The Greatest Game Rarely Played (Contined from page 1.) However, the team members’ fun-loving nature quickly gives way to warrior grit when the Frisbee is in the air. And like many warriors, Ultimate Frisbee players follow a strict code.
“The game is very much an honor system,” Noe said. “Incidental contact happens all the time, but it is meant to be a non-contact sport. If contact happens on purpose, and it is called, then there is a turnover.”
Everyone knows what Frisbee is, but few realize that teams across the country compete in Ultimate Frisbee matches governed by the Ultimate Players Association, or UPA.
The game is played on a football field 40 yards wide by 70 yards long, plus two 15-yard end zones. The object of the game is to advance the Frisbee into the opponent’s end zone.
The game begins with a “throw-off” where one team hurls the Frisbee downfield to the other team. The receiving team catches it and may take three steps before they must throw the Frisbee to another player. If they do not make a throw before three steps are taken, a traveling violation is called.
The game is usually played to 13 or 15 points, with a 90-minute time limit
The Diablos love their sport’s obscurity yet hunger for recognition. They yearn for attention, but remain content in their realm of “Lord of the Rings” one-liners, grass-stained knees, and underground status. They hope one day to be recognized as a varsity sport.
For now, it’s just the love of the game.
