For many parents it can be disorienting for a child to just suddenly say, "I want to play Ultimate frisbee."
"What?" "What is that?" "With the hippies?" "With the dogs?" "Like golf?"
And that is understandable, it is a relatively new sport. Few people have seen it played and fewer still know the rules and culture that is Ultimate frisbee.
So here are some resources that will help both begginner and veteran, player and parent.
This is posted compliments of the UPA website:
"Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate is played by two seven-player squads with a high-tech plastic disc on a field similar to football. The object of the game is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone. A player must stop running while in possession of the disc, but may pivot and pass to any of the other receivers on the field. Ultimate is a transition game in which players move quickly from offense to defense on turnovers that occur with a dropped pass, an interception, a pass out of bounds, or when a player is caught holding the disc for more than ten seconds. Ultimate is governed by Spirit of the Game™, a tradition of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the players rather than referees. Ultimate is played in more than 42 countries by hundreds of thousands of men and women, girls and boys."
For the parent it might be tedious to read the entire rule book, so here is a concise version posted below, however all players must read the rule book!
This is the link to the UPA 10th edition rules.
Ultimate in 10 Simple Rules
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. Initiate 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. Movement of 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. Change of Possession: 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. 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-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.
Lastly here is a helpful FAQ:
Q: What equipment do you need in order to play?
A: Ultimate is one of the least expensive sports to play, as all that’s required for a game is field space and a disc. Most players opt to wear cleats as well, and cones are helpful for marking the boundaries of the playing field.
Q: Are all discs the same?
A: No. Ultimate is played with a 175 gram disc, which is heavier and sturdier than the recreational discs most people are familiar with. The weight, diameter, shape of the rim, and plastic all factor in to how the disc handles. The UPA has developed very rigorous disc standards to ensure that players have access to the highest quality discs possible. The Discraft Ultra-Star 175 gram disc is currently the official disc of the UPA Championship Series.
Q: How long does a game usually last?
A: A typical game is played to 15 points and usually lasts about one and a half hours.
Q: How many people are on a team?
A: Teams have only seven players on the field at one time, but may have as many people on their roster as they choose.
Q: What does it mean when I hear Huck? What about Ho?
A: While Huck may sound similiar to a certain word, in ultimate it simply means a long throw. Ho means a lay out or diving "horizontal" attempt at the disc.
Q: What does Spirit of the Game mean for players?
A: For players it means knowing the rules of the game. It means calling fouls correctly when you see them. It means giving your opponent the benefit of the doubt, assume he is not trying to cheat you. It means if he fouls you, call the foul, but don't get mad, chances are he wasn't trying too. It means getting your team pumped up and staying positive. It means doing your best to make even the most intense game enjoyable to play.
Q: What does Spirit of the Game mean for the parent on the sideline?
A: It means cheering on your child. It means not heckling or yelling when you believe a bad call has been made. It means knowing the rules so you understand what is going on.
does anyone have any other additions or questions?
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