The Ultimate Game: Examining the Rules of Ultimate Frisbee
The game of ultimate frisbee is a unique sport that’s growing in popularity across the country. Ultimate frisbee, or just ultimate as some call it, is a non-contact, self-refereed sport played between 2 teams with a flying disc frisbee. Featuring numerous state-of-the-art synthetic turf fields, Rocky Top Sports World is the perfect place for ultimate lovers to get in a game of ultimate frisbee and even for beginners wanting to try something new! Here is a deeper dive into the rules of ultimate frisbee:
Rules of Ultimate Frisbee
In ultimate frisbee, teams with a total of 7 players each compete on a field 
roughly the size of a football field, but narrower. Regulation sized fields are 70 yards long by 40 yards wide, plus end zones that are 20 x 40 yards.
Similar to football, there are end zones on each end of the field with the objective of getting the frisbee into an end zone to score a goal. Goals are scored when a team catches the disc in the end zone opposite of the one that team is defending.
The player in possession of the disc is referred to as the “thrower.” Throwers are not allowed to run with the disc. Instead, teams move the disc down the field by throwing it to teammates in any direction. The thrower has 10 seconds to throw the disc while the defender guarding the thrower countsout the stall count.
The team playing defense at the time gains possession of the disc if a throw from an offensive player is not caught by a player on the same team. When this transition occurs, that defensive team now becomes the offensive team, looking to work the frisbee the opposite direction down the field to reach the end zone for a goal.
The game starts with both teams lining up on opposite end zone lines. The defense throws (“pulls”) the disc to the offense to start the game.
Each time the offense catches the disc in the defense’s end zone, a goal is scored. The next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored. Player substitutions can be made either after a score or during an injury timeout.
Players have to make an effort to avoid physical contact. Picks and screens are not permitted. When contact is made that affects the play, a foul is called. When a foul causes a player to lose the disc, play simply continues as if possession was retained. If the player who committed the foul disagrees with it, the play is redone.
Spirit of the Game
There are no referees in the game of ultimate frisbee. That means ultimate relies on what’s called the “Spirit of the Game” to place the responsibility of fair play on all athletes competing in the game. These Spirit of the Game principles are followed to help ensure a fair game in which everyone can safely have fun.
Spirit of the Game principles include a solid understanding and application of the rules, fair play, safe and responsible play, awareness of time and space, clear communication and a positive and respectful attitude towards all players participating in the game.
Players are solely responsible for both following and enforcing the rules of ultimate frisbee. Competitive play is encouraged but not at the expense of respect between players, following the rules and fun for all.
Now that you understand the rules of ultimate frisbee, we hope you’ll visit us at Rocky Top Sports World to play a game or 2! Before you do, learn more about why Rocky Top Sports World is the best place to play sports in Tennessee!
