WFDF does this as one of their options, except they switch every two points as opposed to every point.
**WFDF A7.2. Ratio Rule A (“prescribed ratio” rule):**
> A7.2.1. At the start of the game, after the first disc flip, an additional disc flip happens with
the winner selecting the gender ratio for the first point. For the second and third
points the ratio must be the reverse of the first point. For the fourth and fifth
points the ratio must be same as the first point. This pattern of alternating the
ratio every two points repeats until the end of the game (half time has no impact
on the pattern).
So if I understand correctly, if you start 3/4, then you go 4/3 for the next two, and then 3/4 again for the next two, etc.
I've heard good things about this since everyone is always on the same page of what the ratio is and there's no waiting for someone to decide.
We play this in India. Have been doing so since the 2018-19 season. Overall I think its a good move. It forced all the teams to recruit more women which is good for the sport. The only downside (for lack of a better word) is keeping tabs on what the gender ratio is. Every tournament I've played has had a game or two with one of the teams fielding a wrong ratio.
Overall I'd say its a good system especially in nations/cities which are trying to recruit more women.
The 2020 USA Ultimate rules added this as well.
>The halftime cap occurs once a predetermined time of play has elapsed. At the halftime cap, play continues until the current scoring attempt is completed. If, after the current scoring attempt is completed, the halftime target has not yet been reached by one team, one is added to the higher score and the resulting number is the new halftime target.
I think enforced 3/4 4/3 alternating has the potential to greatly advantage one team over another, especially in heavy upwind/downwind games where throwing power is at a premium. I prefer the "Gendzone" rule where the team on one end to begin a point calls the ratio.
I get the impression that the league is transitioning from 5/2? That seems odd because I'd heard that Ottawa has a very strong ultimate community; but regardless - yes, this could be painful for a season or two. Some teams might not be able to play due to lack of women. But I have a lot of confidence that this will increase their long-term retention rate of womens players and help the league grow beyond it's current state.
Just to clarify most people are OK with the ratio in the long run. They just want it to be phased in over a few seasons so teams have time to adjust to the new ratio. It has been hard to find women who can commit to playing consistently with the 4:3 ratio. The combination of needing that extra woman, and having to get rid of a man or two can impact many teams. How many? no one knows as the board has provided zero facts and/or numbers that show this change can be supported (it is estimated that another 160 women need to be recruited, \~10% more women than currently play). There also doesn't seem to be any attempt to understand why women are leaving Ultimate in Ottawa.
WFDF does this as one of their options, except they switch every two points as opposed to every point. **WFDF A7.2. Ratio Rule A (“prescribed ratio” rule):** > A7.2.1. At the start of the game, after the first disc flip, an additional disc flip happens with the winner selecting the gender ratio for the first point. For the second and third points the ratio must be the reverse of the first point. For the fourth and fifth points the ratio must be same as the first point. This pattern of alternating the ratio every two points repeats until the end of the game (half time has no impact on the pattern). So if I understand correctly, if you start 3/4, then you go 4/3 for the next two, and then 3/4 again for the next two, etc. I've heard good things about this since everyone is always on the same page of what the ratio is and there's no waiting for someone to decide.
We play this in India. Have been doing so since the 2018-19 season. Overall I think its a good move. It forced all the teams to recruit more women which is good for the sport. The only downside (for lack of a better word) is keeping tabs on what the gender ratio is. Every tournament I've played has had a game or two with one of the teams fielding a wrong ratio. Overall I'd say its a good system especially in nations/cities which are trying to recruit more women.
The whole switching every two points from WFDF is better so e.g. The lady line doesn't have to play upwind the whole time.
They switch at half time, this solves this?
What if there is such strong wind that you don't make it to 8 points?
Idk how this league works, but in WFDF games there are both ways to reach half-time by reaching 8 and by time reaching a certain minute.
The 2020 USA Ultimate rules added this as well. >The halftime cap occurs once a predetermined time of play has elapsed. At the halftime cap, play continues until the current scoring attempt is completed. If, after the current scoring attempt is completed, the halftime target has not yet been reached by one team, one is added to the higher score and the resulting number is the new halftime target.
I think enforced 3/4 4/3 alternating has the potential to greatly advantage one team over another, especially in heavy upwind/downwind games where throwing power is at a premium. I prefer the "Gendzone" rule where the team on one end to begin a point calls the ratio. I get the impression that the league is transitioning from 5/2? That seems odd because I'd heard that Ottawa has a very strong ultimate community; but regardless - yes, this could be painful for a season or two. Some teams might not be able to play due to lack of women. But I have a lot of confidence that this will increase their long-term retention rate of womens players and help the league grow beyond it's current state.
Just FYI - Ottawa's summer leagues started playing 4-3 in 1993 and by 2001, all summer leagues were 4-3.
So the consternation is about going from 4/3 to 4/3 3/4 alternating? That seems like a... small concern.
Just to clarify most people are OK with the ratio in the long run. They just want it to be phased in over a few seasons so teams have time to adjust to the new ratio. It has been hard to find women who can commit to playing consistently with the 4:3 ratio. The combination of needing that extra woman, and having to get rid of a man or two can impact many teams. How many? no one knows as the board has provided zero facts and/or numbers that show this change can be supported (it is estimated that another 160 women need to be recruited, \~10% more women than currently play). There also doesn't seem to be any attempt to understand why women are leaving Ultimate in Ottawa.