What is a hat tournament?

A hat tournament is one in which players join individually rather than as a team. The term, "Hat" comes from tournament organizers historically forming teams by randomly picking the names of the registrants from a hat. Nowadays, tournament organizers will form teams taking into account the skill level, experience, and fitness level of registrants in an attempt to form teams of even strength. Hat tournaments place a strong emphasis on socializing and networking within the ultimate community while remaining fun and competitive.

 

Why should I attend?

Because it's going to be awesome! Also, well run hat tournaments are hard to come by. Take this chance to meet new people, learn new things, and have a great time!

 

Other great reasons to attend include:

 

     Last year was great!

     After the 2013 tournament, we sent out a survey to get feedback to improve for this year. Here's some of the feedback:

          "Really wonderful tournament, very well organized and a lot of fun!"

          "Overall, an excellent tournament and one that I will be attending next year."

          "great experience; i learned many things about ultimate"

          "So much fun. Met some fantastic folks, will definitely be back with a larger crew next year!"

 

     Ranking system

     The registration page includes a detailed registration form to help objectively rank players to help distribute talent evenly.

 

     How well did the ranking system work last year?

     3 of 5 teams were 2-2 at the end of pool play

     Out of the first 3 rounds of pool play (6 games), only 1 game was decided by more than 2 points

     During pool play (10 games total), 4 games were decided in universe point

 

     Tournament ease

       - Quick, easy, safe registration

              - Register and pay online! Payments are processed through PayPal.

              - If you don't have a PayPal, contact me for alternative ways to pay.

       - Move no more than twice throughout pool play.*

       - Text message score reporting is encouraged.

       - Text message updates about where your team will be playing next and at what time.

 

     Prizes

     Last year we had lots of freebies. Check back soon to see what'll be available this year!

 

     Media

     The tournament will be recorded and a highlight video will be put together. See yourself do awesome things!

     Photos will also be taken of the event! See the video and photos from last year's tournament on the Media page!

 

     Uniforms

     Everyone will be given a 100% polyester jersey material** uniform to match their team (see Timeline for more info).

 

What do I get out of it?

For the $35 registration fee, you receive:

     - A full day of ultimate - No less than 5 games*

     - A jersey (again, see Timeline for more info)**

     - Teams receive a classic food bag including bagels, peanut butter, fruit (bananas, oranges, apples), and 2 gallons of water.

     - Also, register before 7/1/2014 and receive $5 off the registration price!

 

Where is the Hat tournament being held?

The tournament is being held at Bicentennial Park in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Directions and more details will be provided upon registration.

 

Baggage

Baggage is defined as your request to pair you and a friend on the same team. While hat tournaments can be great experiences on their own, many of us have that one player that we'd rather play with than against. A familiar face on your team can also boost confidence levels and provide chemistry that may otherwise be lacking.

 

     Baggage Policy

     You can request up to one other player to be on your team.

     In an effort to please all registrants, everything that can be done will be done to honor your baggage request provided:

          - Both players must include each other's names on the registration form. That means that if you request your friend and

            your friend doesn't request you, there is no chance you'll be on the same team.

          - Both players must be completely registered for the tournament (including tournament fee received) before 11:59pm on

            Wednesday, 7/23/14.

 

What ratio (of guys to girls) will the tournament be using?

Ratio will be determined by the offense. Depending on registration, a minimum ratio may be implemented. 

 

What is the refund policy?

For full details, see Timeline.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

This event will be held rain or shine. In the unlikely event that the East Allen Township Parks and Recreation Committee cancels the event due to the weather, you will be notified as soon as possible to the email address provided upon sign-up.

 

If the event is cancelled before shirts are ordered on Thursday, 7/24/14, tournament expenses will be distributed evenly amongst all registrants and a refund in the amount of the initial registration fee minus the divided tournament expenses will be granted.

 

If the event is cancelled after shirts are ordered, tournament expenses will be distributed evenly amongst all registrants and a refund in the amount of the initial registration fee minus the divided tournament expenses including the cost of the shirts will be granted. In addition, you will be mailed your jersey free of charge.

 

Other field rules

No alcohol is permitted at this tournament!

Everyone is encouraged to wear a hat during the tournament.

 

 

*Based on an 8 or 10 team schedule. Depending on the number of registrants, the number of teams and schedule may vary.

**Information for jersey material available from: http://printedperformance.com/sport-tek-competitor-tee