Nelson was certified in 2015 at the Old Capital Open and has been present at almost every 91³ÉÈËU championship event since 2016. In 2022, he worked the finals of both the Club and College Championships. In addition, he was the Head Observer for the 2022 U.S. Open, leading a large crew of observers across two large scale tournaments (ICC and YCC). Nelson is also the Regional Observer Coordinator for the North Central region and is scheduled to become an observer trainer in the spring. Nelson has also put forth efforts to start developing training resources for observers and players interacting with the observer system. It is hard to find anyone in the observer community who more consistently strives to improve his craft, whether it’s posing the most elusive game scenario to find the proper ruling or constantly asking for feedback. Nelson also has begun working as a hockey referee in his spare time.

Strickland was first certified in 2018 at the Northwest Challenge, with much of her observing development put on hold due to the pandemic. But that didn’t stop her from coming back in 2022, working several high-level tournaments along the west coast including the Stanford Invite and Northwest Challenge. She’s always prepared for her games, no matter the level of play, and is always working to improve her skills. In the 12-month period ending in October 2022, Strickland observed both a semifinal and final at the 2022 National Championships and two semifinal games at the College Championships. In her spare time outside of ultimate, Strickland is an avid cheese maker.

Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 29, 2020) – The 91³ÉÈË Spirit, Officiating and Rules (SOAR) Committee is looking for smart, dedicated individuals to join the Observer Working Group (OWG). With esteemed members Keith Temple and Laura Meyer moving on from the OWG, the committee is taking applications from the community for four available vacancies: one new Elite Athlete and three other at-large positions within the group.

The OWG determines official 91³ÉÈË guidelines for observing, including current standards for 91³ÉÈË competition, as well as training materials and methods. The OWG also periodically discusses and implements any changes to Observer roles and practices, and also oversees and assists in conducting Observer training clinics. 

Meyer was certified as an observer in 2009. Consistently one of the top observers in ultimate during her tenure, she was heavily involved in writing observer tests and curriculum. She has also served as the head observer for several Youth Club Championships tournaments, and she has participated in almost every College Championships and National Championships since 2010. In 2020, she was instrumental in spearheading the new rules certification for observers.

Temple was one of the first certified observers, receiving his certification in 2005. He made major contributions to the development and evolution of the observer manual as well as the observer training quizzes. Along with Meyer, Temple has participated as an observer in almost every College Championships and National Championships over the last decade, including being the head observer for the 2009 and 2014 National Championships.

In addition to the three open positions, the OWG is adding an Elite Athlete component to the group for 2020. Given the level of interaction observers have with athletes, the OWG saw it imperative to have an athlete’s perspective on the role observers play on the ultimate field.

Please email your completed application, including responses to all questions, to Mitch Dengler, National Observer Director, at observer_comm_chair@usaultimate.org.

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In order to fulfill their fundamental role of helping players uphold the Spirit of the Game, our observers must be able to provide a neutral perspective when engaging players of all backgrounds, especially players from underrepresented communities. We strongly encourage women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those from other traditionally marginalized communities to apply.

Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 26, 2020)– 91³ÉÈË is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Observer of the Year Awards. The observer awards program was created to help recognize the hard work and dedication of certified observers and their contributions to the sport of ultimate, particularly at the highest levels of competition. 

Observer of the Year – Sam Wood

91³ÉÈË is proud to announce Sam Wood as the 2019 Observer of the Year. Sam was certified in 2009, and has been present at almost every 91³ÉÈËU championship event since 2011. He consistently works semifinal and final games, including the championship match for the mixed division at the 2019 National Championships. In addition, he was Head Observer for the 2018 U.S. Open Club Championships and for several Masters Championships. Sam is also the Regional Observer Coordinator for the North Central region and an observer trainer, and his efforts toward developing quality observers have resulted in many of his trainees being invited to championship events. In 2019, Sam spearheaded the recertification process for all observers in alignment with the new . In his free time, Sam coaches a college men’s ultimate team, frequently walks his dog and trains for long-distance trail running events.

Rookie Observer of the Year – Joey Tillman

Emerging from a quality training cohort in September 2017, Joey Tillman has quickly established himself as a mainstay in North Central observing. His consistent high-quality positioning and player interactions are exceeded only by his rules knowledge and game management. Joey’s rise to top-flight observing is marked by working semifinal and finals games at the 2019 Masters Championships and a semifinal game at the 2019 National Championships, in addition to attending competitive tournaments such as Santa Barbara Invite and North Central College Regionals. When he’s not observing, Joey plays for St Paul Swans, enjoys vegetarian cuisine and aspires to have the fastest 40-yard dash time among observers.

The  (OCP) took on its current structure in 2005, with the completion of a standardized training manual, outlining of the training clinic curriculum and development of criteria for certification. 

Each year, observer certification clinics are held around the country to grow the ranks of certified observers in the ultimate community. For more information about the OCP and to find out how to become a certified observer, visit . 

Colorado Springs, Colo. (April 15, 2019)– 91³ÉÈË is excited to announce the recipients of the 2018 Observer of the Year Awards. The observer awards program was created to help recognize the hard work and dedication of certified observers and their contributions to the sport of ultimate, particularly at the highest levels of competition. 

Observer of the Year – Brian Bradburn

91³ÉÈË is proud to announce the 2018 Observer of the Year, Brian “Burn” Bradburn. Burn was first certified in 2010 and has consistently been one of the most active observers in the country, including being a presence at all 91³ÉÈË championship events. After a few years, he became the Southwest Regional Observer Coordinator and has made providing quality observers to events up and down the west coast a priority. In 2016, Burn observed the women’s final at the National Championships. In 2018, along with observing countless games, he also developed some player resources for those unfamiliar with observers, as well as resources for observers. The 91³ÉÈË Observer Program is much stronger for having Brian involved. Congratulations, Burn!

Rookie Observer of the Year – Vincent Chang

91³ÉÈË is proud to announce the 2018 Rookie Observer of the Year: Vincent “Styxx” Chang. Vincent was first certified in 2017 (by 2018 Observer of the Year Brian Bradburn). In 2018, Styxx observed at tournaments across the country, from Stanford Invite to College Easterns to mid-level tournaments in small town U.S.A. to his first National Championships in Del Mar, Calif. Styxx has been a dependable work horse for the Southwest Region and is continually pushing to improve his skills. 91³ÉÈË is constantly looking to add to the observing talent pool, and we are lucky to have added Styxx. Congratulations, Vincent!

The  (OCP) took on its current structure in 2005, with the completion of a standardized training manual, outlining of the training clinic curriculum and development of criteria for certification. 

Each year, observer certification clinics are held around the country to grow the ranks of certified observers in the ultimate community. For more information about the OCP and to find out how to become a certified observer, visit .