frequently asked questions, or: why you should play ultimate
Glad you're here! Below we've compiled a list of questions you might have if you're interested in joining. Read them over, and if after all this you've decided ultimate is for you, please contact us! If you have any unanswered questions, please also drop us a line.
WHAT IS ULTIMATE FRISBEE?
Strategically like soccer, athletically like basketball, technically like football, but spiritually like no other sport, ultimate pushes players to their limits in competition for the disc.
Two teams of seven players compete to catch the disc in the other team’s endzone. If they succeed, they score a point, and play stops. The team that has possession of the disc must throw the disc from player to player, as the player holding the disc may not move. If the disc is dropped or knocked down, the other team may pick up the disc and make their own attempt to score.
For more details on game play, check out the Rules and Words To Know pages.
WHAT DOES "COMPETITIVE ULTIMATE" INVOLVE?
Most everyone has played a relaxed form of ultimate in gym class: you can take three steps with the disc, you can hold it for as long as you like, etc. However, competitive ultimate has rules of play, calls (like fouls) that can be made, offense and defense strategy, and a high level of athleticism.
YOU DON'T WANT ME! - Yes we do!
I CAN'T THROW! - Since Ultimate is not as popular as other sports, many students begin college never having played. We are always excited to teach new members the basics, and throwing well just takes practice.
I'M NOT ATHLETIC! - Neither was half the team before they began playing. Ultimate is a great sport to try if you've never been good at any other sport. Just like we learn as we go, we also work out as we go.
I'M TOO FAR INTO COLLEGE TO JOIN - Our biggest passion is introducing more women to the competitive ultimate community. Even if you only stick around for a year, we'd love to have you.
WHO CAN JOIN THE TEAM?
Any SUNY Albany student can join DECEPTION. We especially look for ladies who are looking for a new passion, a fun way to get in shape, and to be part of a team with great camaraderie.
If you attend a local college (like Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, St. Rose, or Siena) you are also more than welcome to practice with us, and to play with us in the fall season. During the fall DECEPTION and RPI's women's team Wanda combine to play at tournaments under the name Scwanda! See more about our Scwanda exploits here. Contact us for more information about participating even if you go to another school.
If you are or know a guy who wants to play, SCAM Ultimate is the men's ultimate frisbee team. You can contact us or locate them on Facebook if you are interested.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU PRACTICE?
We have two-hour practices three days a week. Practice times and location change depending on the season. Check here for our current schedule, or contact us since details are subject to change based on weather and facility availability.
HOW OFTEN ARE TOURNAMENTS?
We go to several tournaments in both the fall and spring semesters. Tournaments are generally two days (Saturday through Sunday), though sometimes they will be a single day on the weekend.
FALL: The fall is a more relaxed season, where tournaments are used to introduce rookies to the sport and have fun; there are usually two Mixed tournaments and 2 - 3 Women's tournaments.
SPRING: The spring is our competitive season. We'll go to 2 - 3 tournaments before our series starts, and then Sectionals. Our performance at Sectionals will determine if we advance in the series.
WHAT IS A MIXED TOURNAMENT?
Ultimate is unique in that it is the only sport that encourages men and women to play together. Mixed games are where there is a set ratio of guys to girls on the field, so you will see either 5 guys : 2 ladies or 4 guys : 3 ladies on the line. Each team will have the same ratio, so during play guys mark on guys and ladies on ladies. Not all college tournaments are Mixed - only some during the fall, and none during the spring.
WHAT IS ULTIMATE FRISBEE?
Strategically like soccer, athletically like basketball, technically like football, but spiritually like no other sport, ultimate pushes players to their limits in competition for the disc.
Two teams of seven players compete to catch the disc in the other team’s endzone. If they succeed, they score a point, and play stops. The team that has possession of the disc must throw the disc from player to player, as the player holding the disc may not move. If the disc is dropped or knocked down, the other team may pick up the disc and make their own attempt to score.
For more details on game play, check out the Rules and Words To Know pages.
WHAT DOES "COMPETITIVE ULTIMATE" INVOLVE?
Most everyone has played a relaxed form of ultimate in gym class: you can take three steps with the disc, you can hold it for as long as you like, etc. However, competitive ultimate has rules of play, calls (like fouls) that can be made, offense and defense strategy, and a high level of athleticism.
YOU DON'T WANT ME! - Yes we do!
I CAN'T THROW! - Since Ultimate is not as popular as other sports, many students begin college never having played. We are always excited to teach new members the basics, and throwing well just takes practice.
I'M NOT ATHLETIC! - Neither was half the team before they began playing. Ultimate is a great sport to try if you've never been good at any other sport. Just like we learn as we go, we also work out as we go.
I'M TOO FAR INTO COLLEGE TO JOIN - Our biggest passion is introducing more women to the competitive ultimate community. Even if you only stick around for a year, we'd love to have you.
WHO CAN JOIN THE TEAM?
Any SUNY Albany student can join DECEPTION. We especially look for ladies who are looking for a new passion, a fun way to get in shape, and to be part of a team with great camaraderie.
If you attend a local college (like Rensselear Polytechnic Institute, St. Rose, or Siena) you are also more than welcome to practice with us, and to play with us in the fall season. During the fall DECEPTION and RPI's women's team Wanda combine to play at tournaments under the name Scwanda! See more about our Scwanda exploits here. Contact us for more information about participating even if you go to another school.
If you are or know a guy who wants to play, SCAM Ultimate is the men's ultimate frisbee team. You can contact us or locate them on Facebook if you are interested.
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU PRACTICE?
We have two-hour practices three days a week. Practice times and location change depending on the season. Check here for our current schedule, or contact us since details are subject to change based on weather and facility availability.
HOW OFTEN ARE TOURNAMENTS?
We go to several tournaments in both the fall and spring semesters. Tournaments are generally two days (Saturday through Sunday), though sometimes they will be a single day on the weekend.
FALL: The fall is a more relaxed season, where tournaments are used to introduce rookies to the sport and have fun; there are usually two Mixed tournaments and 2 - 3 Women's tournaments.
SPRING: The spring is our competitive season. We'll go to 2 - 3 tournaments before our series starts, and then Sectionals. Our performance at Sectionals will determine if we advance in the series.
WHAT IS A MIXED TOURNAMENT?
Ultimate is unique in that it is the only sport that encourages men and women to play together. Mixed games are where there is a set ratio of guys to girls on the field, so you will see either 5 guys : 2 ladies or 4 guys : 3 ladies on the line. Each team will have the same ratio, so during play guys mark on guys and ladies on ladies. Not all college tournaments are Mixed - only some during the fall, and none during the spring.