FAQ

What is the Spirit of the Game? Why do we talk about it so much?

From USA Ultimate: "A truly unique and defining element of ultimate, Spirit of the Game places the responsibility of fair play solely on the athletes themselves by requiring each player to know the rules and make their own calls, without the help of a neutral official. These underlying principles reinforce mutual respect and trust between opponents; communication and conflict resolution skills; and self confidence – both on and off the field of play." More on the Spirit of the Game.

I’ve never heard of Ultimate. Are we the only team in the area?

Definitely not - Ultimate has been around for decades, and we play against (and sometimes with) teams from Castro Valley, Oakland, Alameda, Davis, and as far away as Oregon and British Columbia. We participate in weekend tournaments and a Spring League through Bay Area Disc Association, or BADA. Learn more about them here.

Is there a professional ultimate league?

As a matter of fact, there. is. The American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL) was founded in 2012 and strives to maintain ultimate’s rich history. The league's 25 franchises embody the robust spirit of ultimate's players, fans, and community alike. The AUDL's mission is to increase the visibility of one of North America’s fastest growing sports by creating fun, family friendly events that showcase the sport being played at its highest level. The Oakland Spiders are our local team - this past season, we held a clinic with their players!

I don’t know how to throw a frisbee! Isn’t that required?

Nope. We can teach you! (Coach Grant learned how to throw a frisbee AFTER he joined Stanford University’s Ultimate team!)

But I have scouts/band/piano/sports/theater. Can I really add a new sport?

Maybe! This is not your typical sports league. We offer one weeknight and one weekend practice per week. If you can only make it to one, that’s OK!

How old do I need to be to play?

We welcome 5th through 12th graders of all genders, from serious athletes to casual players. Fall practices are 2x/week, with tournaments occasionally on weekends. Check out the schedule here

I prefer school sports. Why should I play?

Foothill Ultimate will be applying for “club” status through Foothill High School in the spring. But the benefit of being an independent team (playing under BADA rules) means that our players hail from different towns and schools, not to mention all genders and a range of ages.

How are coaches certified?

Coaches are certified through USA Ultimate, a process that includes concussion and Safesport training. The coaches are committed to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the athletes we serve. We and BADA recommend participants to get vaccinated as soon as participants are eligible to do so to help protect each other. If anyone is feeling unwell, we would rather they stay at home and return when they are feeling well. Let’s be courteous to each other and play it safe!

What is the ultimate frisbee schedule?

Foothill Ultimate plays throughout the year, and our main season is in the spring, culminating in the Middle School and High School championship tournaments.

• Fall (August - Nov). For our Fall season, we practice twice a week, with tournaments occasionally on weekends.

• Spring (Jan - May). Our primary season starts in January, with practices three times a week, league play for the high school division, and some exciting tournaments, including Spaghetti Western and the Northern California championships.

• Summer (May - July). Over the summer, Foothill Ultimate holds pickup games Thursday evenings at Muirwood Park in Pleasanton. Drop-ins are always welcome, and we can teach you how to throw in a few minutes.

Starting in January , practice is offered 3x/week. The high school team competes on Sundays in March and April. There are tournaments for all levels in May.

Our full schedule is maintained here.

What equipment do I need for Ultimate?

Compared to some other sports, ultimate does not require much equipment. The main things to bring to practice are cleats, a dark and white shirt, water, and sun protection. A dark shirt and a white shirt are needed when differentiating between teams during practice. When the season starts, there will be a jersey order so that there is uniformity during leagues and tournaments. Sun protection is highly recommended.

Can I play with any frisbee?

Ultimate is played with a 175-gram frisbee. The most common manufacturer is Discraft. Inexpensive (and extremely portable), we encourage players to have their own disc to practice throws at home. Recommended vendors: Discraft, Discstore.com, and Amazon.

How much does it cost to play with Foothill Ultimate?

It is free to practice. Optional jerseys cost around $40. Tournament registration fees vary but are usually around $30 per player and spring league play costs around $40/player.

Can I buy Foothill Ultimate gear?

Yes! We have team frisbees for sale ($20) and players can purchase a jersey with a custom number (~$40). Contact Coach Grant if you’re interested.