With USA Ultimate announcing the 2012 High School States Award Winners now seems like a good time to introduce NLS readers to the basic rules of Ultimate.

Rules: Ultimate is played with seven players on the field for each side. The field, slightly smaller than a football field, is 70 yards from one end zone to the other and 40 yards wide. Each end zone however, is 25 yards deep.

To start the game players line up at the front of their own end zone, and the defense pulls or throws the disk. The offense must advance the disk by throwing, and is not allowed to run with it. They score a touchdown by completing a pass in their opponents end zone. 

Similar to a shot clock in basketball the thrower has a 10 second stall count to throw the disk to a teammate. If he is unable to do so in that time it's a turnover, and the defense takes possession. A turn can also occur whenever a pass is incomplete.

What makes Ultimate unique compared to any other sport is that is self-officiated, and players make their own out and foul calls. Spirit of the Game in Ultimate means that while a high level of competitive play is encouraged it should not come at the expense of sportsmanship and respect for one's opponent.

It places responsibility for fair play on the players, and any behavior that goes against the Spirit of the Game, including taunting, intentional fouls and dangerous aggression, are to be avoided by all players.

usaultimate.org has a more detailed list of rules and regulations for Ultimate, and is a great resource for players interested in learning more about the game.

Check the site out for a list of the players who made the All-State team from your state. Congratulations to those players from Geneva and Neuqua Valley who made it on to the Illinois squad.