ombining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate is played by two seven player squads with a hightech plastic disc on a field similar to football. The objective of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone. A player must stop running while in possession of the disc, but may pivot and pass to any of the other receivers on the field.

Just like basketball, Ultimate is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds. Although Ultimate resembles many traditional sports in its basic athletic requirements, the rules are simpler which allows the game to be self-officiated.

The concept of Spirit of the Game™ is integrated into the basic philosophy of the sport, is written into the rules, and is practiced at all levels of the game from local leagues to the World Games.

2. Initiate Play - Each point begins with both teams lining upon the front of their respective end zone. The defense throws (“pulls”) the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.

3. Scoring - Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense’s end zone, the offense 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 maynot run with the disc. The person with the disc (“thrower”)has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower (“marker”) counts the stall count.

5. Change of Possession - When a pass is not completed (i.e.,out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes offense.

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 players, 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. Competitve play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules and the basic joy of play.