Q: How many people are on a team?A: Teams have only seven players on the field at one time, but may have as many people on their roster as they choose.
Back to topQ: How long does a game usually last?A: A typical game is played to 15 points and usually lasts about one and a half hours.
Back to topQ: What equipment do you need in order to play?A: Ultimate is one of the least expensive sports to play, as all that’s required for a game is field space and a disc. Most players opt to wear cleats as well, and cones are helpful for marking the boundaries of the playing field.
Back to topQ: Are all discs the same?A: No. Ultimate is played with a 175 gram disc, which is heavier and sturdier than the recreational discs most people are familiar with. The weight, diameter, shape of the rim, and plastic all factor in to how the disc handles. The UPA has developed very rigorous disc standards to ensure that players have access to the highest quality discs possible. The Discraft Ultra-Star 175 gram disc is currently the official disc of the UPA Championship Series.
Back to topQ: What’s the difference between an observer and a referee?A: Observers are non-players whose role is to carefully watch the action of the game and to perform any or all of the following duties: track time limits, resolve player disputes, censure or eject players for sportsmanship infractions, and render opinions on things such as line calls and off-side calls. The difference between an observer and a referee is that in general observers only make rulings on infractions called by players, and only after the players have failed to resolve the issue themselves. (
UPA policy statement on observers)
Back to topQ: How can I start playing?A: Most cities have Ultimate
leagues and
pickup games that are open to new players. The UPA has also developed an Ultimate instructional kit (available through
www.wrightlife.com) that includes 14 instructional discs covering the basics of the game, a skills and drills manual, and many other items that can help you start an Ultimate program in your community.
Back to topQ: How many people play Ultimate in the US?A: According to the 2007 Sports and Fitness Participation Report conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, 824,000 people play Ultimate in the U.S. As the national governing body for the sport of Ultimate, we do not currently maintain growth records for other countries or for other disc sports.
For information about the UPA's membership you can view our annual reports.
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