WFDF2008 Ultimate Rules Update: No More Middle

So we're currently in transition around Australia into the 2008 WFDF Rules. The rules of Ultimate are updated periodically, primarily to make them clearer to Ultimate referees (ie everybody). Leagues are changing over at their own pace, but Halibut will be run on the updated rules.

But we figured we'd have a go at noting a few changes here at the blog (although there's a handy change list available, drafted by our own Rubes).

One notable change is that the "middle" call, once available when the Pull went out on the full, is now gone.

The receiving team now has two options: the Brick Mark (see out tip below for finding that), or the point closest to the field of play where the disc went out.

Here's the updated rule:

7.13: If the disc becomes out-of-bounds without first touching the playing field or an offensive player, the thrower may establish the pivot either at the brick point or at the spot where the disc was last partly over the playing field. The brick option must be signalled by the intended thrower before picking up the disc by fully extending one arm above their head.

Note that the definition of the playing field is:

Playing field: The area including the playing field proper and the end zones, but excluding the perimeter lines.

So here's a few diagrams showing some scenarios - the red line is the flight of the Pull going out on the full. The green lines show the two options for the receiver to put the disc into play. (Sorry we can't get the rest of it perfect - time is eluding us here today)

1. Pull goes out the back:

You can either bring it up to the BACK of the endzone (not the front), or to the Brick mark (I know which one will be used 98% of the time!).

2. Pull goes out the endzone sideline:

You can bring it to the sideline where it went out (not the front corner), or to the Brick mark.

3. Pull goes out the sideline:


You can bring it to the sideline where it went out (whether its in front of or behind the Brick mark), or to the Brick mark.

I suspect the rule of thumb when teaching strategic application of the rules to new players is "take it to the brick, unless we're way upfield."