Arbitrarium is a low-speed disc game perfect for post-tournament Sunday afternoons or a holiday in the park. The basic rules are simple, but every round involves one or more newly-created rules so the game is different every time you play. A backstop or net is required, like a lacrosse goal or small soccer goal.
Gameplay:
All players are divided into two teams, identified however you like (dark vs. light, shirts vs. skins, etc.). You should have at least 6 players, but there is no maximum. The goal is to pass the disc around amongst your teammates and eventually throw the disc into the goal for a score. Most normal ultimate rules are in play as far as passing the disc around, except for the following:
- No running or moving faster than a walk, whether you are on offense or defense
- You may walk with the disc
- You may only jump if you jump off of both feet at the same time (you may lay out by falling)
- If you are tagged by a defensive player while holding the disc, it is a turnover and you must drop the disc where you stand
- On a turnover, the defense must remain two steps away to allow the offensive player to pick up the disc and throw it without being immediately tagged
Additional rules and conventions:
- A team must complete 2 passes successfully before attempting a shot on goal.
- Upon scoring, the player who threw the score may make a new rule for the next round. See below for a list of examples. Failure to comply with the rule while you have the disc results in a turnover.
A breach of the rules bestows dishonor upon the guilty party. Punishment is traditionally administered by an appropriate number of "bananas". The dishonored player must kneel and count upwards "one banana, two bananas, three bananas, ..." until reaching the given number, at which point they may resume play. For example: running might be punishable by 10 bananas, while throwing the disc far away after being tagged could be worth 25.
- Arbitrarium is typically played with a drink in one hand. Ice cold beer works the best, but other beverages are allowable.
- A "danger zone" should be created around the goal, with a radius of about 5 feet. Players who enter the danger zone are subject to dishonor.
List of some potential rules additions:
- T-Rex/Pterodactyl - All players must align their arms in the manner of either a T-Rex (elbows locked in by your side) or a pterodactyl (arms outstretched with elbows locked)
- Beer on head - all players must hold their drinks on top of their head
- Funny walks only - self-explanatory
- Barnyard noises - before throwing the disc, you must make a barnyard animal noise.
- Complements - before throwing the disc, you must complement one of the defensive players. Backhanded compliments are encouraged.
- Fail-knees - A player who has committed some sort of dishonorable act must drop to his or her knees for the remainder of the point. An additional dishonor requires dropping further down to walk around on knees and forearms.
Variations:
Arbichairium is a good alternative if no net or goal is available or when playing on a beach.