Ultimate 101

An overview of the sport of Ultimate and links to resources to learn more.

What is Ultimate?

Ultimate (aka Ultimate Frisbee*) is a sport played with a flying disc that combines elements of football, soccer, and basketball. It was created in the late 1960’s by Joel Silver (yes, the film producer) and his friends. Ultimate is self-officiated with no referees, relying instead on something called “Spirit of the Game”. It’s played by millions of athletes around the world and might even become an Olympic sport!

Crazy, right? Here are some resources that provide a full explanation:

• The Sport of Ultimate Explained – UltimateRob.com
• What is Ultimate? – whatisultimate.com
• About Ultimate – USAUltimate.org
• Ultimate (sport) – Wikipedia.org

Prefer a video? This one is excellent and just 4 minutes long:

*Frisbee is actually a registered trademark of the Wham-O company, along with other seemingly generic terms such as Hula Hoop, Superball, and Hacky Sack!

Equipment

Optional equipment for more competitive play includes cleats, gloves, cones for marking boundaries, etc. Requirements for participation with Fishers Baja can be found in the Uniforms and Equipment section of the New Player Info page.

Governing Bodies

Youth Ultimate

Youth ultimate is sanctioned by USA Ultimate (learn more here). Fishers Baja competes at the High School level in the Central Region.

• High School: Club or school-based teams with players in 9th – 12th grade. Primary season is in Spring, but some regions (West Coast) have their primary season in the Fall.
• Youth Club: Competitive summer-season competition in five divisions: U20 Boys, U20 Girls, U20 Mixed, U17 Boys, U17 Girls. Culminates with the national Youth Club Championships held in early August. The IUF organizes up to three youth club teams depending on the level of interest:
  • Indiana INferno (U20 Boys)
  • Indiana INcognito (U20 Mixed)
  • Indiana INtensity (U17 Boys)

Who are the best high school teams? Check out the Ultiworld High School Power Rankings.

College Ultimate

There are opportunities to play ultimate at many colleges and universities, in either intramural leagues or formal clubs that play in intercollegiate competition. Division I and Division III play is sanctioned by USA Ultimate (learn more here) and national tournaments are held in late May each year. Indiana-based college teams play in the Great Lakes region and include:

• Ball State: “Wizardz” D-I men, D-I women
• Butler: “Bulldogs” D-III men
• Indiana University: “Hoosier Mama’s” D-I men, “Calamity Jane” D-I women
• Indiana Wesleyan: “Huck Dynasty” D-III men
• Notre Dame: “Papal Rage” D-I men, “Womb” D-I women
• Purdue: “Undue Ultimate” D-I men, “AMOC” D-I women
• Rose-Hulman: “Elephantitis” D-III men
• Southern Indiana: “Fusion Ultimate” D-I men, “Anomoly” D-I women
• Trine: “Thunder Ultimate” D-III men
• Valparaiso: “Vult” D-III men, “Chicks Hucking Discs” D-III women

Who are the best college teams? Check out Ultiworld or Frisbee Rankings.

Club Ultimate

Club is the highest level of competitive ultimate and includes divisions for adult men’s, women’s and mixed teams. The regular season takes place in the summer months and consists of a series of tournaments sanctioned by USA Ultimate (learn more here). Indianapolis-area club teams play in the Great Lakes region and include:

• Indy Brickyard (men)
• Indy Rogue (women)
• Liquid Hustle (mixed)

Who are the best club teams? Check out Ultiworld or Frisbee Rankings.

Other Ultimate Divisions

• Masters: Age-restricted (you have to be “old”!) divisions for men and women. Masters, Grand Masters, and Great Grand Masters (learn more here).
• Beach: A spin-off of the grass-based game with fewer players (4v4 or 5v5) and a smaller field (learn more here).

Semi-Pro Ultimate

Semi-professional leagues play a form of ultimate that has been tweaked to enhance the spectator experience.

Ultimate MEDIA Outlets