INTERNATIONAL DAYPOP CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

International Spirit of the Game Day

Every year on December 5, a day that puts fair play first and treats the joy of the game as something worth protecting, whether you play Ultimate Frisbee, board games with the family, or anything in between. No referees required, just good spirit.

DEC5
Saturday, December 5First Saturday in December
 days to go
Roots
Started in 2014 by the nonprofit Early Recognition is Critical (ERIC); renamed in 2015
Hashtag
#InternationalSpiritOfTheGameDay
Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Host a Game Night at Home

Gather the family for a game night with one house rule: good spirit wins no matter the score. Call your own fouls honestly, compliment a great play by an opponent, and end with a genuine cheer for everyone.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Organize a Pickup Game in the Community

Round up friends for a pickup game of Ultimate, soccer, or anything with a ball or disc, and play it the Spirit of the Game way. No referees, just players keeping each other honest, and share the highlights with #iSOTGDay.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Teach Fair Play at Work or School

Talk with kids or coworkers about what good sportsmanship looks like in real life, from staying calm in a tense moment to giving credit where it is due. Read a sportsmanship storybook or run a quick rules quiz.

Plan ahead

International Spirit of the Game Day is observed on the first Saturday in December. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Dec 5this year
2027Sat, Dec 4
2028Sat, Dec 2
2029Sat, Dec 1
2030Sat, Dec 7
2031Sat, Dec 6
2032Sat, Dec 4
2033Sat, Dec 3
2034Sat, Dec 2
2035Sat, Dec 1
2036Sat, Dec 6

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Spirit of the Game is rule number one in Ultimate: players officiate themselves, with no referees on the field.
Play any game with perfect sportsmanship and share the moment with #iSOTGDay or #SpiritOfTheGameDay.

Keep the party going

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