We’re kicking off Vancouver Pride Week with the first edition of All In, a column dedicated to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Ultimate.

Written by Dylan Bateman (Captain, Prism)

Creating a positive environment for woman-matching players in a mixed ultimate setting is a proactive rather than reactive process. Captains and team leaders can take simple steps to help their woman-matching players grow their game and be excited to play. Here are three steps you can take to foster more equitable mixed teams:

1. Invite more WM players so that you’re able to play a mix of gender-ratio points. Creating opportunities for 4WM/3MM points opens space for more diverse play styles and structures.

2. Encourage woman-matching players to pull, pick up the disc, and try new throws, even if they don’t always work. Everyone gets better by trying new things and making mistakes. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe to try new things regardless of the outcome will lead to more collective growth.

3. Encourage the man-matching players on your team to support your woman-matching players on and off the field. Two examples on the field are: cut deep when WM players have the disc rather than crowd in to get a quick dump back; and throw to open WM players. Two examples off the field are: cheer on your WM players from the sidelines when they try new things; and create space for WM players to speak in huddles so that their voices are part of strategy and spirit discussions.