As Ultimate grows nation-wide, USA Ultimate recognizes that events are becoming more and more varied in their purposes and offerings to participants. In an effort to help participants select events that match their interests and expectations, a tiered classification system for sanctioned tournaments has been created. Sanctioning requirements related to competition elements may vary (competitive vs. recreational events), as well as the amenities that the event is expected to provide to participants (classic vs. premier events). Please note that all USA Ultimate series, sanctioned, and insured events require the same standards for the health and safety of participants.
Event organizers/managers can apply to have tournaments sanctioned by USA Ultimate at one of the three tiers below. Information regarding the specific requirements and benefits for each tier below can be found in the Sanctioned Tournament Requirements and Benefits pages (see step one below).
| Sanctioned Tournament Tiers |
- Recreational
- This tier has the fewest requirements around competition, event amenities and event registration.
- Recreational events cannot be included in the USA Ultimate College or Club Regular Seasons
- Application Deadline: On-time: min. of 10 business days before event start date; Late apps. accepted until 5 business days
- Competitive Classic
- Competitive events have an increased focus on competition requirements for the purpose of maintaining consistency across events so that results can be more fairly compared.
- Competitive events are eligible to be included in the USA Ultimate College or Club Regular Seasons
- Application Deadline: On-time: min. of 10 business days before event start date; Late apps. accepted until 5 business days.
- Competitive Premier
- Competitive events have an increased focus on competition requirements for the purpose of maintaining consistency across events so that results can be more fairly compared.
- Premier events have higher standards regarding event amenities as well as registration requirements.
- Competitive events are eligible to be included in the USA Ultimate College or Club Regular Seasons
- Application Deadline: Min. of 15 business days before event start
Want to take your tournament to the next level?? Learn about USA Ultimate Featured Premier Tournaments
| Apply for USAU Tournament Sanctioning |
Hundreds of nationally recognized events are sanctioned each year. Follow these steps if you would like to apply for USAU tournament sanctioning. As the Event Manager, you must read, understand and agree to comply with the following:
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Step 1
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Requirements and Benefits
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Guidelines and procedures for event competition, provisions, organization, and registration required for all events. Also included are the benefits of being sanctioned.
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Step 2
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Health & Safety Requirements
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Event health and safety standards - required for all events
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Step 3
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Youth Requirements
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Mandatory for any event in which minors (under 18) are permitted to participate.
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Step 4
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Club Regular Season
College Regular Season
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Requirements for games to be considered part of the USAU Club Regular Season or the USAU College Regular Season. Note that only Competitive-level tournaments can qualify.
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Step 5
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Application and Contract
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To apply for USAU sanctioning, complete the application and contract and submit it to USAU along with your deposit. Applicants must be 18 or older and a current member of USAU.
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| Current Sanctioned Tournaments |
Registration Management for Event Organizers
Team/Player Event Registration - For teams and individuals registering for sanctioned events
Discounted Discs- Check out the various discs that can be ordered for your event, only $5 each!
Questions? Contact sanctioning@usaultimate.org