The entire playing field is in-bounds. The perimeter lines are not part of the playing field and are out-of-bounds.

The out-of-bounds area consists of the ground which is not in-bounds and everything in contact (direct or indirect) with it except for players. Any non-players other than observers are considered part of the out-of-bounds area. A disc does not change in- or out-of-bounds status when contacted by an observer.

A player contacting the out-of-bounds area is out-of-bounds. A player who is not out-of-bounds is in-bounds. An airborne player retains in-bounds or out-of-bounds status until that player contacts the playing field or the out-of-bounds area. The following exceptions apply:

A disc becomes in-bounds when it is put into play, or when play starts or restarts.

A disc becomes out-of-bounds when it first contacts the out-of-bounds area, contacts an out-of-bounds offensive player, or is caught by an out-of-bounds defensive player.

The disc may fly outside a perimeter line and return to the playing field, and players may go out-of-bounds to make a play on the disc.

If an in-bounds defender gains possession while airborne and becomes out-of-bounds while still in possession of the disc, the play is treated as if the defender was out-of-bounds when possession was gained (10.E).

To continue play after the disc becomes out-of-bounds, a member of the team gaining possession of the disc must carry it to, and put it into play at, the spot on the central zone nearest to where the most recent of the following events occurred:

After establishing a pivot at the appropriate spot on the field, the thrower must touch the disc to the ground before putting it into play (14.B).

Events occurring after the disc becomes out-of-bounds do not affect where it is put into play.