Rule changes

[Brian Cooperman]

2026-2027 rules are out and there are a couple worth noting: 

https://ultiworld.com/2026/01/08/the-8-biggest-changes-in-the-2026-2027-usa-ultimate-rules/

In particular 1 (dangerous play) and 5 (travel) are worth learning well. 

[Jim Gobes]

Brian,  would you agree that this new rule:

 

5. It is not a travel if a player catches the disc while running or jumping, does not speed up or change direction while in possession of the disc, and releases a pass before three additional points of ground contact occur (provided that all points of ground contact are completely in-bounds, excluding their attacking end zone). In this instance, a player is not required to establish a pivot or stop as quickly as possible. (18.E.2)

 

Allows a receiver who catches the disc mid-step at a slow jog to complete that step and take three more steps at a walking pace in the same direction?

 

That gives the receiver plenty of time to look around and empowers a far-stronger give-and-go scenario.

 

I don’t like it, but you are right that it is important to understand.

 

Jim

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[Cameron Park]

It’s the same rule as last edition, but revised for clarity.

No, the rule doesn't allow that. Completing a catch mid stride and then finishing that stride would count towards one of the player’s new ground contacts. In order for it to not be considered a travel, the disc needs to be thrown the third point of contact.

So upon making that first ground contact after the catch, the player now has one COMPLETE stride and its associated ground contact plus one INCOMPLETE stride (everything before the foot lands) to release the disc.

Clean: Midair Catch > Land > Completed Step > Throw > Completed Step

Travel: Midair Catch > Land > Completed Step > Completed Step > Throw

On Jan 8, 2026, at 4:20 PM, Jim Gobes <jimg...@outlook.com> wrote:



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[Brian Cooperman]

Yes, that is 100% my understanding. And it is pace agnostic! You asked about this for a walking pace, but my understanding is that you could move at full speed and make no attempt to slow and still take those three steps. I think there will be  a lot of confusion When we see it in practice. But dems the rules.

I also want to review the travel rules in general, because I wonder if our collective (and my personal) understanding of that rule is outdated. I see a ton of high-level play where there is almost no regard for establishing and maintaining a pivot foot which I would have assumed was a Travel, but maybe it’s not anymore. I think reviewing the finer points of that rule is worthwhile, especially to know what to call, what not to call, and how to modify play in response.

[Jim Gobes]

Cam,  I see the words “three additional steps” which implies mid-stride catch+landing+3 steps before throwing.   On top of that, it is the slow-jog point that the receiver can damn well stop on the post-catch footstep but now does not need to AND would be well served to slowly take those steps and establish a plan during those slow steps.   

[m...@j-e-f-f.com]

 

It is not a travel if a player catches the disc while running or jumping, does not speed up or change direction while in possession of the disc, and releases a pass before three additional points of ground contact occur (provided that all points of ground contact are completely in-bounds, excluding their attacking end zone). In this instance, a player is not required to establish a pivot or stop as quickly as possible. (18.E.2)

 

Cam’s assessment appears correct to me.  It does take the ambiguity out of “did they make an effort to stop” argument.  But it will end up like the NBA, peeps will just do what they want and hope nobody calls them on it.  True test of the SOTG.

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[Amanda Kedaigle]

Just FYI: Cam's profile picture was the same as Jim's profile picture on my phone until I refreshed, and I was just like "haha Cam, good troll" 😅

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