Appendix B: WFDF Additional Championship Game Rules
B1. Rosters
B1.1. A team must have a minimum of fourteen (14) players registered on its playing roster for the event.
B1.1.1. A team may register with a minimum of twelve (12) players on its playing roster for an event with the written consent of the teams National Federation, Coaching Staff (if any) and all players, or player guardians for junior teams and prior written approval by a WFDF Official during the registration phase.
B1.1.2. For Continental Championships a team must have a minimum of twelve (12) players registered on its playing roster for the event.
B1.1.3. A team in the mixed division must also have a minimum of seven (7) female players and seven (7) male players on its roster.
B1.1.4. Should a team lose registered players during the event due to injuries the team will be allowed to continue to participate in the event.
B1.2. A team may have a maximum of twenty-six (26) players on its roster.
B1.3. Player Maximum and Minimum limits do not apply to Non-playing Team Support (guests, coaches or other support staff) who may be registered with the team for the event.
B1.4. Medical disqualification of players due to serious medical condition
B1.4.1. If the Event Chief Medical Officer (CMO) determines that a player should not return-to-play due to a serious medical condition, then the player is disqualified from playing until the CMO subsequently determines the player is medically cleared to return-to-play.
B1.4.2. The CMO will re-evaluate a medically disqualified player for return-to-play at least every 24 hours during the tournament, or more often at the CMO’s discretion.
B1.4.3. The CMO’s decision cannot be over-ruled by another medical provider.
B1.4.4. The Tournament Rules Group is responsible for the enforcement of this policy.
B1.4.5. The CMO will rapidly communicate with the Tournament Rules Group to notify them of a medical disqualification and medical clearance.
B1.5. If a team is found to have played a game with non-rostered players, this should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Technical Director or the Tournament Rules Group (TRG) by a captain or game official as soon as possible. The TRG determines whether further action should be taken against teams or individuals.
B2. Divisions
B2.1. Each team must be registered into one of the following divisions:
B2.3.1. For a division to take place at a WFDF World Event there must be registration from a minimum of six (6) countries.
B2.3.2. For a division to take place at a WFDF Regional Event there must be registration from a minimum of four (4) countries.
B2.3.3. The WFDF Ultimate Committee may allow a division with fewer countries for developmental reasons at their discretion.
B3. Ranking Criteria and Tie Breakers
B3.1. After round robin pool play, rank all teams in each pool by the number of games won.
B3.2. If teams are tied, break that tie using the ranking criteria.
B3.3. Each ranking criterion is used to rank all of the tied teams, not just to determine the highest ranked team.
B3.3.1. If, after the application of a ranking criterion, all of the teams remain tied, go to the next criterion.
B3.3.2. If not all teams remain tied, but one or more subgroups of the teams remain tied, separate these subgroups from the ranking. Each subgroup is then to be ranked separately, starting with the first ranking criterion.
B3.4.3. Goal difference, counting only games between the teams that are tied.
B3.4.4. Goal difference, counting games against all common opponents.
B3.4.5. Goals scored per game, counting only games between the teams that are tied.
B3.4.6. Goals scored per game, counting games against all common opponents.
B3.4.7. Each team nominates one player to throw one disc from behind the goal line to the far brick mark on a regulation playing field. Throwing order is determined randomly, by disc toss or otherwise. Teams are ranked in order by the distance from the resting place of each disc to the brick mark, from closest to furthest.
B4.1.1. WFDF Officials will monitor weather forecasts at least twenty-four (24) hours ahead of each day’s play.
B4.1.2. If inclement weather is predicted for a day of play, Officials may inform all captains of a modified schedule of play no later than twelve (12) hours before the new scheduled commencement of play on that day.
B4.1.3. The modified schedule may include an earlier start time, shorter breaks between games, lower time caps and/or a lower target. Shortened game times should only be used where there is high likelihood of interruption and little capacity to catch up any delayed game on a subsequent day (eg if it is the final day).
B4.1.4. In extreme cases, the modified schedule may include pre-emptively cancelled games to provide space for more important games to be rescheduled.
B4.1.5. Play may also be allowed to finish later in the day in the case of a delay.
B4.2.1.1. On a day where thunderstorms are predicted, Officials will access live weather observations, such as on-line weather radars or radio weather warnings, to anticipate the arrival of thunderstorms at the venue.
B4.2.1.2. If a thunderstorm is imminent, Officials should inform all captains and officials on site that there is a possibility of play being suspended and to reiterate the WFDF rules regarding risk identification and response. Captains and officials should also inform players and other persons on the field of the correct risk identification and response procedures if possible.
B4.2.1.3. If lightning is observed or thunder is heard, a WFDF Official will count the time between the lightning (flash) and the thunder (bang). If the time delay is less than thirty (30) seconds then the strike was closer than ten (10) kilometres and the playing area will be cleared immediately.
B4.2.1.4. If lightning monitoring technology is present at the venue then B4.2.1.3 does not apply and WFDF Officials may act based on the advice of the venue officials.
B4.2.1.5. If anyone observes hair standing on end, hears crackling or hears static on electronic devices, a lightning strike may be imminent, and all people in the vicinity should be alerted.
B4.2.2.1. Upon a lightning risk being identified, an Official must immediately alert both team captains. Play must be immediately suspended and the disc left where it lies. Any play after a captain has been informed of the suspension will be deemed null and void.
B4.2.2.2. All people should seek appropriate shelter.
B4.2.2.3. If people are caught exposed in a thunderstorm and cannot seek appropriate shelter, they should crouch into a ball, preferably in a hollow in the ground, and remove any metal accessories.
B4.2.3.1. Players must only return to the playing field once thirty (30) minutes has elapsed since lightning or thunder was last observed, unless lightning monitoring technology is being used, and after official notice from WFDF Officials that return to the field is permitted.
B4.3.1. During each days play WFDF Officials will determine if extreme hot weather will pose a risk to players of heat-related illness and injuries.
B4.3.2. On days where extreme hot weather is predicted WFDF Officials should inform all captains and officials on site and convey appropriate methods for dealing with hot weather. Captains and officials should also inform players and other persons on thefield of these methods.
B4.3.3. In the case of extreme hot weather, play may be adjusted in the following ways:
B4.3.3.1. Additional stoppages may be added between points to allow players to rest and re-hydrate.
B4.3.3.2. Play may be rescheduled to avoid playing in the hottest time of the day.
B4.3.3.3. Game length and points cap may be reduced.
B4.3.3.4. Play may be suspended or cancelled if conditions are deemed by the TRG/TTD/CMO to be too extreme.
B4.4.3.1. There will be the addition of one official stoppage per half. For a game to 15, the first stoppage occurs when a team reaches 4. The second stoppage occurs when a team reaches 12 or at Time cap. These numbers should be prorated for games played to a different point total.
B4.4.3.2. For each official stoppage, the time prior to the pull is extended by 3 minutes.
B4.4.4.1. All games are to be suspended until such time as AQHI falls below 7. Players and tournament staff should be told to shelter indoors where possible.
B5. Suspended or Cancelled Play
B5.1. Designated WFDF Officials may suspend or cancel any game if they have a reasonable reason to do so. The reason/s must be communicated to the teams affected.
B5.1.1. If WFDF Officials determine that a game is to be suspended or cancelled, the following rules outline how play can be continued and appropriate results determined.
B5.1.2. If play is suspended mid-point, a WFDF Official will take note of the disc position at the time of the suspension.
B5.1.3. If play is suspended between a goal being scored and the ensuing pull, then the offence will be free to choose a new line-up, even if those had been already signaled at the time of the suspension.
B5.2.1. During a period of suspended play all team captains present at the venue must meet with WFDF Officials to discuss the process for rescheduling games. Where possible games will be rescheduled. Time caps and points caps may be reduced to allow games to be rescheduled.
B5.3.1. If rescheduling allows for the suspended game to be continued, then play should resume where possible with the disc in the approximate position it was when the field was cleared. Play restart as if a time-out had been called (as per Rule 20.3).
B5.3.2. Teams will be allowed ten (10) minutes to warm-up prior to the resumption of play, once allowed onto the playing field.
B5.4. Determine results of suspended and cancelled games
B5.4.1. If rescheduling does not allow for suspended games to be continued, or games are cancelled, the following rules must be used to determine the outcome of the games:
B5.4.1.1. For a suspension of play, if at least half the game time had elapsed or one team had scored at least half the points target, then the leading team is declared the winner. If scores were tied then the winner is determined by count-back to whichever team was ahead prior to the previous point being scored.
B5.4.1.2. For a suspension of play where clause B5.4.1.1 does not apply, and one team has scored more breaks than their opponent, then the team who has scored more breaks than their opponent is declared the winner.
B5.4.1.2.1. A break is scored if the team that starts a point on defense scores that point.
B5.4.1.3. For initial pool play, if clause B5.4.1.1 or B5.4.1.2 do not apply, then the winner of the game will be the higher-seeded team as determined prior to the tournament.
B5.4.1.4. For subsequent pool play and finals, if clause B5.4.1.1 or B5.4.1.2 do not apply, then the Tournament Rules Group will determine if the game will be considered a draw, or if the winner of the game will be the higher- ranked team at that point (taking into account the results from initial pool play and the WFDF tiebreakers where applicable).
B5.5.1. Due to weather or other unexpected issues, WFDF may be required to adjust the schedule and/or games. In these cases WFDF will cancel games based on their importance. The following criteria outlines the importance of games, in descending order.
B5.5.1.1. Games that may impact qualification for future “Multi-Sport” events, such as World Games or Olympics.
B5.5.1.2. Playoff Games in the following order: Finals, Semi-Finals, Bronze Medal, Quarter-Finals/Pre-Semi-Finals, other playoff rounds (Pre-Quarters/Round of 16).
B5.5.1.3. Placement games that determine the 5th & 6th and 7th & 8th place teams.
B5.5.1.4. Playoff games for teams below 8th place. Where possible, final placement ties will be avoided for as many places as possible, with higher placements having higher priority over lower placements, or by taking into account the number of games played by teams across the event.
B6.2.3.2. Recording spirit scores and most valuable player nominations
B6.2.3.3. Informing spectators of any calls made and their resolution
B6.2.3.4. Supplying players with a printed version of the WFDF Rules of Ultimate if requested
B6.2.3.5. Performing any duties that may be undertaken by non-players, including providing perspective on line calls when asked (“Line Assistants”)
B6.2.4. Support Staff may only enter the playing field area if invited by both team captains, or by both players involved in a discussion who need to consult that support staff.
B6.2.5. Support Staff may not interfere with the ongoing game by making any calls or decisions. These include:
B6.3.2.10. Mediate off-field discussions between teams if required.
B6.3.2.11. Provide warnings regarding incidents concerning the WFDF Conduct Policy, and the Head Game Advisor can enforce sanctions as prescribed by the WFDF Conduct Policy, as an Acting Disciplinary Authority.
B6.3.2.12. Refer incidents regarding the WFDF Conduct Policy to the Tournament Rules Group.
B6.3.3. Game Advisors must only provide their non-binding perspective on a play when it is clear and obvious to them what occurred.
B6.3.3.1. Once players have sought the perspective of a Game Advisor the players must immediately resolve the discussion, or treat the call as contested.
B6.3.3.2. If a player does not accept a Game Advisors perspective, they should provide a reason for that.
B6.3.4. Game Advisors may only enter the playing field during a stoppage, and may do so without the need to seek approval from captains/players.
B6.3.5. Game Advisors do not remove the responsibility for Players to make and resolve all calls.