"Ultimate [Frisbee] is a fast-moving team sport enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of players the world over. Although frequently compared to sports like soccer or American Football, Ultimate has some unique features that set it apart. There are no referees. And it’s played with a flying disc.

To compete at the highest level, Ultimate players require speed, agility and endurance. Yet beginners find the game easy to learn and fun to play. Grab a disc, get out there, and discover why many think this is the ultimate team sport. " (UK Ultimate)

What is Ultimate Video

Ultimate in 10 Rules

1. The Playing Field -- A rectangular shape with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with endzones 25 yards deep.
2. Initiate Play -- Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone line. The defence throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.
3. Scoring -- Each time the offence completes a pass in the defence's endzone, the offence scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.
4. Movement of the Disc (Frisbee) -- The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.
5. Change of possession -- When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defence immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offence.
6. Substitutions -- Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
7. Non-contact -- No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.
8. Fouls -- When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
9. Self-Refereeing -- Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
10. Spirit of the Game -- Ultimate stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

(The Ultimate Handbook)

For a full copy of the rules go to the UK Ultimate website here.

Match Play Videos

Spirit of the Game - It's your credibility that counts!

There are no referees in Ultimate, instead the players make their own foul calls and settle disputes according to principals laid out in the Rules of Ultimate. Upholding the principles of fair play and “Spirit of the Game” during competition becomes a challenging responsibility for players and is one of the defining aspects of the sport.

“Spirit of the Game places the responsibility for fair play on every player. Highly competitive play is encouraged but should never sacrifice the mutual respect between players, adherence to the rules of the game, or the basic joy of play.” (WFDF Rules of Ultimate).

Want to know more?

If this has whetted your appetite for a non-traditional sport or you have more questions, including how can I start playing or can you introduce this sport to our schoo/youth club/organisation? please get in touch through the contact page

Scraggy