Ghost Ultimate / Ghost Frisbee: A new funny Ultimate variation for the dark:

Short: What is Ghost Ultimate?

Ghost Ultimate is played like normal Ultimate, but in the dark (the darker, the better). The offence uses headlamps and a glowing LED-disc, to be visable. The defense however wears no light or anything like that. They are hardly visable. This way, they can play very sneaky defense, being visable just the moment the grab away the disc.

When there is a turnover, the new offence turns on their headlamps. The discs is being checked in and the game continues.

It is a bit silly, but lot´s of fun!

FAQ:

What do we need to play?

• a well marked field (normal lines / field marking) – Alterntive: Light-markings of endzones
• 1 glowing LED-disc
• Headlamps! (ideal: one for every player on the field / minimum: half of the players have a headlamp and switch it at turn)

Isn´t it dangerous?

No. When we started to play, people where a bit worried about that, but it showed, that everything is quite safe, as the defense sees the offence well and is able to prevent contact. Also everyone moves less fast ist the dark. Of course everyone should try not to move rekless and risky – espacilly in defense.

What are important rules?

Appart from normal frisbee rules, there i some special rules:

1. All offence players should turn their headlamps on on minimum brightness (ideal: red) and kep it turned on and visable the whole time.
2. When there is the turn, there is always a stoppage, so people can turn their headlamps on (new offence) / off (new defence).
3. For the pull the teams should agree on a sign, that the offense is ready (f.e. a certain light signal /shouting …).
4. When there is a Point / Out – Call, the players should check with their lamps, where they are in the field.

Where to play?

Well we played on beach for the first time, which might be ideal, as it slows you down and it does not hurt to fall, but we think Ghost Ultimate can be played in grass and indoor (maybe dangerous)  as well. It is important to have clear field markings (lines), but they dont nessecaryly being marked with light. If there are no clear lines, some shining field markings whould be required.

Can i play naked?

As it is completly dark, you can wear anything you want – even nothing it all, as long as everyone is fine with that. Generally the „ghost defence“ works best with dark cloth.

Are you serious?

Yes and no. We are seriously saying, that we have played it and encourage other players to play it as well. It is a lot of fun and a great alternative for playing, when there is no light. Still we know it is a bit silly and we don´t take is as serious as many of us take take Ultimate. In general maybe noone should take freetime-fun that serious.