What is Ultimate?

Ultimate 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.

Basic Rules

Ultimate is a game for two teams of seven, played on a field similar in size to a football pitch (see diagram). The last 18 metres at either end of the field are the “endzones”. A goal is scored when you throw the disc to a member of your team standing (or more likely running) in the endzone your team is attacking. Players cannot run with the disc. When a player catches the disc, they must come to a stop. A team can therefore only move the disc upfield by throwing it from player to player. The defending team takes possession if the disc touches the ground, or if they make an interception by catching the disc or knocking it to the ground in mid–flight. The game is noncontact — when contact between players does occur, it may be deemed a foul.

The winner is the first team to reach a previously decided number of goals, typically fifteen or seventeen.

A copy of the current WFDF rules can be found here.

Spitit of the Game

There are no referees in Ultimate. The players make their own foul calls and settle disputes according to procedures 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).

Learn more about Spirit here.

 

Thanks to the UKUA for the information on this page.