This summer’s Tuesday Hat League is designed to be a happy medium between the informal, come-as-you-are pickup games of last year’s Tuesdays, and the structured, team-based play of Thursdays.
What we liked about last year’s Tuesday pickup: choice of higher or lower level game; choose to play with your friends; come when you want; no pressure. But there were some downsides: inconsistent turnout; insufficient numbers to sustain games (especially for the rec-level game); little/no structure in terms of play or scores/standings.
What we like about teams: ability to play and develop chemistry as a unit, potentially with some direction regarding lines or offensive structure; more consistent numbers; keeping score (for those that like this). Downsides: wide variability between players in abilities/competitiveness (with less experienced players getting the disc less and, well, getting less experience as a result); playing with the same group every week, so no chance to play together with many others in the league.
So...how does Hat League work, and how does it join “happy” with “medium”? This year’s format will form set teams every week, and every week teams will be re-shuffled. Games will still be divided between Rec and Advanced, and players will get to choose their preference…but once on a team for that Tuesday, each player will stay on that team for the game. Rosters will be formed with the goal of balanced teams, and games will be scored. And based on those scores, there will be a standings board ranking players throughout the season according to a mercenary-style point system (which you can follow closely or ignore completely, as you prefer).
To make this work, players will need to take part in a check-in system. By knowing who plans to play that week, we can form teams knowing what attendance will be, and therefore make sure both games are balanced with enough players. If that sounds daunting, just remember: a check-in is a simple 20-second process of going to an online (phone-friendly) link to press a button saying you will be there and which game you want to play in. The link will be sent out every Sunday morning (with a follow-up reminder) and everyone will need to check in by Tuesday at noon. Rosters will go out by 3:30, and games will start at 6:30. And Rec players, you can choose to baggage with a friend! (meaning, a guarantee that you can be on the same team with a friend who also wants to be on a team with you)
Whether you’re an experienced player who wants to test your abilities every week in a high level game, or a newer/casual player who wants a more relaxed game to learn and have fun, Veterans Freedom will be your spot on Tuesday nights!
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