Ultimate is a Limited-contact team field sport played with a flying disc (frisbee). Points are scored by passing the disc to a teammate in the opposing end zone. Other basic rules imply that players must not take steps while holding the disc (that is, a player holding the disc must maintain a pivot), and interceptions and incomplete passes are turnovers. Rain, wind, or occasionally other adversities can make for a testing match; with rapid turnovers, heightening the pressure of play. A prominent feature of the modern game is the "lay out," a horizontal dive to catch or block the disc^.]

From its beginnings in the American counterculture of the late 1960s, ultimate has resisted empowering any referee with rule enforcement, instead relying on the sportsmanship of players and invoking the "spirit of the game" to maintain fair play. Players call their own fouls and dispute a foul only when they genuinely believe it did not occur. Playing without referees is the norm for league play, but has been supplanted in club competition by the use of "observers"/"advisers" to help in disputes, and the nascent professional leagues even employ empowered referees. (Wikipedia)

That being said, I still don't think there are many things in my life that I have experienced that surprised me quite like seeing my first ultimate frisbee game. I had no idea what to expect, didn't know what it would be like, and really knew very little about the game. My younger daughter started playing in college... so, being the Mom that I am, I needed to support her in her endeavors. So, I went to the games I could get to. From the first one, I was hooked! Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, it is one of the most exciting games to watch, in my opinion. I am an avid "sports" person, so I wasn't surprised that I got hooked, but there is something unique about this sport. Maybe it was because it was new to me, maybe because my daughter played, or maybe, the lack of using referees in an organized sport was completely foreign to me. How refreshing to see opposing players work out their own disputes, quickly and fairly.

Over the years, I have been to many games, and have not lost my initial reaction to them. My daughter has played in many countries, on various teams, and I couldn't be any prouder!

I recently had the opportunity to watch the USA Ultimate Tournament in Virginia Beach. Aside from the normal dynamics of the sport, now there was the added challenge of sand. I don't know how many of you can successfully "run" in sand... I find it challenging enough to walk on any sand other than that close to the edge of the water. But these players ran in sand for several games in a day. Not only running, but pivoting, blocking, throwing, and chasing.... I was in awe... the way that they kept going, leaping to knock the disc out of an opponents hands, or leaping to secure it for their team... giving it all they had, despite the weather (I've seen games in rain, cold, and brutal heat)...It is obvious that this sport builds character,self reliance, leadership qualities, listening and negotiating skills, as well as good sportsmanship and lasting friendships. And, it also keeps you in great physical shape, as well as being a lot of fun!

I think that this quote sums it up best...because this is what I see when I watch an ultimate game.....perfect moments.....

"I just remember one time running for a pass and leaping up in the air and just feeling the Frisbee making it into my hand and feeling the perfect synchrony and the joy of the moment, and as I landed I said to myself, 'This is the ultimate game. This is the ultimate game.'" (Jared Kass, one of the inventors of ultimate, interviewed in 2003, speaking of the summer of 1968).