Rules of Ultimate

The Official Rules of Ultimate 11th Edition (HTML Version) are provided by the USA Ultimate (formerly the Ultimate Players Association), the governing body for the sport of ultimate in the US. We use these same rules in Canada. A less verbose set of rules, including basic strategies and terminologies can be found in the Pictoral Guide to Ultimate. Much of the lingo in ultimate is discussed here.

Included below are the 10 Rules of Ultimate which simplify the game as much as possible.

The 10 Rules of Ultimate

1. The Field
A rectangular shape with end zones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with end zones 25 yards deep.

2. Initiating Play
Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective end zone line. 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. Moving 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. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.

5. Changing Posession
When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.

6. Substituting Players
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-officiating
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.