Ultimate sometimes known as Ultimate Frisbee or Disc Ultimate, is a fast moving, non-contact team sport enjoyed by millions of players over the world. Ultimate can be played by both men and women and is usually split into mens, womens, or mixed divisions.
Although frequently compared to sports like Basketball, Netball or American Football, Ultimate has some unique features that set it apart. There are no referees. And it’s played with a disc/frisbee.
In 2015 Ultimate was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
What is Ultimate?
Ultimate in 10 Simple Rules
1. The Field - The field is rectangular with endzones at each end. A regulation outdoor field is 64m by 37m, with endzones 18m deep. A standard indoor field is 35-40m by 15-20m with endzones 2-3m 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 offence. A regulation outdoor game has seven players per team, whilst an indoor game has five players.
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 - 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 when playing outdoors and eight seconds when playing indoors. 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. There is an unlimited number of substitutions.
7. Non-contact - No physical contact is allowed between players and 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.
