What is ultimate?

What is Ultimate Frisbee?
Everyone's talking about ? Spirit of the Game!

Ultimate Frisbee is a fabulous, high-energy sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skills who don't mind a little running and a lot of fun. These directions apply to the outdoor version of the game. The indoor version typically uses a smaller field and has fewer players.

Two teams of seven players each play on a field 70 yards long by 40 yards wide (see diagram below). Endzones are an additional 25 yards long, so the field looks like a slightly modified football field. The object of the game is for a team to pass the disc from player to player, scoring a goal by catching the disc in the opponent's end zone. Players cannot run with the disc, but must plant a pivot foot (like basketball) and throw the disc to a teammate. When holding the disc, a player gets ten seconds to throw it to a teammate, which is counted by the defender guarding or "marking" the thrower. If the disc isn't thrown in time, it's called a "stall" and the defense takes over. Games are typically played to 15 points, sometimes less or more depending on time available.

For Ultimate in 10 Simple Rules, go to http://www.upa.org/ultimate/rules/10simplerules.shtml

For the complete rules of Ultimate, go to http://www.upa.org/ultimate/rules/10thfinal.html

Both of the above pages are on the http://www.upa.org site.

Ultimate Frisbee is fast-paced game with elements of soccer, lacrosse, and basketball with its own unique offensive and defensive strategies. Your first exposure will feature more running and diving than you imagined possible!

The game starts when one team throws or "pulls" the disc to the other team, who then advances the disc by passing it from teammate to teammate. If the offensive team drops the disc, catches it out of bounds, or the pass is blocked, the other team takes possession and tires to score in the other direction. The game is non-contact -- it's a foul to hit another player or to hit the disc while it's being held (blocking the disc right after it's thrown, or a "point-block", is a great play!) Defenders cannot be picked off the players they guard. The general rule is that you have to "play the disc, not the person!"

The most important part of Ultimate Frisbee is "The Spirit of the Game". Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among players. No referees are used in the game. Instead, each player must make an honest call, and trust the calls of their fellow players. If for some reason players cannot resolve their differences on a call, people usually say "back to the thrower," which allows play to resume without further debate.

Fri Jun 20 09:06:21 2003