Disc in - Chasing after the Plastic Disc

Walcott on booze

2008-09-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Walcott said, " When you are done with your career, you can have a drink. I don't drink at all. I never have done."

" At school, people have a mick at me for not drinking at parties, but that didn't bother me. It's only a short career and the way you are off the pitch makes a big difference."

Very very down-to earth.

Why we cannot get rid of that mental barrier, especially against certain teams

2008-09-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, it is about pride. It is the ego. I kept thinking to myself. My team is full of talented players. They are passionate about the game. Then why do they always crack under pressure? It is about their ego. It is the standards that each player set for themselves.

I quickly get the book egonomics and read through the first 2 chapters. True enough, I got my answers. Allow me to share with you.

1. Ego can make the individual better or worse. Competition blurs our focus. I remember reading this. If you keep an eye on winning, you cannot keep both eyes on your opponent. If you keep both eyes on your opponent, you cannot focus on your performance. When the comparison gets personal, the level of internal competition leads to behaviours that make individual less effective.

In 4 different group experiment, team members withheld information from the team leader assigned to make decision. They give inaccurate information to the team leader when they perceived the decision maker to be ULTRACOMPETITIVE. Just remember, the opponent seems larger or better doesn't make us any weaker or 'lesser'.

2. These comparisons could be due to the following three reasons.
a. Wrong Goal. What are we comparing? The number of wins we have over this opponent? Sustainability? No. of members in the club? Financial status? Are we envy of the opponent?
Envy is a strong motivator, but a weak navigator.
The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on improving all the time.

b. Goal set too high. High expectations can lead to initial motivation but it can also be discouraging and expensive in the long run. Can we beat Pyro in the next tournament? Frankly speaking, not even near...

c. We get comfortable where we are. Are we really that good? There are so many teams that look good out there who can beat us anytime. Look at some local clubs. If we put our foot off the accelerator, they will overtake us. Did you see the Philipines' Youth Team. Men, 2 more years and the Philipinas could be in two semis-finals. Are we capable for more? You bet. The enemy is ourselves. The enemy of Great is Good. We need to constantly improve. How? Shiok must be a learning club.

We need to achieve Personal Mastery at all levels. The beginners, the aspiring players and the leaders. Every player must take charge of their learning and improvement. Once a week training is not sufficient. If you feel like slacking after Opens, you are the worst professional player ever. Yes, you can rest. But why waste all the efforts, especially if you have peaked during opens. Don't allow your body to crumble and go to waste.

We must make sure every player has the same mental model and shared vision. Shiok's vision is very simple. Always do our best, develop players to their fullest potential and contribute actively to the community. If every player can achieve that, then team learning can take place and Shiok can move forward together. We cannot allow laggers. They are a pain to the team and the team has to slow down to wait for them. We should get rid of weeds asap.

Lastly, we need to create our own future. We create our own directions. If you find yourself playing a few sports, you might need to sit down and consider which one is the best for you. As working adults or even students, it is not possible to be the best in both sport. You can only play and train hard in one game. You will definitely sacrifice the other game. Choose one and be the best you can be. Focus.

Shiok's destiny is in our hands.

Youth Olympic Games 2010

2008-09-05T02:12:00.000-07:00

Check this out.

http://www.singapore2010.sg/day/index.htm

Very cool, corporate video.

Managing Stress- Ultimate at the highest level

2008-09-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

How many times do you see people crack under pressure? Can you handle failure like how you handle success? What is your reaction when you face adversity? Do you have the adversity quotient(AQ) to pick it up and move on from there? As leaders, do you have what it takes to control yourself, pick it up from the failure and inspire your team to move forward?

We are not full time athletes. We need to balance work, study, family and other commitments. Full time athletes do crack under pressure. Can use some tips from these athletes and apply to our game?

5 essential Cs to mental strength
1. Composure.
2. Concentration.
3. Confidence.
4. Coping with challenges.
5. Cohesion.

1. Learning from mistakes. Competition is getting stronger and stronger. Even if you are breaking the exisiting world record does not garantee you a spot on the podium. You got to even win your compeititors who are also breaking world record. But you need to quickly snap back after making an error and no dwell on past mistakes. Some sports allow us to do that. Ultimate is one of them. Weight lifting, swimmng and relays do not allow mistakes. But we can stop our negative thoughts to dictate our attitude. NO point blaming yourself. The worst action is to blame the team. Do you think they want to lose the game?

No point scolding players. Leaders take full responsibility for the team's loss. If you can do the above, your players will die for you.

2. Coping with pressure. Universal point. Some players stepped up and make it theirs. Others ran away or hide to avoid being called upon. Which one do you fit in? You need to go through all the "what ifs". Do lots of self-reflections and really know yourself. What am I lacking in?Identify the problems and take small steps to change it.

3. Set Goals. Think big but start small. Learn to distinguish what is within your control and what are not. Whenever pressure hits, negative thoughts fill your min first. No doubt. Learn to meditate and control your mind. Relax your mind. You can see good players not able to perform at the highest level. They are out of their comfort zone.

Are you having difficulty sleeping before the tournament? Use these techiniques to overcome it. After the game, you feel that it is not that bad and you are cursing yourself why you didn't rest enough. Maybe if I rest enough, I can do better!

Making decisions. There are no right or wrong decision in tactical or strategy. It's just different point of view. Respect each others call. Debate and talk it out...

Rest today, peak tomorrow. Learn to stress your body(training ) and take time to recover. Rest helps you to keep performing at your highest level.

First post after Singapore Opens - Can we groom enough players to replace ourselves?

2008-09-05T00:34:00.001-07:00

Great Singapore Opens. Great finals. Looking at the level of play during the finals, I must admit we are still far away from these players, individually and as a team. The Philipinas trained twice a week for the national team and twice for their club. On top of that, they play league every week. That is a total of five high quality training every week. In Singapore, we can even hardly meet to play pick up. Can we be committed and follow their system? Yes, certainly, but not until every player and club put down their ego and come together to play.

Decentralising the community and forming individual club identity is great. I never deny that. But for every policy, there are weaknesses and problems. Clubs start to have their own training or even pick up in their own truf. We used to have THE 'community spirit' and every Singapore player looks forward to Tuesday and Thursday pick. With the huge pool of hard core players, one will travel all the way from the east or west to play just because, he or she knows, there is bound to have people tossing around. Fast forward to now. Tuesday and Thursday are gone. Some clubs have training that clashes with Wednesday pick up. And the stupid security does not help at all. Level of pick up starts to get lower and veterans decided to give it a miss and call for their own club training. Looking at the size of the current clubs, it is not tough to call for their own training or pick. So where is the camaraderie of the community. Aren't we part of the Ultimate Community? Can we exist without the community?

Who is stepping up to ensure that we are replaced in the community? Who is ensuring that every player who is joining Ultimate receives the correct training and play with the right values?
For every player that is playing right now, we need the same number of beginners to replace us. We cannot leave this job to the JC teachers. It is not enough. How can we ensure that these youth players continue to choose Ultimate as the sport for them to pursue in their Uni lives?

I had a hard time trying to gather people. To unite people. Everyone want to play. As every club and players look to protect their own territory, they usually forget that in this small community there exist even more. How can we reach out to more people? Can we do it without the lure of financial benefits and focus on the greater calling? If Ultimate is your passion, then ask yourself what have you done to make it better for the next generation?

I am at the Beijing Olympics!

2008-08-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

Some of the photos taken from the Beijing Olympics. Very Very fun and defintely an experience of a lifetime.

Structure vs Free Flow

2008-07-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

There are several pros and cons to structure and free flow (samba). I think the most powerful strategy is to have a structure with room for innovation. Ultimate is really a game where you should not take risk. The higher your chances of completing a pass to your team mates, the higher your chances of winning the game. With a structure in your offence or defence, the players will be able to time their cuts and move to the correct position. However, sometimes, the defence will also be confused or the defence come up with a more unconventional strategy. This is where the offensive team needs to innovate and get out of the defence. If they continue to follow their structure, the offence will collapse. The best example is to insist on executing the vertical stack against the zone defence. I would acknowledge that if a team changes from vertical to zone offence, this is innovation!

I still remember playing the Japanese team in Perth. They are very structured and discipline (very very important in a structure). You know that where the next cuts are, but you cannot stop them as there are many options to that cuts and of course, the handlers know where the options are. They time their cuts so perfectly that they can get the flow once the dead disc leaves the hands of the handler. They just keep running and clearing. By the time they reach the middle of the field, the defenders will be panting and catching their breath. This is the time when they put the dagger into their opponents and score!

Too fast too furious. NO. Too fast too accurate. Too discipline too systematic. Looks like I need to take out the Toyota Way and the Toyota Culture to learn about the Japanese culture man...

I swear by these 36 strategies! Read it!

2008-07-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ultimate frisbee strategies? Business strategies? The best strategies come from the ancient Chinese warfare. These strategies are not to be confused with Sun Zi's War Strategies. Learn about about Zhuge Liang.

Unspirited, no SOTG? It is how to use these stragetgies and how you react. If the opponents react, it gets into their head and create confusion. It creates hatred. It creates tension. A wise man who is not calm cannot think clearly. A tired player who cannot think clearly let the situation gets into their head and affect their game. It affected team morale. Yes, everyone wants to be spirited, but how many spirited players are there in the scene. Who dares to read the fine lines of the rules and get an advantage in the game. Knowing the rules is important, it's to protect yourself. Understanding the rule is crucial, it's to create an advantage for your team and take advantage of players who do not know the rules.

In my view, results are not important, it is the process. I call this game sense... Creativity at the maximum. We cannot study,memorise and just follow the rules. Most of the time... not all the time.

Please read the link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-Six_Strategies

I understand there are players who are advocates for the SOTG. I am not against SOTG. In fact as an educator, I need to embrace it. However, I am challenging you to look at the situation differently and protect yourself. Off the field strategies are important too. It is the perception of the others that determine the outcome. Does that mean that if a player is unspirited once and he will not be able to get the SOTG award. ** Does that mean that if the player constantly receives the SOTG award, he is considered spirited? *<>* It's all in the perception, the mental model and mindset of the people.

Which means not matter how spirited I am in the field, I am viewed as a hypocrite and acting. It's true, it's damm true. It also means that if I am seen talking to players from another team, I am poaching them. It's true and it's damm very true. It's also about perception!

Morale of the story.
NIL. N.A.

Great Story to show why we must work harder than our opponents or competitors

2008-07-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Adopted from The World is Flat.

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up.
It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning a lion wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will be starved to death.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle.
When the sun comes up, you better start running."

The untouchables fall into three broad categories. First are the one who are really specialized or special – incredible talent like Michael Jackson or Tiger Woods. Second, the people who are “localized” or “anchored”, these are your regular groceries store owners, local barber, taxi drivers, jobs that require a local presence and a personalized touch. Third, the “new middle class”, the former assembly line automation worker, data entry, analyst etc…

The following portion is perhaps what teachers should note and try to nurture their students into

The New Middles would need the following skills to survive and excel –

Great Collaborators and Orchestrators
The people who can connect and link people and cultures together regardless of their own background, and have a healthy respect for differences – someone who is a good horizontal collaborator, comfortable working in a global company and translating the product and service for the local market regardless where it is

The Great Synthesizers
This are the individuals who can understand multiple disciplines and platforms and be able to create new innovation and products – simple example, a fusion chef who can combine western and eastern cooking styles

The Great Explainers
These are good managers, writers, teachers, producers, journalists and editors who can see the increased complexity around the world and yet be able to explain it with simplicity

The Great Leveragers
The ones who can spot trends before the rest, grasp opportunities and use what is existing to create a new order of things, e.g. outsourcing in India, same process, different location

The Great Adapters
Individuals who are not restrain by “older” thoughts, always ready to change according to the demands of work and the environment, e.g. a marketing person who started 30 years ago first learning about advertising in newspapers and radios, then television, then now the internet

The Green People
Individuals who are able to optimise opportunities in research and production of sustainable and renewable energies.

The Passionate Personalizers
These are people who are always willing to go that extra mile to give different and excellent service, the personal touch is something that cannot be outsourced mechanically.

The Great Localizers
The ones who can adopt, adapt to new technologies and bring them to their own home country and localize it .

Everyone must learn how to learn. Do you know how to learn? Can you learn the skills or throws yourself without someone to guide you?

You need the passion and curiosity to excel.

Play well with others and be a team player.

Lte's see mroe craetviity ...

A Short Story about me

2008-07-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Something for you to know about me.

http://www.schoolbag.sg/archives/2008/07/from_flab_to_fit_and_it_takes.php

Chess and Boxing!

2008-07-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

This is what I call innovation. Random connections!

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1821639,00.html

Mandela at 90 and his secrets of his leadership

2008-07-14T04:10:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting article. If you want to improve your leadership qualities.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1821467,00.html

Common traits of the best athletes who gets better and betters

2008-07-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

There are common traits of an athletes which make them successful and this can be also be applied to your business or personal life.

The common trait among elite athletes is mental toughness. Eveything starts from the head. This aspect is crucial to the athlete's sucess especially when everyone is of the same standard. Mental toughness is also important when the pressure mounts during crunch time, especially universal point or rubber set. How many times did you see elite athletes living up to the occasion and performing at their best, while others simply 'give up' when they are down?

Elite athletes eat, breathe and strive under intense pressure. They manage their pressure to ensure that they perform at their optimum. They track their goals, never lose sight of them even when the going gets tough. They drives ahead of their competitions to ensure that they stay at the top.

The best of the best develop inner focus. They are self-directed, concentrate on their own performance and excellence. For some athletes, even personal tragedy do not affect them. They are the expert to compartmentalisation.

Elites rebound from defeats. They do not engage in self-flagellation.

Most olympic athletes, focus on the long term goals and careful planning for the short term.

They reinvent themselves after they become the benchmark and never allow any competitors to overtake them.

Lastly, they celebrate wins! This is not only an emotional reward. These athletes analyse their success factors, focus in their expertise and develop their soaring self-confidence.

Summarise from Havard Business Review, Graham Jones, How the best of the best get better and better.

Proudest Moment of my Life

2008-07-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

I would like to share my happiness and pride with all my friends who know me.

http://938live.sg/portal/site/938Live/menuitem.43735da1634c4377d21b2910618000a0/?vgnextoid=ba6a967a9220b110VgnVCM1000001f0aa8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=18d2638896593110VgnVCM100000e101000aRCRD&mcParam=18d2638896593110VgnVCM100000e101000aRCRD

This award will continue to motivate me and do my best for the pupils and the education service. I wish that the publicity can inspire more PE teachers to join Shiok.

I delicate this award to my parents, my wife and all my friends who mould and shape me for the person I am today.

Communication to anyone on and off the fields

2008-07-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Communication is very important whether it is on the field, off the field or work place.

Good communication follows the ABC rule.

Accurate - Check your facts, include all relevant information, proofread, do not assume and be timely

Brief - Keep sentences short, use simple expressions and non-technical language. Who cares what is ATP-PC when they are sprinting up the slope right?

Clear - Use plain simple English or Hokkien. Write in an easy or natural style. Handwriting must be neat, if not, use a PC.

Always be courteous and considerate when communicating. Power does not come from your position, it comes from the respect you receive. Shouting or screaming is not encourage, but if you are addressing yourself, go ahead.

Courtesy also means replying promptly. Late replies are a no no... Remember to give your attendance...

Mental Strength is stronger than the Physical Strength

2008-07-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

Who is good at playing mind games? The EPL managers? The players? Politicians?

The trash talking is really useful sometimes to get the point across. Some teams claim that they are the underdogs. Some teams praise the opponents before the game. Others simply talk about other things totally not related to the game. We use to do that in Singapore, especially the old Ultimate Website where players from other teams will gather and thrash talk before Singapore Open. Of course, all of them come to Singapore looking forward to beat a TEAM. Nowadays, this does not happen anymore. Maybe the website is not frequently visited by the players. Maybe there isn't a team for them to beat now. Maybe Ultimate is maturing in Asia.

It is very difficult to not get emotional during the game. Human are afterall emotional creatures. When the team is losing, what is the natural thing to do. Keep quiet. When the team is up, the team or supporters cheer louder. Does that happen in the EPL? Can we create a culture that the team cheers whatever the situation or circumstance? Can we train this? How?

How do we train a team and every individual players to play 100% at every point? Asians are so used to the mentality that we should always conserve in case anything happen. In case of this, in case of that. Come on. There is no in case, it is the present which is now...

Finally, I am officially appointed HOD PE, CCA & Aesthetics

2008-06-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

Went through the interview this morning. It was a breeze. After 3 years of no pay, no allowance, covering duties as a HOD, I am finally officially appointed. Who set this rule in the first place?

The best answers when you are being asked a number during training

2008-06-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

4 is the number!

Four-ever. We can run forever coach. Make sense?

Mixed Strategies - Summary for easy reading

2008-06-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Some information I read on the web. I have included some of my ideas too.

1. Use less men when opponent is going up wind, i.e. play 3-4.

2. Use the advantage on your team and emphasise on your opponents' weakness, especially when they do not use their women much.

3. Keep all-round excellent male player on the field

4. Women who can do these on the field are assets especially in mixed game - huck, poach, play cup and handle during zone.

5. Men needs patience while playing in mixed and vary the throws to suit both gender'

6. Man handlers need to consistantly break the mark, play D on transition which happens more frequently in mixed games

7. Accomdate a range of skills and develop a variety of throws (long throws to women and man are different.)

8. Field awareness from all players, especially female going deep. Men to clear out/cut back when the women go deep or risk their defenders poaching and getting the D.

9. Women must play at the same intensity as the men.

10. Get the biggest and quickest guy to mark the disc to create mismatch (think trap zone)

11. Maximise your player's strength and teach/appreciate space awareness

12. Froce straight up for a few points/stall count for teams that depend on focus set plays and horizontal.

13. Step up the intensity on marking.

14. Play your game. It is better to lose playing your game, then to lose playing into your opponents game.

15. Pull plays to female handlers.

Shiok's History

2008-06-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

I always use Singapore as a metaphor for Shiok. Think about the history of Singapore and you will see the relationship between the way Shiok and Singapore is formed. There are something common when Singapore gained independence. There are a lot of hatred and disparity. Shiok is also made up of 'immigrants' from many clubs. As the club is fighting for survival during the initial satge, there is a need to rule it with an iron fist. Of course, when there are changes, something will emerge and others will vanish.

When the club expands, the newer members need to know the history of the club. Taking an example of introducing National Education in our curriculum, there is a need to have some form of patriotism in the country. This is very similar to the patriotism to the club and understanding how the club has progress throughout the years. The hardship, loss and wins are important milestones. As a club, we should look ahead and stop thinking about the past. There are wins and losses. We should use these opportunities as learning experiences and move on to greater heights.

It is my challange to all members of Shiok to know the club's short history. Everyone should appreciate the process that have brought us here today. The next leadership pipeline should know the history and bring the club to another level. We CANNOT self-destruct, believe that we are comfortable now and stay stagnant. If we have this mindset, it is time that we review the objectives of the club.

How athletes can perform at a level that we cannot comprehend

2008-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

How to Nadal produce those shots that tame Roger Federer? Roger is not playing badly, but Nadal is simply extraordinary at the grand slam finals. How is one able to produce just 7 unforced errors in 3 sets in a finals against the world number 1? It is true that clay is not the Fed express favourite surface, but 7 unforced errors is magnificent.

An article written by Rohit Brijnath in today's Straits Time mentioned and I quote him,

"I consider the speed required by Nadal to sprint across the baseline to the ball, the awareness he required to know where on the court Federer was, the precise angle and the acceleration of the racket head required to author a centimetre -perfect reply and the fact that Nadal might be required to sprint back to the other end of the baseline." He added what is amazing is that " Some of the shots Nadal played this tournament defied belief. If you then factor in his consistency, his ability to repeat the improbable, it becomes terrifying."

What I am really fascinated is that he is not under the pressure to perform. Don't forget that he is gunning for the 4th Championship in a row aganist the world no.1.

Why Celtics is able beat Lakers? How did they manage to keep Kobe quiet? And how Kobe allow them to keep him quiet?

Why is France held to a goaless draw against Romania, the lowly seeded team in the Group of Death? How did Holland, whose morale is at all time low after losing Robbern able to beat the World Cup Champions Italy at a huge scoreline? 3-0? You must be kidding.

Why are the underdogs who seem to have given up before the match with everyone writing them off, able to produce the results they are looking for? What is there to learn for Shiok through these examples? At the highest level, skills and fitness are no longer the factors for success. The mind is. The mind controls the body. Shiok should no longer be looking at Fitness and Skills at the superficial level. Mental training is one of the toughest asepct of the game. Of course, some players simply have the passion, the enthu and the character for sports. Some needs nurturing. However, as great players, everyone must bring their A game everyday, every game. Even at pick up.

Some qustions which I do not understand

2008-06-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Why do they need locls for 7-11 when these shops are open 24/7?

Why do cockroaches turn to their back when they die?

Why are teachers not in the same professional status as doctors or lawyers? Is it due to the lack of professional knowledge in the profession?

Why the underdogs can win the hot favourites when the odds are staked against them?

Finally Back!

2008-06-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Finally I am back. Bangkok is really a country of Smiles. The women will keep smiling and the poor is also smiling, but not as happy. Tired legs. Lucky there is cheap massage. 180 Baht for 1 hr foot massage. Wtf!

Ultimate Withdrawal. Don't know can get use to training again or not.

Vain Man in Action... Living the days of a model again... But now, look at what stress and Ultimate has done to me. How to model like that?

Our purchase in Bangkok. We have contributed a few hundreds dollars to Thailand economy. Happy can already.

Living in the country's tallest hotel is so SHIOK!!! Nice view and of course, nice view = burn a hole in the pocket.

How does Shiok Grow People?

2008-05-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Every club has structures and set plays. They have dedicated players, competent captains, crazy fitness coaches and a head coach.

Within the organisation, they are many structures and systems. But the players are the most important assets. Set plays cannot be executed without the players. League cannot be run without passionate players. Trainings are not intense or successful without dedicated players.

For a club to remain successful and sustainable, there are no other factors more important than our players. This is especially so in a voluntary organisation, where players need to pay in order to play! How can we keep our players engage and wanting to come back for more?

The reason is to boost the morale of every individual player. Every player is treated with respect, treated like a person in a humane way. They want to come for training and leave the training feeling good. They want to spend the weekend with friends. The synergy created can create a dynamic force that binds every member together. Feedback given should be timely, realistic and relevant to the player. Put yourself in the person's shoe. You do not want to be criticised too right? You do not like to be shouted at right? We are human after all, with feelings and pride.

Nobody want to do the job badly when we start. Everyone wants to do their best and perform at the best when they pick up the sport. As a newbie, the feedback one receive is positive. "Don''t worry, let's try again!" As we play more and more, longer and longer, the expectations begins to increase. "F***, catch that bloody disc! Can't you throw straight?" Our feedback becomes judgemental. We target the outcome instead of the player's development. Coaches have too much to tell and they forget about the coachee's level of knowledge and readiness to learn. We have too many voices in our heads. Keeping things simple sometimes can be beneficial as well.

Machine vs Garden system. Does our club operate like a machine or garden system? Machine system is cold, task oriented, needs oiling or overhaul, needs upgrade, no values or moral and becomes obsolete in this ever changing world. On the other hand, the garden system is interdependence, diversified, lively, allow growth, and even the old dies, it continues to support the young (fertilizers) and the system is sustainable. No amount of quick fix can be used to sustain this system. It takes time to grow initially. Once it reaches the right time, it will grow at an exponential rate! Is our club a garden? Do we take care of every organism in the system? Do we expect every player to behave and play in the same way? Of course not!

As a gardener, I see my role to help my player avoid burnout. They must take care of their PIES. Physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well being. Players must know who they are. Their strength, gift, talents, capacity, values, purpose and develop them to their maximum potential. They also need to know their limitations, fears and shadows. Can you handle the truth?

Do not be who you are not! Live into a purposeful life and have a purposeful Ultimate career! What are you passionate about? What can I contribute to the club or community? What I can be the best at? These ideas are taken from the book Good to Great and they can be applied to the person as well.

People is our club's best assets. Contribute to the club and the club can serve your needs too.

A good coach imparts, a great coach transforms!

Do you prepare yourself mentally for every tournament?

2008-05-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

I believe everyone would agree with me that mental preparation is very important. You need to prepare your body and physical aspect of your game by training hard and maintaining your fitness at its peak. However, most of the time, athletes gave up due to weak mental strength. The body is giving you signals that you need to rest. For the weak minded, you gave in and the body shuts down. But one can see miracles do happen in extreme circumstances. The human body can perform at an amazing strength and speed when the person is met with adversity or danger. Mother saving their children during disasters, human breaking world records etc.

Most people believe that you need to prep your mind a few days before the tournament. May I suggest you change the mindset and consider this. Prepare your mind in every game you play, be it pick up, club training, fitness training, league games, league finals, tournament irregardless of importance. PLAY LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. You never know when is your last game. Any freak accident will be career ending. My point is to always do your best in every game. Trust me you will not regret. I am even happy that I complete another training or pick up without picking up any major injury. Whether you win or lose, if you had put in your best effort, you will not regret it.

The worst case scenario is when you ask yourself, WHAT IF? What if I run a little harder during the game? What if I have train harder before the tournament? What if I did not make the rush decision to throw the disc? What if? Come on. There are many more examples which I can give. These are just excuses. There is no what if, if you have tried your best for every training or game, irregardless of the opponent or circumstances.

Start today. Do your best for every game. I am as busy as everyone of you. I might not be a scholar, a high flyer, CEO or a boss. I am just an education officer. I am busy too. If I can make time for every training for the past 6 years for which ever team I had played for, there is no reason why you guys can't. I never miss any league game which I had signed up for the past 6 years. I missed a total of 10 trainings for the past 6 years for all clubs. 5 were due to medical (sick) 5 were due to either work or personal commitment which is more important than Ultimate. There are not many commitments that more important than Ultimate other than my wife and family.

I have sprined my ankle twice in my Ultimate career. You got to learn to take care of yourself during the game and after the game as well. Health is taken for granted only after you inured yourself. For the 2 injuries, I lost all my fitness and half the distance in my huck. Is it worth it? Is Ultimate worth my time. You bet!

Olympic Education in Action in Bukit View Primary School

2008-05-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

My project in Bukit View Primary School.

http://www.schoolbag.sg/archives/2008/05/getting_into_the_olympic_spiri.php

How do we tie in Olympic Games or Olympism in Ultimate? I wonder whether these values and tradition can be infused into this emerging sport. Does anyone take steroids to enhance their performance? How about prosthetic legs or hands? Will there be any legal issues if one commits illegal issues in Ultimate Frisbee?

At the end of the day, infusing the right values to the children at an young age is important. IQ is important, but EQ (emotional quotient) and AQ (adversity quotient) is even more important. How I wish I am so fortunate to be exposed to these activities when I was young, just like these kids in my school or other schools. All of us in the same generations might turn out better. Anyway, there are no bad schools in Singapore, all schools are great schools striving their best to provide a holistic and worldclass education to our pupils.

Finally... I am back!

2008-05-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was actually waiting for the results of the very very important interview which I went 2 weeks ago. So far no news... Worried. It's not my scholarship of course, as I have not apply for it yet... I was thinking the first post will be on the results. Nevertheless, I hope I can win something this year again after Bali. Lucky didn't wait too long in my playing years to win something.

Some points about LEADERSHIP from Jack Welch.

1. Leader must possess vigour and energy. If people see you sian sian everyday, how to be a leader? I think leaders must sleep very little, look fresh (handsome/pretty) at all times and still able to think when damn shag. I think must drink red bull everyday, at least 4 cans a day to be able to do that. Must ask Clive how he do it. Also, remember to dye your hair too since this kind of lifestyle will lead to white hair.

2. Leader must energise others. Give your teammates some red bull. Buy them some dye for their birthday and remember to ask Clive.

3. Leader must have an edge and the ability to make good decisions. Not all decisions made by the leader is correct. But if the leader looks and sounds very convincing and the people believe in him, the decision will turn out right. A leader, in my opinion cannot spoon feed his colleagues or subordinate. He needs to guide instead of providing with the answers. The people must learn to innovate within the constraints and not wait for answers. You mark A, you play handler. CANNOT!!! You must speak up. You know yourself best and a leader needs advice and suggestions too.

4. A leader must be capable. Basically good in what you do. Please, and I must emphasise that you do not need to be a good player or be good in your work to be a leader. You must understand your strength and weakness so that your team mates can complement you. You can lead at the sidelines, baseline, maybe not goal line. A loud voice or a cocky character helps too. But remember, do not quote me, there are nice leaders which pack a punch too.

5. Passion is the key to be a great leader. How to motivate your players or workers if you are not convince that they are capable to meeting the goal at the end? How to convince everyone that they should work for you when you are not even sure what is the end-result? How to motivate people when you are panting at the back of the group of players during the suicides?

6. Want to be a great leader? Failures are always due to you and success must be shared with the team. Never see success due to you. You are definitely going to fail.

Step up and be a leader. You never try, you never know.

Striving for accuracy

2008-04-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Everything we do is about accuracy. Some professions require more accuracy. However, in every occupation, one needs to be accurate in their facts. How can we apply this concept of accuracy in our game of Ultimate?

The first thing that comes to your mind is throws. Yes, and you are right. Throwing accurating can save your team lots of turnovers and unneccessary layouts.

Accuracy in your cuts. Determine when you are ready and suppose to cut will prevent clogging. Knowing where and when cuts is key to getting free. This is especially important if your team is executing a set play.

Accuracy in calls. Spirit of the Game...

Jokes about accuracy.

At an international convention, a speaker was introduced with great panache. He was said to have made a million dollars in oil in Saudi Arabia. When he got up on stage he made the following corrections; "Firstly, it was not Saudi Arabia, but Nigeria. Secondly, it was not oil but coconuts. Thirdly, it was not a million dollars but it was half a million. Lastly, I did not make it, I lost it.

So moral of the story, get your facts right. :)

Can we develop a Pawn into a Queen?

2008-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we must see each player as a gem. Our success is not to get athletic players and make them great. We get players who have the potential and develop them to their fullest potential. They maximise their strength to contribute to the team. Can we see beyond the player's current potential? How do we bridge the gap of each player? Does every player know their current reality? Do they know the desired outcome?

Do you know that you need to know subconsiously what is your REAL target? If your target is to be the best player in Singapore, you will need to dig deeper to find out why you want to be the best player? Is it the respect that you will get? Is it for your self-esteem? Or it is simply the recognition that you have put in the effort?With this subconsicious mindset, you can achieve more. Why get good results? A better job? Better pay? One must understand there is another goal further away from your current desired goal. Look for it can you will be performing at your optimal level.

Laws for Organisation Greatness (Systems Thinking)

2008-04-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Any team or committee can be considered an organisation. The number in the committee does not really matter, however, 2 people is a little hard, but nevertheless, the people around them will make up a system.

11 Laws of Systems Thinking

1. Today's problems comes from yesterday's solutions - The approach you adopt today will come back to haunt you, be it good or bad.

2. The harder you push, the harder the system pushes back - only one example, and I am still learning

3. Behaviour grows better before it gets worse

4. The easy way out often leads back in - Quick fix (think foreign talent, eating a panadol when suffering from headache, etc)

5. Faster is Slower - think give and go in Ultimate (minus the turnover from rush decisi0n)

6. Cause and effect are not closely related in time and space

7. Small changes can produce big result, but the areas of the highest leverage are often the least obvious - Can you find it in yourself? Your strength? Can we find it as a team or organisation? Can we find it as a couple? Can we find it as a community?

8. You can have the cake and eat it too, but not at once. - Be patience, Rome doesn't take one day to fall.

9. The cure can be worst than the disease. Think of actions that have good intention. Do I need to elaborate on my own example again? Good intentions can turn about and bite. In the end, the cure is worst than the problem that you are trying to solve.

10. There is no blame. I cause my team to lose twice during universal. I also throw and score and win during universal. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has a chance to be the hero. Ronaldo is the hero for the whole season but he miss the penalty.

Lots of changes happen at a very slow rate. Think frog in pot and heat slowly. But the time you know it, the frog is cooked, ready to be eaten. Patterns are hard to see. Improvements are slow. Do not only see urgent problems that requires attention. Sometimes leaving urgent matters as it is can be the best solutions, as time will tell.

Chess and Ultimate - What are the teaching points?

2008-04-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Chess is basically a war between two people, but played with the pieces on the board. The chess player is the coach at the sideline and the pieces are the players on the field. It is all about outsmarting your opponents and capitalising on your opponent's mistake.

Rule of the game.
1. Never let your opponent come back when you are leading. The more you are leading, the more motivated your opponents will be when they make the come back. What's worse is when you have field your best players for all the points and they still make the comeback. The worst situation, they win the game when the margin is huge.

2. Always castle and protect your king. The king is the most vulnerable piece on the chess board. But it is also the most important as the loss of the king = to loss of the game. Protect your weakest players and develop them to their potential. Work on their weakness first and the player will transform. Working on their strength does not increase the effectiveness of the player significantly.

3. Never allow yourself to get pin. Even if you get pin, find a way out. Never get trapped. If trapped, make sure you have a plan.

4. Plan 3 moves ahead. Enough said.

5. Control your emotions. Be patient. Wait for your opponent to make mistake. It is all about personality. Always play your game according to your personality. If you are type A, fake fast, cut fast and always yell at the thrower to get the dump. If you are type B, relax, fake convincingly and wait for the dump. Never do the opposite...

6. Setting up your traps! Never make a move that make the trap so obvious. Set it up. Disguise your intentions and distract your opponents. Let them worry about the first threat. When they are busy handling the first threat, execute the second trap and this time, the second one is going to be more deadly. Game over. And remember, once the opponent falls into your trap, do not allow them to come back or they will be more vicious than before. Think about getting the disc all the time, faking your opponent. If you turn the disc over, good luck. You will have to pay.

7. Sacrifice. Pieces are sacrificed to get a bigger gain. Players must be willing to sacrifice for the better of the team. Be it training harder,getting lesser playtime, shouting and encouraging at the sidelines or risking their bodies for a layout D. Make sure your sacrifice is worth a bigger gain or you risk playing on an unequal field. i.e. if you layout D, make sure you get the disc, or your opponent will gain a few yardage while you are still moaning on the ground.

8. Control the middle of the board. Depending on your strategy on in Ultimate, control the key areas is crucial. Hold your force and stop the open side at all cost. In chess, it is a battle of the middle. Make sure you gain control and you will have an easier time during endgame.

9. Invade territory. Patience. Do not push growth or the system will push you back further.

10. Are you offensively aggressive or defensively thristy?

11. Pawn chain is key to control. But the weakest link in the pawn chain is the last one. Lose that pawn and good bye to your chain. Always protect the anchor of your team. Protect your greatest asset especially when this asset is protecting and holding on to the rest.

Enough of talking cock.

Seeking volunteers to be part of the Ultimate Frisbee coaching system in Singapore

2008-04-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Seeking volunteers to develop the coaching system in UPA (S). You will be in a team to draw up a structure to systematically develop the coaching system in UPA. You may need to liaise and collaborate with external stakeholders such as UPA and WFDF to certify players in Singapore. You might need to organise events such as coaching clinics, beginners clinics or other hat events to promote the game. Through these processes, you will impact more beginners to stay in the sport or encourage more people to pick up the sport.

These are only ideas at the preliminary stage. We will need like-minded people to be part of this team.

Requirements:
1. Passionate in developing Ultimate Frisbee in Singapore
2. Passionate in developing and implementing a systematic approach in UPA(S) coaching system
3. Work beyond one's role as a member in UPA i.e. look beyond developing club system and the development of Ultimate in the long run
4. Passion to develop youths and beginners
5. Passion to develop others so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop more people

If you are keen to be in this project, please drop me a note @ sweenee2002@yahoo.com

So many things happening to my life right now!!! So exciting

2008-04-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Planning to do Masters in Loughborough University. Suddenly, the masters might become a PhD in Sports Policy and Leisure Management. Research topic is the first of its kind in Singapore. The only detail I can provide is that it is dealing with impact mega sports events had on Singapore.

SSC got back to me with regards to the research and the chief of Sport Marketing is very keen to support this area indicating that it is time someone look into this area to stir up more interest in this area. If I can get funding for the research and hopefully keeping my finger cross, I can get a Ministry's scholarship, then UK here I come! Haha. Can't wait to play for HAZE. Hopefully can create a Shiok.uk :)

Was shortlisted for a national award which I know the chances of getting it is near to 0%. At least I passed the first 2 stages and now I am in the last stage, the most dreadful interview. The date is 9th of May... Hopefully can get, at least can help in my application... sigh. Why don't I study harder when I am younger, no need to slog like siao now...

Shiok is performing so well that it is beyond my expectation. Of course, I would like to say something nasty again but you know I know, no need to put it on loudspeaker. Laughing loudly in my heart and cheering from last weekend's Malaysia Open. My team will know what I mean... Haha. Only half of Shiok travel up to Malaysia and created so much damage... Must really find out the players that Bangkok bring... so strong meh???

I can gladly say that even if I were to leave Shiok for my study, it will continue to blossom and grow. At least I get to be a ringer... no need to train also can play... haha. No lah, I am going to other country to learn from others, internationalisation mah... I see Clive, Anthony, Feng Hao come back from UK become so good. I also want to be better... Hopefully Shiok's coach do not land up in some C team in UK... Damm Malu. In the end, not Shiok.uk. Become Haze.sg!

Shiok as iron fillings (Gets you thinking!)

2008-04-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Imagine each player as iron filling. Scope the iron filling and drop them on a piece of paper. All the iron fillings will be pointing in many different directions. As you put more iron fillings on the paper, the more chaotic the fillings will be. It is really a big mess, with everyone working in different directions.

Imagine passing a magnet over the iron fillings. What happen? They line up and point towards the same direction. It does not have to be the correct direction, but they are definitely in the same direction.

As Shiok expands and more players are joining us, the challenge is to ensure that those that are already in the team are facing the right direction. There is the job of the leaders to ensure we are heading the same direction. However, the more urgent process would be to encourage everyone to be heading towards the same direction. Can every player think, play and behave in similar fashion? Will our club's fabric change due to the demographic of the players?

What is the magnet of the team that can make everyone face the same direction? And I must emphasise, it may not be the correct direction? Is the magnet a person, an event, a bad experience, unknown forces, rivals or it is simply the potential within ourselves waiting to be released?

Can Shiok eventually be like Buzz Bullets?

2008-04-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

All you need to get team strategy and skills. Can Shiok like Buzz Bullets? Can we play attractive passing game with structure and 100% offensive conversation? Do we need the long game compare to other teams? There is no right or wrong strategy. It is about training your players to their maximum potential and having each and everyone working for the team. There is no 'i' in the team might sound cliche. But there shouldn't be a star in the team. Not if every player in the team is a star player...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qEgGgAIGNs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyHi2-8ZWnk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft2xYagC7as&feature=related

The five minds for the future

2008-04-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Was reading this book for the whole week. Really learn alot about the minds people should develop in the future from Howard Gardner from Harvard University. I think the concepts can be applied in the education system, adult lifelong learning and even Ultimate. Strangely enough, all the books which I had read could be linked to Ultimate.

Knowing the skills and understanding how to run is not sufficient in this evolving and emerging sport. Who can't throw a decent backhand? Players who are naturally talented and posses a gift of athleticism could easily get free and make an impact in the game. This is the very fundamental aspect of the game which is the level most clubs are functioning at now. To be even better than the opponents, it is useless training week in week out. You got to work harder than the opponent. If they train twice a week, you go 3 times and 3 times harder. However, I am not an advocate of hard training and getting all the players injured. I believe in smart training, synthesizing drills and strategies from multiple sports and at the end, create new knowledge in Ultimate.

Practice make perfect. But only CORRECT practice make one perfect. You can be practising that low release breakmark forehand every training. You can do the throw so well at the sideline that you imagine yourself unstoppable. My point is that you will know whether what you had practice week in week out is applicable in the game when you, YES, execute it in a game! So the only solution is to play more and try it.

If you have been doing the throws or cut which you had learnt 5 years ago, and still doing it now, I suggest you change. Humans are really good at imitating. So model a good player and you will find yourself improving significantly. Change your mindset about how you view the game. Challenge conventional set play. Also ask why. Players never ask why and they assume that whatever that idiot who is shouting at me every training is right. That is not true. In every strategy, there is a loophole. There are weaknesses to be exploited. It is the same as your life. If you are strong in this area, say art you cannot be equally strong in other aspect. This is so true especially if you spend so much time practicing one area.

My challenge to whoever is reading this. Can you create new information? Can you develop another strategy in Ultimate? Can you change your mindset about strategy, the way people move, the way people throw, the sideline calls, the fitness element, the development of new players, the approach to develop veterans? Can you make crusty veterans improve and develop another level of their game? Can you make the worst player (btw, this is an analogy) improve on his/her weakness so that he/she can contribute to the team? Can you make a team mate who is low in confidence pick up the disc and say bring it on.

Can you transform people mindset that Ultimate is not playing week in week out? It is a greater calling. Do you know your role as an individual in a system?

Do you know how to create team synergy? Do you know how to create sustainability in your organisation? Do you know and find out why people why to join your club? Do you know why we have 30 people having dinner for team celebration, and half the team is not even present. Do you believe in miracle? Do you ...

Volunteer for the Youth OIympic Games

2008-04-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I have officially sign up to be a volunteer for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. Hopefully, I can sit in some committee and contribute to the success of this games. I believe this is one in a life time experience. Hopefully, it can build up my portfolio for my studies in UK in two years time. 2012 is London Olympics! Even better!

Of course, I will never forget getting Ultimate in the view of the YOG committee.

Loughborough Here I COME!

Bali Celebration Dinner Tomorrow

2008-04-02T07:16:00.001-07:00

I am looking forward to a great turn out and dinner for tmw's Bali celebration.

Keep up the intensity and play hard.

2008 Bali Nusantara Cup

2008-03-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Singapore retains Bali Nusantara Cup 2008. Shiok's 1st championship!

Shiok was 4-0 in first day of the tournament. The highlight was beating 2nd seed Voodoo in the 2nd game of the round robin. The team had awesome girls and also a few Australia players from sublime. Something worth mentioning was that all 4 games were played in a spirited manner where all calls were settled 'peacefully' between the players involved.

Second day... Shiok's first game was against the top seed, Freakshow, who had played Discindo B in the earlier match. Shiok was 2-0 up initially when Freakshow showed great composure on Offence and the game was determined at universal point, 8-8. I had a catch with Steinar in the end zone for a Callahan. He caught the disc with me! Finally, the point ended with a score from him against me catching a sweet hammer from Martin at the break side. At least I got a hand block on his backhand throw. :)

Reseeding and semis. FS vs Hong Kong Junk
Shiok vs Voodoo
FS lost universal 7-6 to HK Junk and Shiok won 13-5 against Voodoo

Finals - Shiok 13 Hong Kong 5

Learning points

- Sweet points from the O line especially the weave which killed the bigger and taller HK players. No turnovers from the O line on some points.

- Our 5 girls did very well over the weekend, stopping some of the top ladies from other countries.

- No easy drops which catching. Most of the throws were overthrown rather than easy drops.

- Ability to play despite the wet disc. The training under the heavy rain helps! HK shows their weakness when it started to pour. Their handlers started to drop pulls and easy swings. Shiok, on the other hand had no problem moving the disc, weaving and swinging the disc with forehand and backhand throws before scoring.

- Fitness is crucial in tournaments. The weekday training certain helps. Our players are still sprinting down after the pull during the finals.

- Sidelines is very very very important.

- Matching up with the opponents is crucial if we need to gain and advantage in tight games.

- Being top seed(1 and 2) is important so as to get an easier route to the finals and keeping the players fresh.

- Depth in squad can ensure that key players are well rested for the important games.

Lastly, always play the game with spirits. There are some calls that were contested or disagreed. Always settle them on the field and stop arguing. Hope all my players who are reading follow this rule. Admit the mistake or foul and move on.

The club had done very well since it was formed. Bali 2008 is definitely a milestone for Shiok and after the tournament, we had received requests from other club's players to play and train with us. We must have done something right during our training, the way we handle conflicts and the way we project ourselves. Players who wished to join us told me that they know that they can value-add to the club and the club can also help them to improve. This is definitely a win-win situation! Not forgetting that Shiok can party too.

The coach finally drank (quite a bit) after he made the promise that he will only drink if Shiok wins a tournament. It has been 3 years since I have drank and I think it is definitely worth it.

2008 Bali Champion. Always in the history book.

Indoor training tomorrow, Thursday, 13 March 2008

2008-03-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Dear team mates,

ready to run at 730p.m. Weekday training will increase to 3 times a week with one weekend training(club) and the other weekend training reserved for National Training.

A comment from an anonymous guy/gal who says that our training is like military training.

This is a great analogy. However...

1. More than 10 of Shiok players are officers in the SAF. More than 80% of our guys completed National service. I think DK has the next highest number of officers in Ultimate. I dare to say our training is nowhere near National Service. Our's too relax and we get to go home after training... :)

2. This guy/gal I assume, had not serve NS, therefore in no position to comment. Next, even if he or she had serve NS, he/she did not attend our training. Therefore, he/she is in no position to comment again.

3. If my training is military style, then I think it is working out right as we have more than 2o plus people turning up for indoor training.

I like such comments as it gives me more viewership for my blog. Thanks!

National Teams Updates

2008-03-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Just finished indoor training.

Keeks and myself had come up with the dates of the national team training. Waiting for head coach to send out the directions (vision, mission, etc) to the community and club leaders. We need people to start coming out for the training so that we can appoint people to look into specific areas, like fitness, equipment, fields, etc. Right now, we are a two man team, conducting cum taking attendance.

I think I better not be the assistant coach as there will be too much conflict of interest. I believe under Tom's leadership, the structure for the national team will develop nicely. I strongly believe that he will be in a more neutral position to make decisions.

Looking into developing the coaching system in Singapore. Will get some help from people to try and certify players. Also need to look at the youth development of the sport as this is the most important element to sustain the national team and it's my third thrust to work towards becoming an NSA. Hopefully with structures in place, SSC can sponsor us more $$$ to fund our projects.

Shiok is also organising the club league. Another controversial event that sets people thinking and talking... Should be fun! As director of training and education, this is going to be the milestone of UPA(S).

Thanks for reading my blog folks! Some clarification... :)

2008-03-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you for reading my blog. I understand that some of the comments that I have made had cause fury and some even described as venomous. I totally agree with the comments and I took full responsibility for the words that I had said.

I must also clarify that these comments were made as a member of UPA(S), not as a Ex-com member (Director of Training & Education) or Shiok Player. I think one must be a clear who I am representing. I have to wear many hats at the same time and I must admit that certain decisions which I have made or proposed seemed like I am representing my club. I am not looking for a scapegoat as I have always been one myself. If I need to be the scapegoat to unite all the UPA(S) members, I will. I will do my best to unite all UPA members. I am not trying to complain or vent my fustrations as mentioned by people, but I am trying to get my feelings across.

Maybe it was done in a 'barbarian' way, if you say it, and I totally agree with all of you. You can vote me out of the ex-com, scold me through my blog, send me spams or threats. At the end of the day, we are working towards a common goal. For the glory of UPA(S), not just our club. Agree?

I have since removed the post, in case I upset more people. Once again, sorry for the inconvience cause and thank you for reading my blog.

2008-03-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

History
Shiok was formed in Nov 2003. The idea started when a few players from an established club decided to take it on their own and form a new club with a new identity. The rationale was to set up a club to provide a platform and opportunities for friends to play together. Like any other team sports, the social element is extremely important for the sustainability of an organisation. There were a lot of red tapes during the process. Some of the players who initially had commit ed themselves to the club decided to pull out last minute. The leaders, Wei Khai and myself were not even sure whether there will be enough players to play in a tournament. The recruitment process was slow but both of us made a tough decision. If we do not get enough players to join Shiok, we will quit Ultimate for good. Everyone put us down, but that did not stop us from pursuing our dreams.

The core values of Shiok is Sportsmanship, discipline, fitness, skills and committment. The vision of Shiok is "Pursuiting Excellence, Developing leaders." My philosophy as a coach is that A good coach impacts, while a great coach influences."

Strength
The team started with a mere 16 players. They are mainly our friends from different clubs. At that point of time, the leaders understand that we need to develop a vision and set targets for the club. The Singapore Ultimate Scene is very small and the number of talented players is also very limited. Our focus is to recruit more like-minded talented players whom we can comfortably have with dinner in a food centre. We also need to develop an identity quickly, so that we can continue to have the right people on board.

Jim Collins wrote in his book Good to Great, the most important task in an organisation is to get the right people on board, so that there is the leaders do not need to do lots of monitoring and motivating. Today, the number of players have increased to 40 (still increasing) with lots of players below 20 years old.

Involvement in Sg
Shiok have conducted several clinics and organised 2 leagues for the Singapore Ultimate Players' Association, UPA(S). I have conducted 3 Ultimate Workshops during the Singapore Physical Education Conference and the National Sports Conference. I have also written a book, "Disc In!" which was published in November 2007. Shiok is also represented in the UPA(S) ex-com. I am the Director for Training and Education and David is the Director of Marketing and Promotion. We strongly believe that the club should contribute to UPA we are all members of the orgnisation. We will also be organising the first club league in Singapore Ultimate history.

Winnings/Milestones
Shiok's best outing is during 2005's Singapore Open. We were in the semi-finals for the first time. Shiok also made it the semi-finals for both Bali and Manila tournament last year. Our objective for the club is always to be competitive yet demonstrating the Spirit of the Game at all times.

Sustainability
We are constantly looking for young and athletic players who share the same passion as the club. The club's training is intesive and demanding. Our players learn the game differently. Not only do they need to be fit, skilful and aggresive, they also need to develop games concept to get an advantage in the game. We are also recruiting potential players into our structured youth development programme where they go through a systematic approach to develop their skills and fitness. We are also looking to support the national team through this programme.

Future Plans
The target for Shiok's membership is 50 players by the end of 2010. The veterans in the club will act as mentor for the youth. Of course, these veterans will continue to play competitively as they are here to stay. The advantage of Shiok is that there is very little turnover rate. Friendships are build through many years of playing together.

A club is not a group of people playing Ultimate week in week out. A club is made up of like-minded people who enjoy playing the game together on the fields as well as having activities outside Ultimate. We are also commited to support the national team programme whereby the best players in the club will continue to attend the national team training. These players will then share what they had learned with Shiok.

We will also develop more leaders and coaches in the club so that as the club expands, we have the people to run the club.

Swee Nee

Great Training on Sunday Shiok!

2008-03-10T03:28:00.001-07:00

Hi guys,

I hope all of you had enjoyed yourself yesterday. The training is intensive and I can feel it for the first time that people are playing hard to fight for their place!

Such training can only be possible if all of you show up for training. Of course, you will need to be committed and passionate about the game before you can improve. I can see that most of the players are stangant physically, mentally and in terms of skills and knowledge. Myself included. Please do not expect improvements if we are doing the same drills/training week in week out. It is almost disastrous to be doing the same thing week in week out and expect different outcomes.

Whether you are a crusty veteran or fresh newbie, you must believe that you can contribute to Shiok, either on the fields or off the fields. It is about sacrificing yourself be it playtime, training commitment, administrative work or doing simple things like setting up the fields for the benefits and glory of the organisation. You can be winning your individual battle on the field. But are you contributing to the team?Are you cutting off people? Are you helping the team to create space so that another team mate who is in a better position gets the disc?

Shiok is never about individual players. It never be and it never will. It is all about commitment to training. If you want to get better, train smart, train hard and make sure you practice. "Correct practice will make perfect." Practice itself will never make you perfect unless you are doing it correctly. How to do it? Get a mentor. You cannot expect people to come up and coach you. You have to be coachable first. Ask. Ask the right questions.

Come down and continue this great momentum! 27 people for Tuesday Indoor and 28-30 yesterday? Come on. It can only get better. If we can get an RSVP of 32, we will have a hat again. Remember the one which didn't turn out well due to the criket players? Let's do it again.

Shiok and Destroy!
Swee NeeCourage is the resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear - Mark Twain

Weekday indoor training rocks!

2008-03-06T04:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Shiok,

Great training on Tuesday. Despite the huge number, I think we managed to handle the lack of space with innovative games. The sprints were intense and even though we have some players who lacked in experience, they compensated with a great attitude coupled with fitness.

Let's keep this number and intensity even for our weekend training. If time permits,we will train 3 times a week, 1 session on fitness, 1 one skills and concepts, and the weekend one purely for scrimmages and drills.

If we can get 27 for a weekday night training, I do not see any problem with getting 40 for the weekend. Let's work towards a full attendance training! How about another hat tournament again. The last one didn't work out due to lack of space at NUS.

Hands up for a YES!

Shiok ROCKS! AND YES, I PLAY FOR MY FRIENDS!

Trials for National Team

2008-01-30T06:43:00.001-08:00

This is the first time Singapore Ultimate is having National Team trials. Those who can make it, please come early to throw. Those who read the post on the Singapore Ultimate Website can respond to Kee Koon for your attendance. I'm expecting 50-60 people to turn up. If you have been reading my blog, please bring along a stopwatch or digital watch for training.

I am really excited about this significant milestone of Singapore Ultimate.

Disc In!

WFDF 2008 World Ultimate Championship

2008-01-20T05:51:00.001-08:00

For those interested, please check out the website for more details.

http://www.wugc2008.com/

National Team Call Up!

2008-01-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Head coach and myself will decide on the national team call up soon. I am looking to start training in 2 weeks time on a weekday, since weekend is bad at the moment. It is always easier to start with the tougher decision first, i.e. it is easier to get players to train on the weekend then weekday.

I have contacted Ben with regards to the availability of NYP fields for our weekday training.

The players training will then meet, train together and take on responsibilities. These players are only in the selection squad and decisions will only be confirmed by the head coach. If you want to impress, do show up for pick up, training or league. It is also time to improve on your fitness.

A positive attitude can really make dreams come true.

New Offensive Structure Developed by Think Tank in Shiok

2008-01-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, kudos to the think tank in Shiok. We have implemented a new Offensive Structure that develops every individual player to their maximum potential. This structure works on several principles and there are several skills that is essential for every player to master.

If you want to learn more about this structure, join us for training!

I am also willing to share strategies to call lines and my thinking process during games. Come talk to me during training or send me e-mails to ask questions.

We have so many links to the Junior Colleges. CJC, ACJC, RJC, etc. To all JC students, if you got what it takes to play competitive Ultimate, come join us for training. All your favourite teachers are here. So what are you waiting for? To the rest of the community looking for quick fixes, try harder. It takes 3-4 years to build a club and develop the next line of players. Do you think you can do it in 1 year? Possible, unless you have money. But money can't buy friendship and patriotism.

Play with the best local players who are willing to share with you. We need to share our knowledge with you as we need players to take our roles. We have nothing to lose when we share our knowledge with you as we know we are all playing for our country, SINGAPORE!

Retro Ultimate - Research by Andrea

2008-01-10T05:55:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this clip. Courtesy of Andrea!

http://ie.youtube. com/watch? v=BTCcyAXWbqg

I guess the game has advanced a lot since the older days. Underarmour and Gaia is so cool right? I think the strategy has also advanced a lot!

Enjoy!

Bar Stool Economics

2008-01-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

See whether you understand this. This concept can also be applied to sports.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for> all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with> the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.
"Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20." Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.> So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so: The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100%> savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20,"declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!" "Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!" "That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!" "Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.

Professor of Economics, University of Georgia

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Shiok has Expanded!

2008-01-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

Shiok has reached the benchmark target of 36 for the number of players training with the club.

As of 4th Jan, these are the active players in Shiok.

Guys
1. Adam Turner
2. Brendan Miller
3. Chua Ee Ghim
4. Chung Swee Yit
5. Clive Myint Soe
6. David Lim
7. Edmund Tan
8. Enrique Lee
9. Gideon Luo
10. Ho Wei Khai
11. Jack Poh
12. Kenneth Tan
13. Liu Feng Yuan
14. Louis Ho
15. Mark Tan
16. Nigel Lim
17. Quek Swee Nee
18. Ralphael Yeong
19. Ramlan Hamid
20. Terence Chua
21. Wong Chee Wai

Gals
1. Claire Yeo
2. Clara Tan
3. Eileen Loo
4. Gillian Lee
5. Geok
6. Janice Tan
7. Jo Tan
8. Lee Su Li
9. Mumba He
10. Poh BB
11. Sarah Leong
12. Serene Ng
13. Suzanne Khaw
14. Tan Yujuan

Non-active players
1. Adrian Teo
2. Alex Yap
3. Andrea Phua - Back after June 08
4. Anthony Huang
5. Francis Mah
6. Liu DongLiang
7. Liu Feng Hao
8. San Man Mu
9. San Po Mu

There are about 15 players in the pending list. Players from other clubs who are interested to join us and also youth players from the secondary schools and Junior College. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my members for actively training our youths and preparing them to take over the club. My next target for Shiok is to have a membership of 60 players in 3 years time, with more than 1/3 of the members age between 18-25.

There have been rumours that clubs are actively poaching players again. My call is that if you have the proper system and structure to develop your players, there is no need to poach players. This is a quick fix and in systems thinking, quick fixes will backfire in the long run.

If you want to be part of the national team, there is no other club that can develop you holistically as a player. You can also experience training in a demanding yet fun environment. Games concept are taught together with skills training. It is important to understand the game before you can execute your skills.

Off the field interactions are as important as on field. Foot-reflex, massage session, dinners and other gatherings such as our pre-tournament gathering, annual chalet and strategy discussion are some of our activities planned by our welfare committee.

If you have what it takes to join the Shiok family, please e-mail me @ sweenee2002@yahoo.com or Mumba @ mumba_me@yahoo.com.sg You can join us for a non-obligation training session to feel the intensity for yourself.

Why isn't Ultimate In the Olympics?

2007-12-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

I tried to find out the answer as I think through about Singapore Ultimate. This is from WFDF. If we want to work towards a better organisation, we need to work towards the bigger picture. Of course, this is not within our area of concern. But if we are aligned to the World Organisation's direction, we are in the right direction.

The simple answer is: we are not big enough.
The IOC has recently established some guidelines for sports entering the olympics. There is a list of sport evaluation criteria (PDF), and a report on existing olympic sports and potential new sports (PDF) prepared for inclusion in the 2012 games.

Some of the minimum milestones we should aim for before being even considered include:

110 member nations
50% of member nations organising National Championships
50% of member nations participating in qualifying events for World Games/continental championships
World Championships broadcast in 10 countries (and TV rights paid for in at least 1 country)
Spectator sales at World Championships in the 10,000s
100 media accreditation requests at World Championships
100 press articles at World Championships
5 major sponsors

Getting into the olympics also involves a lot of politics and money. We are relatively poor as an international sport, and we are new at the sports politics game. Both those things will improve over time.
As well, once we got to the stage of being big enough, we would need to ask ourselves whether being part of the olympics is the right thing for our sport. It would inevitably involve compromises.
At the moment, we are part of the World Games. It is the multisport event for non-olympic sports, and a major stepping stone to the olympics. That does not commit us to a path to the olympics, but allows us to trial being part of an international multisport event. We are learning many lessons.

New Year, New you, New Swee Nee

2007-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Forget about your new year resolution to stay fit, get leaner or be a better player. Nothing beats action. A new year means following a strict diet and fitness regine. To those players who always imagine themselves as 18, wake up!!! Please do your warm up for every game even if it is pick up. If you are serious about the sport and you want to have a longer playing career, you got to take care of your health. Stretch those tight muscles before playing or you risk pulling hamstring. Yes, and I am not PULLING your leg. A 3-day 'clean' diet will make a significant impact on your performance on the field.

Let's work together for a better UPA(S) and Ultimate community.

The secret to make something work, is, first of all, the deep desire to make it work: then the faith and believe that it can work: then to hold clear definite vision in your consciousness and see it working out step by step, without one thought of doubt or disbelief. - Eileen Caddy, author

Take Home Exam for New Players!

2007-12-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

Got this from the UPA website. For coaches, this might be useful for testing your new players' understanding of the rule.

Ultimate Take Home Exam
Circle the correct answer or answers for each:

1. Play begins with a "pull" or throw-off. Each team lines up on opposite goal lines, the offense
must hold their relative position. When the receiving team is ready a player raises his/her hand
and the other team throws the disc. You may catch the pull or let it land. If it lands inbounds play
begins. If it lands out-of-bounds the receiving team may...
a) put the disc in play where it crossed the side line.
b) take the disc to the middle of the field corresponding to where it crossed the sideline.
c) ask for a re-throw.

2. If the pull lands in the end zone, the receiver may...
a) put the disc in play where s/he catches it or picks it up.
b) walk (or run) it straight up to the goal line.
c) put in play on the way to the goal line.
d) run to any point on the goal line.

3. After you catch the disc you...
a) may run as far as you like.
b) may take 4 steps.
c) must stop as soon as you can.

4. Traveling is...
a) when the receiver takes too many steps.
b) when the thrower lifts her/his pivot foot.
c) getting on a plane, train or automobile.

5. The stall count is...
a) 5 seconds b) 8 seconds c) 10 seconds d) 12 seconds

6. To "check" the disc means...
a) to see if it has any cracks or scratches.
b) to put it back in play after a foul or violation.
c) to throw it long for a goal

7. Play stops and every player freezes on a...
a) pick b) foul c) travel d) stall

8. The following violations result in the penalty of a turnover...
a) pick b) foul c) travel d) there are no penalties in ultimate

9. The person defending the "thrower" is the "marker". the marker may...
a) try to prevent a throw by using their hands and feet.
b) try to stall the thrower.
c) yell to their teammates when the disc is thrown.
d) get as close to the thrower as they like.
e) touch or bump the thrower.

10. A foul occurs when...
a) a defender makes contact with a receiver causing a drop.
b) when the maker bumps the thrower causing a bad throw.
c) when two people catch the disc at the same time.

11. A receiver whose first point of contact is on the sideline is...
a) inbounds b) out of bounds ("o.b.")

12. A receiver whose first point of contact is on the goal line has scored a goal.
a) true b) false

13. When a foul is called by the receiver and is uncontested....
a) it is a turnover.
b) it goes back to the thrower and play is restarted with a checked disc.
c) it stays with the receiver and play is restarted with a checked disc.

14. When a foul called by the receiver is contested...
a) it is a turnover. b) it goes back to the thrower and play is restarted with a checked disc.
c) it stays with the receiver and play is restarted with a checked disc.

15. A pass may go...
a) only forward. b) forward or sideways. c) any direction.

16. A turnover occurs when a pass is...
a) dropped b) thrown "o.b." c) intercepted d) blocked

17. If a "pick" is called and the disc is thrown and not caught, it is a turn over.
a) true b) false

18. If a "travel" is called and the disc is thrown and not caught, it is a turn over.
a) true b) false

19. Substitutions may only be made immediately after a point is scored or in the case of an injury.
a) true b) false

20. "spirit of the game" is:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2007-12-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

I was taking a look at the UPA youth outreach programme and indeed they are very structured. Of course, a large participation base will definitely help them. They are also selling their manual for $9.99.

For players who are interested in coaching and teaching the youths.
http://www.upa.org/juniors/skillsanddrills/skills_index.html

I am trying to get them to 'certify' my book so that I can coach coaches...

Fingers cross...

Volunteers needed for National Team

2007-12-27T22:22:00.001-08:00

Dear Ultimate Players,

If you are interested to be part of the National Team, please send me an e-mail at sweenee2002@yahoo.com to indicate your interest. Please note that this is not an announcement for representing Singapore in the National Tournament. The head coach will be calling up the players at a later notice.

The following positions are for your considerations:
1. Physio
2. Fitness Coach
3. Coach for Offence and Defence
4. Team Manager
5. Travel Manager
6. Sponsorship Manager (Team Singapore)

There will be more positions on offer after the head coach and I discuss more in detail.

Vancouver 2008!

Questions from the community!

2007-12-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

Some of you have shown interest in the area of the national team and have asked really good questions for us to ponder about.

1.National team is necessary for tournaments where u can only have 1 team / country and for tournaments leading up to these bigger tournaments - after that?
The national team is going to be the best team in Singapore. We are even looking at sending THE team (where most players training with the National team can play) for most of the tournament. We have to agree that not everyone is suitable to play competitive Ultimate. My view is that national team should be even more competitive than the club teams. That is how teams win tournament. What is happening is that the clubs are getting complacent due to lack of challenges, think FS, and in the long run, these clubs will not be sustainable. You have to agree with me that not every player in FS or Shiok are the cream in Singapore. This plan is not for 2008. It is going to start from 2008 till I retire.

2. Will this possibly lead to another elite team being formed? the only thing preventing that is prior club affiliations which, under the instances where national team has to play together for all tourneys, club affiliations might start to weaken. e.g. if a shiok player keeps training/competing with national team, besides coming for shiok training, social events etc, what makes the person a shiok player still?
Yes. We are going to form another elite team. However, notice that this is not another elite club team. It is the national team that flies the Singapore Flag. It is not made up of expats and it will be supported fully by UPA, spending under UPA account. :)

I understand that club affiliation will be weakened. But at the end of the day, both yourself and myself will be playing till we are 40. After 5 years, who is going to take over us? Without this opportunity, who is going to step up and lead Shiok. Without Shiok players going out to learn, who can lead higher level training for Shiok?

Training and Education Framework

2007-12-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all who voted me as Director for Training and Education. I am really honour to take up this portfolio. For your info, this framework has been with me since last year. As I cannot commit to UPA due to several reasons, I have been storing this framework in my left brain. Since I am voted in this year, I might as well share and improve on this framework so that future members who took up this portfolio has something to work on to guide their decisions. There are many issues to address and they are pretty urgent.

UPA(S) has a long history in Singapore. However, I was shock when Wei Liang informed us that we are way behind other countries in terms of coaching and national team structure.

I am by no means a genius and I do not have answers to everything. I will do things which I deem right. It might be the wrong decision but I guess it is better than no action, right? Without the support of the players, I guess no matter how hard I push for things to happen, it will not be sustainable. I hope people who voted for me to continue and support me in my initiatives and I assure you that UPA training and education will be heading towards the correct direction.

1. Foundation
- pick ups
- workshops/clinics
- coaching certification/ coaching issues
- UPA leagues
- school league
- Hat tournament

2. Talent Identification
- Determine by National team coach/committee
- Clubs nomination
- National Team takes priority over clubs
- Identifying potential youth players and develop them under the club system

3. Talent Development
- Coaching methodology
- Monitoring of players
- Monitoring of fringe players
- Sharing from experience players
- Suggestions for national players to be certified as coaches

4. Sustainability
- financial assistance from SSC or UPA
- sponsorship
- Structure in every decision process/programme
- accountability
- National team identity
- Club identity should not over-weigh UPA identity

5. Global Platform
- Excellence in global platform
- Exposure to overseas/high level games

National Team vs Clubs

2007-12-14T17:25:00.001-08:00

Which is more important? Pride for the country or self-centred within the club?

Personally, looking at the enthusiasm and support of the recent SEA games, I am pretty sure sport is still not the most important concerns for Singaporeans. The Singapore Sports Council is also very selective when it comes to financing NSAs. If you are performing, you are considered in the core or merit sport and the NSA(National Team) gets all the support required. If you are not performing, they will review your proposal whenever they like and maybe, they will give you some petty cash if they have excess.

Why is playing for the National team not as lucrative in Singapore?

Financial

Players pay for their tickets, tournament fees, lodging, food, and many more? Why should I be training so hard, spending time gelling with my team mates and yet, I still need to fork out money to travel for a competition. Isn't this the job of the SSC or NSA? Going to Vancouver will cost at least $2500. Can our talented youths, whom some might be still studying afford this amount?

Recognition

People ask what can I do for UPA(S)?
I ask what can UPA(S) do for me?
So what if we come back improving on the initial placing, say from 40 to 39 out of 40 teams!
Are we given special recognition? Are the players appreciated in any way? I'm not saying we need to idolise these national players, but at least we appreciate them for the time, money and effort they have put in during the process

Ownership

Who takes care of the National Team?
Do people take control over the administrative of the team? Do people take time to learn and share their knowledge with the other players?
Do they feel that they are part of the team? How about their clubs?

Competing priority

Clubs vs National team training? Which one comes first?
One cannot attend both or risk the possibility of burning out

Opportunity to play together as a team

A quick fix would most likely be getting all the best players in Singapore and put them together to play as a team. You know this doesn't work. You cannot put Gerald and Lampard together. They get into each other's way!
How many tournament can the national players commit and play together as a team?

These are some of the comments which one should consider before committing himself/herself to the national team. I agree that we are developing the structure and the situation is not perfect yet. I hope UPA can consider these suggestions when they are making their decisions. Personally, clubs is never as important as the National team. All players should work towards earning a place in the National Team. It is a motivation to play and train hard all year round. Right now, the clubs are aimless, going for overseas tournament with no recognition.

When certain clubs win, they broadcasted on website. When they lost, there is no news of them! This is such an irony!

Will you MARRY ME dear?

2007-12-10T21:18:00.001-08:00

Dear,

It has been 7 years since we know each other. I remember we know each other through the Internet. And I would start a new life with you through the Internet as well. I would like to make use of this blog to declare my love for you.

You are indeed a very supportive and encouraging girlfriend. I would never have achieved so many things in life without you. Thank you for playing Ultimate too. I know that you do not like to run, but in order for you to spend more time with me, you decided to take the plunge. I am really grateful for all the sacrifices which you have done for me.

Regardless of the storm or happYness which awaits us, I hope you can spend the rest of your life with me. I will try my best to take care of you no matter what happens.

Will you marry me?

Swee Nee

Interview Questions (Ultimate Frisbee) for a Ngee Ann Polytechnic Magazine

2007-12-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

1) When and how did you get started with Ultimate Frisbee?
I started playing Ultimate when I was pursuing my degree in the National Institute of Education, Physical Education and Sports Science in 2000. A lecturer, who was an avid player himself, introduced the game to my classmates through an elective module.

After the course, my classmates started tossing the disc during their break and I joined them without realizing that I will be addicted to this fun and intense sport. As interest level grew, one of my classmates started the inter-school league in NTU. I represented NIE and we are the defending champions for 5 years in a row.

2) Is the game easy to pick up, regardless of age or experience? Why?
This is the best newbie-friendly game you can find. Children as young as 10 years old can start playing Ultimate. They will be using slightly smaller disc and it weighs 165g. For the younger children, they can also use the foam Frisbee which prevents injury when they are hit by the disc. The tournament disc weighs 175g.

Pick-ups happen a few times a week and they are accessible to all players, ranging from beginners to veterans. Beginners can pick up a few tips on throwing from the veterans and in no time, they will be running around and chasing after the plastic disc.

Setting up the game is also very easy. All you need is 8 cones and it is game on. The game is played 7 a-sides. However, we can modify the size of the field to suit the number of players available. There are also many fun games which are related to Ultimate and these games can be played anywhere and anytime.

3) What do you like about Ultimate Frisbee?
It is intense, fun and a spectator sport. The layouts, finesse and agility of the players are the highlights of competitive game. It is very simple and accessible to pick up, but it takes years to understand the finer detail of the game. This sport involves a combination of skills related to soccer, netball and basketball. It is therefore, very easy for these players to pick up Ultimate as they can use their prior knowledge. This is a non-contact sport so new players will not be intimidated by veterans. Ultimate is also a non-contact sport. It is one of the unique sport which the men and women gets to play together at the same time.

This is the only game that is self-refereed. Even at the competitive level, there are only observers. The players involved in the dispute will try to resolve their issues between themselves. The observer will only come in if there is a controversial call. This is a great tool to teach character development in our pupils and teens. In the process of playing Ultimate, they find out how to relate to others, increase their self-awareness and make decisions in the game themselves.

This brings me to the most important element of the game, Spirit of the Game (SOTG). It is crucial for the players to adhere to this rule as any attempts to cheat reflect very badly on the player’s reputation.

I must emphasise the fact that despite the lack of supervision, in terms of the rules, players do not take advantage of this to cause harm to the opponents. Players know they are in control regardless of the situation, whether it is casual pick-ups or at finals in the regional tournament.

4) Any memorable encounters on the field? Describe.
I have made many friends after I played Ultimate. This is a social sport and a lot of incident happens out of the field. I guess if I did not pick up the sport, my social circle will continue to be small.

I remember there was this incident whereby the goal was not scored by someone throwing to the team mate. I actually ‘threw’ the goal using my leg. As I was running towards my endzone, my team mate mis-thrown the disc and it headed straight towards the ground. I was at the right place at the right time to kick the disc up into the end-zone. My team mate was very alert and caught the disc before anyone else!

The most memorable thing I have done in Ultimate is to publish a book titled ‘Disc In.
This book is supported by the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) to increase the status of PE in Singapore and to create awareness in this sport. There are tips on how to improve one’s game and how PE teachers can teach this sport better. It also clears the misconception that Frisbee is not for dogs!

My next achievement was to have founded the Shiok, one of the club’s in the Singapore Ultimate scene. This club is 3 years old and our best achievement is to reach the Singapore Opens semi finals in 2006. We have also travel to Perth to represent Singapore in the World Ultimate Club Championships 2006. Currently we have about 35 players in the club and the number is rising steadily.

5) In your opinion, do you think that the Singapore Ultimate community is going strong?
Yes.

More structure in the national team so that the level of Ultimate will improve
Need to develop a system to tap on the youth talent and groom them to represent Singapore
Develop a system to better manage the local clubs
Increase number of players in the schools, JCs, Secondary and Primary schools
Need to have a proper coaching structure so that more qualified coaches can teach in schools to create awareness of the game
Increase the participation base of the sport
Get sponsors to support youth players going overseas for tournament

6) What’s your best wish for Ultimate Frisbee?

To be in the Olympics
To keep the Self-referee rule in the game

7) How old is the youngest member in your team and also the oldest member?
Youngest used to start playing at 14. Now the youngest is 21.
Oldest is 39 yrs old.

My Views of UPA(S)'s Future

2007-12-06T00:54:00.000-08:00

The research which I have conducted in 3 NSAs in Singapore indicates that participation base and achievement of the national team are the most important factors for a non-profit sports organisation to become an NSA. These are some of the recommandations for UPA(S) if it is going to be a sustainable non-profit sports organisation.

1. Strengthed ties and collaborations with UPA from other countries - learning from other organisation's best practices.

2. Developed a structured coaching systems which involves proper certification, systematic assessment and produce professional coaches who are really keen to promote the sport. The focus of the coaches should be sharing his/her knowledge of the game rather than making a profit out of this process.

3. Focus on Youth Ultimate - develop a structured coaching system for our youths to feed our national team.

4. Develop a group of core of players for the National Team. Provide platforms and support (financial, etc) when players travel overseas for tournament. This means working closely with SSC and ensures the orgnisation's processs are structured so that UPA(S) can become a National Sports Association. Less reliance on foreign players and focus on youth development. Quick fixes does not help an orgnisation in the long run.

5. Provide more platforms and opportunities for people to play and pick up the sport.

6. Increase effectiveness and credibility of leagues. The objectives must be clear, whether the league is for increasing participation base or be competitive. There is no such thing as friendly competition. You cannot cater to so many different groups of people.

7. Spirit of the Game (SOTG) is one of the compelling selling point of Ultimate. However, as the game gets more competitive, violations kills the game! The observer system is good but needs more serious refinement. There needs to be a plan for full implemenation or we will move towards umpires or referee system, which does not differentiate us from other sports.

8. Need for a more established sponsor.

9. Accessibility of fields

10. Membership for UPA(S) - a source of revenue (Minimal), tracking of the numbers of members(active)

11. A more structured club system - all clubs should be governed by the NSA to reduce issues such as poaching of players, conflict of interest with the National Team and allcation of resources such as fundings, players and representation during World Club Tournament.

BUZZ BULLETs Write Up

2007-12-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

The article on Buzz Bullets is very true. There is no right solutions. Only committed players who spend their precious time mastering and perfecting a skill which may seem simple to others.

Fancy throws only make you look good. But simple, efficient and effective throws will get you a long way.

http://frisbeespew.com/

THE GREATEST

2007-12-05T23:43:00.001-08:00

Another one of the greatest in Ultimate

The Greatest

2007-12-05T23:42:00.001-08:00

This greatest was caught from a Hammer!

Ultimate "Super" Frisbee

2007-12-05T23:29:00.000-08:00

Super heros in action. What can you ask for? Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geBAGXikblI

TIME article on Ultimate Frisbee

2007-12-05T23:23:00.000-08:00

Well written.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,917480,00.html?iid=chix-sphere

Want your kids to be smart? Choose the right sport!

2007-12-05T23:02:00.000-08:00

The Ultimate Mystery: Popular Sport Beats SATs at Ranking Universities Academically

A study being released September 1 of all private national universities shows that their ranking in Ultimate Frisbee edges out both SATs and grades as a predictor of academic performance! Those ranked in the top half for Ultimate have a graduation rate of over 85%, while those in the bottom half just 60%. The top seven have nearly as many Rhodes scholars and Marshall scholars as all others combined.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 31, 2006 -- Move over SATs. Incredibly, for the high-powered and high-priced private national universities, the best predictor of academic excellence is rank in a popular sport.

Whether measured by graduation rate or prestigious scholarships – the result is the same. What is this sport that mysteriously divines a university’s stature so precisely? It’s called Ultimate Frisbee, or more commonly just Ultimate. It is the fastest growing college sport and is already played interscholastically at over 500 colleges and universities. While wildly popular on campuses, relatively few in the wider world have even heard of it.

A study (slated for release September 1) by Dr. Michael Norden shows that among all 86 private national universities, those ranking in the top half for Ultimate have a graduation rate of over 85%, while those in the bottom half graduate just 60%. The difference in the totals of Rhodes scholars and Marshall scholars among their graduates during this decade is even more dramatic – 208 versus 15. (The odds of this happening by chance are truly infinitesimal). Moreover, the top ten schools based on Ultimate ranking have a slightly higher mean graduation rate and more winners of top scholarships than schools chosen by - not only SATs, but any standard metric including: grades, faculty resources, and financial resources.

This correlation between Ultimate and academics has previously been obscured by the fact that there are no separate divisions in Ultimate, so that smaller private universities are historically ranked together with public institutions up to an order of magnitude larger. The pattern emerges clearly when comparing, over an adequate time frame, institutions of similar size and demographics (i.e. private national universities). Study ranking is based simply on the total of Power Rating points over the past ten years (assigned by the Ultimate Players Association) for all of a school’s open-division club teams.

Ultimate is a largely student-run club sport with minimal institutional support. Why a game, requiring such all-around athleticism should so consistently be dominated by universities (and presumably students) with off-the-chart academic credentials, is truly a mystery. The top seven schools for ultimate have a mean graduation rate of 95% and nearly as many total Rhodes and Marshal scholars as all of the rest combined. The names speak for themselves: Stanford, Brown, Harvard, Tufts, Dartmouth, Yale, and Princeton.

Dr. Norden is a Seattle psychiatrist and author of the book Beyond Prozac (Harper Collin/1995). Jeremy Norden collaborated in the study - he is a member of the world champion US National Juniors Ultimate team.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/ultimate/ranking/prweb431459.htm

At last, my book "Disc In" is out!

2007-11-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

What a feeling. I never thought publishing a book is going to be so tough. The writing process is just the beginning of the journey. Nowadays, publishers want to see your manuscript before considering whether your project is worth supporting. On the author's part, you are afraid that your hard work will be kept safety in the thumb drive if no publisher ever want to publish your book. I guess I just took the first step and plunge my head into the ground and hope for the best.

I have never been rejected so many times in my life. Not even in courtship. Sorry dear... "Sorry, there is no market in Ultimate Frisbee". " Sorry, this topic is not relevant to our company". What better excuse can they give?

As I tried to source for a publisher, I also need to look for a sponsor. The cost of publishing cost $3000, the minimum amount required for printing a decent book.

I am really grateful for all the people who share their ideas and suggestions with me. All of them are mentioned in the book. I am also very grateful for the Singapore Physical Education Association (SPEA) for sponsoring this book and Icon Book for agreeing to publish my book. Special mention to Dr Michael Koh, SPEA president and Mr Melvin Yo, Icon Books and Multimedia Pte Ltd.

During the process of sourcing for a sponsor and publisher, I need to continuously carry out my research and complete the manuscript. I set myself a target to complete the manuscript in one year and every night, I will spend one hour to write something. Just something. Anything.

I keep asking myself. How can this book value add to people, especially Ultimate players,coaches and PE teachers? Ultimate Players and coaches need information to improve their skills. PE teachers? They need LESSON PLANS! So I decided to do a series of lesson plans that PE teachers can use immediately in their PE lessons. The lesson plans ensure that their pupils are equipped with the fundamental skills and concepts in Ultimate. The lesson plans also ensure that through Games Concept Approach (GCA), pupils understand territorial games concept better.

One of my forte is to be able to synthesize complicated issues into simple diagrams and flowchart. So I thought to myself, why not start with a framework for skills development in Ultimate? At least if I start something, someone in future will be able to use this framework and improve on it. I believe this can definitely value-add to this emerging sport!

Fast forward to one year later, the book is published and launched. Through this process, I have learnt several important aspects of life.

1. Life is like a disc, if you never release it, you will never know where it will fly. If I did not start writing the manuscript, I will never know where it can bring me.

2. Life is like playing Ultimate. It does not matter which disc you use, which club you play for, or which country you represent. Focus on the important aspect of your life. Not on the distractions. If you really want to play Ultimate, just do it. Tap in disc and shout, "Disc In!"

Personally, as I am writing this book, there are many distractions. People keep telling me that there is no market in Ultimate. There will not be anyone who is sane enough to support me. Even if I did publish my book, it will not sell. I do not care. The important part of this process is the writing and researching. The outcome is not as important. If the manuscript is going to be a white elephant, so be it. What is important is while I am researching my content for my book, I have also enhanced my coaching skills. While I am coaching Shiok, I am able to convince my players that what I am trying to impart to them makes sense. I sound credible and I am able to answer their questions with conviction. I have also developed a 'sixth' sense to correct my player's throwing stance and calling for strategies before the play. These can only be achieved if the leader constantly upgrades himself or herself.

3. Life is like Ultimate. You need everyone in the team to work together to achieve success. You can play on the O line or D line. But if you are on the 'side' lines, you can also play an important part to the team's success. Never underestimate your contribution to the team's success.

Ultimate has really transformed me as a person. There are many lessons you can learn in this game and the process. I have made many friends through this sport and I cannot imagine what my life will be without Ultimate.

Cheers!

7 reasons why Ultimate is the Coolest Game

2007-11-06T00:40:00.000-08:00

1) Self-Officiating

You call your own fouls and players resolve issues between themselves on the field without external help! If players are unable to come to an agreement, disc will go back to the thrower and play 'restarts' again (contested foul).

2) Character Development

This encourages an environment for character development, which is important to young children as they are encouraged to be fair in the game.

2) Intense, fun and exciting

At casual pick ups, newbies and experience players come together to have a leisure game. Pick up information can be found at UPA(S) website on the right. (You can often find me at NUS Wednesday pick ups!) It is usually fun as its less competitive, yet at the same time, providing a good opportunity and stress-free environment for newbies to learn from the 'elders'. For higher level of play, you may wish to consider signing up for leagues! It provides a platform for players who wish to start playing more competitively as compared to pick up level. Leagues will see all players (experience, average and new) mixed up and teams are formed to make sure that each team has a healthy mixture of players. It usually lasts for about 8 weeks or more, with a finals and a party at the end of it. League will let you understand Ultimate better and is a great way to know more people as each week will see you playing a different team. UPA(S) holds league twice a year and the format may be mixed gender or single gender league.

4) Emerging players start on equal playing field

For pick ups and leagues, newbies are not separated from the experience players. Instead, they are encouraged to join in the fun! Every league will begin with a clinic for new players who has never play Ultimate before. Subsequently, their team mates will share their knowledge with them as they go along in the game. Thus players all ages and sizes come together to enjoy themselves on and off field!

5) Great for cross-training

As Ultimate requires skills like running and cutting, it is quite similar to a few other sports such as soccer and netball. Thus it is a great way for players to cross train and benefit from Ultimate.

6) Keep Fit

In Ultimate, we believe players keep fit to play Ultimate, not play Ultimate to keep fit.

7)Entertaining

You get to meet people from all walks of life, pick up a new hobby, get in shape, etc. Plus we get free beer time to time!!!!

Introduction to Ultimate

2007-11-06T00:29:00.000-08:00

For those who has just been introduced to Ultimate, I hope you enjoyed it so far. This blog is an outlet for me to share this passion and love for this sport with more people and hopefully, get more people to join us.

The sport originated in the 1960’s on the frontlawns of Yale University, USA, played by students killing time between lectures, passing a plastic discbetween them. Ultimate has been in Singapore for a while but it has only become truly organised and popular among Singaporeans in the last six years.
The number of players in Singapore has increased significantly from a pool of 20 players to over 300
players. The Singapore Ultimate Players Association (UPA) organises pick-up (casual) games and a twice-yearly league while clubs practise year-round to compete in local and international tournaments. Currently the Singapore UPA is trying to promote the sport by introducing it to the schools through the sports development programme.

If you will like to know more, you may wish to click on the links on the right hand side. Tentatively, I have just published a book also name, 'Disc In'. It has information on the game and also lesson plans for teachers who will like to introduce this new sport to their children. You may wish to contact me at Discin@gmail.com if you will like to get more information on Ultimate or on the book.