ABBA in mixed ultimate, explained
If you play mixed ultimate, you have heard someone shout "whose ratio is it?" between points. ABBA is the most common answer: a fixed pattern that decides which gender category has four players on the field, so nobody has to argue about it.
What ABBA means
ABBA is the prescribed-ratio rule used by WFDF, Ultimate Canada and USA Ultimate mixed events, often called Ratio Rule A. Before the game you do the usual disc toss for who starts on offence, then a second toss decides which gender category starts with four players. Call that category A and the other one B.
From there the sequence is fixed. It does not matter who scored or who is pulling: the ratio for every point is already decided.
The sequence, point by point
Notice the shape: A, then BB, then AA, then BB, and so on. After the first point it always comes in pairs, which keeps the number of points with each ratio level across the game.
- Point 1: four players of Gender A
- Point 2: four players of Gender B
- Point 3: four players of Gender B
- Point 4: four players of Gender A
- Point 5: four players of Gender A
- Point 6: four players of Gender B
- Point 7: four players of Gender B, and so on
Why teams like it
Both gender categories get the same number of points as the majority, regardless of the score. Neither team can pick the ratio that suits its roster, and the rule is easy to check: look at the scoreboard, count the points played, and you know the answer.
The sideline problem
The pattern is simple, but it is easy to lose track in a long game or after a time-out. A wrong ratio gets noticed mid-point and causes arguments. The fix is to track it where you already track the score.
Keeping track with Huck
Huck is an Ultimate scoreboard for iPhone and Apple Watch. Pick ABBA (or OWWO/WOOW) in game setup and Huck advances the active set automatically as the score changes, so the next set is always on the scoreboard, on your phone or your wrist.
Check your league
Not every league uses Ratio Rule A. Some social leagues let captains agree a different rule, such as the end zone or the offence choosing the ratio. Confirm the rule for your event before the first pull.
Questions
Does ABBA depend on who scored the last point?
No. In Ratio Rule A the sequence is prescribed in advance and does not depend on who scored.
Who decides which gender is A?
A second toss at the start of the game decides which gender category starts with four players. That category is A.
Can Huck track ABBA?
Yes. Choose ABBA or OWWO/WOOW in game setup and Huck advances the active set as the score changes.
Keep score. Track the rest.
Huck is the Ultimate scoreboard for iPhone and Apple Watch. Your first 3 games are free, with every feature included.
More guides
- How to keep score in ultimate frisbee
- The ultimate frisbee kit bag checklist
- Spirit of the Game scores, explained
- How long is an ultimate game? Points, caps and timeouts
- Which stats to track in ultimate
Source for the sequence: Sequence as published by Hills Ultimate League, https://www.hillsultimate.com.au/mixed-division-gender-rules