Spirit of the Game

“Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play.”

–Official Rules of Ultimate

A Sport with No Referees

A truly unique and defining element of ultimate, Spirit of the Game places the responsibility of fair play solely on the athletes themselves by requiring each player to know the rules and make their own calls, without the help of a neutral official. These underlying principles reinforce mutual respect and trust between opponents; communication and conflict resolution skills; and self confidence – both on and off the field of play.

The Basics of Spirit

1. Players make their own calls. As a self-officiated sport, ultimate depends on personal responsibility. It places the obligation and expectation to play fairly on the players in order to maintain the integrity of the game.

2. Spirit is part of the rules. Spirit and its principles are written directly into the official rules of ultimate, establishing a fundamental requirement to know the rules and not intentionally violate them while playing hard and having fun.

3. Focus on fair play. Spirit of the Game emphasizes a different take on sports.  Instead of promoting a win-at-all- costs mentality, Spirit expects players not to take advantage of, or knowingly break the rules.

Competitor

Highly competitive play is encouraged, but not at the expense of the rules or the opponent.

Teammate

Players are expected to support and advise teammates when there is confusion about a call, or correct teammates about wrong or unnecessary calls.

Official

Know the rules. Players are expected to only make significant calls and resolve disputes respectfully while remaining open to other perspectives.

The Look of Spirit

1. Mutual Respect

Making the right call and actively listening to opposing viewpoints are examples of good Spirit and develop mutual respect between competitors.

2. Conflict Resolution

Whenever there is disagreement about a call, players are expected to resolve the dispute on their own by expressing their perspective and listening to others.

3. Rules Knowledge

Players are expected to know and follow the rules, and show a willingness to learn when in doubt.

4. Body Control

Players should avoid fouling, intentional contact and dangerous plays.

5. Communication

Players actively listen to different perspectives and engage in efficient discussion about calls.

6. The Joy of Play

The pure and simple enjoyment of ultimate is at the heart of the sport.