Picks and Fouls
Folks,
Tom Jackson posted a nice write-up to the HoustonUltimate mailing list regarding some common confusion with rules. He writes:
There are a couple of rules that I see misinterpreted time and time again that I think need clarifying. This is mostly in relation to Spring League but not exclusively.
Regarding positioning after a pick is called please see XVI, C, 4...
http://www.upa.org/files/11th_ed_Final_3_6_07.pdf
Short version is; players go back to the position they had when the pick was called and the picked player makes up the space lost. Offensive players who remain where they ended up and allow the defender to make up space usually end up clogging the passing lane.
Next is a follow up to Tom Rowan's email from a few weeks ago.
There is nothing in the rules that states, "I was going for the disc" or "I had a play on the disc" as a legitimate reason for fouling someone.
XVI, H states: It is the responsibility of all players to avoid contact in every way possible.
XVI, H, 4. states: Reckless disregard for the safety of fellow players or other dangerously aggressive behavior (such as significantly colliding into a stationary opponent), regardless of whether or when the disc arrives or when contact occurs is considered dangerous play and is treated as a foul. This rule is not superseded by any other rule.
In other words, if you only way you can make a play on the disc is by fouling someone, you DO NOT have a play on the disc.
For a substantial percentage of league participants, league finals does not mark the end of the Ultimate season, but rather the beginning of a long summer of practice and tournaments leading up the the UPA fall series. A 12 to 16 week recovery time to heal broken/sprained ribs, wrist, ankle, etc. could effectively end someone's season before it even begins.
"Spirit of the Game" is what makes Ultimate unique and I think it is good for everyone to (re)read it on occasion.
"Spirit of the Game. Ultimate relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the Ultimate field. Such actions as taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, belligerent intimidation, intentional infractions, or other 'win-at-all-costs' behavior are contrary to the Spirit of the Game and must be avoided by all players."
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