7. Timeouts

All players at the time of the timeout call must return to play unless an injury timeout also is called.

Each offensive player must establish a stationary position by the end of the timeout. Movement after this time and before the disc is checked into play is a violation. The defense has ninety seconds after the beginning of the timeout or up to twenty seconds after all offensive players have established their positions (whichever is longer) to check the disc into play.

The player who had possession of the disc when the team timeout was called restarts play with a check at the pivot spot, and the marker resumes the stall count with the word “stalling” followed by the last number uttered before the timeout plus one or 9 if over 8, however 15.E applies.

If the time limits for the timeout are exceeded by one team, a player on the other team may announce “delay of game” and the player at the location the disc is to be put into play may self-check the disc into play without acknowledgment by the opposing team. In order to invoke this rule a player must give warnings of 20, 10, and 5 seconds.

The health and safety of the injured player are of primary concern. If a serious injury occurs, other players change their behavior as a result of that injury, and the captains of both teams agree, the play may be resolved or play may be restarted in any appropriate manner despite any outcome dictated by these rules.

If a player in possession leaves the field following an injury, the replacing player takes possession.

Play restarts at the appropriate spot with a check and the marker resumes any stall count with the word stalling followed by the last number uttered before the injury timeout started plus one or 9 if over 8. The substitution of the thrower or marker does not alter the stall count.

All players must resume their locations on the field at the time the injury timeout began (i.e., players may not set up), unless a team timeout is also called.

This timeout takes effect when the call is made (i.e., is not retroactive to the time of injury). If the disc is in the air or the thrower is in the act of throwing at the time of the call, the timeout begins when the play is completed. However, the disc is returned to the thrower if avoiding potential contact with the bleeding player is determined to have affected the play.

This timeout may last up to 70 seconds, during which time the injured player must have the wound effectively covered in order to return to the point in progress.

If play cannot be restarted with the injured player’s wound effectively covered in 70 seconds, the player’s team may either

A bleeding or exposed open wound is “effectively covered” if it is covered with a dressing sturdy enough to withstand the demands of activity and able to prevent bodily fluids from coming in contact with other players.

Any player whose clothing has blood on it must have the affected areas disinfected or must change the clothing before returning to play.

Whether a player may return to play is determined by appropriate medical staff. If medical staff is not available, captains and coaches may agree that a wound has been effectively covered and any clothing issues have been addressed.

If a player discovers a dangerous condition after the disc is in the air or while the thrower is in the act of throwing and the player ceases play as a result, the disc is returned to the thrower regardless of the outcome of that pass. However, if both teams agree that ceasing play did not affect the outcome of the throw, the result of the play stands.

The thrower restarts play at the appropriate spot with a check and the marker resumes any stall count as follows:

If a player in possession leaves the field due to illegal equipment, the replacing player puts the disc into play. The substitution of the thrower or marker does not alter the stall count.

All players must resume their locations on the field at the time the timeout began (i.e., players may not set up), unless a team timeout is also called.

Both spirit captains have discussed the perceived Spirit of the Game violation(s) and adjustments to address those violations, and one or more members of either or both teams have not adjusted their conduct.

Both spirit captains have discussed the need to call a spirit timeout before calling the spirit timeout. It is not required that both spirit captains agree that a spirit timeout is necessary.

Play is stopped.

In games with observers, spirit timeouts initiated by the spirit captains must be communicated to the observers before being called. An observers may call a spirit timeout if the observer believes it is needed and at least one of the spirit captains agrees.

Both teams will aim to complete all discussions within 5 minutes, with a goal of resuming play as quickly as possible. If teams require more time to resolve spirit discussions, the timeout can be extended with the consent of both spirit captains.

Team members may not engage in tactical discussions. Team members may not extend the spirit timeout to try to gain a tactical advantage.

Spirit timeouts may follow one of two formats, as determined by the spirit captains. Where the spirit captains disagree as to the format of the spirit timeout, the default format is for teams to form one circle.

The game resumes in the same manner as it does after a team timeout.

Spirit timeouts do not affect timeouts available.

For spirit timeouts lasting five minutes or less, the time taken for a spirit timeout will automatically be added to the length of the game time to determine time caps for the game. After the initial five minutes, although spirit captains may always agree to extend a spirit timeout, event organizers may limit the time that can be added to the length of games. The spirit captain(s) initiating the spirit timeout will convey the start and end of the stoppage to event support staff or the event organizer for time-keeping purposes.