The region has a reputation for spawning some of the most competitive ultimate teams in the United States. The ultimate circuit is divided into six regions. The Northwest ranges from northern California to southern Canada and is considered to be one of the toughest circuits around. Ranked 11th going into the world championship, Schwa has endured a rebuilding year in which the team replaced seven of its team veterans. That makes sense, given that the game was developed in the States.
Possession turns over when a pass is intercepted or incomplete.
Light on rules, ultimate is a game that almost anyone can learn. Many people don't discover the game until in their 20s and find it a good alternative to soccer, hoops or softball. At the novice level, ultimate requires minimal skill and can be played with uneven teams. Ultimate earned a reputation as a hippie's sport because of its lax structure and benevolent guiding principle, the Spirit of the Game. Though highly competitive play is encouraged, the spirit is about respecting other players and sticking to the mutually agreed upon rules of the game.