate.com.
2. At such times that the policy is breached, MZU will follow the discipline and appeals procedure as outlined in the Discipline Policy and Harassment Policy.

Discrimination and Harassment

Effective April 2021

(I) POLICY STATEMENT

(I-1) Mile Zero Ultimate (MZU) is committed to providing a sport environment free of discrimination and harassment. MZU does not condone any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, disability, pardoned conviction. 

(I-2) Every member, volunteer, coach, spectator, and Board member of MZU has a responsibility to ensure that the MZU sport environment is free from discrimination and harassment. This means not engaging in, allowing, condoning, or ignoring behaviour contrary to this policy. In addition, MZU members, volunteers, and Board members are not permitted to engage in any form of coercion, retaliation, intimidation, discrimination or harassment directed against individuals involved in a complaint.

(I-3) MZU is responsible for:

• Discouraging and preventing discrimination and harassment within MZU;
• Investigating incident reports in a sensitive, confidential, and timely manner;
• Imposing appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures when a complaint of discrimination or harassment has been substantiated; and
• Regularly reviewing the terms of this policy.

(I-4) Players are responsible for:

• Understanding and adhering to the MZU Code of Conduct, Rules, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and this Discipline Policy;

(I-5) Team captains are responsible for:

• Ensuring that their team members understand the MZU Code of Conduct, Rules, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and Discipline Policy;
• Taking immediate action to discuss, prevent, and address any team members’ conduct that violates this policy or MZU Code of Conduct;
• Checking for and responding to communications from the MZU Board or committees in a timely manner; and
• Delegating the above responsibilities to a co-captain or other team member if the captain is unavailable.

(II) APPLICATION 

(II-1) This policy applies to all members, volunteers, coaches, spectators, and Board members of MZU. MZU requires that all members, volunteers, coaches, spectators, and Board members agree to and comply with the MZU Code of Conduct. 

(II-2) This policy applies to discrimination or harassment which may occur during the course of any MZU business, activity, and event.

(II-3) This Policy may also apply to the conduct of members, volunteers, coaches, spectators and Board members outside of MZU’s business, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within MZU’s sport environment or is detrimental to the image and reputation of MZU. The jurisdiction of this Policy is determined by the MZU Board at its sole discretion.

(II-4) MZU encourages all incidents of discrimination or harassment to be reported in accordance with the complaint process below. This includes individuals who believe that another person has experienced or is experiencing discrimination or harassment. 

(III) COMPLAINT PROCESS

(III-1) MZU members and volunteers who experience or witness discrimination or harassment, should report it directly to hi@milezeroultimate.com. 

(III-2) Complaints should include:

• The date(s) on which the incident(s) took place;
• Where the incident(s) took place;
• The names of the individuals(s) involved; and
• Details of the incident(s).

(III-3) All complaints will be promptly investigated and handled by the MZU Board or a committee appointed by MZU Board members. Any individual MZU Board member must recuse themself from the investigation and decision making process if they are directly involved in the complaint or if they have a conflict of interest.

(III-4) The MZU Board may perform a number of actions to investigate and resolve the complaint, including:

• Confirm and/or gather information by communicating directly with the individuals and/or witnesses involved;
• Explore informal resolution options between the individuals involved;
• Refer the complaint to Ultimate NL;
• Consult independent advisors, where necessary; and
• Discipline individuals in accordance with the MZU Discipline Policy. 

(III-5) In all cases, the individual(s) directly involved in the incident(s) will be informed of the commencement of the investigation as well as the MZU Board (or committee) findings at the conclusion of the investigation. 

(III-6) Any and all communications with or submissions to the MZU Board (or committee) must be formally submitted to hi@milezeroultimate.com. Individuals or witnesses involved in complaints are not permitted to contact individual MZU Board members or (committee members) regarding complaints or investigations.

(III-7) The MZU Board (or committee) will treat all complaints and investigations as confidential, unless otherwise required by law. The names of those involved in a complaint and the details of the complaint will be disclosed only to the extent necessary to facilitate a prompt and thorough investigation or to take appropriate disciplinary measures.

(IV) DISCIPLINARY ACTION

(IV-1) In the event there is a finding of discrimination or harassment against an individual, that individual will be disciplined in accordance with the MZU Discipline Policy. 

(V) MZU SOCIAL MEDIA

(V-1) The MZU Board reserves the absolute right to remove any content (including comments) on MZU social media pages and accounts. The MZU Board may pursue disciplinary measures (in accordance with the MZU Discipline Policy) against individuals who post discriminatory or harassing content.

(V-2) Any comments or suggestions regarding the removal of content on MZU social media must be directed to the MZU Board email: hi@milezeroultimate.com. 

Discipline

Effective April 2021

(I) POLICY STATEMENT

(I-1) Mile Zero Ultimate (MZU) is committed to providing a safe and respectful sporting environment. MZU membership and participation in MZU leagues or events requires compliance with MZU policies, rules, and the Code of Conduct. Non-compliance may result in sanctions pursuant to this policy.

(I-2) MZU is responsible for:

• Discouraging and preventing unsafe or disrespectful conduct within MZU;
• Investigating incident reports in a sensitive, confidential, and timely manner;
• Imposing appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures when an incident report or complaint of discrimination or harassment has been substantiated; and
• Regularly reviewing the terms of this policy.

(I-3) Players are responsible for:

• Understanding and adhering to the MZU Code of Conduct, Rules, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and this Discipline Policy;

(I-4) Team captains are responsible for:

• Ensuring that their team members understand the MZU Code of Conduct, Rules, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and this Discipline Policy;
• Taking immediate action to discuss, prevent, and address any team members’ conduct that violates the MZU Code of Conduct or Discipline Policy; 
• Checking for and responding to communications from the MZU Board or committees in a timely manner; and
• Delegating the above responsibilities to a co-captain or other team member if the captain is unavailable.

(II) APPLICATION 

(II-1) This policy applies to all members, volunteers, coaches, spectators, Board members of MZU. MZU requires that all members, volunteers, coaches, spectators, and Board members agree to and comply with the MZU Code of Conduct. 

(II-2) This policy applies to all conduct warranting discipline which may occur during the course of any MZU league, activity, or event.

(II-3) This policy may also apply to the conduct of members, volunteers, coaches, spectators, and Board members outside of MZU’s leagues, activities, and events when such conduct adversely affects relationships within MZU’s sport environment or is detrimental to the image and reputation of MZU. The jurisdiction of this policy is determined by the MZU Board at its sole discretion.

(II-4) Resignation or expiry of membership after an incident is investigated does not preclude disciplinary actions being issued under this policy.

(II-5) This policy does not prevent the application of immediate disciplinary action, including immediate suspension or expulsion.

(III) CONDUCT SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINE

(III-1) Conduct that violates the MZU Code of Conduct and this policy includes, but is not limited to:

• Any physical altercation including instigating a fight or retaliating;
• Offensive or unsportsmanlike conduct including taunting, name-calling, swearing, derogatory language, and issuing threats;
• Overly aggressive and/or rough play including intimidation, charging, and repeated fouls;
• Continuing to play after serious injury including continuing to play with a bleeding wound (without proper bandaging), shortness of breath, or serious head injury;
• Conduct that contravenes MZU’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy;
• Failure to adhere to public health guidelines/orders (eg. COVID-19 health directives) and/or MZU policies in response to public health guidelines/orders;
• Consuming alcohol and/or illicit substances on fields before, during, or after games;
• Conduct that jeopardizes or results in the loss of MZU field permits or partnerships, including improperly parked cars, speeding, excessive noise, loose dogs, litter, and urinating in public; and;
• Failure to respond to MZU communications within 5 days regarding incident investigations or disciplinary actions.

(IV) INCIDENT REPORT PROCESS

(IV-1) MZU captains, members, spectators or volunteers who experience or witness conduct that violates the MZU Code of Conduct or Discipline Policy, should report it immediately to hi@milezeroultimate.com. 

(IV-2) Incident reports should include:

• The date(s) on which the incident(s) took place;
• Where the incident(s) took place;
• The names of the individuals(s) involved; and
• Details of the incident(s)

(IV-3) All reported incidents will be promptly investigated and handled by the MZU Board or a Discipline Committee appointed by MZU Board members. Any individual MZU Board member must recuse themself from the investigation and decision making process if they are directly involved in the reported incident or if they have a conflict of interest.

(IV-4) The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee), on their own accord, may open an investigation of an incident that has not been formally reported.

(IV-5) To investigate a reported incident, the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) may communicate directly with the individuals and/or witnesses involved. The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) may also consult independent advisors, if necessary.

(IV-6) In all cases, the individuals directly involved in the incident will be informed of the commencement of the investigation as well as the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) findings at the conclusion of the investigation. 

(IV-7) Any and all communications with or submissions to the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) regarding complaints or investigations must be formally submitted to hi@milezeroultimate.com. Individuals are not permitted to contact individual MZU Board members or (committee members) regarding complaints or investigations.

(IV-8) The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) will treat all reported incidents and investigations as confidential, unless otherwise required by law. The names of those involved and the details of the incident will be disclosed only to the extent necessary to facilitate a prompt and thorough investigation or to take appropriate disciplinary measures.

(V) DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

(V-1) Disciplinary actions can apply to individuals or, if warranted, can apply to all members of a team. 

(V-2) If the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) finds that an individual or team has violated the MZU Code of Conduct (by engaging in any conduct listed above or other inappropriate conduct), the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) may:

• Facilitate informal resolution between the individuals involved, if appropriate;
• Issue a strike according to the strike actions listed below;
• Apply additional disciplinary actions;
• Apply more severe disciplinary actions;
• Withhold awards; and/or
• Refer the incident report to Ultimate NL, SportNL, or police

(V-3) Where the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) decides to issue a strike, the strike sanctions are as follows:

First strike: If an individual or team receives a first strike, that individual or team will receive formal written (or email) notice. The individual or team will be provided with assistance to help them learn from the incident, if applicable.

Second strike: If an individual or team receives a second strike within 2 years of their first strike, the individual or team will receive another written (or email) notice.

Third strike: If an individual or team receives a third strike within 2 years of their first strike, that individual or team may be suspended from all MZU activities, at the discretion of the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee). Suspensions are effective immediately. The appropriate duration of the suspension will be determined by the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee).

(V-4) For serious or repeated incidents of harassment, dangerous play, or any other egregious violation of the MZU Code of Conduct, the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) may forego the disciplinary strike actions and directly suspend or expel an individual or team, without a refund, if applicable.

(V-5) If an individual or team is suspended, they cannot participate in any MZU leagues, activities, or events for the period of time as specified by the MZU Board (or Discipline Committee). If an individual or team is expelled, they cannot participate in any MZU leagues, activities, or events and are not eligible for MZU membership in the future, without approval from the MZU Board.

(V-6) The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) reserves the right to issue disciplinary actions against individuals or teams where an incident has not been formally reported.

(V-7) The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) also reserves the right to issue warnings or take no disciplinary action where the incident may be satisfactorily resolved informally or where, after an investigation, the Board (or Discipline Committee) concludes that the conduct does not violate the MZU policies or the MZU Code of Conduct. Warnings issued to individuals or teams will be recorded and may be considered in future decisions regarding disciplinary actions against those individuals or teams.

(V-8) In all cases, the individual(s) directly involved in the incident(s) will be informed of the disciplinary action(s) imposed. 

(V-9) Any and all communications with or submissions to the MZU Board (or committee) regarding disciplinary actions must be formally submitted to hi@milezeroultimate.com. Individuals or witnesses are not permitted to contact individual MZU Board members or (committee members).

(V-10) The MZU Board (or Discipline Committee) will treat all disciplinary actions as confidential, unless otherwise required by law. The names of those involved, the details of the incident and the details of the disciplinary actions will be disclosed only to the extent necessary to facilitate disciplinary measures or to provide assistance to those involved.

Roster Management

Teams are required to maintain a minimum number of players on their roster, as established by our Team and Field Composition Rules. 

• 7 on 7 Leagues: At least 14 players, with a minimum of 6 male-matching and 6 female-matching players.
• 5 on 5 Leagues: At least 10 players, with a minimum of 5 male-matching players and 5 female-matching players.

Hat Leagues

If a team’s roster goes below the minimum number of players due to injury or refund, or a team requires an additional player because of attendance issues, a player will be added by MZU to the team via the Waitlist.

• Players will be selected from the Waitlist on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Players have 48 hours to accept their spot, otherwise the next person will be approached.
• Teams in this situation cannot refuse players.
• If there are no players on the waitlist, teams can recruit a player and let MZU know.
• If a team has a full roster, but experiences attendance issues, MZU will contact the team to ensure  the players on the team, by consensus and free of pressure, agree to add extra players.

Team Leagues

There is no maximum roster size for Team Leagues, but a team must maintain the minimum roster size in one of two ways:

1. Recruit their own players and add to the team by emailing vpleague@milezeroultimate.com
2. The Board will add a player via the Waitlist

• • Players will be placed on a first come, first serve basis by the Board to teams needing players
    • Players have 48 hours to accept their spot, otherwise the next person will be approached.
  • Teams that don’t meet minimum roster requirements cannot refuse players.
  • Players can refuse a spot, however, and the spot will be opened up to the next available player.

Eligibility

Registered Players

To play as a registered individual in any MZU league, you must be all of the following:

1. At least 18 years of age

• If a player turns 18 after the season begins, they are eligible to be recruited by a team seeking additional players or to put their name on the waitlist and enter the league if space is available

• Suspended players may not take part in any aspect of the game, including coaching the team from the sidelines.

Substitute Players

To play as a substitute player in any MZU league, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years of age

• If a player turns 18 after the season begins, they are eligible to play as a substitute player after their 18th birthday.

Learn more about subbing rules here.

If a player does not meet the above criteria and plays in a game (besides special circumstances approved by the Board), disciplinary action may be taken and the game will automatically be considered a default. Learn more about defaults here.

Rescheduling

Summer 7 on 7 League

We strongly recommend that teams attempt to field a team in the original timeslot. We will, however, attempt to reschedule the game if given 48 hours notice by emailing: vpleague@milezeroultimate.com. Rescheduling is dependant on field space MZU has available – no fields, no reschedule. There will also be NO RESCHEDULES during the last week of Summer League.

The rescheduling process will be as follows:

1. Team emails VP League at least 48 hours before their game
2. VP League provides up to 2 new timeslot options for the game to be played – if field space is available.
3. BOTH teams have to agree on the rescheduled time slot.
4. If both teams agree, games goes ahead in the new time slot. If both teams DO NOT agree, then the game goes ahead as regularly scheduled OR is considered a default.

Note: Teams SHOULD NOT contact the City to secure additional field space – all field bookings for MZU are required to go through us as per the City’s request. Don’t get us in trouble.

5 on 5 Leagues

Due to the structured schedule and timeslots for these games, there is no rescheduling of games.

Weather

We’re a tough bunch at MZU, so we do play in rain – but there are times that games might be canceled or postponed.

• MZU bases its decision on whether the City of St. John’s and/or private fields are keeping their fields open
• MZU will also assess current conditions and make a decision by 2:00pm if necessary.  However, due to escalating weather, games may be canceled with less notice.
• MZU will inform membership via the mailing list, website and Facebook of any cancellations. 
• If Captains are not notified or there is no other form of update, they should assume that games ARE going ahead
• Even if a game is not canceled, conditions should be assessed as per the Captain’s Assessment below.

Captains Assessment

Even if games have not been officially postponed, Captains should do an assessment of field conditions to ensure they are safe to play in. If Captains agree that conditions are not suitable for play, stop playing and notify the VP, League based on the following circumstances:

Tiebreakers

When teams are tied in the standings, the following tiebreakers will be used. For leagues that use a ladder system, these methods will be used based on the current round only.

1. Most Wins

• The team who has the most wins recorded wins the tiebreaker.

• If the teams who are tied have played each other, the team who won that game wins the tiebreaker.

• The team with the higher plus-minus for those games wins the tiebreaker.

• The team with the higher plus-minus wins the tiebreaker.

• If steps 1 – 3 result in a tie, the team with the most goals scored in the round wins the tiebreaker.

• The team with fewest losses wins the tiebreaker.

• If all of the above conditions still result in a tie, the team with the highest spirit score wins the tiebreaker.

• If the scores are still equal, we will have a coin flip to determine the winner.

Refunds & Fees

Fees

Fees for each league are determined by the Board of Directors in advance of each league and are collected via PayPal only. All fees must be paid to be considered registered.  In addition to the MZU league registration fees, players must pay an annual fee, always as individuals, to Ultimate Newfoundland and Labrador (Ultimate NL).

Depending on the type of league, fees will be collected in one of two ways:

• Individual Player Registration Fees: Each player pays their registration fee themselves

  • Ultimate NL Fees: To be paid separately via Ultimate NL’s website: Ultimate NL Membership.

  • Prorated Fees: Any member registering late for a MZU League will be required to pay a fee based upon a pro-rated system. Fees will be pro-rated on a per week basis, based on the following week on the schedule. For example, a request in week 3 of a 12 week league would receive an invoice for weeks 4 through 12.

• Team Registration Fees: The Captain pays the entire registration fee for their team. By paying the team registration fee, the Captain assumes all responsibility for fee collection within their team. MZU does not take responsibility, nor will it get involved, in fee collection disputes within teams.

  • Ultimate NL Fees: To be paid separately via Ultimate NL’s website: Ultimate NL Membership.

Refunds will be given only under the following circumstances:

• Individual Player Registration Refunds: 

• By request of a player in writing before the first day of play of any given league. A full refund of league fees will be issued minus the amounts detailed below.
• By request of a player in writing as a result of an injury that prevents them from playing in the remainder of the season.
• Requests must be supported by written documentation from an attending physician or other medical professional clearly stating that the player is unable to play for the majority of the remainder of the season.
  • The physician’s note need not accompany the refund request, but must be submitted within 4 weeks of the request.
• A pro-rated refund will be issued, minus the amounts detailed in the section below. Refunds will be pro-rated on a per week basis, based on the following week on the schedule. For example, a request in week 3 of a 12 week league would get a refund for weeks 4 through 12.

• Team Registration Refunds:
  • By request of the Captain in writing a week before the first day of play of any given league. A full refund of league fees will be issued minus the amounts detailed below.
  • Refunds will be given to the Captain. This method will remove all players and the team from the league.

Any refunds will be subject to the following deductions:

• Any PayPal fees, that may be incurred.
• Any merchandise (and its associated cost) that has been ordered on the player’s behalf (notably, summer league jerseys). Such merchandise will be delivered to the player.
• Any fees or memberships collected by the league and remitted to third parties on the player’s behalf, such as the Ultimate NL membership.

Ultimate NL fees are paid on an annual basis by all players in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fees are calculated using June 1st to May 31st as the base program year. Because fees are directly related to services members receive, registration is pro-rated depending on the time of year that a player applies for membership. The fee structure is broken down as follows:

• Annual Membership (June 1st to May 31st) – Paid by December 31st: $30
• Winter Membership (Jan 1st to May 31st) – Paid Jan 1 or later: $15

Learn more about Ultimate NL here.

Player Safety & Injury

In the interest of safety, any player with an injury/illness that could reasonably be expected to impact the health of another player will be barred from playing a league game. If you’re unsure, please contact a Board member. Some examples would include:

• Hard plaster casts on arms/hands are not allowed. While you may still be capable of playing, the risk of someone getting hit with the cast is too high.
• Infectious disease – In the event of a viral outbreak, any player known to be a carrier may be asked not to play. This one is hard to enforce, and we would hope that players will regulate themselves. Only in obvious circumstances will the Board step in on this matter.
• Any other issue deemed dangerous by the Board.

Concussions / Head Injuries:

1. If a member any suspected concussion (like hit to the head, loss of consciousness, removal from game from hit to head, etc.) it is recommended leave the game not return for the remainder of that day.
2. If signs of a concussion develop, it is recommended that the player seek medical attention before returning to play.

Build It Yourself Lottery

• Upon MZU announcing registration for a Build It Yourself League, Captains are required to express interest in submitting a team for the upcoming league. This must occur within the deadlines specified by the league.
• To express interest, Captains must submit a minimum roster of 10 players, with a minimum of 5 female-matching and 5 male-matching players. Captains should submit the full first and last name of any player they are including on their roster. Players can only appear on one roster.
• Captains who submit an incomplete roster or submit a roster after the deadline will not be considered.
• Captains who express interest are not guaranteed a space in the league. If the number of Captains who express interest exceeds the available space in the league, MZU will hold a lottery.
• Any teams who were waitlisted in a previous Build It Yourself League, and complied with the waitlist guidelines (see below) will gain automatic entry in the league.
• All remaining teams will receive one (1) entry into a lottery.
• Any team with an MZU Board Member(s) will receive one (1) additional entry into the lottery, for a MAXIMUM of two (2) entries per team with a board member(s).
• All entries will then be entered into the draw. Teams will be selected one at a time until such a time as the league is full. Once the league is full, the draw will continue and all remaining teams will be put on the waitlist in the order drawn.
• Teams who gained entry into the league will have a set amount of time to pay their team registration fee, invite their players, and have a minimum roster of 10 players, with a minimum of 5 female-matching and 5 male-matching players, who have accepted their invites.
• If any teams fail to complete registration prior to the team registration deadline or backs out for any other reason, teams on the waitlist will be contacted (in order) until the league is full.
• If a team from the waitlist gains entry into the current league, they are no longer guaranteed entry into the following league.

Build It Yourself Waitlisted Team Guidelines

• To be guaranteed a spot in the next league, Captains on the waitlist must:
  • Submit a final roster (minimum of 10 eligible players, with a minimum of 5 female-matching and 5 male-matching players) to vpleague@milezeroultimate.com by the team registration deadline; AND
  • Ensure that at least 60% of their final roster does not play on a roster in the current Build It Yourself league; AND
  • Ensure that at least 60% of their final roster are on their submitted roster for the next league.

Transgender

• Players are able to choose how they participate based on their gender identity at that time. Mile Zero Ultimate will rely on Spirit of the Game to avoid any abuse of this approach by a player merely to obtain a competitive advantage.
• A non-binary player may choose to take the place of a male or female player in their team`s gender ratio for the purposes of “Field Composition”.

Privacy

Mile Zero Ultimate (MZU) collects the minimum amount of information from our members that is required to run an efficient Ultimate league in St. John’s. This Privacy Policy indicates the type of processes that may result in data being collected about you. By registering with this website and the zuluru system you are consenting to our right to collect such information

Registering with MZU requires certain information to be stored in our database. We will not share, sell or distribute the information you provide in any way beyond what is described below:

• Your name will be posted on our website.
• Your email will be distributed to your teammates to ensure efficient and effective communications.
• If you sign up as a Captain, the other Captains will have access to your email/name.
• If you sign up for the sub list, the information you provide will be shared with all Captains in the given league.
• The email used to pay for any fees will be added to our mailing list (which can be easily unsubscribed from).
• Your email, name and birthdate will be shared with Ultimate NL (Ultimatenl.ca) for use on their mailing list and for insurance purposes.
• Any personal information collected via surveys or other means will not be distributed to third parties.

MZU volunteer photographers may be present at games and may take photographs which are posted on social media and our website. MZU will remove any images at the individual’s request.

If you have any questions regarding this policy or any concerns regarding MZUs handling of your personal information, please contact the board at hi@milezeroultimate.com.