Rules of Ultimate

A description of the sport of Ultimate is here, and the full rules are here.

10 simple rules of Ultimate.

1. The Field – A rectangular shape with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 64 metres by 37 metres, with endzones 18 metres deep. Cones are generally used to mark the corners of the endzones.

2. Starting Play – Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone. 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 into the defense’s endzone, the offense scores a point. The first team to 17 goals wins, with a time cap of 100 minutes, but this is often adapted at beginner levels of the sport.

4. Movement of the Disc – The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players can’t run with the disc, similar to netball. 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 is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the 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 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 relies upon a Spirit of the Game that places the responsibility for fair play on every player. There are no referees. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.

Source: afda.com