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Rec League Rules and Other Info

WAFC Rec League Rules

If there is a discrepancy between this page and what a captain or commissioner says, go by their, likely updated, rules.

Games should be played in accordance with the UPA Rules of Ultimate, 11th edition with the following additions/clarifications

  • Games will be played to 15 - win by two - with a cap at 17. Captains may adjust the point total before the game starts if it would be unsafe for players to play that much (e.g. one/both teams don't have many subs). Each team gets TWO timeouts per half (not including teaching timeouts).
  • A game should be capped if either: (A) darkness is approaching or it is less than 15 minutes before the scheduled start of another game, or (B) the score is 14 to 14. Under condition A, the cap should be set at two more than the score of the team in the lead. Under condition B, the cap should be set at 17. In either case, the game ends when either of the following occurs: (1) one team has 15 or more points and a 2-point lead, or (2) one team reaches the cap. Captains should be aware of approaching darkness and cap games well before continued play becomes dangerous.
  • Field dimensions are 40 yards x 70 yards + 25-yard end zones, though we usually won't have enough room to make a regulation field. We do the best we can.
  • The "brick" is officially 20 yards; however, due to the fact that most fields are non-regulation in size, the actual brick distance should be decided on by the captains prior to the start of the game. The "brick" rule applies to any pull that lands out of bounds. By calling "brick," the receiving team gets to bring the disc to the middle (on the "long axis" of the field) at either (a) the 20-yard mark or (b) the point where the disc went out.
  • The offense (the team receiving the pull) dictates the male: female ratio (either 4:3 or 5:2) for that point. If feasible, the defense is expected to play at least as many women as the offense. The defense may choose not to match if they do not have enough women or for health reasons. A team with lots of women may choose to play 4:3 to give women playing time, but should not do so purely to get a competitive advantage and tire out the other team's women. Each team must have at least two women on the field! If one team has more women than the other, consider "loaning" each other players to allow adequate subs (this is true for male players also).
  • "Pick-ups" for a given game are permitted only if the opposing captain agrees. Further, if someone wishes to become a permanent member of your team, you must notify the league commissioner, who, depending upon the player's talent level, reserves the right to place him/her on another team.
  • Dropping the "pull" or throw-off is a turnover. An exception should be made (once) for any player who is not aware of this rule.
  • A woman should pull to begin each half (so each team has a woman pull at least once).
  • Foot blocks are not allowed all season.
  • Zone defenses are not permitted during the first three weeks of play unless agreed upon by both captains. • Poaching should not be used on newer players. This is especially true while zone is not allowed.

Spirit

WAFC Rec League puts an extra emphasis on spirit. Information on spirit of the game can be found here. Please take time before your first game to review the rules and SOTG. SOTG is more than cheering each team after the game, but also knowing and following the rules, encouraging fair play, and making sure everyone is enjoying themselves.

There will be prizes for the most spirited player on each team (a disc to be awarded by the captains or voted on by the team) and for all of the players on the most spirited team at the end of the season. While playing spiritedly should be reward enough, hopefully this will be an extra incentive.

Fields

Field space in the D.C area is scarce. We want to do everything possible to keep the Park Service and the local area residents happy. Please do what you can so that your team does not jeopardize our privileges and adhere to these rules (these apply to ALL fields):

  • NO alcohol. If you want to drink, take your team out after the game.
  • Dogs must be on a secured leash (at Lake Fairfax, they must be secured on the outer perimeter by the trees).
  • No games can be played in the rain or on muddy fields.
  • No littering. Please take the time to clean-up the fields before leaving.

Directions to the fields and field maps can be found here. Permits will be given out to captains at the beginning of each season.

Weather

We have a handy hotline set-up to use for cancellations and field messages. The number is 301-LUV-B-MAX (301-588-2629) and will be updated about 90 minutes before the first round. In case of lightening, play must stop immediately. Play may resume if twenty minutes have passed without a lightening sighting.