WFDF Rules of Ultimate (rev. 2007-03-08)

Click here for a pdf copy

Click here for a 2 page "Pocket Version" (pdf file)

Click here for background on changes from previous rules.

WFDF Rules of Ultimate 2007
Official Version effective 1.4.2007
Produced by the WFDF Ultimate Rules Committee

Introduction

1. Spirit of the Game
2. Variations
3. Playing Field
4. Equipment
5. Length of Game
6. Teams
7. Starting a Game
8. The Pull
9. Putting the Disc into Play
10. Stall Count
11. The Check
12. Out of Bounds
13. Receivers and Positioning
14. Turnovers
15. Scoring
16. Fouls
17. Violations
18. Continuation Rule
19. Time-Outs
20. Stoppages

Appendix A: WFDF Additional Championship Rules
Appendix B: Definitions
Appendix C: Legal Code
Appendix D: Acknowledgements

This Work ("WFDF Rules of Ultimate 2007") is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license. The Licensor and Original Author of the Work is World Flying Disc Federation, a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Colorado, USA. This is a human-readable summary of the Legal Code (the full license can be found in Appendix C)

You are free to:
- copy, distribute, display and perform the work
- make derivative works
- make commercial use of the work

Under the following conditions:
- Attribution. You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor.
- For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license terms of this work.
- Any of these conditions can be waived if you get permission from WFDF Board.

Your fair use and other rights are in no way affected by the above.

Introduction

Ultimate is a seven-a-side team sport played with a flying disc. It is played on a rectangular field, about half the width of a football field, with an end zone at each end. The object of each team is to score a goal by having a player catch a pass in the end zone that they are attacking. A thrower may not run with the disc, but may pass the disc in any direction to any teammate. Any time a pass is incomplete, a turnover occurs, and the other team may take the disc to score in the opposite end zone. Games are typically played to 17 goals and last around 100 minutes. Ultimate is self-refereed and non-contact. The Spirit of the Game guides how players referee the game and conduct themselves on the field.

1. Spirit of the Game

1.1. Ultimate is a non-contact, self-refereed sport. All players are responsible for administering and adhering to the rules. Ultimate relies upon a Spirit of the Game that places the responsibility for fair play on every player.

1.2. It is trusted that no player will intentionally violate the rules; thus there are no harsh penalties for infractions, but rather a method for resuming play in a manner which simulates what would most likely have occurred had there been no infraction.

1.3. Players should be mindful of the fact that they are acting as referees in any arbitration between teams. In such situations, players must:

1.3.1. know the rules;
1.3.2. be fair-minded and objective;
1.3.3. be truthful; and
1.3.4. use respectful language.

1.4. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but should never sacrifice the mutual respect between players, adherence to the agreed-upon rules of the game, or the basic joy of play.

1.5. The following actions are considered good spirit:

1.5.1. Informing a teammate immediately if they have made a wrong or unnecessary call or caused a foul or violation.
1.5.2. complimenting/congratulating/thanking the opponent for a good game/play;
1.5.3. introducing yourself to your opponent;
1.5.4. reacting calmly towards disagreement or seeming provocation;

1.6. The following actions are clear violations of the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all participants:

1.6.1. dangerous play and aggressive behaviour;
1.6.2. intentional fouling or other intentional rules violations;
1.6.3. taunting or intimidating opposing players; and
1.6.4. calling for a pass from an opposition player.

1.7. Teams are guardians of the Spirit of the Game, and must:

1.7.1. take responsibility for teaching their players the rules and good spirit;
1.7.2. discipline players who display poor spirit; and
1.7.3. provide positive feedback to other teams about how to improve their adherence to the Spirit of the Game.

1.8. In the case where a novice player commits an infraction out of ignorance of rules, experienced players are obliged to explain the infraction.

1.9. An experienced player, who offers advice on rules and guides on-field arbitration, may supervise games involving beginners or younger players.

1.10. Rules should be interpreted by the players directly involved in the play, or by players who had the best perspective on the play. Players not actively playing the current point, apart from the captain, should refrain from getting involved. If no agreement as to what occurred can be reached, the disc should be returned to the last non-disputed thrower.

2. Variations

2.1. A variation of the basic structure may be used to accommodate special competitions, number of players, age of players and available space.

2.2. Lined fields are not necessary for the purposes of practice or other non-formal games of Ultimate.

3. Playing Field

3.1. The Field of Play is a rectangle one hundred (100) metres long and thirty-seven (37) metres wide. (See Figure 3.1)

3.2. The perimeter of the Field of Play is the Perimeter Line and consists of two (2) Sidelines along the length and two (2) End lines along the width.

3.2.1. All lines are between seventy-five (75) and one hundred twenty (120) millimetres wide, and are marked with a non-caustic material

3.3. The Field of Play is broken up into a central Playing Field Proper that is sixty-four (64) metres long by thirty-seven (37) metres wide, and two End zones that are eighteen (18) metres deep by thirty-seven (37) metres wide at each end of the Playing Field Proper.

3.4. The Goal Lines are the lines that separate the Playing Field Proper from the End zones and are part of the Playing Field Proper.

3.5. The Brick Mark is the intersection of two (2) crossed one (1) meter lines in the playing field proper set twenty (20) metres from each Goal Line, midway between the Sidelines.

3.6. Eight brightly-coloured, flexible objects (such as plastic cones) mark the corners of the Playing Field Proper and the End zones.

Figure 3.1

4. Equipment

4.1. Any flying disc approved by WFDF may be used.

4.2. Each player must wear a uniform that distinguishes their team.

4.3. No player may wear items of clothing or equipment that reasonably could harm the wearer or other players (e.g. wristwatches, buckles, sharp edges or long studs on footwear, protruding jewellery).

5. Length of Game

5.1. A game is finished and won by the first team to score seventeen (17) goals.

5.2. A game is separated into two (2) periods of play, called Halves. Half-time occurs when a team first scores nine (9) goals.

5.3. Each Half consists of a number of points.

5.4. The first point of each Half starts when the Half starts.

5.5. Each point ends with the scoring of a goal.

5.6. After a goal is scored, and the game has not been won or Half time has not been reached:

5.6.1. the next point starts immediately; and

5.6.2. the teams switch the End Zone that they are defending; and

5.6.3. the team that scored pulls next.

6. Teams

6.1. Each team will put a maximum of seven (7) players and a minimum of five (5) players on the field during each point.

6.2. A team may make (unlimited) substitutions only after a goal is scored and before the next Pull, except for injury (Section 20).

7. Starting a Game

7.1. The Captains of the two teams fairly determine which team first chooses either:

7.1.1. whether to receive or throw the initial pull; or

7.1.2. which End Zone they will defend.

7.2. The other team is given the remaining choice.

7.3. At the start of the second half, these initial selections are switched.

8. The Pull

8.1. At the start of the game, after half-time or after a score, play commences with a throw-off, called a Pull.

8.2. The Pull consists of one defensive player throwing the disc to begin play.

8.3. The defensive players must be entirely inside their defending End zone when the Pull is released.

8.4. The offensive players must stand with one foot on their defending goal line without changing position relative to one another.

8.5. The Offensive team signals their readiness by having at least one player raise a hand above their head.

8.6. As soon as the disc is released, all players may move in any direction.

8.7. No player on the Defensive team may touch the disc after a pull until a member of the Offensive team contacts the disc or the disc contacts the ground.

8.8. If an offensive player, in-bounds or out-of-bounds, touches the disc before it hits the ground, and the offensive team fails to catch it, that is a turnover.

8.9. If the disc initially contacts the Field of Play and never becomes out-of-bounds, or is caught in-bounds, the disc is put into play where it stops.

8.10. If the disc initially contacts the Field of Play and then becomes out-of-bounds without contacting an Offensive player, an Offensive player puts the disc into play at the point on the Playing Field Proper nearest to where the disc first went out-of-bounds.

8.11. If the disc becomes out of bounds after touching an Offensive player, or an offensive player catches the pull out-of-bounds, the disc is put into play at the point on the Field of Play closest to where the disc became out of bounds.

8.12. If the disc becomes out-of-bounds without first touching the Field of Play or an Offensive player, the Offensive team, before picking up the disc, makes a choice of where to start play:

8.12.1. If a player signals "Middle", they put the disc into play at the defending Brick Mark, or on a point of the mid-line of the playing field proper closest to where the disc last crossed the Perimeter Line, whichever is closer to the attacking end zone. To signal this option, the intended thrower fully extends one arm above their head and/or calls either "Brick" or "Middle" prior to the disc being touched.

8.12.2. If no player signals middle, the thrower puts the disc into play at the nearest point on the Playing Field Proper to where the disc last crossed the Perimeter Line.

9. Putting the Disc into Play

9.1. Putting the disc into play means that the offensive player in possession of the disc establishes a pivot point (typically their foot) at the point on the Field of Play as specified.

9.2. If no Check is required, the disc may be put into play immediately.

9.3. After the pull or after a turnover, the offensive player who caught the disc or first established possession of the disc must put the disc into play.

9.4. Any player may attempt to stop a disc from rolling or sliding after it has hit the ground.

9.5. If, in attempting to stop such a disc, a player significantly advances the disc, then the opposition may return the disc to the location where that player contacted the disc. If the thrower had already picked up the disc prior to it being relocated, play restarts with a check.

9.6. After a turnover, the team that has gained possession of the disc must put the disc into play without delay. The offensive player who will put the disc into play must move towards the disc and then towards the pivot point at walking pace or faster.

10. Stall Count

10.1. The Marker may administer a Stall Count on the thrower by announcing "Stalling" and then counting from one (1) to ten (10).The interval between the first utterance of each word in the stall count must be at least one second.

10.2. The Stall count must be clearly audible to the thrower.

10.3. The Stall count may not be started until the Marker is within three (3) meters of the thrower.

10.4. The Stall Count may only continue while the Marker is within three (3) meters of the thrower and all defenders are legitimately positioned (Section 16.3.).

10.5. If the Marker calling the stall count moves more than three (3) meters from the thrower, or a different player becomes the Marker, the Stall Count must be re-started at one (1).

10.6. To restart a Stall Count "at maximum n", where "n" is a number between one (1) and nine (9), means to announce "stalling" followed by the count at one more than the last number uttered prior to the stoppage, or by "n" if that value is greater than "n".

11. The Check

11.1. Whenever play stops during a point for a time-out, foul, disputed possession, violation, safety stoppage or injury stoppage, play is restarted with a Check.

11.2. All players should return to the positions they held when the event that caused the stoppage occurred, and remain there until play is restarted, except in the case of a time-out.

11.3. If the disc was in the air when the event that caused the stoppage occurred, and the disc is returned to the thrower to restart play, players should return to the positions they held when the disc was released by the thrower.

11.4. Any player may briefly extend a stoppage of play to correct faulty equipment (e.g. to tie shoelaces or straighten a disc), but active play may not be stopped for this purpose.

11.5. With the permission of the offence, the defender nearest to the thrower restarts play by touching the disc and calls "Disc In".

11.6. If the nearest defender is not within reach of the thrower, the thrower shall, with permission of the closest defender, restart play by touching the disc to the ground and calling "Disc In".

11.7. If no offensive player is in possession of the disc, the nearest defender to the disc shall, with permission of the closest offensive player, restart play by calling "Disc In".

11.8. If the thrower attempts a pass before the Check, or a violation of 11.2 is called, the pass does not count regardless of whether it is complete or incomplete, and possession reverts back to the thrower.

12. Out of Bounds

12.1. The entire Field of Play is in-bounds. The Perimeter Lines are not part of the Field of Play and are out-of-bounds. All non-players are considered part of the out-of-bounds area.

12.2. The out-of-bounds area consists of the area which is not in-bounds and everything in contact with it, except for defensive players, who are always considered "in-bounds" for purposes of making a play on the disc.

12.3. An offensive player who is not out-of-bounds is in-bounds. An airborne player retains their in-bounds/out-of-bounds status until that player contacts the Field of Play or the out-of-bounds area. The following exceptions apply:

12.3.1. If momentum causes a player to touch an out-of-bounds area after catching the disc in-bounds, the player is considered in-bounds. That players puts the disc into play at the spot on the Field of Play closest to where they first crossed the Perimeter Line.

12.3.2. A thrower may contact an out-of-bounds area once a pivot point has been established in-bounds.

12.3.3. Contact between players does not confer the state of being in- or out-of-bounds from one to another.

12.4. A disc is in-bounds when it is put into play, or when play starts or restarts.

12.5. A disc becomes out-of-bounds when it first contacts the out-of-bounds area or contacts an out-of-bounds offensive player. A disc in the possession of an offensive player has the same in/out-of-bounds status as that player. If the disc is simultaneously in the possession of more than one offensive player, one of them being out-of-bounds, the disc is out-of-bounds.

12.6. The disc may fly outside a Perimeter Line and return to the playing field, and players may go out-of-bounds to make a play on the disc.

12.7. To continue play after the disc becomes out-of-bounds, a member of the team gaining possession of the disc must carry it to, and put it into play at, the spot on the Playing Field Proper nearest to where the most recent of the following events occurred:

12.7.1. the disc completely crossed the Perimeter Line;

12.7.2. the disc contacted an in-bounds player; or

12.7.3. the disc became out-of-bounds due to contact with the out-of-bounds area or a player while any part of the disc was inside the Perimeter Line.

13. Receivers and Positioning

13.1. A player "catches" the disc by demonstrating sustained control of a non-spinning disc.

13.2. If the player loses control of the disc due to subsequent contact with the ground or a teammate or a legitimately positioned opposition player, the catch is deemed to have not occurred.

13.3. The following are turnovers, and no catch is deemed to have occurred:

13.3.1. an offensive receiver is out-of-bounds when they contact the disc; or

13.3.2. after catching the disc, an offensive receiver's first contact is out-of-bounds while still in possession of the disc.

13.4. After a catch, that player becomes the thrower.

13.5. If offensive and defensive players catch the disc simultaneously, the offence retains possession.

13.6. A player in an established position, who has not moved to that position to intentionally block another player while not making a play on the disc, is entitled to remain in that position and should not be contacted by an opposing player.

13.7. Every player is entitled to occupy any position on the field not occupied by any opposing player, provided that they do not cause contact in taking such a position.

13.8. When the disc is in the air, all players must attempt to avoid contact with other players, and there is no situation where a player may justify initiating contact. "Making a play for the disc" is not a valid excuse for initiating contact with other players.

13.9. Some incidental contact, not affecting the outcome of the play or safety of players, may occur as two or more players move towards a single point simultaneously. Incidental contact should be minimized but is not considered a foul.

13.10. The Principle of Verticality:

13.10.1. All players have the right to the space immediately above them. An opponent may not obstruct a player from occupying this space.

13.10.2. A player who jumped is entitled to land without hindrance by opponents, assuming that no opposing player occupied any space between and including the point of take off and the receiver's eventual landing spot at the initiation of the jump.

13.11. No player may physically assist the movement of another player.

14. Turnovers

14.1. A turnover transfers possession of the disc from one team to the other and occurs when, during play:

14.1.1. the disc contacts the ground while it is not in the possession of an offensive player;

14.1.2. the disc is handed over from one offensive player to another (i.e. possession changes between the two players without the disc ever being completely in the air);

14.1.3. the thrower intentionally deflects a pass to themselves off another player;

14.1.4. in attempting a pass, the thrower contacts the disc after release prior to the disc being contacted by another player;

14.1.5. a pass is caught (intercepted) by a defensive player;

14.1.6. the disc becomes out-of bounds;

14.1.7. the thrower has not released the disc before the marker first utters the word "ten" in the Stall Count (a Stall-out);

14.1.8. the thrower calls a Time Out when their team has no remaining Time Outs;

14.1.9. there is an uncontested Offensive Receiving Foul (Section 15.6) or

14.1.10. during the pull, the receiving team touches the disc before it contacts the ground, and fails to catch the disc.

14.2. If it is unclear whether a turnover occurred, the player(s) with the best perspective quickly makes the call. If either team disagrees they may call "Contest" and:

14.2.1. the disc is returned to the previous thrower; and

14.2.2. any Stall Count restarts at maximum nine (9).

14.3. If the offense calls "fast count" after the marker claims a Stall-out, the turnover is contested, and play restarts according to 14.2

14.4. If the thrower throws the disc after a contested Stall-out, and the pass is incomplete, the continuation rule applies and "Play-on" should be called.

14.5. After a turnover, the turnover location is where:

14.5.1. the disc has come to a stop or is picked up by an offensive player; or

14.5.2. the intercepting player stops; or

14.5.3. the thrower was located, in the case of 14.1.2, 14.1.3, 14.1.4, 14.1.7, 14.1.8; or

14.5.4. the uncontested Offensive Receiving Foul occurred.

14.6. If the turnover location is in the Playing Field Proper, the disc will be put into play at that point.

14.7. If the turnover location is in the offense's attacking End Zone, the disc will be put into play at the nearest point on the Goal Line.

14.8. If the turnover location is in the offense's defending End Zone, the player gaining possession may choose where to put the disc into play:

14.8.1.1. At the turnover location, by staying at the turnover location or faking a pass; or

14.8.1.2. At the nearest point on the Goal Line to the turnover location, by moving from the turnover location.

14.8.1.3. Immediate movement or failure to move determines where the disc will be put into play and cannot be reversed.

14.9. If the turnover location is out-of-bounds, the disc will be put into play according to Section 12.7.

15. Scoring

15.1. A goal is scored if an in-bounds player catches a legal pass and all of their first simultaneous points of contact after catching the disc are entirely within their attacking End Zone (note 13.1, 13.2).

15.2. If a player in possession of the disc ends up completely behind the attacking Goal Line without scoring a goal according to 15.1, the player puts the disc into play at the nearest point of the Goal Line.

15.3. The time at which a goal is scored is when, after the disc is caught, contact is first made with the End zone.

16. Fouls

16.1. Overview

16.1.1. A foul results from a breach of the rules where illegal contact has occurred between two or more opposing players. The disc that is in possession of a player is considered part of that player's body. Only the player fouled may claim a foul, by calling "Foul".

16.1.2. If the continuation rule (Section 18) is not in effect, play stops after a Foul is called.

16.1.3. If the team against whom the foul is called disagrees that it occurred, they may call "Contest".

16.2. Defensive Throwing (Marker) Fouls:

16.2.1. The marker is illegally positioned (Section 17.3), and there is contact with the thrower; or

16.2.2. The marker initiates contact with the thrower, or a part of the marker's body was moving and contacted the thrower, prior to the release.

16.3. Offensive Throwing (Thrower) Fouls:

16.3.1. The thrower initiates contact with a marker who is in a legal position.

16.4. Incidental contact occurring during the thrower's follow through is not sufficient grounds for a foul, but should be avoided.

16.5. Defensive Receiving (Defender) Fouls:

16.5.1. A defender is illegally positioned (Section 13), and there is contact with a receiver; or

16.5.2. A defender initiates contact with a receiver before or during an attempt to catch the disc.

16.5.3. If an airborne receiver catches the disc, and is fouled by a defensive player before landing, it is a "Force-out" foul if the contact caused the receiver to:

16.5.3.1. land out-of-bounds instead of in-bounds, or:

16.5.3.2. land in the playing field proper instead of the end zone.

16.5.3.3. Resolution of force-out foul:

16.5.3.4. If the player would have landed in the end zone, it is a goal.

16.5.3.5. If the force-out foul is contested, the disc is returned to the thrower if the receiver landed out-of-bounds, otherwise the disc stays with the receiver.

16.5.3.6. If a foul also caused the receiver to fail to catch the disc, and the foul is contested, the disc is returned to the thrower.

16.5.4. A defensive foul that causes the receiver or thrower to drop the disc after they have gained possession is a "Strip" foul.

16.5.4.1. If such a foul occurs and the reception would have otherwise been a goal, and the foul is uncontested, a goal is awarded.

16.5.5. After a defensive receiving foul:

16.5.5.1. if in the playing field proper or defending end zone, the receiver gains possession at the point of the infraction.

16.5.5.2. if in the attacking end zone, the receiver gains possession at the nearest point on the goal line, and the fouling player must mark them there.

16.5.5.3. if the foul is contested, the disc is returned to the thrower.

16.6. Offensive Receiving Fouls

16.6.1. Contact initiated by the receiver with a defensive player in a legal position (Section 13) is a foul.

16.6.2. If the foul is contested, and there is no continuation, the disc returns to the thrower.

16.6.3. If the foul is uncontested, the result is a turnover, with the disc at the location where the foul occurred.

16.7. Offsetting Fouls

16.7.1. If fouls are called by offensive and defensive players on the same play, the disc shall be returned to the thrower at their point of possession.

16.8. Stall Counts

16.8.1. After a foul by the defense where play has stopped:

16.8.1.1. if there is no Contest the count is reset to one (1);

16.8.1.2. if the foul is contested any stall count restarts at maximum six (6).

16.8.2. After a foul by the offence where play has stopped, whether contested or not, any stall count restarts at maximum nine (9).

16.8.3. After offsetting fouls, any stall count restarts at maximum nine (9).

17. Violations

17.1. Overview

17.1.1. A violation results from a breach of the rules where no player contact has occurred. Any opposing player may claim a violation, by calling the specific name of the violation or "Violation".

17.1.2. If the continuation rule is not in effect, and it is not the first marking violation for that Stall Count, play stops after a Violation is called.

17.1.3. If the team against whom the violation is called disagrees that it occurred, they may call "Contest". Whenever there is a failure to come to an agreement over any call, the violation is considered to be "Contested".

17.2. Travel violation.

17.2.1. A Travel violation occurs if:

17.2.1.1. the thrower fails to put the disc into play at the correct point on the Field of Play;

17.2.1.2. the thrower fails to keep in contact with the pivot point once established;

17.2.1.3. a receiver does not come to a stop as quickly as possible or changes direction after catching the disc;

17.2.1.4. a receiver releases a pass during or after the third ground contact and before coming to a complete stop (any ground contact during the catch is the first ground contact); or

17.2.1.5. a receiver purposefully bobbles, fumbles or delays the disc to themselves in order to move in any direction.

17.2.2. After an uncontested travel violation the disc is returned to the thrower and the Stall Count restarts at maximum nine (9).

17.2.3. After a contested travel violation by the thrower the disc is returned to the thrower and the Stall Count restarts at maximum six (6).

17.2.4. After a travel violation, the disc is put into play at the pivot point or the place where the pivot point would have been had no travel occurred.

17.3. Marker Violations

17.3.1. Marking violations include the following:

17.3.1.1. "Straddle" - a line between the marker's feet contains the thrower's pivot point.

17.3.1.2. "Disc Space" - the marker encroaches into the disc width space around the thrower's upper body.

17.3.1.3. "Wrapping" - the marker uses their arms to prevent the thrower from pivoting in any direction.

17.3.1.4. "Fast Count" - the marker:

17.3.1.4.1. counts in less than one second intervals,

17.3.1.4.2. does not subtract two (2) seconds from the stall count after the first call of any marking violation,

17.3.1.4.3. starts the stall count before the Offensive player establishes both possession of the disc and a pivot point, or

17.3.1.4.4. does not start the stall count with the word "Stalling".

17.3.1.5. "Double Team" - more than one defensive player is within three (3) meters of the thrower's pivot point when no other offensive player is within three (3) meters of either defensive player

17.3.1.6. "Vision" - the marker uses any part of their body to intentionally obstruct the thrower's vision.

17.3.2. A marking violation may be contested by the defense, in which case play stops.

17.3.3. On the first call of a marking violation that is not contested, play does not stop. The marker must subtract two (2) from the stall count and continue. A marker who is executing a stall count may, when a marking violation is first called, continue the stall count by reducing the count by one (1) and then continuing the count. The effect of this technique is to subtract two (2) seconds from the stall count. (e.g., "Stalling, 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 5, 6…" if a marking violation was called at the fourth (4th) stall count).

17.3.4. The marker may not restart counting until any illegal positioning has been corrected. To do otherwise is a subsequent marking violation.

17.3.5. For any subsequent marking violation call during the same stall count, play stops, and, if uncontested, the count is reset to one (1) and play is continued with a check.

17.3.6. If any marking violations are contested, the stall count restarts at maximum six (6).

17.4. Pick Violation

17.4.1. If a defensive player is within five (5) meters of an offensive player they are actively covering and they are prevented from moving towards/with that player by another player, a defensive player may call "Pick". If the Continuation Rule (Section 18) is not in effect, play is stopped.

17.4.2. Once play has stopped, the obstructed player may move to the position they determine they would have otherwise occupied if the obstruction had not occurred. The disc is returned to the thrower (if the disc was thrown) and any stall count restarts at maximum nine (9).

18. Continuation Rule

18.1. If a foul or violation occurs when the disc is in the air or while the thrower was in the act of throwing, play continues until possession has been established.

18.2. If the foul or violation was called against the thrower (e.g. travel or offensive foul by the thrower), and the thrower attempts a pass after the call, play continues until possession has been established.

18.3. If the team that called the foul or violation gains or retains possession as a result of the pass, play shall continue unhalted. Players recognizing this should call "Play on" immediately to indicate that this rule has been invoked.

18.4. If the team that called the foul or violation does not gain or retain possession as a result of the pass, play shall be stopped and the disc will be returned to the thrower for a check.

18.5. If the team that called the foul or violation believes that play has not been affected by the foul or violation, they should decline the foul or violation, make up any positional disadvantage caused by the foul or violation, and restart play with a check.

19. Time-Outs

19.1. The player calling a time-out must form a "T" with their hands, or with one hand and the disc, and call "Time-out" audibly to opposition players.

19.2. A time-out lasts two (2) minutes.

19.3. After a goal and prior to the ensuing Pull, either team may call a time-out. After the time-out has expired, the disc is put into play with the Pull.

19.4. During play only the thrower with an established pivot point may call a time-out. After such a time-out:

19.4.1. Substitutions are not allowed, except for injury.

19.4.2. The disc is put into play at the same pivot point.

19.4.3. The thrower remains the same.

19.4.4. All other offensive players may then set up at any point on the field of play.

19.4.5. Once the offensive players have selected positions, defensive players may set up at any point on the field of play.

19.4.6. The stall count remains the same, unless the marker has been switched.

20. Stoppages

20.1. Injury Stoppage

20.1.1. An injury stoppage, "Injury", may be called by the injured player, or a teammate if the injured player is unable to call it immediately in which case the call is said to have occurred at the time of the injury.

20.1.2. If any player has an open or bleeding wound, an injury stoppage must be called and that player shall take an immediate injury substitution and may not rejoin the game until the wound is treated and sealed.

20.1.3. If the injury is not the result of a foul (contested or not), the player must be substituted, otherwise the player may choose to stay.

20.1.4. If the injured player leaves the field, the opposing team may choose to make a substitution for one player.

20.1.5. If the injured player had caught the disc, and the player has dropped the disc due to the injury, that player retains possession of the disc.

20.1.6. Substitute players due to an injury stoppage take on the full state (position, possession, stall count etc) of the player they are substituting.

20.2. Technical Stoppage

20.2.1. A technical stoppage, "Technical", may be called by any player recognizing a condition that endangers other players.

20.2.2. The thrower may call a technical stoppage during play to replace a cracked, torn, deeply gouged, creased or punctured disc; a warped, wet or dirty disc does not qualify.

20.3. If the disc was in the air at when the stoppage was called, play continues until possession of the disc is determined:

20.3.1. if the injury or safety issue did not affect play, the completion or turnover stands, and play restarts there;

20.3.2. if the injury or safety issue did affect the play, the disc goes back to the thrower and the count restarts at maximum nine (9).

20.4. In timed games, the game clock stops for a stoppage.

- The End -

Appendix A: WFDF Additional Championship Rules

A1. Introduction

A1.1. The following rules will be applied during play at the following events:

A1.1.1. World Ultimate and Guts Championships.

A1.1.2. World Ultimate Club Championships.

A1.1.3. Regional Championships. (e.g. Pan-American Ultimate Championships, Asia-Oceanic Ultimate Championships)

A1.1.4. World Games (along with other changes as mandated by WFDF and/or IWGA event hosts)

A1.1.5. World Junior Ultimate Championships

A4.1. The Reverse Brick Mark is the intersection of two (2) crossed one (1) meter lines inside each end zone set ten (10) meters from the Goal Line, midway between the Sidelines.

A4.2. A restraining line shall be established three (3) meters from the playing field. All persons must remain outside this line during game play.

A4.3. The entire surface of the Field of Play must be one of the following:

A4.3.1. Grass

A4.3.2. Field Turf™

A5.1. Disc

A5.1.1. Disc: Only disc types that appear on the WFDF "Approved for Championship Level Play" list may be used for the events noted in section A1. If the captains cannot agree on a single type of disc, a disc designated by the WFDF Ultimate Committee as an official disc for the event shall be used.

A5.1.2. Additional spare discs (approved in accordance with this section) may be held by any officials to be used by the offence to replace an out-of-bounds or damaged disc at the offence's discretion. This rule is limited to the following situations: when a disc is irretrievable within a reasonable amount of time, immediately after a pull that has impacted the shape of the disc, between points or during time-outs or at any time during a game if a disc has been ripped, deformed or punctured due to the normal course of play.

A6.1. WFDF Championship Format

A6.1.1. Game Length: Seventeen (17) Goals.

A6.1.2. Point Cap: Nineteen (19) Goals.

A6.1.3. Time Cap: One-Hundred (100) Minutes.

A6.1.4. Half Time: Occurs after first team reaches nine (9) goals. Ten (10) Minutes in length.

A6.2. When a timekeeper is available the time between the scoring of a Goal and the ensuing Pull shall be enforced in the following manner:

A6.2.1. Forty-five (45) seconds after a goal is scored (in the event of a discussion, after the goal is acknowledged by the defending team), the timekeeper signals the receiving team that it has fifteen (15) seconds to signal their readiness to receive the pull.

A6.2.2. After sixty (60) seconds the receiving team must acknowledged that it is ready to receive the pull (as per section 9), the timekeeper signals the throwing team that it has fifteen (15) seconds before they must pull.

A6.2.2.1. If the receiving team does not acknowledge that it is ready before sixty (60) seconds, the timekeeper signals that a team time-out has been assessed to the receiving team, and a team time-out takes place. If the receiving team has no team time-outs remaining then a time-out does not occur, there is no pull, and the receiving team takes possession of the disc at the reverse Brick mark. Play is started with a check.

A6.2.3. After seventy-five (75) seconds the throwing team must have released the pull.

A6.2.3.1. If the throwing team does not throw before seventy-five (75) seconds, the timekeeper signals that a team time-out has been assessed to the throwing team, and a team time-out takes place. If the throwing team has no team time-outs remaining then a team time-out does not occur, there is no pull, and the receiving team takes possession of the disc at the brick mark nearest the goal it is attacking. Play is started with a check.

A6.2.4. The rules in this section (A6.2) shall also apply at the beginning of each half of play, except that the timekeeper shall give warning signals at thirty (30) seconds before the receiving team must acknowledge readiness, fifteen (15) seconds before the receiving team must acknowledge readiness, and fifteen (15) seconds before the throwing team must throw.

A6.2.5. The preferred method of signaling by a timekeeper shall be the use of a whistle, following procedures outlined in the WFDF Tournament Director's Guide.

A7.1. All teams must have 12 players available for each game, and 7 players must be on the field for every point. If a team does not meet these requirements at any time prior to or during a game, they shall default the current game.

A7.2. A team may have a maximum of thirty-two (32) and a minimum of twelve (12) players on its roster.

A7.3. Each team designates one (1) Captain to represent the team.

A7.4. Open Division

A7.4.1. Any person may participate in the Open Division.

A7.5. Women's Division

A7.5.1. Any person who is Female may participate in the Women's Division.

A7.6. Mixed Division

A7.6.1. Any person may participate in the Mixed Division.

A7.6.2. All teams must have at least five (5) Male players and five (5) Female players available for each game, and 7 players must be on the field for every point. If a team does not meet these requirements at any time prior to or during a game, they shall default the current game.

A7.6.3. Prior to each pull, the team starting on offence (receiving the pull) choose to start three (3) male players and four (4) female players, or three (3) female players and four (4) male players. The pulling team must match this selection. This choice should be communicated to the throwing team prior to the forty-five (45) second warning between points. (See Section A6.2.1)

A7.7. Masters Open Division

A7.7.1. Any person who meets the age requirements may participate in the Masters Open Division.

A7.7.2. The Minimum age of a player participating in the Masters Open division is 32 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.8. Masters' Women's Division

A7.8.1. Any person who is Female and meets the age requirements may participate in the Masters Women's Division.

A7.8.2. The Minimum age of a player participating in the Masters Women's division is 32 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.9. Masters' Mixed Division

A7.9.1. Any person meeting the age requirements may participate in the Masters Mixed Division.

A7.9.2. The Minimum age of a player participating in the Masters Mixed division is 32 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.9.3. All teams must have at least five (5) Male players and five (5) Female players available for each game, and 7 players must be on the field for every point. If a team does not meet these requirements at any time prior to or during a game, they shall default the current game.

A7.9.4. Prior to each pull, the team starting on offence (receiving the pull) choose to start three (3) male players and four (4) female players, or three (3) female players and four (4) male players. The pulling team must match this selection. This choice should be communicated to the throwing team prior to the forty-five (45) second warning between points. (See Section A6.2.1).

A7.10. Junior Open Division

A7.10.1. Any person who meets the age requirements may participate in the Junior Open Division.

A7.10.2. The Maximum age of a player participating in the Junior Open division is 19 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.11. Junior Women's Division

A7.11.1. Any person who is Female and meets the age requirements may participate in the Junior Women's Division.

A7.11.2. The Maximum age of a player participating in the Junior Women's division is 19 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.12. Junior Mixed Division

A7.12.1. Any person meeting the age requirements may participate in the Junior Mixed Division.

A7.12.2. The Maximum age of a player participating in the Junior Mixed division is 19 years (determined as age on 31st of December of the year of performance).

A7.12.3. All teams must have at least five (5) Male players and five (5) Female players available for each game, and 7 players must be on the field for every point. If a team does not meet these requirements at any time prior to or during a game, they shall default the current game.

A7.12.4. Prior to each pull, the team starting on offence (receiving the pull) choose to start three (3) male players and four (4) female players, or three (3) female players and four (4) male players. The pulling team must match this selection. This choice should be communicated to the throwing team prior to the forty-five (45) second warning between points. (See Section A6.2.1).

A8.1. The second half begins with a reversal of the initial choices made by the teams at the start of the game (Section 8.1).

A11. The Check

A12. Stall Count

A12.1. The Stall count must be in English.

A13. Out of Bounds

A14. Scoring

A15. Turnovers

A16. Continuation Rule

A17. Positioning and Possession

A18. Violations

A18.1. After a dispute has gone on for thirty seconds, the official (if available) shall instruct the players involved to resolve the issue as rapidly as possible or return the disc to the last thrower.

A18.2. Team Captains should actively get involved if they think that their player has made an incorrect call.

A19. Fouls

A19.1. After a dispute has gone on for thirty seconds, the official (if available) shall instruct the players involved to resolve the issue as rapidly as possible or return the disc to the last thrower.

A19.2. Team Captains should actively get involved if they think that their player has made an incorrect call.

A19.3. A Game that involves numerous flagrant fouls should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director, WFDF Representatives and Tournament Rule Group. The TRG shall determine if further action should be taken against teams or individuals.

A20. Time Outs

A20.1. Each team shall have two (2) team time outs per half.

A20.2. The Time Cap does not affect the number of team time outs a team may use.

A20.3. When a game goes to Extra Play, each team shall have one (1) team time out.

A20.4. Team time-outs shall not exceed two (2) minutes in length. When a timekeeper is available, the 2-minute time limit for time-outs shall be enforced by the timekeeper (if available) in the following manner:

A20.4.1. Between points: Each team time-out between points extends the time between goals by two (2) minutes. Play is restarted as described in A6.2, with the exception that the timekeeper gives an additional warning signal thirty (30) seconds before the offence must be ready to receive the throw-off.

A20.4.2. During points: The timekeeper shall signal when thirty (30) seconds and then again when fifteen (15) seconds are remaining in the team time-out. At the end of the team time-out, all offensive players must have established stationary positions and the thrower must signal readiness. If the offence is not ready at the end of the team time-out then the timekeeper shall signal that the time-out has expired and the marker may initiate or resume the stall count. Otherwise, the defense has an additional fifteen (15) seconds to establish positions, during which time the offence must remain stationary. The timekeeper shall give a final signal when these fifteen (15) seconds have elapsed at which time the offence may begin play immediately. If both teams are ready at any time before the final signal is given then play is restarted with a check.

Appendix B: Definitions

Appendix C: Legal Code

Attribution 2.5

CREATIVE COMMONS CORPORATION IS NOT A LAW FIRM AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES. DISTRIBUTION OF THIS LICENSE DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. CREATIVE COMMONS PROVIDES THIS INFORMATION ON AN "AS-IS" BASIS. CREATIVE COMMONS MAKES NO WARRANTIES REGARDING THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, AND DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ITS USE.

License

THE WORK (AS DEFINED BELOW) IS PROVIDED UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS CREATIVE COMMONS PUBLIC LICENSE ("CCPL" OR "LICENSE"). THE WORK IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND/OR OTHER APPLICABLE LAW. ANY USE OF THE WORK OTHER THAN AS AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS LICENSE OR COPYRIGHT LAW IS PROHIBITED.
BY EXERCISING ANY RIGHTS TO THE WORK PROVIDED HERE, YOU ACCEPT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS LICENSE. THE LICENSOR GRANTS YOU THE RIGHTS CONTAINED HERE IN CONSIDERATION OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

This Work ("WFDF Rules of Ultimate 2007") is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 license. The Licensor and Original Author of the Work is World Flying Disc Federation, a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Colorado, USA.

1. Definitions

a. "Collective Work" means a work, such as a periodical issue, anthology or encyclopedia, in which the Work in its entirety in unmodified form, along with a number of other contributions, constituting separate and independent works in themselves, are assembled into a collective whole. A work that constitutes a Collective Work will not be considered a Derivative Work (as defined below) for the purposes of this License.

b. "Derivative Work" means a work based upon the Work or upon the Work and other pre-existing works, such as a translation, musical arrangement, dramatization, fictionalization, motion picture version, sound recording, art reproduction, abridgment, condensation, or any other form in which the Work may be recast, transformed, or adapted, except that a work that constitutes a Collective Work will not be considered a Derivative Work for the purpose of this License. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Work is a musical composition or sound recording, the synchronization of the Work in timed-relation with a moving image ("synching") will be considered a Derivative Work for the purpose of this License.

c. "Licensor" means the individual or entity that offers the Work under the terms of this License.

d. "Original Author" means the individual or entity who created the Work.

e. "Work" means the copyrightable work of authorship offered under the terms of this License.

f. "You" means an individual or entity exercising rights under this License who has not previously violated the terms of this License with respect to the Work, or who has received express permission from the Licensor to exercise rights under this License despite a previous violation.

2. Fair Use Rights.

Nothing in this license is intended to reduce, limit, or restrict any rights arising from fair use, first sale or other limitations on the exclusive rights of the copyright owner under copyright law or other applicable laws.

3. License Grant.

Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, perpetual (for the duration of the applicable copyright) license to exercise the rights in the Work as stated below:

a. to reproduce the Work, to incorporate the Work into one or more Collective Works, and to reproduce the Work as incorporated in the Collective Works;

b. to create and reproduce Derivative Works;

c. to distribute copies or phonorecords of, display publicly, perform publicly, and perform publicly by means of a digital audio transmission the Work including as incorporated in Collective Works;

d. to distribute copies or phonorecords of, display publicly, perform publicly, and perform publicly by means of a digital audio transmission Derivative Works.

e. For the avoidance of doubt, where the work is a musical composition:

i. Performance Royalties Under Blanket Licenses. Licensor waives the exclusive right to collect, whether individually or via a performance rights society (e.g. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC), royalties for the public performance or public digital performance (e.g. webcast) of the Work.

ii. Mechanical Rights and Statutory Royalties. Licensor waives the exclusive right to collect, whether individually or via a music rights agency or designated agent (e.g. Harry Fox Agency), royalties for any phonorecord You create from the Work ("cover version") and distribute, subject to the compulsory license created by 17 USC Section 115 of the US Copyright Act (or the equivalent in other jurisdictions).

f. Webcasting Rights and Statutory Royalties. For the avoidance of doubt, where the Work is a sound recording, Licensor waives the exclusive right to collect, whether individually or via a performance-rights society (e.g. SoundExchange), royalties for the public digital performance (e.g. webcast) of the Work, subject to the compulsory license created by 17 USC Section 114 of the US Copyright Act (or the equivalent in other jurisdictions).

The above rights may be exercised in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter devised. The above rights include the right to make such modifications as are technically necessary to exercise the rights in other media and formats. All rights not expressly granted by Licensor are hereby reserved.

4. Restrictions.

The license granted in Section 3 above is expressly made subject to and limited by the following restrictions:

a. You may distribute, publicly display, publicly perform, or publicly digitally perform the Work only under the terms of this License, and You must include a copy of, or the Uniform Resource Identifier for, this License with every copy or phonorecord of the Work You distribute, publicly display, publicly perform, or publicly digitally perform. You may not offer or impose any terms on the Work that alter or restrict the terms of this License or the recipients' exercise of the rights granted hereunder. You may not sublicense the Work. You must keep intact all notices that refer to this License and to the disclaimer of warranties. You may not distribute, publicly display, publicly perform, or publicly digitally perform the Work with any technological measures that control access or use of the Work in a manner inconsistent with the terms of this License Agreement. The above applies to the Work as incorporated in a Collective Work, but this does not require the Collective Work apart from the Work itself to be made subject to the terms of this License. If You create a Collective Work, upon notice from any Licensor You must, to the extent practicable, remove from the Collective Work any credit as required by clause 4(b), as requested. If You create a Derivative Work, upon notice from any Licensor You must, to the extent practicable, remove from the Derivative Work any credit as required by clause 4(b), as requested.

b. If you distribute, publicly display, publicly perform, or publicly digitally perform the Work or any Derivative Works or Collective Works, You must keep intact all copyright notices for the Work and provide, reasonable to the medium or means You are utilizing: (i) the name of the Original Author (or pseudonym, if applicable) if supplied, and/or (ii) if the Original Author and/or Licensor designate another party or parties (e.g. a sponsor institute, publishing entity, journal) for attribution in Licensor's copyright notice, terms of service or by other reasonable means, the name of such party or parties; the title of the Work if supplied; to the extent reasonably practicable, the Uniform Resource Identifier, if any, that Licensor specifies to be associated with the Work, unless such URI does not refer to the copyright notice or licensing information for the Work; and in the case of a Derivative Work, a credit identifying the use of the Work in the Derivative Work (e.g., "French translation of the Work by Original Author," or "Screenplay based on original Work by Original Author"). Such credit may be implemented in any reasonable manner; provided, however, that in the case of a Derivative Work or Collective Work, at a minimum such credit will appear where any other comparable authorship credit appears and in a manner at least as prominent as such other comparable authorship credit.

5. Representations, Warranties and Disclaimer

UNLESS OTHERWISE MUTUALLY AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES IN WRITING, LICENSOR OFFERS THE WORK AS-IS AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE WORK, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTIBILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NONINFRINGEMENT, OR THE ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OF ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT DISCOVERABLE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO SUCH EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

6. Limitation on Liability.

EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS LICENSE OR THE USE OF THE WORK, EVEN IF LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

7. Termination

a. This License and the rights granted hereunder will terminate automatically upon any breach by You of the terms of this License. Individuals or entities who have received Derivative Works or Collective Works from You under this License, however, will not have their licenses terminated provided such individuals or entities remain in full compliance with those licenses. Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 will survive any termination of this License.

b. Subject to the above terms and conditions, the license granted here is perpetual (for the duration of the applicable copyright in the Work). Notwithstanding the above, Licensor reserves the right to release the Work under different license terms or to stop distributing the Work at any time; provided, however that any such election will not serve to withdraw this License (or any other license that has been, or is required to be, granted under the terms of this License), and this License will continue in full force and effect unless terminated as stated above.

8. Miscellaneous

a. Each time You distribute or publicly digitally perform the Work or a Collective Work, the Licensor offers to the recipient a license to the Work on the same terms and conditions as the license granted to You under this License.

b. Each time You distribute or publicly digitally perform a Derivative Work, Licensor offers to the recipient a license to the original Work on the same terms and conditions as the license granted to You under this License.

c. If any provision of this License is invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, it shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of the terms of this License, and without further action by the parties to this agreement, such provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make such provision valid and enforceable.

d. No term or provision of this License shall be deemed waived and no breach consented to unless such waiver or consent shall be in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such waiver or consent.

e. This License constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Work licensed here. There are no understandings, agreements or representations with respect to the Work not specified here. Licensor shall not be bound by any additional provisions that may appear in any communication from You. This License may not be modified without the mutual written agreement of the Licensor and You.

Creative Commons is not a party to this License, and makes no warranty whatsoever in connection with the Work. Creative Commons will not be liable to You or any party on any legal theory for any damages whatsoever, including without limitation any general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising in connection to this license. Notwithstanding the foregoing two (2) sentences, if Creative Commons has expressly identified itself as the Licensor hereunder, it shall have all rights and obligations of Licensor.
Except for the limited purpose of indicating to the public that the Work is licensed under the CCPL, neither party will use the trademark "Creative Commons" or any related trademark or logo of Creative Commons without the prior written consent of Creative Commons. Any permitted use will be in compliance with Creative Commons' then-current trademark usage guidelines, as may be published on its website or otherwise made available upon request from time to time.

Creative Commons may be contacted at http://creativecommons.org/.

Appendix D: Acknowledgements

The 2007 WFDF Rules of Ultimate (Version 2007.01.01) were reviewed and revised by many hard working individuals. There was no suggestion too small as each comment brought us closer to a better rule set for our Sport. WFDF thanks the following people for their input:

WFDF Rules Sub-Committee: Brian Gisel, Jonathan Potts, Florian Pfender, Art Hawkins, Elizabeth Murray, Chris Van Holmes, Troy Frever.

WFDF Ultimate Committee: Dan Engstrom, Si Hill, Julia Jouhki, Paul Eriksson, Bill Rodriguez, Thomas Griesbaum, Rue Veitl.

Additional Very Helpful Suggestions by: Kolja Sulimma, Joey Gray, Paul Northwood and Christian Schneider, Mark Moran.

It is WFDF's intention to introduce revisions to the Rules of Ultimate each year on January 1st. During the year the Rules Sub-Committee will collect and consider any and all suggestions for rule changes. If you have any comments on these rules, or suggestions for future changes, please email ultimatechair@wfdf.org.

site designed by Kumquat Media