Send additional questions to captains@phillyamp.com – we’ll respond personally, but also update this post as we hear from people, and new information develops.
I HEARD SOME CLUBS ARE SKIPPING 2021, WHAT’S AMP PLANNING?
While we are pursuing our goals off the field right now, we are committed to competing again when safe. This May our focus is on fitness, service, and safe shared experiences, to keep meeting our mission, and create the foundation for potentially returning to play together. We are not planning any in-person practices or tryouts until June at the earliest, but interested players should email captains@phillyamp.com NOW to get involved and stay in touch.
AMP exists to support teammates’ growth, power, and creativity, compete against the country’s best club teams and contribute to the city we represent. There is still uncertainty about what’s ahead; whatever form this season takes, we’re confident these goals will create the best experience for our community, lead AMP to contend for championships, and showcase the best ultimate athletes in Philadelphia.
We are coordinating with other Philadelphia-area club teams on shared safety standards and tryout schedules, so that interested players are able to consider all opportunities and find the team that best fits their interests and goals.
WHEN WILL BE SAFE TO PLAY?
Beating the pandemic means seeing covid vaccines reach all of our neighbors – in hardest hit areas especially – to reduce transmission. We are looking for local case rates to persistently decline and test rate positivity move below 5%.
WHAT WILL THE SEASON LOOK LIKE IF IT’S SAFE TO PLAY?
It depends when we start; we’d love to begin tryout practices in June, and will keep in touch about our expectations. AMP is not planning any “plane travel” tournaments during the summer, right now, but we’re optimistic about creating competition close to home before potentially joining the fall club championship series, if safe.
WHERE & WHEN DOES AMP PRACTICE?
In the past, AMP has practiced on Saturday mornings in Wynnewood or Havertown, with one double Saturday/Sunday practice weekend each month and one weekend off + weekly Wednesday evening scrimmages. Field availability is challenging right now, so all 2021 practice plans are TBD right now. It is very likely we will have some weekday evening activity that may conflict with summer league play; we do try to schedule around pro ultimate practice commitments.
Our biggest goal will be balance – if it’s safe to play ultimate, it will be safe to enjoy other things we’ve missed over the last year – we want ultimate commitments to complement other summer activities, including participation in PUL and AUDL ultimate leagues.
CAN I USE THE GROUPME TO FIND THROWING or RUNNING FRIENDS?
Absolutely. We’re eager to start safe meetups again – appreciate people posting their plans (ultimate or otherwise) and sharing activities to motivate teammates! If you’re hosting a meetup, ask others about their safety expectations, share your own, and adapt to help teammates feel comfortable.
IS JOINING GROUPME WORKOUTS NECESSARY TO MAKE THE TEAM?
NO. We are not assessing anyone for the roster right now, attending GroupMe events is not required, and we do not want to pressure anyone to participate – stick with the activities and boundaries you are comfortable with.
WHAT’S BEING PLANNED FOR MAY?
Service and social opportunities, to contribute to the community we represent, and share experiences and build relationships with old and new teammates + a fresh fitness program, to ensure teammates can return to competition without fearing injury.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL TRYOUTS?
If it is safe to begin tryouts, our goal will be to create a roster that fits together in complementary roles and enjoys improving. We seek teammates who contribute positively and consistently in the areas below, show dynamism moving between roles based on match-ups, and the ability to raise the level of the team earning take-aways, breaking the mark, throwing and receiving deep:
Personality – contribute to create an environment that makes the team rewarding, communicate with teammates productively so we grow together and respond to challenges as a group.
Emotional strength – respond positively to setbacks and uncertainty, play with composure under pressure.
Fitness – take responsibility for preparation habits and encourage others; play with confidence, speed, and strength.
Tactics – ability to adapt and apply different strategies, accept coaching and facilitate teammates’ strengths.
Technique – decisive cutting, consistent throwing, catching, and defense – play fair, safe, and avoid fouls.
Respect and trust – toward opponents and teammates – compete with and support their improvement, be on-time and prepared for team events and follow safety guidelines, review video and focus on specific skills and strategies as needed.
Inclusion – grow the community around the team, value teammates’ perspective and power, and contribute to the community we represent.