Sport
Ultimate
- players
- 4–14
- minutes
- 60
- years
- 8+
In the box
A disc, a field
Official rules (PDF, federation's site)
Box details
- Origin
- Traditional game, with no specific designer or publisher
- Mechanics
- Team-BasedDexterityReal-Time
Where to buy it
Near you
In a shop
Within 50 km.
The basics
Two teams of seven, with no referee, try to score by catching the disc in the opposing end zone. The disc carrier may not run with it and must pass within ten seconds; a dropped, intercepted or out-of-bounds disc changes hands on the spot, and all contact is forbidden. Each catch in the end zone scores a point, and the game is played to 15 points.
The rules, step by step
Setup
2 teams of 7, 100 × 37 m field, No referee
- Two teams of seven players, on a field 100 metres by 37, including two 18-metre end zones.
- A single disc. There is no referee: the players apply the rules themselves.
- Each point starts with a pull, both teams lined up on their end zone line.
How to play
Pivot, no running, Pass within 10 seconds, No contact
- The thrower may not run: they pivot on one foot and must pass within ten seconds.
- A defender counts those ten seconds out loud (the stall count), within three metres of the thrower.
- A disc that is dropped, intercepted or goes out of bounds changes possession on the spot, without play stopping.
- All contact is forbidden: a foul is called by the player who suffers it, and settled between them.
Scoring
1 point per catch, In the opposing end zone, Scoring team pulls
- One point for each successful catch in the opponents' end zone.
- After each point, the teams switch ends and the team that has just scored pulls.
End of the game
To 15 points, Half-time at 8, Or time limit + 1
- The game is played to 15 points, with half-time at 8.
- In tournaments, a time cap can replace the score: play continues until the horn, then one more point.
House rules and pitfalls
The spirit of the game is part of the rules: the players referee themselves…
- The spirit of the game is part of the rules: the players referee themselves, and an unresolved disagreement sends the disc back to the thrower.
- The disc is never handed over to the opponents by a compulsory backward pass: unlike rugby, every direction is allowed.
Going further
Frequently asked questions · In the same family
Frequently asked questions
What is the idea?
Two teams of seven pass a disc (frisbee) to bring it into the opponents' end zone. You score a point for each disc caught in that zone.
Can you run with the disc?
No: the thrower must stay put (a pivot foot) and pass within ten seconds. You only advance through passes.
What happens if a pass fails?
Disc on the ground, pass intercepted or out of bounds: possession changes immediately, on the spot. It turns over without play stopping.
Who referees?
Nobody, as a rule: ultimate is self-refereed, in the "spirit of the game". Players call their own fouls and come to an agreement.
How do you win?
By reaching a target score (often 15 points) with a two-point lead, or on time. After each point, the teams switch ends and start again.