2008 IAUA Summer League
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Rules

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.

Clarifications for Summer League 2008
(this will be updated again in May)

Gender ratio

5:2 gender ratio. Depending on numbers, captains may agree on 5:2/4:3 offense decides or 5:2/6:1 offense decides. 7:0 is not an option. A team with no women or no sufficiently rested women should play 6:0 or 5:0 in a 6:1 or 5:2 situation.

Experienced players

It is incumbent upon the more experienced players to inform someone that they have fouled or picked when it is a very clear case of someone simply not knowing the rules.

Captains

According to UPA rules, a violation can be called by any player on the field. If, for example, play is being resumed after a pick improperly, 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).