Ultimate Frisbee Rules

General Rules

• Play begins with a pull at the start of each half and after every score.
• If the pull lands untouched, possession starts where the disc stops.
• If the pull lands in the end zone, the offense plays where it lands.
• If the pull lands out of bounds (back or sides of the end zone), the offense can start at the front and center of the end zone or at the "brick" mark.
• If the pull goes out of bounds in the field, the offense starts in the middle of the field where it went out.
• An unsuccessful catch attempt by the receiving team results in a turnover, with the pulling team taking possession at the disc's stopping point.
• For Juniors tier 2 games, both teams must agree on the gender rule pull before the game.
• The team that wins the disc flip chooses the starting gender ratio (e.g., 4 boys:3 girls).
• The gender ratio switches after the first point and then every two points for the rest of the match.
• Single-header games are played to 15 points or 70 minutes.
• Double-header games are played to 13 points or 65 minutes.
• Ultimate is a non-contact sport, except for incidental contact.
• Ultimate is self-refereed.
• No picks or screens are allowed.
• No zone defense at the Junior level.
• Poaching is permitted.
• When gaining possession in the defending end zone, an offensive player can play from that spot or from the nearest point on the goal line.
• If there's a foul, raise a hand and call "foul" to stop play.

Handler (Thrower) Rules

• The disc must be passed, not handed.
• The thrower cannot catch their own pass unless another player touches the disc first.
• The thrower can pivot in any direction, but not into the marker.
• Lifting the pivot foot can result in a "travel" call by the defense.
• The handler can have one foot out of bounds along the sideline, as long as it’s not the pivot foot.
• The handler cannot use the disc to push the marker.

Cutter (Receiver) Rules

• After a catch, the receiver must stop as quickly as possible, using the fewest steps.
• Too many steps after the catch can result in a "travel" call.
• If both an offensive and defensive player catch the disc at the same time, the offense retains possession.
• A catch is valid if the cutter's first point of contact is one foot in-bounds.
• A score is valid if the cutter's first ground contact is completely in the end zone.
• Momentum carrying a cutter into the end zone after a catch does not count as a score; the cutter must return to the goal line and play from there.
• After scoring in the end zone, wait a few seconds for confirmation.

Marker (Defensive Player) Rules

• The marker must maintain one disc space away from the thrower.
• The marker cannot "hug" the thrower; arms and legs must be out to the sides.
• The marker cannot restrict the thrower and touching the disc while in the thrower's possession is not allowed.
• A ten-second stall count begins once the marker establishes a guarding stance.
• After a turnover, the defense immediately takes possession and can start play without waiting for the opponent to set up.

Double Teams - JUNIORS ONLY

• Double teams are not allowed.
• Only one marker per handler or cutter.
• No other defensive player may be within 3 yards of the handler unless guarding another offensive player.

Person to Person Defense (1 on 1) - JUNIORS ONLY

• In person-to-person defense, a defensive player must attempt to cover an offensive player.
• Poaching is permitted if the defensive player attempts to cover their assigned player.
• Defensive players cannot play a zone.

Delays Rules

• The marker can call "delays" to encourage the handler to start play.
• If the handler is close to the disc (5-6 feet), it’s "3 delays."
• If the handler is far from the disc (over 6 feet), it’s "10 delays."
• If the disc is thrown far out of bounds, it’s "20 delays."
• The marker taps the disc and announces "Delay of game" followed by the number of delays, then begins the stall count.