The nature of Ultimate means it can be played with people of a wide age-range, from informal pick up where parents and teenagers play together, to clubs that compete with experienced veterans and rookies on the same team. Some adult events allow Youth teams (U17 or U20) to enter, meaning there can be a wide age range on the field at any one time.

While Ultimate in the UK has limited playing opportunities for age-banded groups, we are likely to continue to see players of different ages on the field together.

U18s

Safeguarding processes are essential for clubs with U18s, both at trainings and at competition. In some contexts Safeguarding steps might simply require the U18s' parents or parentis in locus to be present. In addition, in most contexts the club should have their own Safeguarding measures and processes in place - start by looking at the UKU Safeguarding Pack for clubs.

In general, we suggest that in an adult context U18s should be physically capable of playing safely with and against other adults. For some this might be at around age 14, for others this might be older.

Older players and mixed age groups

Some clubs provide opportunities for a wide age-range, whether playing recreationally or competitively. There are clubs around the UK with those in their teens playing alongside those in their 30s, 40s and even 50s, in a mixed age-group setting (meaning we don't yet see many clubs with age-banded teams).

If your club has a wide age range, these are some important considerations:

• Appropriateness of specific activities in relation to physical demands

• Can players 'opt out' in a safe way (without loosing face or feeling like they're being left out or letting others down)?

• Length, timing and location of sessions.

• Transparency around selection criteria.

Discrimination

In some contexts it is ok to refer to a player's age in relation to selection or inclusion based on age-banded activities. You can read more here: Equalities Act 2010, Section 195

Where there isn't an age band, you should not discriminate based on a player's age.