CITY UPDATE
Flipping to
Switch
Peterborough leads by
example moving from
the pre-game disc flip to
a greener choice
BY CAM TAYLOR
PETERBOROUGH – In an effort to promote a more
environmentally-minded league both on and off the
field, the Peterborough Ultimate League (PUL) this
year introduced what it refers to as the ‘Carbon Flip’.
Rather than conduct the traditional pre-game flip,
the captains in this league identify the winner by
determining who has arrived at the game with the
fewest number of cars.
Naturally, the initiative aims to encourage more
cycling and car pooling to games, and based on the
results from its inaugural season, the signs of support
are encouraging. CF standings were maintained and
winning players in each league were awarded bike
lights for their effort. As well, CF standings helped
determine ties in the final standings.
The idea of the Carbon Flip came from PUL
player and Tournament Director of PUL’s EcoDisc
INAUGURAL CARBON FLIP CHAMPS
Tournament, Grant Conrad. He points to a few key
Peterborough Ultimate League’s (PUL) Red Army averaged just 1.6 cars at each game and
reasons for launching the initiative. “The flip reduces won 14 of 15 flips, with one tie. And yes, they’re missing three players here.
the carbon-related impact of our summer leagues. It
keeps environmental impact top of mind within our
league, and it serves as a tangible example to our
community of how green priorities can complement of each team. Meanwhile its Harvest Tournament this choose to do nothing.”
our regular activities.” year is collaborating with Trent University to study Incredible what one little flip can mean. Score
The key is to keep the matter simple. Captains how such socially conscious rules impact behaviour one for a small measure that can make a significant
merely conduct a quick survey of their team to see when integrated into sports. difference in how people think about their impact
who has driven. Exact car counts aren’t important “These are simple models that can be readily both on and off the field.
– whoever has fewer cars wins the flip. If someone adopted by other Ultimate leagues and other sports,” To learn more about the Carbon Flip and EcoDisc,
shows up late in a car, so be it. Their loss is missed says Taylor. “The only cost to adopt the practices is please visit the Peterborough Ultimate League site at
playing time. If the teams are tied in numbers, a the concerted effort to get buy in. We pay a much www.pUltimate.ca
traditional flip is held. bigger cost, as we’re continually reminded, when we
Scenes of teams piling into few cars or setting
out on bikes en masse only helped to improve the
camaraderie that is so much a part of the sport. As
for the players who showed up alone in their vehicle,
the wrath of teammates encouraged them to think
differently.
“Though we’re a relatively small league, we
recognize the importance of introducing these
practices in the hopes that future generations will
embrace them as an inherent part of the game,” says
League Coordinator Cam Taylor. “Perhaps, too, they’ll
usher in other worthwhile initiatives.”
The effort is encouraging PUL on a number of fronts.
Its EcoDisc tournament bases overall results not just
by the score on the field, but also by calculating the
respective carbon, waste and recycling performance
www.canadianultimate.com — Ultimate Canada Magazine 9
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