• Remember, this is a social league. Chill attitudes are always welcomed. So, meet some new people, and have a good time.

• There should be equal playing time for all players, regardless of gender.

• You always need your team T-Shirts, unless it is a designated Themed League. They are our only way of identifying you and not having them hurts your team’s ranking!

• Please treat our referees with respect.

• Any aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or expulsion from our leagues; let’s avoid that.

• Please be on time. We recommend showing up at least 10 minutes early to avoid any confusion and the chance of Forfeiting.

 

Overly Competitive Players

All Texas Sports & Social Club leagues are intended to be recreational. Any player deemed to be excessively competitive and/or overly aggressive may be removed from competition at the discretion of Texas Sports official or game day coordinator.

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Sportsmanship Rating:

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Teams will be awarded a sportsmanship grade based on their conduct:

 

• A (4.0) - Above and Beyond Conduct and Sportsmanship

• B (3.0) - Good Conduct and Sportsmanship

• C (2.0) - Average Conduct and Sportsmanship

• D (1.0) - Below Average Conduct and Sportsmanship

• F (0.0) - Poor Conduct and Sportsmanship

 

Teams must maintain a 2.5 AVERAGE in order to be ELIGIBLE for the playoffs

Once in playoffs, the team must maintain a 2.5 average in order to remain in playoffs 

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Number of Players

5v5 leagues

8 players will play at once; at least 3 of which must be women.

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A minimum of 4 players from your roster and/or pre-registered substitutes is needed to start or continue a game.

 

If a team is short of the required number of women, they may play down at 4 men/1 woman or down 2 Players at 3 men/1 woman. Teams may not play with 4 men/0 women. The opposing team will play with up to maximum amount of players allowed on the field.

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Game Length

There are two formats of Outdoor Ultimate Frisbee 5’s under TXSports Rules. The major differences between the two formats are game lengths. Games are either two (2) 20-minute halves with a 3-minute break for half-time OR are 45 minutes in length. Check your specific program details and your online schedule for exact start and end times. Both formats are described in their entirety below.

 

Game Time

There are two formats of Outdoor Ultimate Frisbee 5’s programs under TXSports programming. Games are either two (2) 20-minute halves with a 3-minute break for half-time OR are 45 minutes in length. Check your specific program details and your online schedule for exact start and end times. Please arrive early to ensure you get the full use of your allotted field time. Regardless of when your game begins your game will always end on time to allow the succeeding games to begin at their scheduled time.

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Time Keeping: The TXSports League Coordinator on site will be keeping track of time and will determine the end of your game. In this instance, you will receive a warning indicating the final five (5) minutes remaining in your game and a final signal for the end of your game. Once the final signal occurs your game is over.

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Halftimes: In the 43 minute game time format, there will be two 20-minute halves and 3-minute halftime for all games (halftime can also be taken if one team reaches 9 points). For the 45-minute game time format, there is no stoppage for halftime unless requested by one of the teams. If a half-time is requested, then it must be accommodated by the opposing team.

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Switching Sides: If one side of the field has a potential advantage, teams should agree BEFORE the game that they will be switching sides at approximately the mid-point of the game (and agree on the time to switch). A captain that requests a switch pre-game MUST be accommodated.

 

Timeouts: Teams have 1 timeout per game, a maximum of 1 minute in length. A timeout may not be called in the final 5 minutes of play; if one is called it is an automatic turnover.

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Players

Teams are comprised of five (5) players with a minimum of two (2) of each gender on the field. A default will occur if any team cannot field a squad 10 minutes after the official start time.

 

Gender Numbers: Teams are comprised of five (5) players with a minimum of two (2) of each gender on the field. 

 

Defaults:  A default will occur if any team cannot field a squad 10 minutes after the official start time. A team can play with a minimum of 4 people, as long as there are two (2) of each gender.

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Exceptions: Captains may agree to waive the rules regarding minimum people but this should be decided before the game starts. IF IT IS AGREED THAT THE GAME COUNTS, IT COUNTS!

 

Playing Area

The on-site League Coordinator will pace out the field and lay down pylons to mark out the end zones. Team Captains should review the field dimensions before the game begins.

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Equipment/Set Up

Team captains are responsible for bringing a regulation-sized Ultimate Frisbee Disc to each game. 

TXSports will provide the 4 pylons.

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Uniforms

Teams are required to bring both light and dark colored shirts to every game. Team colors are posted on the Sport and Social Club website in your schedule. If two teams have the same color the team captains should contact each other before the game begins to ensure that each team knows what color to wear.

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Defaults: There is no default for players that don’t wear the right color. However, that player must do everything they can to ensure it’s not confusing for the opposition. Whether this means wearing a pinny, a hat, a teammate’s shirt, etc. Under no circumstances can a player purposely deceive the opposition.

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Ultimate Frisbee 101

TXSports plays by official USA Ultimate rules with some notable exceptions. Please note: There is no half rule for TXSports Ultimate. View the official USA Ultimate Rules View the 10 Simple Rules of Ultimate Frisbee

 

League rules are as follows:

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• Number of Players: 5 players per team are permitted on the field - with a minimum of two of each gender.  A team can play with a minimum of 4 people, as long as there is two of each gender. Other than the gender minimums, there are no other constraints: If a team chooses to play anything other than the standard 3 male/2 female gender breakdown at any time during play, their opponents do not have to match.

• Foot blocks are not permitted and are considered fouls.

• Stall counts: When defending the thrower, the defensive player will count 10 stalls.  A disc not passed by stall 10 (once "10" is spoken) is considered down and results in a turnover.

• Double teaming the thrower may be identified by anyone on the field; however, only the thrower can actually call "Double Team". Play does not need to stop; the double team violation must be corrected before the marker can resume the stall count, with the count being the number last uttered before the call, minus one (i.e. "Stalling one...two...double team...one...two").  After a Double Team call, play can re-initiated by a self-check (the thrower does not have to wait for a defensive player to check the disc into play).

• You may score from anywhere on the field.

• The disc may travel out of bounds and return in bounds and still be played, as long as it has not contacted anything in the out of bounds areas.

• Pulls that are sliding or rolling along the ground may be stopped by a member of the receiving team with their feet.  There should be no attempt made to advance/deflect the disc to gain ground when doing this.  The person who stops the disc rolling/sliding does not have to be the one to put the disc into play; unless they pick up the disc.

• Following a point being scored, the teams line up at the back of their respective end zone for a pull to start a new point.  The team that just scored pulls from the end zone they just scored in.

• If there is a turnover in the defensive end zone, or if the pull comes to rest in the end zone; the team now on offense may carry the disc directly to, and put into play at the spot on the goal line closest to where possession was gained. The disc can also be put into play where possession was gained (faking a throw or pausing after gaining possession requires the player to put the disc into play at that spot). If the disc is thrown or rolls out of the end zone (back or side), then the team now on offense is to put the disc in play at the spot on the goal line closest to where the disc went out of bounds.

• If there is a turnover in the offensive end zone, the team now on offense must carry the disc directly to, and put into play at the spot on the goal line closest to where possession was gained.  An offensive player may not attempt to make a throw from inside the end zone that they are trying to score in.  In that case, it is considered a travelling violation and the player must go to the spot on the goal line closest to where possession was gained.  The stall count does not reset in this case.

• Players can only substitute in between points.  If a timeout is called, players may not substitute.  This rule does not apply during injury substitutions.

• Playoff Tie Breaking: A game can end in a tie during the regular season. In the playoffs, when regulation time has expired and the game is tied, the current point should be played out until a team scores. If a point was just scored before time expired, the teams should quickly line up to play one more point.

• Field size differs based on the location. Field set up will be completed by staff for these programs.

• Teams have 1 timeout per game. Each timeout is a maximum of 1 minute. A timeout may not be called in the final 5 minutes of play; if one is called it is an automatic turnover.

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It is our hope that more experienced teams will assist in the promotion and clarification of the spirit of the game and the rules. If a team or person in unclear on something, explain it to them to enhance the Ultimate experience and not to put them at a disadvantage. This will ensure that all games that are played are heading to a higher and more enjoyable level.

What happens when...

• A pick is called?

  • Play stops and the player who called the pick may catch up with their mark relative to when the pick occurred.  Defense taps the disc, and play resumes at the stall count when pick was called

  • If the disc was thrown after the pick was called, and if the offensive player who causes the pick catches the disc, then see the disc goes back to the thrower and then see previous point.

  • If the disc was thrown after the pick was called, and the offense does not catch the disc, then it is a turnover (defense gains possession).

• A foul is called by the offensive player trying to catch the disc?

  • If the pass is completed, then play goes on with no stoppage in play (continuation).

  • If incomplete, and the defensive player contests the foul, then the disc goes back to the thrower.  If the stall count was at 5 or higher, it goes back to 5, if it was below 5, then the stall count resumes where it was when the disc was thrown.

  • If incomplete and the defensive player does not contest the foul, the fouled player gets the disc at the spot of the infraction.

  • If an uncontested foul occurs in the end zone (incomplete pass), offense gets the disc on the end zone line (it is not an automatic point).

• A foul is called by the offensive player throwing the disc?

  • If the pass is completed, then play goes on with no stoppage in play (continuation).
    ii. If the pass is incomplete, the disc goes back to the thrower.  If the foul is uncontested, stall count resets to zero. 

• A foul is called by a defensive player (on the offensive player)?

  • If the pass is incomplete, or if the foul is uncontested, then it is a turnover (defense gains possession) (continuation).

  • If the pass is complete and the foul is contested, then the disc goes back to the thrower.  If the stall count was at 5 or higher, it goes back to 5, if it was below 5, then the stall count resumes to where it was when the disc was thrown.

• A disc is caught near the side-line/end zone?

  • The important aspect in all of this is the first point of contact.  If a person lands with their first foot in bounds, and then their second foot lands out of bounds, the player is in (first point of contact matters).

  • If both feet touch the ground at the same time and the player is in bounds with one foot, and out of bounds with the other, then they are considered out of bounds.  The line is considered out of bounds.

  • If a person is straddling the line, and they catch the disc with one foot touching in bounds and one foot touching out of bounds, then they are considered out of bounds.  If a player is straddling the goal-line, then it is not a point: keep playing.

  • If it is a close call, the person with the best perspective makes the call; not necessarily the receiver. This may not be the closest player, but the person with the best angle/viewpoint.

• I try to make a throw from my knees/bottom?

  • If a player fakes to make a pass while on their knees, they are still allowed to get up and as long as they set their pivot foot in the same spot when on the ground, it is not a travel.

 

TXSports Exceptions

• For the 43-minute program only- Games are completed either when one team reaches 19 points or if 43 minutes of play is completed.  A 3 minute halftime occurs when one team reaches 9 points or after 20 minutes of play.  If regulation time has expired, (or if 20 minutes have elapsed in the first half) the teams should play out the point, with this point counting towards the final score.  Games can end in a tie during the regular season.  Games played on turf fields play with a HARD CAP. Games played on grass fields play with a SOFT CAP. Hard cap means when the whistle/horn is blown, the game ends right at that moment (point is not played out). This includes if the Frisbee is in the air and caught in the end zone (point does NOT count). Soft cap means when the whistle/horn is blown the point IS played out. 

• For the 45-minute program only- Games are completed after 45 minutes of play is completed (there is no point cap).  Games can end in a tie during the regular season.  When the whistle/horn is blown, the game ends right at that moment (point is not played out).

• These leagues are NOT speed point. After each point is scored teams will line up on the goal lines and pull to restart play.

• Teams may call a one (1) minute time-out per half if needed (but not during the last 5 minutes of each half).

• Captains may agree to waive the rules regarding minimum people but this should be decided before the game starts.  IF IT IS AGREED THAT THE GAME COUNTS, IT COUNTS! 

• The gender requirement guideline states that 2 males & 2 females must be on the field at any given time with the 5th player being either a male or female.  You DO NOT have to match the gender breakdown of your opponents. (ie. If your opponents are lining up with 2 guys & 3 girls, you do not have to match it)

• PLAYOFFS:  When regulation time has expired, the current point should be played out until a point is scored.  If this point results in the score being tied, one more point is to be played in order to break the tie.  PLAYOFF GAMES CANNOT END IN A TIE!!!

• Note: The "Half-Rule" will NOT BE USED FOR TXSports GAMES (i.e. you CAN score from a pass thrown before the halfway line).

• The brick mark is 10 yards from the goal line in the middle of the field.

• Zone defense is allowed in this program.

 

Regular Season Matches

Games can be tied during the regular season.

 

Playoffs Eligibility and Tiebreak

There must be a winner in a playoff match. In the event that the match ends in a tie, teams will partake in the following tie-breaker until a winner is determined:

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In the playoffs, when regulation time has expired and the game is tied, the current point should be played out until a team scores.

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Rough Play

Any rough or physical play will result in immediate expulsion from further league play and may result in a lifetime league expulsion. Please see TXSports General Policy for our official guidelines on this subject. It is recognized that incidental contact between players is inevitable; however, all players should go out of their way to avoid creating an unsafe play.  This rule supersedes all others. 

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Please note that on-site staff members have full autonomy when supervising games. Games may be stopped entirely, players may be asked to leave the playing area or be removed from the game entirely under their discretion.

 

Halftime Games and Theme Weeks

Halftime games are judged by the official, and the winning team will be awarded two points towards the Social Cup Champion Award. Ties will result in one points being awarded.

 

Theme weeks are judged by the percentage of the team’s players participating in the theme week, as judged by the ratio of players present and participating to number of players listed on the roster. The winning team will be awarded two points towards the Social Cup Champion Award. Ties will result in one points being awarded.

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Forfeits

Teams should report to the gym at least 10 minutes before their scheduled starting time of the match. A game will be ruled a forfeit if any of the following occur:

• No one from one of the teams is present at game time

• The minimum number of players are not present (4)

• Not enough female players are present (2)

• Improper conduct by one or more players on any team

 

See Forfeit Policy

 

Teams will forfeit the first game of the match if they have not shown up by their scheduled time. After 10 minutes from start time, if the team still cannot meet the minimum requirement, the entire match will be called a forfeit and team will be assessed the forfeit fee. Exceptions can be made if a team is waiting on a couple of players (e.g. transit issues) with the understanding that the delay will cut time from the end of their match, and that the final decision is subject to the Referee’s discretion.

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Repeat Rule:

Competition is great, but a single team dominating the league consecutive seasons is not cool and not fun.

 

 

A team retaining more than three players that has won two championships seasons for which they have been registered, that team to will have to form two or more separate teams to promote balance in the league or withdraw their registration (no refund will be issued, league credit will be issued). The team will then have the opportunity to divide their roster (with no more than three retaining players) to form two separate teams with each subsequent roster approved by the Texas Sports & Social Club-Waco.

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Teams that dominate leagues will be moved to a appropriate league or asked to separate if Texas Sports & Social Club staff believe that the team intentionally lost the Playoff or Championship game to circumvent the rules.

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Season Abandonment

Registered teams that miss two weeks of play will be considered to have abandoned their place in the league. Teams in this category will be contacted by a Texas Social Sports Club staff member to confirm their status. Teams failing to respond within two business days will be removed from the Season schedule and will forfeit their registration fees. Teams that do respond will be required to supply reasoning for lack of attendance and petition the league for reinstatement. Season abandonment and reactivation decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the league management and must be resolved before returning to play in the current Season or in subsequent Seasons.

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Pre-Registered Player/Substitute

A team may pick up a substitute player for regular season games, when the have a roster player that will not be able to attend their scheduled game. The player who is subbing will need to create an account and purchase a game sub pack. 

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• If a team is short the required number of players in a regular season game, they may invite players from other teams within the division. Subs from within the division are subject to the Referee’s discretion. Teams can only invite enough Subs from within the division to meet the maximum number of players allowed on court plus one additional player to rotate in.

• Substitute players from within the division should be the last one to cycle into the game (barring gender requirements). If players from a team’s roster arrive late, the Subs from within the division must rotate out.

• Substitutions from outside the division are allowed. Substitutions during the Playoffs are not permitted. Teams using pre-registered substitutes may not exceed the headcount of their original roster, and individuals may not serve as a pre-registered substitute player more than 3 times during a Season.

• Substitute players must check in with the Host onsite to receive a league issued pinnie to wear in the Game. Substitute players must leave a form of identification with the Host in exchange for the participation pinnie. The ID will be returned to the player when the pinnie is turned in after the Game.

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Team T-Shirts (where applicable)

Teams may purchase TXSportsWaco shirts or design their own.  All teams must bring a light color and dark color shirt.  All official players on the roster must have the same color shirt.

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While shirt customization is allowed, teams/players must abide by the following rules when personalizing shirts:

• No company names or logos

• No offensive language

• No design that obscures or alters the Texas Social Sports Club logo

Names, nicknames, numbers, and team logos are all welcome additions to the Team T-Shirts. Please also feel free to bedazzle, tie-dye, or apply patches to them, if you are so inclined.

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Alcohol, Controlled Substance, and Safety Policy

Individuals (players, fans, or friends of players) will, at the discretion of Texas Social Sports Club, be ejected immediately if any of the following are true:

• found bringing alcohol, weapons, or controlled substances to any venue or sponsor bar in use by Texas Social Sports Club

• suspected of excessive pre-game alcohol consumption

• suspected of abusing a controlled substance

• deemed unruly or a danger to themselves or others at any time

Anyone who is ejected from one of our venues or sponsor bars will be required to petition the Club for reinstatement before participating in or attending any subsequent Texas Social Sports Club event.

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These policies are in place for the safety, enjoyment, and continued camaraderie of all players, the sponsoring venues, sponsor bars, and the entire Club.

 

Note: Players must wear appropriate colored, league-issued Team T-Shirts during games.

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Sportsmanship

 

Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any participant that does not conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner will be removed from the game.

 

Types of Illegal Conduct:

 

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes the following:

 

-Arguing with an official or with other players.

-Abusive or insulting language to a player or official.

-Throwing the ball at another player in an unsportsmanlike manner.

-Abuse of the “honor system.”

-Harassing others

-Acting inappropriately when challenging a refs call

-Not maintaining an attitude that is consistent with Texas Sports SC’s core values

 

In the event of unsportsmanlike conduct the following penalties will be sequentially enforced:

 

1st SMH-Team captain has a talk with the individual, notifies the League Coordinator

 

2nd SMH- The League Coordinator has a talk with the individual and suspended for one game

 

3rd SMH-Individual switches to a different team of The League Coordinator’s choosing

 

4th SMH-Removal from league and/or club

 

Fighting: Fighting will result in a player’s permanent suspension from participation in Texas Sport & Social Club

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Ejected Participants

 

Any ejected individual must get approval by Texas Social Sports Club prior to attending or participating in future Club games, leagues, or hosted events, including Post-Game Parties. Attempted participation without approval is subject to further penalties. Rulings may include, but are not limited to, probation, game/league suspension, or permanent expulsion.

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Playoffs & Awards

• Regular season team standings are determined by number of wins, then head to head, then point differential.

• Teams not advancing to the Playoffs will be awarded a Friendly Game if they choose.

• Top teams will advance to the Playoffs.

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MOST IMPORTANTLY!

THIS IS A SOCIAL LEAGUE: Have fun and make new friends. The game may or may not go your way!

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