About the Game

Ultimate is a self-officiated  non-contact team sport with non-stop movement similar to soccer but it is played on a field with end zones similar to football.  The games are played with two teams of seven players and one disc (aka frisbee). The object of the game is to move a disc from one end of the field into the opponent's end zone. When a player has possession of the disc, they must stop running and pass to a teammate down the field.  A point is scored when a player catches the disc in the end zone. If the disc is dropped or intercepted, the other team gains possession at that spot and starts moving the disc to the other end zone.  This sport has no referees on the field and officiating fair play and sportsmanship is the responsibility of the players.

You can read the 10 Simple Rules of Ultimate (Englishe) here or here (Espanol)

What is "Spirit of the Game"?

Spirit of the Game (SOTG) is the guiding principle of our sport and it is embodied in the rules of Ultimate. Because there are no referees, players call infractions and resolve any disputes and foul call themselves.  "Spirit of the Game"  is generally the spirit of fair play.  After games and during tournaments, teams submit spirit scores for the teams they play.  The team with the overall highest spirit score is acknowledged as such after the tournament. 

About the team

How do players know if they made the team?

We welcome all athletes (experienced and brand new to Ultimate) who are interested in learning, working hard, and having fun as a member of one of our teams. We do not hold tryouts or make cuts. We may, however, split into two squads in the Fall season depending upon the number of players.

What equipment is needed at practice and games?

• Comfortable athletic clothing (& layers, rain jackets, etc.! Remember, Colorado weather changes FAST!)

• Full water bottle/electrolytes.  You may want to bring two water bottles, especially for games/tournaments.

• Small snack (banana/fruit/energy bar/etc.), if you want at practice. For games/tournaments, you should bring snacks and a light lunch.

• Cleats (soccer, lacrosse, softball, or football, with rubber/plastic spikes-- NO METAL!) Running shoes are okay to start if you don't have cleats yet, but after you're hooked, you'll want to get a pair of cleats!

• White AND dark t-shirts or jerseys. (Avoid confusion and don't bring a light grey shirt). 

Does BHS Ultimate offer player financial aid?

• One of our Ultimate club's central values is that no one will be prevented from participating due to finances.  If USAU dues or costs associated with playing Ultimate would be a barrier to participation, please talk to our coaches, a captain,  and/or club sponsor privately so we can help you out.  All students should have the chance to play Ultimate!

About the coaches

Who are BHS Ultimate coaches?

Our coaches are volunteers with long experience playing ultimate. All of our coaches have been certified by USA Ultimate and SafeSport. 

Can parents meet the coaches?

Coaches are always happy to say hello and introduce ourselves to parents at pickup or drop off at practices and during downtime at tournaments and league games. During practices and tournaments our coaches are focused on supporting individual players and the team.  

How do I contact the coaches?

Contact our faculty sponsor at david.colwyn@bvsd.org to get in touch with the coaches. 

Practice/Game Information

Where/when are practices?

Practices are held at North Boulder Park  - 2848 9th Street, Boulder (near 9th & Balsam)

Depending on the season, practices are held after school as well as on Saturdays. View the Practice page for the details.

Where/when are games?

Home Games are held at North Boulder Park  - 2848 9th Street, Boulder (near 9th & Balsam)

View the Games page for details on the Game Schedule. Games typically start between 4:30 and 4:45 pm, depending on the distance between schools.   Away games (indicated by "@" on the schedule) are held at the game site of the opposing school. Please note, we play both BVSD and non-BVSD schools.

Why are practices off-campus?

There is limited field space available at the school. 

How do players get to practices and home games?

No transportation is provided to/from games or practices.  Biking, carpooling, or taking the RTD-SKIP (catch it at Arapahoe & Broadway) are the best ways to get from Boulder High School to North Boulder Park for practices/games.  Rides can be arranged within the team with senior students; often students will carpool or have a parent volunteer to drive players to practices and/or games. 

Are players allowed to drive themselves to away games?

Yes with a valid drivers license.

Parent Roles

What is minimally required of me as a parent/guardian?

We ask that parents/guardians be responsive to emails from coaches and timely completing any paperwork required in order for your athlete to participate. We also ask that parents/guardians let us know, where possible, in advance when their athlete will miss or be late to practice, a game, or a tournament.

As a parent/guardian, how can I be helpful on a sideline?

The best way for a parent/guardian to be helpful on a sideline is to embody the values of our team and Spirit of the Game. That means being supportive of the efforts of all players - whether they are the efforts of our players or our opponents. That includes being respectful of everyone and allowing players to resolve any on-field disputes between themselves. We also ask that parents/guardians give the coaches space to coach. We coach from a place of caring for each player and the overall goals of the team/program.

Do parents/guardians need to drive players to practices and/or games?

Many of the students are unable to drive and/or not able to drive others. So, it is very helpful for parents/guardians to offer to drive players to away games. Most students are able to get to the practice and home games via bike or bus.

What administrative tasks are needed to participate?

View the Home page for information about required forms and payment.

What are USAU and AYU?

USAU is USA Ultimate (USAU), the national governing body of the sport of Ultimate in the United States.  Tournaments and league games are coordinated by Altitude Youth Ultimate (AYU) which is  USAU's official State-Based Organization for the state of Colorado.

Uniforms

What uniforms to players wear?

During practice and games, players need to be able to wear a white or a dark jersey to clearly differentiate themselves from the other team. We have team jerseys (but ordering a jersey is not required). At games, most of our players wear their team jerseys (including a dark and a white) with any kind of shorts/pants. Jerseys are ordered at the beginning of the each season. 

If  a player would like to order a jersey(s) but cost is an issue, the player or their parent/guardian can let a coach or captain know privately and we will work with them to remove the cost barrier.

Team Fees

What are the team fees and what do they go towards?

Team fees are used to cover the league and tournament registration fees, and team costs such as cones and discs. Team fees vary each year depending upon the number of players, team supply needs, and the league and tournament fees.

How much does it cost to play Ultimate?

We strive to keep our participation costs as low as possible. For most players, their costs will consist of team fees (usually around $50 per seasons), a USAU membership (currently $45 for a Youth annual membership), and the optional cost of their jerseys (expected to be $60 total for white and dark jerseys), if the player chooses to order jerseys.  Costs are significantly lower than for playing CHSAA sports.