Ultimate's a fast, free-flowing, non-contact game, often described as a mix of soccer, netball, gridiron and touch footy. Teams aim to pass a frisbee (disc) down the field without running with it and score points by catching the disc in an endzone. There are usually seven people on each side, with no restrictions on positions or field placements.

Ultimate Frisbee is easy to learn, fun, social, and extremely affordable, making it one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.

What? No Umpires?!?!

No umpires or referees are actually present in a game of Ultimate, so players on the field make their own decisions about line calls and fouls. When disputes arise, people on opposing teams discuss a solution, or the contentious throw is simply replayed. This concept actually adds to the game of Ultimate, encouraging comradery and sportsmanship between teams; referred to as "Spirit".

A sense of fairness and friendship is very important to the sport and all its competitors, and awards for the most spirited team are often handed out at tournaments.

Basic Rules

The playing field is about 35 metres wide by 65 metres long with 20 metre deep end zones, but this can be varied to suit the number and fitness of players. Games can be played to a predetermined point or time limit, though most games have a limit on both.

One point is awarded every time the disc is caught in the opposition?s endzone. Afterwards, teams switch ends and play is restarted when the scoring team throws the frisbee to their opponents (similar to a kick-off in Rugby League or Rugby Union.)

There is no running with the disc. When a player catches the disc, they must stop as soon as they can. They then have 10 seconds (counted aloud by a player of the opposition) to pass the disc to someone else. If they haven?t thrown the disc when the count hits 10, a turnover results.

A turnover also results when the disc is intercepted, thrown out of bounds or dropped. If it is knocked to the ground by anyone, the offensive team always loses possession (unlike touch footy, where the last team to touch the ball loses possession).

Ultimate is non-contact. Intercepting or knocking down the disc must be done without interfering with other players. In practice, a small amount of contact is unavoidable, but deliberate interference or aggressive play is not allowed.

Still Want to Know More

Download the official World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) rules here.

OR go to the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA) for more information on other disc sports (such as Indoor Ultimate and Goaltimate) and more info on Australian Ultimate.