April 18, 2023
The AUDL has released the results of a women’s survey conducted during the 2022 season. The report tracked data from 40 female respondents, including league staff, team employees and owners, and referees. The survey was conducted in collaboration with the AUDL Inclusion Initiative (Aii) and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, the official team physicians of the Philadelphia Phoenix.
“This initiative signifies the AUDL’s commitment to listening, learning and improving the league for people of all backgrounds,” said Dr. Christina Lee Chung, Philadelphia Phoenix Co-Owner, AUDL Chief Medical Officer, and Aii Co-Chair. “Women across the league appreciated the opportunity to share their honest opinions in a seamless way. We are getting so many things right, but we also have areas where we need to get better. And I think as long as we are actively working toward absolute equality, the AUDL represents a leader in the professional sports industry.”
“Rothman Orthopaedics is really excited to be a part of this initiative with the AUDL and its mission to diversify this sport,” said Dr. Sommer Hammoud, Sports Medicine Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics and Head Team Physician of the Philadelphia Phoenix. “Similar to the world of orthopedics, the AUDL has made huge strides in growing this game but there is always room for improvement. I look forward to continuing to work with Christina and the other members of Aii on ways we can implement the survey responses.”
The survey found that the AUDL is a supportive environment for women and, in general, women’s voices play a significant role in business and team decisions. Respondents felt the league and teams were actively committed to improving the gender gap in sports through expanded growth opportunities and seeing female leaders thrive throughout the AUDL.
“One of the best parts of stepping into the [General Manager] role...was seeing and hearing from other women who are involved in the leadership across the AUDL,” said one respondent. “I felt less alone in my fight for change and growth. I got to hear what other teams are doing and I felt more heard.”
The survey also provided insight into areas of opportunity for the league, including more support for pregnant staff and new mothers, accommodations and facility accessibility during team travel, community programs, and enhanced learning and development platforms. The AUDL has instituted an action plan to improve these areas and create sustainable practices for gender equality moving forward, including hosting women’s sessions at team owners meetings and networking opportunities at league events.
The Aii strives to increase racial and cultural diversity and inclusion in the sport of ultimate by engaging communities of color and partnering with people who share the same mission. To learn more, visit the Aii page on the AUDL website.
About the AUDL
The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) was founded in 2012 and strives to maintain ultimate’s rich history. The league's 24 teams embody the robust spirit of ultimate's players, fans, and community alike. The AUDL's mission is to increase the visibility of one of North America’s fastest growing sports by creating affordable events for family and friends that showcase the sport being played at its highest level. For more information, visit www.theaudl.com.
About Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is the largest musculoskeletal practice in the United States according to Becker’s Review. A world-leader in the field of orthopedics, Rothman Orthopaedics partners with health systems, hospitals and physicians to build enduring musculoskeletal systems of care that are high-quality, compassionate, affordable and grounded in evidence-based medicine. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute orthopedists treat patients in 43 locations and has surgical privileges at 71 facilities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Florida. With experts in nine orthopedic sub-specialties including spine, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic oncology and trauma, Rothman Orthopaedics is recognized for excellence in clinical treatment methods, research, education and technology. Consistently recognized as national and regional “Top Docs,” Rothman Orthopaedics is proud to be the official team physicians for the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Phillies, the Orlando Magic, The Big EAST Conference, as well as over 60 college and high school teams. For more information about Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, please visit www.RothmanOrtho.com.
