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IM Rules: Ultimate Frisbee

Revised: Spring 2022 

ABOUT ULTIMATE

  • Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact sport played by two teams consisting of seven players each.
  • The object of the game is to be the first team to score a predetermined number of goals (typically 15).
  • A goal is scored when a player successfully passes the disc to a teammate in the endzone which that team is attacking.
  • The disc may only be moved by passing (as the thrower is not allowed to take any steps).
  • A change of possession occurs anytime a pass is incomplete, intercepted, knocked-down or contacts an out-of-bounds area.

SELF SCHEDULED & SELF OFFICIATED

  • Ultimate Frisbee at UChicago is self-scheduled and self-officiated.
  • Team captains are responsible for setting the date, time, and location of each match with their opponents.
  • A league schedule will be provided by the IM Office and each team will typically have one match to play per week.
  • Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
  • USA Ultimate Official Rules will be used for all rules not specifically stated below.

SPIRIT OF THE GAME

  • The foundation of the rules in ultimate is Spirit of the Game, which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of sportsmanship, respect between players, adherence to the agreed upon rules, and the basic joy of play.
  • Such actions as taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, intentional fouling, or other "win-at-all-costs" behavior are contrary to the spirit of the game and must be avoided by all players.
  • ETIQUETTE:
    • If a foul is committed and not called, the player who commits the foul should inform the infracted player of the foul.
    • It is the responsibility of both teams to minimize the time taken between each goal and the ensuing throw-off.
    • If the receiving team wishes to have an out-of-bounds throw-off re-thrown, they should indicate this as soon as possible.
    • It is a violation against the spirit of the game for a defensive player to call for a pass from the thrower.
    • Should a dispute or confusion arise on the field, it should be common practice to stop play, and resume play with a "check" when the matter is resolved.
    • In the case where a novice player commits a violation out of sincere ignorance of rules, it is common practice to stop play and explain the violation.

PLAYERS & SUBSTITUTIONS

  • A team consists of seven (7) players on the field at a time.
    • Coed = At least three (3) female-identifying players on the field (when playing with 7 players)
  • A team may start and play with as few as five (5) players.
    • Coed = At least two (2) female-identifying players on the field (when playing with 5 or 6 players)
  • Substitutions may only be made:
    • After a goal has been scored (prior to the ensuing throw-off)
    • At the start of the second half
    • During an injury timeout (not however during a regular timeout)

ROSTER SUBMISSION

  • Team managers/captains are responsible for inputting their rosters on IMLeagues. 
  • Players must be listed on the online/printed roster to play.
  • Roster additions are unlimited and can be made throughout the regular season. 
  • Rosters will lock at the conclusion of the regular season. 
  • Only players on the official online roster on IMLeagues will be permitted to compete in the playoffs.

GENERAL RULES

  • The first team to reach 15 points wins the game
    • As a rule of thumb matches should last for about an hour or less
    • Halftime occurs when the first team reaches half 8 points
    • Captains may mutually agree to other point or time parameters prior to the start of the game
  • Teams must be on the field by the agreed upon game time.
    • A 5-minute grace period will be given if needed.  After 5 minutes, a forfeit win may be awarded by the team present.
      • As long as a team has the required minimum number of players, the game begins on time.
      • Teams that forfeit are subject to being removed from the league and a deduction to their deposit.
  • Each team will be allowed 1 Timeout per half (up to 60 seconds)

FIELD OF PLAY

  • The field is a rectangle with endzones at each end
  • A regulation field is 70 yards long by 40 yards wide with endzones 20 yards deep
  • Dimensions may need to be altered based on available space

EQUIPMENT

  • Any flying disc may be used as long as it is acceptable to both team captains.
  • Discs and cones may be rented from the IM Office (deposit required).

BEGINNING THE GAME & SCORING

  • Captains should Rock/Paper/Scissor to determine who will begin the game on offense
  • The game and each subsequent point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense.
  • Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a goal which is worth 1 point.
  • The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored.

DISC MOVEMENT & CHANGE OF POSESSION

  • 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.
  • When a pass is not completed (out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.

FOULS

  • Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited
  • When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs.
    • When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained.
    • If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.

ADDITIONAL

  • Alcohol and smoking are prohibited at all IM sanctioned events. 
  • Anyone found to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs before, during, or immediately after a contest will be removed and subject to further disciplinary action.
  • University of Chicago Turf Fields:
    • Dogs/pets are prohibited at both locations.
    • Bicycles must be parked at designated areas and are not allowed on the field or track areas.
    • Food, including gum and seeds, is prohibited at both locations.
  • Please treat all venues with respect and clean up after each game.

TIEBREAKERS

 For playoff advancement and seeding, the following tiebreakers will be used as applicable:

  1. Winning Percentage
  2. Head-to-Head
  3. Goals Against (Average per Game)
  4. Record vs. Common Opponents
  5. Record vs. Other Playoff Teams
  6. Coin Flip