If you have just wandered into this page - and you want to know the latest information on what is happening with ultimate in Hobart, check out the main TUA web page
[Borrowed (with some permission) from the AFDA and VFDA web pages.]
Ultimate frisbee is a fast free-flowing game played world-wide which combines elements of netball, soccer, grid-iron and touch footy. The basic aim is for the team with the frisbee to pass the disc up the field to others on their team and catch it in the endzone. At the same time the defensive team is trying to intercept it or knock it down. If they succeed, they get possession of the frisbee and are trying to score in the other endzone.
Unique to Ultimate, and central to individual and team conduct, is the underlying 'Spirit of the Game', which embodies the sportsmanship which has sadly been lost from other sports. Players on the field make their own calls when fouls etc. are incurred. When disputes arise, the frisbee returns to the player who made the last pass and the game resumes. The absence of umpires leads to the need for a good, honest spirit even when playing in highly competitive situations. Resulting from this, the 'Spirit of the Game' award has become a highly coveted award at tournaments. Players undertake to be competitive but fair and truthful, physical but careful, intense but friendly and courteous.
Ultimate is non-contact. Intercepting or knocking down the frisbee must be done without interfering with other players. In practice, a small amount of contact is unavoidable, but deliberate interference or aggressive play is not permitted.
There is no running with the frisbee. When a player catches the frisbee, they must stop as soon as they can. They then have 10 seconds to pass the frisbee to someone else on their team. The 10 seconds is counted out loud by a defender who marks them and tries to prevent them from getting an easy pass away. If they have not thrown the frisbee by the time the count gets to 10, a turnover results.
A turnover also results when the frisbee is thrown out of bounds, when it touches the ground, or when it is dropped. If it is knocked down, the team that threw the frisbee loses possession (unlike touch footy, where the last team to touch the ball loses possession).
The traditional playing field is about 35 metres wide by 65 metres long with 20 metre deep end zones, which can be varied to suit the number and fitness of players. Games can be played to points or to a time limit, although most games have a limit on both.
Ultimate involves a combination of speed, stamina and agility with the need for excellent hand-eye coordination. To become a competent player requires a great deal of practice in the various methods of throwing a disc, skills which are always made more complex in the presence of wind and rain. The 'field sense' skills required in Ultimate can be extended to most team sports and the absence of umpires promotes a good competitive but fair and honest attitude.
If you are interested in the rules for Ultimate, have a browse around the AFDA rules page.
Currently the TUA oversees a number of Ultimate fixtures in Tasmania. Further details are available on:
The TUA first organised formal Ultimate leagues in the spring and summer of 2001/2002 in Hobart thanks to the efforts of Mamoru Matsuki. Previously, the closest thing to an organised league was the CSIRO/Uni Challenge (instigated by Craig Mundy) held every month or so; and the developmental K-League which was run on Monday evenings in the summer time. Both of these competitions were run in conjunction with the University of Tasmania Ultimate Frisbee Club.
As well as TUA organised leagues and tournaments, ultimate is also played in Tasmania is played through the University of Tasmania Ultimate Frisbee Club at the University of Tasmania oval in Sandy Bay, wedged between Earl Street, the Geology Department, the Uni Rugby Field and the Uni Gym (see map for details).
We welcome beginners and are used to helping people become proficient at the game. Do not be put off if you think you can't throw a disc; that you can learn easily. All we ask is that you are willing to have a go. By the way, cleats or other shoes for running on grass might be a good idea. To find out about upcoming leagues or tournaments, contact TUA.