Stetson University Intramural Sports

Ultimate Frisbee Rules

(updated 8/27/09)

Playing Field

  • The playing field is 60 yards long and 40 yards wide. Both end zones will be 20 yards deep. If a pass is completed outside the lateral boundary of the playing field, it is considered incomplete and the defensive team gains possession of the disc. In order to be considered in-bounds, a player must land with both feet inside the lateral boundary line (the side line itself is out of bounds). Should the disc land outside the lateral boundary, it is returned to play on the main playing field at the point where the disc went of bounds. The player throwing the disc in bounds must have his or her foot on the line.

Team Size

  • Each team shall consist of 7 players. Teams may play games with a minimum of 5 players.

Time Limit

  • The game shall consist of two 20 minute halves with a 5 minute halftime (may be modified to fit tournament format). The clock will run continuously, except for injuries and after a score in the final minute of the second half. If the score is tied play will continue until one team scores.

Time Outs

  • Each team is allowed one time out per half, each lasting one minute. A time out may be called by either team after a goal has been score. During play, only the team with possession of the disc may call for a time out.

Throw-Off

  • A coin flip is used to determine which team will throw or receive, and choice of goal. The teams shall alternate throw-offs and end of field at the beginning of each period. On all throw-offs the throwing team players must be on or behind their own goal line until the disc is released. Receiving team players must be on their own half of the field.
  • A player on the goal line throws the disc toward the other team. No player on the throwing team may touch the disc in the air before it is touched by a member of the receiving team.
  • The receiving team may catch the disc, knock it to the ground, or allow it to fall untouched to the ground. The receiving team has possession at that point.
  • If the disc goes out of bounds over a side line, the receiving team makes the immediate decision of:

1. Gaining possession at mid-field.

2. Gaining possession at the point it went out of bounds.

  • If the disc goes out of bounds over the end line, the receiving team makes the immediate decision of:
    1. Gaining possession at the point the disc went out of bounds.
    2. Gaining possession at the goal line.

Scoring

  • A goal is scored when an offensive player has both feet in the end zone after receiving a pass from a teammate. A player in possession of the disc may not score by running into the end zone. The team that scores receives one point. Each time a goal is scored, the teams switch ends of the playing field. The team which scored throws-off on the signal of the receiving team.

Substitutions

  • Substitutions can be made after a goal and before the ensuing throw-off, to replace an injured player, after periods of play, during a time out, and anytime the disc lands out of bounds. The clock will not stop except in the case of serious injury to a player.

End Zones

  • Any time a team gains possession in the end zone which they are defending, the player immediately chooses to resume play where the disc stopped, or at the goal line. A player may carry the disc up to the goal line provided that he or she approaches it perpendicularly. The player may not pass the disc during the approach to the goal line. If a team gains possession in the end zone which it is attacking, the disc is carried perpendicularly to the goal line and the play resumes immediately from the goal line.


The Play

  • The team which has possession of the disc must attempt to move the disc into position so that they may score a goal. A player may propel the disc in any way he or she wishes. The disc may never be handed from player to player. In order for the disc to go from one player to another, it must at some time be in the air.
  • No player may walk, run or take steps while in possession of the disc. The momentum of the receiver, however, must be taken into consideration. Should a player take steps obviously not required to stop, a violation may be called. If the player taking excessive steps immediately returns to the spot of the catch before making any attempt to advance the disc, play continues. The player in possession may pivot on one foot, as in basketball. The thrower may not change the pivot foot. If the thrower changes the pivot foot, a violation may be called. Only one player may guard the person in possession of the disc. The disc may not be wrenched from the grasp of any opposing player or knocked from his or her hand. If the disc is dropped by the thrower without interference by a defender, a turnover results. If the disc is simultaneously caught by opponents, offense retains possession.
  • The defensive team gains possession whenever the offensive team's pass is incomplete, intercepted, knocked down, or goes out of bounds. A rolling or sliding disc may be stopped by any player, but may not be advanced in any direction. After the disc is stopped, no defensive player may touch it. Possession is gained at the point where the disc stopped. Any member of the team gaining possession of the disc may throw it.
  • A player may catch his or her own throw only if the disc has been touched by another player during its flight. Bobbling and gaining control is permitted, but tipping to oneself is not allowed.

Fouls

  • A foul is called only by the player fouled. Any physical contact during the throw is a foul against the defender. The thrower may not push the player defending. Contact during the follow-through (after release of the disc) is not sufficient grounds for a foul. If the pass is completed, the foul is automatically declined and play proceeds without stopping.
  • Players must play the disc, not the opponent. That is, they may not position themselves or move for the purpose of impeding other players. To do so is a foul. In playing the disc, players must respect the established positions of others. Low momentum contact during and after the catching attempt is often unavoidable and is not a foul. Violent impact with legitimately positioned opponents constitutes harmful endangerment, is a foul, and must be strictly avoided.
  • A stalling violation occurs when the player guarding the thrower calls out "stall" and counts aloud ten seconds. If the disc has not been released at the end of the count, it is turned over to the defense at that point.

Calling Fouls & Violations

  • The player who is fouled calls "foul" and raises their hand over head, play stops and the player gains possession at the point of the foul. If a teammate of the player who is fouled is first to call "foul" the foul is disregarded and play continues. For a momentum and pivoting violation, a defender calls "steps" and points to the spot, play stops, a check of the disc occurs, but possession is retained by the offense at the spot of the violation. Play continues after check by defender. Should a foul or violation occur in the end zone, possession is gained at the goal line.