Spirit of the Game

MG 6778

Coach Hoenig readies his team

Spirit of the Game: Ultimate relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the Ultimate field.

In Ultimate, an intentional infraction is considered cheating and a gross offense against the spirit of sportsmanship. Often a player is in a position to gain an advantage by committing an infraction, but that player is morally bound to abide by the rules. The integrity of Ultimate depends on each player’s responsibility to uphold the Spirit of the Game, and this responsibility should remain paramount.

UPA Official Rules of Ultimate, 11th Edition

Spirit of the Game Awards

2023 NEPSUL Championships (Highest spirit score in the A Division, second highest overall)
2022 NEPSUL Championships (Highest spirit score in the A Division, second highest overall)
2019 NEPSUL Championships (Highest spirit score overall)
2019 NEU Spring Tune-up (Highest spirit score overall)
​2017 - NEPSUL Championships (Tie for highest spirit score with The Cambridge School of Weston)
2014 - MA High School Div I League SOTG Award (overall season)
2014 - NEPSUL Championships (Highest spirit score overall)
2013 - NEPSUL Championships (Highest spirit score overall)
2013 - Andover Invitational (Highest spirit score in Division I)
2012 - Amherst Invitational (Tie for highest score in B Division: 30/30)
2012 - Andover Invitational (Tie for highest score in Division I: 25/25)
2011 - Amherst Invitational (Highest spirit score in B Division: 30/30)
2011 - Andover Invitational (Highest spirit score in Division I: 25/25)
2010 - Andover Invitational (2nd highest spirit score in Division I)
2009 - NEPSUL Championships (Tie for highest spirit score with The Hotchkiss School)
2008 - NEPSUL Championships (Tie for highest spirit score with Phillips Exeter Academy)
2008 - NMH Tournament (Highest spirit score in A Division)
...
1995 -​ Massachusetts State Championships (Highest spirit score overall)

Spirit of the Game Award Winners (voted by teammates)

Given to a player adjudged to have embodied the principles of Spirit of the Game: knowledge of the rules, integrity, responsibility, fair-mindedness, sportsmanship, and respect for opponents.

2023 Devan Hernandez
2022 Ben Rowland
2021 - Kam Saalfrank
2020 - (No Season)
2019 - Isaiah Lee
2018 - Reuben Philip
2017 - James Wolfe
2016 - Darian Bhathena
2015 - Ethan McIntosh
2014 - Remmington Remmel
2013 - Piper Curtis
2012 - Brandon Wong
2011 - Turner Shaw
2010 - Rob Stevens
2009 - Eli Grober
2008 - Matt Turiano
2007 - Alan Wesson
2006 - Danny Silk