Rules

Clarifications for Summer League

UPA 11th edition is in effect. 

The only modification is that foot blocks are not allowed within 2 feet of the thrower for safety concerns.  A dropped pull is still a turnover.

Experienced players

Captains

According to UPA rules, a violation can be called by any player on the field. If, for example, play is being improperly resumed after a pick, any player on the field can call "violation." In summer league, any captain -- or person substituting for a captain -- can call a violation even from the side line to ensure that the game progresses according to the rules. Captains do not have expanded ability to make other calls (eg, fouls, picks, travels).

Gender ratio

Rec League Mixed Division default gender ratio is 4:3. if captains agree before the game, Gender ratio can be 4:3/3:4 offense decides. 5:2 is not allowed.

Rec League Open Division has NO Gender ratio requirement. There can be 0-7 women on a line, and 0-7 Men. Neither team is required to match the other, although teams may chose to do so.

Draft League Gender Ration will be determined by registration (i.e. if the registration ratio is 5:2, then the rules of play will be 5:2 on the field).

Field Monitors

This year there will be field monitors who will determine if fields at a particular location are playable, as well as enforcing the IAUA/UPA Lightning policy. while captains may discuss the conditions with the field monitor, IAUA depends on these people to maintain our good relationship with the field managers, and no one should jeopardize our future playing opportunites for one night of muddy ultimate.

Lightning Policy

Lightning guidelines are adapted from UPA lightning guidelines

First choice: Any frequently used building with electrical wiring and plumbing facilities which will help to ground the structure. Shower facilities should be avoided. Showers and other plumbing facilities should not be used during a storm event.

Second choice: Any fully enclosed vehicle with a hard top and closed windows. It is not the rubber tires that protect the occupants from a lightning strike, but the hard metal framework which dissipates the electric charge around the vehicle. It is important to not touch the sides of the vehicle.

Use the Flash-to Bang method to determine when and if you need to send people to shelter. By the time the Flash-to-Bang count has reached 30 seconds, all individuals should be in a safe shelter location.

Flash-to-Bang: Begin counting when a lightning flash is sighted. Stop counting when the associated thunder is heard. Divide the count by 5 to determine how far away the lightning is. 30 seconds equals about 6 miles. Lightning has been known to strike from as far away as 10 miles, even under clear skies.

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder before resuming play.

How to Play Ultimate

Online and downloadable 11th Edition UPA rules

Visit the Ultimate Handbook for basics, advanced strategy, and training suggestions.

Ultimate in 10 simple rules

1. The Field -- A rectangular shape with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 70 yards by 40 yards, with endzones 25 yards deep.
2. Initiate Play -- Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone 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 endzone, 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-Refereeing -- 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.