Are your grandkids talking about the "spirit of the game"? More than likely they're referring to one of the most popular new sports: Ultimate Frisbee.

The spirit of the game refers to the no referee policy – the players call their own fouls and agree to follow the rules of the game. Some may find this an unusual concept considering the poor sportsmanship publicity recently received in other sports.

History of Ultimate Frisbee
The sport of Ultimate Frisbee was first played in 1967 by high school students in Maplewood, N.J. Now, this relatively new sport – referred to as "Ultimate" by the players – has men's and women's divisions for high school, college and adult players.

The Flying Disc
The 175-gram disc used in Ultimate Frisbee is heavier than the recreational Frisbee and structurally different than the pie plates used by the Yale students who began tossing the discs in 1947. In 1948, Walter Frederick Morrison invented a plastic version he later called the "Pluto Platter." Now, Ultimate players refer to the object they toss as a "Flying Disc."

Other equipment used in the game is relatively inexpensive. Ultimate players wear cleats and sometimes raingear. Otherwise, it's just the usual water bottle, extra socks, sun screen and, of course, a snack. Quite easy!

Terms and Rules
Ultimate is played on a rectangular "pitch" (the field) with some similarities to other well-known sports. As in soccer, the object is to score goals.

There are two end zones similar to American football. The defensive strategies are like those in basketball: Players stay close to opponents, making any attempt to toss the disc to that player impossible.

Like in tennis, there is a backhand and a forehand. For a right-handed player, a backhand means tossing the disc from the left side of the body, and a forehand is throwing the disc from the right side. Yet with all these similarities, the game is still one of a kind.

What are the rules? Players are not allowed to run with the disc. When they catch the disc they must stop. This "thrower" then has 10 seconds to toss the disc to another player. The "marker" is the defender who guards the thrower.

Possession changes when the disc is intercepted, hits the ground or is knocked away by the other team. Contact with another player is not allowed.

Here comes the spirit of the game concept. If contact is made, a foul is called by the players themselves. If a foul is called and the other player disagrees with the call, the play is redone. A typical game is played by seven players per team, has scores up to 15 points and lasts about an hour and a half in length.

Although similar to several other popular sports, there are a few terms that are simply Ultimate, including the following:

• Dump – The player who stays behind the thrower to help.
• Flick – A forehand throw.
• Huck – A long pass to a player in the end zone.
• Flow – Several quick passes that hopefully result in a point.
• Poach – A defensive player moving from their marker to intercept a pass.
• Pull – The initiating play after a score.
• Going ho – Going horizontal.

Spirit of the Game
Parents and players alike agree that the spirit of the game carries from the field to other areas of life for Ultimate players. Hopkins High School reporter Zach Leonard of Hopkins, Minn., writes about the school's Ultimate team: "Perhaps the best thing about this team is that one does not have to be an elite athlete to be included. Ultimate, by its very own nature, strives to get everyone involved."

"It's different than any other sport I've played (and I've played them all) because when I play Ultimate I feel like I'm really part of a team," says player Erin Curme of Minnetonka, Minn. "It's not just my team – everyone who plays Ultimate respects each other."

"Ultimate Frisbee prepares adolescents for life by teaching self discipline, healthy choices, teamwork, conflict resolution, honest and integrity, fun and the value of tough competition," says Curme's mother Ann Shaw. "The encouragement the players get from their dedicated coaches and each other results in positive self concepts. I'm a huge fan of this sport."

For information on teams in your area or to see what is happening worldwide in Ultimate, check the Ultimate Players Association at www2.upa.org/index.php.

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