Eastern Ultimate is a sports club located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Known for its pickup league held on Thursday nights, Eastern Ultimate provides a great opportunity to learn and play the game of Ultimate in a social and competitive environment. The pickup league follows a mixed team format, with teams being picked on the evening. The night typically ends with a mini-game, with the first team to score 5 points winning, followed by a chance to socialise and chat with fellow players.
The pickup league takes place at Elgar Park in Box Hill North, Victoria. The club is delighted to announce that they now play on fantastic grounds equipped with new lights, enhancing the playing experience. Players are required to bring a light and dark shirt to differentiate teams. The warm-up begins at 7:15 pm, followed by the game at 7:30 pm.
The game usually lasts around 90 minutes, with a break provided halfway through. For confirmation and updates regarding each week's game, players are encouraged to check the club's Facebook page.
In terms of cost, Eastern Ultimate offers affordable options for players. The first night of participation is free, while casual players are charged $7 per night. For those looking to commit to the entire season, a season pass can be purchased for $50, which covers approximately 12 weeks of games. Payments can be made in cash or online, with the club accepting payments through Bendigo Bank.
The bank details for online transfers are provided on the club's official website, and players are requested to leave their full name as a reference.
For newcomers or those unfamiliar with the game of Ultimate, Eastern Ultimate provides a brief outline of the sport's basic rules. Ultimate is played on a rectangular field with end zones at each end. A regulation field measures 64 metres by 37 metres, with end zones 18 metres deep. Each point starts with both teams lining up on their respective end zone line, and the defensive team initiates play by throwing the disc (known as a “pull”) to the offensive team.
The offence scores a point by completing a pass in the defence's end zone, and play resumes after each score.
The disc can be passed in any direction to advance it, but players are not allowed to run with the disc. The player holding the disc, known as the “thrower,” has ten seconds to release it while being guarded by a defender called the “marker. ” If a pass is incomplete or intercepted, possession changes immediately, and the defending team becomes the offence. Substitutions are allowed during injury timeouts and after a score.
Physical contact, picks, and screens are prohibited in Ultimate, and players are expected to self-officiate. Foul calls are made by players when contact is initiated, and play resumes as if the possession was retained if a foul disrupts possession. Ultimate places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, fair play, and the spirit of the game. While competitive play is encouraged, it should never come at the expense of respect, adherence to the rules, and the enjoyment of playing.
Eastern Ultimate has also developed its merchandise range, with discs available for purchase during pickup league nights for $15. The club offers dark and light shirts personalised with names and numbers for $40 each, or without customisation for $30, featuring the club's logo on the front. Orders for merchandise are placed periodically based on demand, so players are encouraged to express their interest to the club.
To get in touch with Eastern Ultimate, the club recommends reaching out via their Facebook page, where they frequently update event and game information. However, if Facebook is not your preferred method of communication, alternative contact methods are provided on the official website.
Discover the joy of playing Ultimate with Eastern Ultimate in Melbourne. Join their pickup league, meet new people, and experience the thrill of this exciting sport in a friendly and inclusive community.