⚽ Game Format
Team Composition
Each side consists of:
- 2-3 Dogs: Canine athletes of various sizes and weights
- 3 Humans: Human players who work in tandem with their canine teammates
Total per team: 5-6 players on the field at any given time.
Dogs and humans play together as a unified team, with dogs capable of receiving passes and scoring points when they catch the ultimate frisbee or ball in the end zone.
🐕 Dog Weight Classes
CRITICAL SAFETY RULE: Dogs are segregated by weight division. Mixed-weight games are NOT permitted.
Dogs are classified into weight classes to ensure fair, safe, and competitive play. Games must feature dogs from a single weight division only. Mixed-weight matchups (e.g., Border Collies/Rottweilers playing alongside Dachshunds) create significant safety and liability risks and are strictly prohibited.
Smaller, more agile dogs. Examples: Dachshunds, Beagles, Pugs, Terriers. These dogs are quick and can execute rapid cuts and changes in direction. Games in this division feature only small-weight dogs.
Balanced size and strength. Examples: Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, English Bulldogs, Beagles. These dogs provide versatility in both speed and power. Games in this division feature only medium-weight dogs.
Larger, more powerful dogs. Examples: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers. These dogs excel at jumping and contested catches. Games in this division feature only large-weight dogs.
- Each game must feature dogs from ONE weight division only
- All dogs participating in a single game must fall within the same weight class boundaries
- Weight divisions are checked at game registration and verified before play begins
- Mixed-weight games violate league safety protocols and will result in game cancellation and team penalties
- This rule exists to prevent injury risk and liability issues arising from significant size and strength disparities
🎾 Equipment & Simultaneous Play
The Dog-Human Ultimate League uses specialized equipment designed for safety and fair play:
-
ChuckIt Fetch Toy: A durable, high-bounce ball designed for interactive fetch. The preferred object for most plays and scoring opportunities. Lightweight yet durable for dogs to carry and catch.
Note: Humans can only kick/punt this ball to teammates. The dog-safe ultimate frisbee can be thrown by hand.
- Dog-Safe Ultimate Frisbee: A specially designed disc made from soft, pet-friendly rubber. Safe for dogs to catch and carry without risk of injury. Used for long-distance passes and aerial plays. Humans can throw this with their hands.
Equipment Rules
- All equipment must be in good condition with no sharp edges or broken sections
- Equipment color must be clearly visible (brightly colored preferred) for both players and spectators
- Dogs must wear proper collars or harnesses for safety and control
- Humans wear numbered jerseys to identify players and facilitate fair officiating
⚡ Critical: Simultaneous In-Flight Play
BOTH the disc and the ball are in-flight at the same time during active play.
This unique rule structure allows teams to execute complex offensive and defensive strategies simultaneously:
- Dual Offense: A team may attack with possession of both the disc AND the ball, creating multiple scoring opportunities on a single possession
- Offense & Defense Simultaneously: While attacking toward the opponent's end zone with one object, a team may simultaneously defend against the other object
- Strategic Depth: Teams must coordinate which object to prioritize, creating dynamic decision-making and tactical complexity
- Both Objects Active: Play does not pause when one object is turned over; the other object remains in continuous play, keeping both teams engaged at all times
Example Scenario: Team A completes a pass with the frisbee and is advancing downfield. While this play is ongoing, Team B has control of the ball and is simultaneously executing their own offensive play. Both possessions are active until one team scores or loses control of their respective object.
🎯 Scoring System
Points are awarded when players (humans or dogs) successfully catch the ball or frisbee in the opponent's end zone. The following scoring structure applies:
| Scoring Type | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Human-to-Human Catch 🥏 | 2 Points | A human player passes to and is caught by another human player in the end zone |
| Human-to-Dog Catch 🥏 | 3 Points | A human player passes to and is caught by a dog in the end zone |
| Human-to-Human Ball Kick 🏐 | 3 Points | A human player kicks the ball to another human player who catches it in the end zone |
| Human-to-Dog Ball Kick 🏐 | 4 Points | A human player kicks the ball to a dog teammate who catches it in the end zone (highest point value) |
Scoring Conditions
- End Zone Requirement: All catches must occur within the opponent's end zone to count as a score
- Possession Rule: The player (human or dog) must have possession of the ball/frisbee and both feet (or all four paws) must be in-bounds within the end zone
- Defenseless Catch: Caught balls in the end zone count regardless of defensive pressure, as long as the catch is clean
⚠️ Fouls & Penalties
Fouls are violations of the rules that result in point deductions and loss of possession:
Pass Interference
Penalty: -1 Point
A defensive player (human or dog) impedes the progress of an offensive player (human or dog) without playing the ball. This includes blocking the receiver's path, holding, or pushing without legitimate contact for the ball.
Unnecessary Roughness
Penalty: -1 Point
Excessive or aggressive contact beyond what is necessary for play. This includes tackling, shoving, or intentional contact that puts any player (human or dog) at risk of injury.
Foul Procedures
- Referee Decision: The head referee determines when a foul has occurred
- Announcement: Fouls are announced to both teams immediately upon occurrence
- Point Deduction: The offending team loses 1 point from their current score for each foul
- Turnover: Possession transfers to the other team after a foul
- Three-Foul Rule: If a player accumulates 3 fouls, they must sit out for 2 minutes (penalty box)
- Appeals: Teams have one timeout per half to formally appeal a foul decision to the head referee
🏆 Winning Condition
Leading after all 4 5-minute quarters
First to 10 with a 5 point lead (mercy rule)
5 minute water break after each period. Make sure the dogs drink up!
A team wins the game by being the first to reach 10 points AND having a lead of at least 5 points over the opposing team. If teams are tied at 9-9, play continues until time expires or one team achieves a 5-point lead (e.g., 14-9 or 16-11).
📋 Additional Rules
Timeouts & Substitutions
- Each team receives 2 timeouts per half (1 minute each)
- Substitutions can be made during timeouts or between possessions
- Dogs must have adequate water and rest between quarters
- No substitutions during active play
Player Safety
- All dogs must have valid vaccination records
- Dogs showing signs of exhaustion must be substituted immediately
- Humans must wear protective gear (mouthguard recommended)
- Referees can pause play if a dog appears injured or distressed
- Temperature monitoring: Games may be suspended if conditions become unsafe for dogs (extreme heat)
Sportsmanship
- All players (human and dog) must respect the referee's decisions
- Verbal abuse or aggressive behavior results in immediate ejection
- Dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior toward other players are removed from play
- Teams must provide positive reinforcement and encouragement to all players
Questions?
For clarifications on these rules or to propose rule modifications, please contact the league commissioner.
Remember: The goal of the Dog-Human Ultimate League is to promote fun, fair competition, and the bond between humans and their canine teammates. Play hard, play fair, and have fun!