Ultimate Frisbee is a game based on the honor and responsibility of the individual players. Players make their own foul and line calls, and resolve their own disputes. Competition is encouraged, but sportsmanship, respect for fellow players, respect for the rules and fair play take precedence, as well as basic enjoyment of the game.

Ultimate is played with a single frisbee ("disc") on a rectangular field measuring 70 yards by 40 yards. The endzones are 25 yards deep. A regulation team is seven players strong, and play begins with each team lined up at the front of their respective endzones. To start play, the defensive team throws, or "pulls" the disc to the offense.

A point is scored each time the offense completes a pass into the defense's endzone, and play is re-initiated after each score.

Teammates pass the disc to each other, and passes are completed when the receiving teammate catches the disc. Individuals may not run with the disc, and must throw it within ten seconds of catching it. The defender guarding the thrower (called a "marker") counts down the seconds.

If a pass goes out of bounds, or is dropped, blocked, or intercepted, the defense then becomes the offense and takes possession of the disc.

Substitutions may only be made after a score or during a timeout for injuries.

Physical contact between players, picks, and screens are prohibited. Physical contact constitutes a foul. When a foul disrups possession of the disc, play continues without changing possession. If the player who committed the foul disagrees with the call, the play is simply re-done.

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