Teams have only seven players on the field at one time, but may have as many people on their roster as they choose. Roster limits may apply for USA Ultimate Series events.

A typical game is played to 15 points and usually lasts about one and a half hours.

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 or lined boundaries are helpful for marking the boundaries of the playing field and end zones.

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. USA Ultimate 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 USA Ultimate Championship Series.

The patent for the Frisbee™ was issued on September 30, 1958.

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.

Most cities have Ultimate leagues and pickup games that are open to new players. A relatively comprehensive listing is maintaing on our Where To Play page. USA Ultimate has also developed an instructional kit (available through our Merchandise Program) that includes discs, cones, skills and drills manual, and other items that can help you start an ultimate program in your community.

USA Ultimate and WFDF (The World Flying Disc Federation) have been working to achieve the best presentation of Ultimate and other disc sports on the worldwide sport scene for some time. A major milestone in this effort occurred in 2001 when Ultimate was included in the World Games for the first time as a full medal sport. The best possible scenario for disc sports is to continue our emphasis in each home town, each state and national community to build the sport at the grass roots level. We must work steadily to make our games better and stronger for our players which will make us increasingly attractive to various global sports organizations. USA Ultimate was officially recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee in 2014, and WFDF received full recognition as the International Federation of flying disc sports by the International Olympic Committee in 2015.