Rules of Ultimate governed by the World Flying Disc Federation

12. Receivers and Positioning

  1. 12.1. A “catch” occurs when a player has a non-spinning disc trapped between at least two body parts. A catch can enable a player to establish possession of the disc.
  2. 12.1.1. If the player fails to maintain the catch due to subsequent ground contact related to the catch, or contact related to the catch with a team-mate or a legitimately positioned opposition player, possession is deemed to have not occurred.
  3. 12.2. After establishing possession, that player becomes the thrower.
  4. 12.3. If offensive and defensive players catch the disc simultaneously, the offence retains possession.
  5. 12.4. A player in an established position is entitled to remain in that position and must not be contacted by an opposing player.
  6. 12.5. Every player is entitled to occupy any position on the field not occupied by any opposing player, provided that they do not initiate contact in taking such a position, and are not moving in a reckless or dangerously aggressive manner.
  7. 12.5.1. However when the disc is in the air a player may not move in a manner solely to prevent an opponent from taking an unoccupied path to make a play on the disc.
  8. 12.6. All players must attempt to avoid contact with other players, and there is no situation where a player may justify initiating contact. This includes avoiding initiating contact with a stationary opponent, or an opponent’s expected position based on their established speed and direction.  “Making a play for the disc” is not a valid excuse for initiating contact with other players.
  9. 12.6.1. If a player is not reasonably certain that they will be able to make a legal play at the disc before an opponent who is moving in a legal manner, they must adjust their movements to avoid initiating contact. If that adjustment is made, the result of the play still stands.
  10. 12.7.The player who initiates contact is deemed to be the player who:
  11. 12.7.1. arrived at the point of contact after the opponent had already established a legitimate position at that point (either a stationary or moving opponent), or
  12. 12.7.2. adjusted their movements in a way that created unavoidable contact with an opponent moving in a legal manner, when taking into account all players’ established position, speed and direction.
  13. 12.8. Some minor contact may occur as two or more players move towards a single point simultaneously. Minor contact should be minimized but is not considered a foul.
  14. 12.9. Players may not use their arms or legs to obstruct the movement of opposing players.
  15. 12.10. No player may physically assist the movement of another player, nor use an item of equipment or object to assist in contacting the disc.
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