History of the Spirit of the Game and Observers in the Sport of Ultimate

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

The issue of whether the Observer system — as used in North America at the highest levels of competition — is in fundamental conflict with the “spirit of the game” of Ultimate is an ongoing debate not only in international circles and WFDF but also still in North America itself. The issue is extremely complicated and multi-faceted, and the debate is often poorly informed as too few participants understand the long historical evolution to the …

The intent of the game

In Disc Golf, Sports by WFDF

Disc golf is the flying disc variant of the game of golf. Instead of with a ball and (many different) golf- clubs this game is played with a flying disc. Players traverse a course making as few throws as possi- ble in reaching objects placed strategically throughout the area. Many terms you will encounter in ball golf are also familiar in disc golf. For ex- ample: tee, hole, hole in one, putt, approach, birdie, par, …

Ultimate and Spirit

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

As Ultimate is a self-refereed sport, maintaining spirit of the game is essential to making the game work. And good spirit makes the game more enjoyable. At a bare minimum, ultimate players should hold themselves to the same code of conduct as referees would be expected to conform to at their level of play. The following are considered essential elements of good spirit: Know the rules Avoiding fouls and body contact Being fair-minded and respectful Having a positive attitude Showing …

Providing Feedback

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

An important part of maintaining good spirit of the game, is by providing direct feedback. Any feedback should be constructive. There are various ways that feedback can occur: Collect spirit scores at the end of each game, and award a spirit prize at the end of the competition Let you opponents know at the end of the game what spirit score you are giving them, and why. Talk to players on your own team if …

Improving Spirit

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

Here are some ways you can improve spirit of the game in your team: Read the rules. Write a rules quiz and test your teammates with it. Realise that there are always two perspectives to every situation, and everyone’s judgement is clouded somewhat by the outcomes they desire. When making calls, encourage your teammates to be loud and clear. Never swear or use personal attacks. Adopt a team code of conduct that outlines expected behaviour …

BE CALM Strategy

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

Breathe don’t react straight away Explain what you think happened Consider what they think happened Ask other players for advice (on perspective and rules) if needed Listen to what everyone has had to say Make a call loudly and clearly (and use Hand Signals)

Spirit of the Game Time-out

In Spirit of the Game, Sports by WFDF

If there is ever an issue with Spirit of The Game during play, Captains should be aware that the Appendix to the WFDF Rules of Ultimate include a Spirit of the Game Time-out (A7): If a team’s captain believes that either or both teams are failing to follow the Spirit of the Game (SOTG), they may call a “Spirit of the Game Time-out. This can only be called after the start of a point and …