Flying discs will fill the air in high numbers this weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park’s polo fields.
Some 750 players from across the country will gather for the national Division three College Ultimate Championships.
Sixteen men’s and sixteen women’s teams will vie for the ultimate D-3 college titles to be determined Sunday.
The game itself, first played a half century ago in the U.S, has similarities to soccer or football, but with flying discs.
Tournament Director Gabe Knowles says a major facet of Ultimate is the absence of referees. “Fundamental of Ultimate is called ‘spirit of the game.’ It’s a trademarked phrase because it’s been used so much. But, what spirit means is that your integrity is more important than winning the game,” Knowles explained.
Knowles says that translates to players calling their own fouls and resolving disagreements. He says observers will be used for the national event this weekend.
Ultimate is a soccer-like game with flying discs in which the 14 players are continually moving from offense to defense and vice versa. Chris Stuberg is with Bluegrass Ultimate, the coordinating body for Lexington area teams.
The ultimate championships are free for spectators with three learn-to-play clinics focused on eight to 18-year-olds Saturday and Sunday.