Basic Rule Set

In these sessions we will use a basic set of rules to introduce the game and get playing as quickly as possible. Feel free to discuss specific rules when they come up in play.

See the official rules of ultimate for details:

Spirit of the game

Spirit of the game is the most important rule in Ultimate Frisbee. It is about playing fairly, respecting your opponents and respecting the rules of the game. It also means giving your best effort and having fun!

Basic Rules

Field of play

Starting a point

  • Teams start each point at opposite endzones.
  • Players stand on the line at the front of the endzone they are defending.
  • The team on offense raises a hand when they are ready to start the point.
  • The team on defense throws the disc to the other team. This is called the pull.
  • The offense team play from where the disc is caught or picked up. If the pull is out of bounds they can take it from the point where it left the pitch or from the brick mark closest to the endzone they are defending.

Moving the disc

  • The team on offense attempts to move the disc up the field by passing to teammates. - When a player catches the disc they must stop running.
  • No running with the disc. You can pivot, like in netball.

Stall count

  • The player with the disc has a limited time to throw it.
  • 10s outdoor, 8s indoor.
  • The defender marking the player with the disc counts out loud.
  • It may be best to start playing without a stall count as this can lead to rushed passes.

Playing defense

  • The defending team can block and intercept passes.
  • Ultimate is non-contact. No tackling, shoving or grabbing or ripping the disc from a players hands. Some incidental contact may occur.

Change of possession (turnovers)

  • Possession changes after an incomplete pass
    • The disc touches the ground.
    • The disc lands out of bounds or is caught by an out of bounds receiver.
    • The defending team intercept a pass.
    • The thrower is stalled out.

Scoring a point

  • A point is scored when a player catches the disc in the endzone they are attacking.
  • When a point is scored:
    • Swap ends
    • Bring on subs
    • Start again, with the team that scored pulling to the other team.

Ending a game

  • Outdoor: Outdoor games are usually played to 15 points with half-time when a team reaches 8 points.
  • Indoor: Indoor games are usually timed and typically last 18 - 25 mins.

Fouls

If a foul occurs, the player fouled can call a foul. If the foul caused the offense team to lose possession, they can re-establish possession. If the player disagrees with the foul they can “contest and the disc is returned to the player that had the disc before the foul was called.

New players will need help from coaches to call fouls. It may be necessary to actively referee games for beginners or young children.

Self-refereeing

Ultimate is a self-refereed sport. Decide if the group you are coaching are able to self-referee or require guidance to begin with.