The World Flying Disc Federation has approved a new form of sanctioned competition known as the international test match ©WFDF

The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) has approved a new form of sanctioned competition known as the international test match.

An international test match is a bilateral game of ultimate, a non-contact team sport contested by players with a flying disc, between teams representing two regular WFDF member associations.

WFDF President Robert "Nob" Rauch claimed the acceptance of the proposal, which was put forward by the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA), provides a mechanism for the WFDF to recognise national team competition outside of the large-scale WFDF World Championships.

"Similar to the structure that is used for rugby or cricket, WFDF member associations will now be able to arrange bilateral national team competitions sanctioned by WFDF, providing more opportunities for elite athletes to compete and showcasing Ultimate's global profile," he said.

AFDA President Jonathan Potts added: "AFDA has invited the Japanese World Games team to compete in two test matches against the Australian World Games team in Sydney and Melbourne from May 19 to 21, 2017.

"This match will be streamed live for free worldwide.

"The AFDA will provide detailed spectator, viewer and sponsorship data to WFDF on completion of the match to help promote the concept in other regions."

The WFDF has 72 member association members from 70 countries ©WFDF
The WFDF has 72 member association members from 70 countries ©WFDF

The eligibility requirements for the international matches can be found by clicking here.

"With the continued growth of ultimate around the globe, WFDF is happy to create this test match structure to encourage teams from member countries to compete between major world events," Brian Gisel, chair of the WFDF Ultimate Committee, said.

"As much as possible we want to see these top-level teams playing each other both for their own competitive benefit as well as to help increase the visibility of the sport."

In October of last year, Cincinnati in Ohio was awarded hosting rights to the 2018 WFDF World Ultimate Club Championships.

The event, scheduled to be held from July 14 to 21, will largely take place at the multi-purpose Lebanon Sports Complex, with finals set to be held at a nearby high school.

The competition, the premier Club Championships event for the flying disc discipline of ultimate, is comprised of city club teams who are endorsed by their National Federations.

It will include men's, women's, mixed division and masters division tournaments.