Frisbee Golf is
an awesome sport for beginners to advanced players.
Go get yourself an old Wham-O
frisbee or even better, a disc
set to start. Go over the rules below. Head over
to your local course and start having fun. Remember
to respect players in front and behind you, and clean
up after yourself.
Beers are optional.
:-)
Rules:
RULE: 801 Conduct of Players
Conduct of Players-
Be Respectful.
RULE: 801.01 COURTESY
A. Players should not throw until they are certain that the thrown
disc will not distract another player or potentially injure anyone
present. Players should watch the other members of their group throw
in order to aid in locating errant throws and to ensure
compliance with the rules.
B. Players should take care not to produce any distracting
noises or any potential visual distractions for other players who
are throwing. Examples of discourteous actions are: shouting, freestyling,
slapping course equipment, throwing out of turn, throwing or kicking
golf bags, and advancing on the fairway beyond the away player.
Shouting at an appropriate time to warn someone in danger of being
struck by a disc is not a violation of courtesy.
C. Refusal to perform an action expected by the
rules, such as assisting in the search for a lost disc, moving discs
or equipment, or keeping score properly, etc., is a courtesy violation.
D. Littering is a courtesy violation.
E. Courtesy dictates that players who smoke should
not allow their smoke to disturb other players. Smokers should extinguish
their cigarettes and carry their cigarette butts to a trash can.
Disposing of cigarette butts by dropping them on the ground is littering.
F. A player violating a courtesy rule may be warned
by any affected player, even if from another group, or by an official,
with all players of the group advised of the warning. The player
shall be assessed one penalty throw for each subsequent courtesy
violation of any type in the same round. Repeated violations of
courtesy rules may result in disqualification in accordance with
section 804.05.
RULE: 801.02 ORDER OF PLAY
A. Teeing order on the first teeing area is determined by the order
in which the scorecards were filled out or by the order the players
were listed or arranged on the scoreboard.
B. Teeing order on all subsequent tees is determined
by the scores on the previous hole, with the lowest score throwing
first, and so on. If the previous hole was a tie, the scores are
to be counted back until the order is resolved.
C. After all the players in the group have teed
off, the player farthest from the hole, (the away player), throws
first.
D. During tournament play, no group may play through
the group ahead unless the group ahead is required to stand aside
in accordance with the rules or as directed by an official.
E. Throwing out of turn shall be considered a courtesy
violation. See 801.01F
RULE: 801.03 EXCESSIVE TIME
A. A maximum of 30 seconds is allowed to each player to make a throw
after:
(1) the previous player has thrown; and,
(2) the player has taken a reasonable time to arrive at the disc
and mark the lie; and,
(3) the playing area is clear and free of distractions.
B. A player shall receive a warning for the first
excessive time violation if observed by two or more players of the
group or an official. The player shall be assessed one penalty throw
for each subsequent excessive time violation in the same round if
observed by two or more players of the group or an official.
RULE: 801.04 PLAYING THE STIPULATED COURSE
A. It is the responsibility of the player to play the course correctly.
Before play begins, players should ask about any special conditions
that may exist on the course, including extra holes, alternate teeing
areas, alternate hole placements, out-of-bounds areas, and mandatories.
B. Specific Types of Misplay and Penalty Procedures
for Each:
(1) Wrong Tee: Teeing off from the wrong teeing area among several
teeing areas for a given hole. If the misplay is discovered after
the player's throw from the incorrect teeing area, but before a
subsequent throw, the player shall re-tee from the correct teeing
area and treat the initial throw as a practice throw (one throw
added to the player's score). If the misplay is discovered after
a subsequent throw, the player shall proceed to complete the hole
and receive a two-throw penalty for the misplay.
(2) Misplayed Mandatory: Failing to attempt to navigate a mandatory
route. If the misplay is discovered after a player's throw has passed
beyond the mandatory on the wrong side, but before a subsequent
throw has been made, the player shall unwind as required by 803.11
B and C without penalty, counting all throws made. If the misplay
is discovered after a player's throw has passed beyond the mandatory,
on the wrong side, and a subsequent throw has been made, the player
shall finish the hole without unwinding.and receive a two-throw
penalty for the misplay.
(3) Wrong Target: Throwing at the wrong target. If the misplay is
discovered before the player has holed out at the incorrect target,
the player shall proceed to hole out at the correct target, counting
all throws actually made, without penalty. If a player has thrown
for the correct target but has inadvertently holed out on an incorrect
target, no course misplay has occurred. The player shall mark his
or her lie within one meter of the incorrect target, without penalty,
and proceed to hole out at the correct target, counting all throws
made.
(4) Out-Of-Bounds Play: Playing an out-of-bounds disc as if it were
in-bounds. If the misplay is discovered after the throw from out-of-bounds,
but before a subsequent throw has been made, the player shall throw
from the correct lie and treat the throw from out-of-bounds as a
practice throw (one throw added to the player's score). If the misplay
is discovered after a subsequent throw, the player shall proceed
to complete the hole and receive a two-throw penalty for the misplay.
(5) Non-Sequential Play: Skipping a hole or playing the holes in
the wrong order. If the misplay is discovered after an initial throw
has been made but before a subsequent throw has been made, the player
shall re-tee from the correct teeing area and count the initial
throw as a practice throw (one throw added to the player's score).
If the misplay is discovered after a subsequent throw has been made,
the hole being played shall be completed. Immediately thereafter,
the player shall proceed to play the course in its proper order
from the point where the misplay began. Regardless of the number
of holes skipped ,or played in the wrong order, a total of two penalty
throws shall be added to the player's score for the misplay infraction.
The score earned from any completed hole(s) shall stand. Any completed
hole(s) shall not be replayed.
C. In instances where the misplay rules affect players
within a group differently, the group shall remain together while
a hole is being completed by some of the group to verify scoring
and rules compliance.
D. In instances where a misplay is discovered after
the pertinent hole or holes have been completed (holed out), the
misplay shall not be replayed and the player shall receive a two-throw
penalty for the misplay.
E. In instances where a misplay is discovered after
the player has turned in his or her scorecard, the misplay shall
not be replayed and the player shall receive a two-throw penalty
for the misplay.
F. A player who deliberately misplays the course
to gain competitive advantage has violated 804.05 A (3) and shall
be penalized in conformity with this section.
RULE: 802 EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
Discs, Targets, etc.
RULE: 802.01 DISCS USED IN PLAY
A. Discs used in play must meet all of the conditions set forth
in the Official PDGA Technical Standards Document. See section 805
B for disc technical standards.
B. A disc which is cracked, i.e., the disc has a
perforated or broken flight plate, is illegal. See sections 802.01
D, E and F. A disc which is cracked during a round may be carried
by the player, but not used, for the balance of the tournament.
C. Players may not make post-production modification
of discs which alter their original flight characteristics. This
rule does not forbid inevitable wear and tear from usage during
play or the moderate sanding of discs to smooth molding imperfections
or scrape marks. Discs excessively sanded or painted with a material
of detectable thickness are illegal. See sections 802.01 D, E and
F.
D. Discs must be specifically approved by the director
if questioned by another player or an official, but in no case shall
the disc be approved if it violates any of the above specifications.
Any specifically non-approved disc (per the director) shall be considered
illegal, and the player shall be penalized in accordance with 802.01
E.
E. A player who carries an illegal disc during play
shall receive two penalty throws, without a warning, if observed
by two or more players of the group or an official. A player who
repeatedly throws an illegal disc during the round may be subject
to disqualification in accordance with 804.05 A (3).
F. All discs used in play, except mini marker discs,
must be uniquely marked in ink or pigment-based marking which has
no detectable thickness. A player shall receive a warning for the
first instance of throwing an unmarked disc if observed by two or
more players of the group or an official. Each subsequent throw
by the player with an unmarked disc shall incur one penalty throw
if observed by two or more players of the group or an official.
RULE: 802.02 MINI MARKER DISCS
A. Mini marker discs shall be used to mark a players s lie as required
by these rules. Mini marker discs must have a diameter of between
7 and 15 centimeters and a height not exceeding 2.54 centimeters.
RULE: 802.03 TARGETS
A. Targets used to complete the hole may not violate any of the
conditions set forth in the official PDGA Technical Standard Document.
See sections 803.12 B and C for criteria to hole out for targets.
RULE: 802.04 ARTIFICIAL DEVICES
A. During a round, a player shall not use any artificial device
that may assist in making a throw, except those devices that reduce
or control abrasion to the skin such as gloves, tape, bandages,
gauze, etc. Items used to prevent slipping on the teeing surface
are also allowed. A player is specifically prohibited from using
any artificial device that changes the position of the disc in the
player's hand or artificially lengthens any of the player's throwing
levers (fingers, wrist, arm, shoulder, etc.).
B. A player shall receive two penalty throws, without
a warning, if, during any portion of a round, he or she is observed
by two players or an official using or carrying an artificial device
that is determined by the director to violate section 802.04 A.
A player who uses an artificial device after it has been determined
by the director to be in violation of 802.04 A has also violated
804.05 A (3) and shall be penalized accordingly.
RULE: 803 RULES OF PLAY
HAVE FUN! RULE: 803.00 GENERAL
A. The game of disc golf consists of throwing a flying disc from
the teeing area to a target by a throw or successive throws. The
competitor who plays the stipulated round or rounds in the fewest
throws plus penalty throws is the winner.
B. A player who throws a practice throw or an extra
throw with any disc any time after the start of his or her round
and prior to his or her finishing the last hole of the round (except
for throws that must be re-thrown in accordance with the rules,
provisional throws made pursuant to 803.00 C (3) or throws during
a suspension or postponement of play) shall receive one penalty
throw. The practice throw or extra throw must be observed by any
two players or an official.
C. Appeals:
(1) When a group cannot reach a majority decision regarding a ruling,
the benefit of the doubt shall be given to the thrower. However,
any player may seek the ruling of an official, and the official's
ruling shall supersede the group's ruling. Any player desiring an
appeal of the group's decision shall promptly and clearly express
that desire to the group.
(2) If an official is readily available, the group shall stand aside
to seek the official's ruling, allowing other groups to play through.
(3) If an official is not readily available, the group shall proceed
in one of two ways. The group may reach a majority decision with
the benefit of the doubt going to the thrower, and continue play.
Alternatively, if the thrower does not wish to continue play under
the group's majority decision, the thrower has the option of taking
provisional throws. When taking provisional throws, the thrower
shall complete the hole being played under the alternative rulings
advocated within the group. The eventual final ruling, made by an
official or the director or the director's designee, shall count
only those throws made under the proper rules interpretation. The
unused throws shall not be added to the thrower's score nor treated
as practice throws. If an official is not readily available to decide
an appeal immediately following the round (or during the round where
practical), the group shall locate an official for a ruling.
(4) A player may seek an appeal of an official's ruling to the director
or director's designee. If the director or director's designee is
readily available, the appeal shall be heard directly. The group
shall stand aside awaiting the ruling on appeal. If the director
or director's designee is not readily available, the group shall
continue playing under the official's ruling. The appeal shall be
made as soon as practical. The decision of the director or the director's
designee shall be final.
(5) Where a group's or official's decision is overturned on appeal,
the official (or director or director's designee) may, in the interest
of fairness, allow the thrower's score to remain the same or adjust
the thrower's score to reflect the correct interpretation of the
rules. Only in a case where a replay is the most fair solution should
a hole or holes be replayed.
D. A player shall not receive a warning for a rules
violation unless the rule specifically provides for a warning. Warnings
do not carry over from one round to the next round or to a playoff.
E. If any point in dispute is not covered by the
rules, the decision shall be made in accordance with fairness. Often
a logical extension of the closest existing rule or the principles
embodied in these rules will provide guidance for determining fairness.
RULE: 803.01 TEEING OFF
A. Play shall begin on each hole with the player throwing from within
the teeing area. When the disc is released, at least one of the
player's supporting points must be in contact with the surface of
the teeing area, and all the player's supporting points must be
within the teeing area. If a tee pad is provided, all supporting
points must be on the pad at the time of release, unless the director
has specified a modified teeing area for safety reasons. If no tee
pad is provided, all supporting points at the time of release must
be within an area encompassed by the front line of the teeing area
and two lines perpendicular to and extending back three meters from
each end of the front line. Running up from behind the teeing area
before the disc is released is permitted. Following through in front
of the teeing area is permitted provided there is no supporting
point contact outside the teeing area when the disc is released.
B. Any supporting point contact outside the teeing
area at the time of release constitutes a stance violation and shall
be handled in accordance with sections 803.03 F, G and H.
RULE: 803.02 MARKING THE LIE
A. After the tee off, the thrown disc must be left where it came
to rest until a mini marker disc is placed on the playing surface
between the hole and the disc, directly in line with the hole, touching
the thrown disc. The mini marker disc may not be moved until the
throw is released. A mini marker disc inadvertently moved prior
to the throw shall be returned to its correct location.
B. If the thrown disc comes to rest in-bounds but
within one meter of an out-of-bounds line, the lie is marked by
placing a mini marker disc up to one meter away from, and perpendicular
to, the nearest out-of-bounds line. This holds true even if the
direction takes the lie closer to the hole. See the following sections
for other consideration in marking a thrown disc:
(1) Relocated for relief - 803.04 C (2)
(2) Interference - 803.06 A, B
(3) Above the playing surface - 803.07 A
(4) Out-of-bounds - 803.08 B
(5) Lost - 803.10 B
C. The Rule of Verticality: The out-of-bounds line
represents a vertical plane. Where a player's lie is marked from
a particular point within one meter of the out-of-bounds line pursuant
to the rules, the one-meter relief may be taken from the particular
point upward or downward along the vertical plane.
D. If the thrown disc breaks and comes to rest in
more than one piece, the largest piece, as agreed to by a majority
of the group or an official, is deemed to be the thrown disc.
E. A disc thrown in water shall be deemed to be
at rest once it is floating or is moving only by the action of the
water or the wind on the water.
F. A player shall receive a warning for the first
violation of a marking rule if observed by two or more players of
the group or an official. One penalty throw shall be assessed for
each subsequent violation of any marking rule during the round if
observed by two or more players of the group or an official.
RULE: 803.03 STANCE
A. When the disc is released, a player must:
(1) Have at least one supporting point that is in contact with the
playing surface on the line of play and within 30 centimeters directly
behind the mini marker disc (except as specified in 803.03 E); and,
(2) have no supporting point contact with the mini marker disc or
any object closer to the hole than the rear edge of the mini marker
disc; and,
(3) have all of his or her supporting points in-bounds.
B. Stepping past the mini marker disc is permitted
after the disc is released, except when putting within 10 meters.
C. Any throw from within 10 meters or less, as measured
from the rear of the mini marker disc to the base of the hole, is
considered a putt. A follow-through after a putt that causes the
thrower to make any supporting point contact closer to the hole
than the rear edge of the mini marker disc constitutes a falling
putt and is not allowed. The player must demonstrate full control
of balance before advancing toward the hole.
D. A player must choose the stance that will result
in the least movement of any part of any obstacle that is a permanent
or integral part of the course.
E. If a large solid obstacle prevents a player from
taking a legal stance within 30 centimeters directly behind the
mini marker disc, the player shall take his or her stance immediately
behind that obstacle on the line of play. The player must comply
with all the provisions of 803.03 A other than being within 30 centimeters
directly behind the mini marker disc.
F. A stance violation must be clearly called within
three seconds after the infraction to be valid. The call may be
made by any member of the group or an official. When the call is
made by a member of the group, it must subsequently be confirmed
by another member of the group. A player shall receive a warning
for the first violation of a stance rule in the round. Subsequent
violations of a stance rule in the same round shall incur a one-throw
penalty.
G. Any throw that involves a validly called and
seconded stance violation may not be used by the thrower. Re-throws
must be taken from the original lie. Re-throws must be taken prior
to subsequent play by others in the group.
H. The player may not retrieve the originally thrown
disc prior to the re-throw, except in the case of a putt from within
10 meters. Where a disc is retrieved in violation of this rule,
a one throw penalty shall be imposed without a warning.
RULE: 803.04 OBSTACLES & RELIEF
A. Permanent or Integral obstacles to a Stance or Throwing Motion:
Players must choose a stance which results in the least movement
of any part of an obstacle that is a permanent or integral part
of the course. Once a legal stance is taken, a player may not move
an obstacle (or hold it back or bend it) in order to make room for
a throwing motion. See 803.04 C for relief a player may obtain for
certain casual obstacles prior to taking a stance. It is legal for
a player's throwing motion to make incidental movement of an obstacle.
B. Obstacles Between the Lie and Hole: A player
may not move, alter, bend, or hold back any part of any obstacle
between the lie and the hole, with one exception. A player may move
obstacles between the lie and the hole that became a factor during
the round, such as spectators, players' equipment, open gates, or
branches that fell during the round. Where it is not known if an
obstacle has become a factor during a round, it shall not be moved.
It is legal for a player's throwing motion to make incidental movement
of an obstacle.
C. Casual Obstacles: A player may obtain relief
only from the following obstacles: casual water, loose leaves or
debris, broken branches no longer connected to a tree, motor vehicles,
harmful insects or animals, players' equipment, spectators, or any
item or area specifically designated by the director before the
round. The type of relief a player may obtain is based on the location
of the obstacle and is limited as follows:
(1) Obstacles between the lie and the hole: No relief is granted
except for obstacles which became a factor during the round as described
by 803.04 B.
(2) Obstacles to stance or throwing motion: The player must first
attempt to remove the obstacle. If this is impractical, the player's
lie may be relocated to the nearest lie which is no closer to the
hole; is on the line of play; and not more than five meters from
the original lie, as agreed to by a majority of the group or an
official (unless greater casual relief is announced by the director).
Alternatively, the player may declare an unsafe lie and proceed
in accordance with 803.05.
(3) Obstacles to a run up: The player may move the obstacle. No
other relief is provided.
D. In situations where it is unclear if an object
may be moved or other relief obtained, it shall be determined by
a majority of the group or an official.
E. A player shall receive one penalty throw, without
a warning, for violation of an obstacle or relief rule. A player
who consciously damages anything on the course shall receive two
penalty throws, without a warning, if observed by two or more players
of the group or an official. The player may also be disqualified
from the tournament, in accordance with section 804.05 A (2).
RULE: 803.05 UNSAFE LIE
A. A player may, by adding one penalty throw, declare his or her
lie to be an unsafe lie and relocate to a new lie that is no closer
to the hole and within five meters of the unsafe lie. Or, if the
player cannot find a lie that suits him or her within five meters
of the unsafe lie, the player may, with two penalty throws, relocate
to any new lie on the fairway of the hole in play that is no closer
to the hole than the unsafe lie.
RULE: 803.06 INTERFERENCE
A. A thrown disc that hits another player, spectator, or animal
shall be played where it comes to rest. A thrown disc that is intentionally
deflected or was caught and moved shall be marked as close as possible
to the point of contact, as determined by a majority of the group
or an official. Players should not stand or leave their equipment
where interference with the flight or path of a disc could easily
occur. The away player may require other players to mark their lies
or move their equipment before making a throw if the player believes
that either could interfere with his or her throw.
B. If a disc at rest is moved, the disc shall be
replaced as close as possible to its original location, as determined
by a majority of the group or an official. If a mini marker disc
is moved, the mini marker disc shall be replaced as close as possible
to its original location, as determined by a majority of the group
or an official.
C. Any player who consciously alters the course
of a thrown disc, or consciously moves or obscures another player's
thrown disc at rest or a marker disc, other than by the action of
a competitively thrown disc or in the process of identification,
shall receive two penalty throws, without a warning, if observed
by any two players or an official.
RULE: 803.07 LIE ABOVE THE PLAYING SURFACE
A. If a disc comes to rest above the playing surface in a tree or
other object on the course, its lie shall be marked on the playing
surface directly below it. If the point directly below the disc
above the playing surface is an out-of-bounds area, the disc shall
be declared out-of-bounds and marked and penalized in accordance
with 803.08. If the playing surface directly below the disc is inside
a tree or other solid obstacle, the lie shall be marked on the line
of play immediately behind the tree or other solid obstacle.
B.If a disc has come to rest above two meters, as
measured from the lowest point of the disc to the playing surface
directly below it, the player shall be assessed a one-throw penalty.
This penalty applies only if the disc is above in-bounds. The player
shall proceed from a lie marked in accordance with 803.07 A.
C. No penalty shall be incurred if the disc falls,
unassisted by a player or spectator, to a position less than two
meters above the playing surface before the thrower arrives at the
disc. The thrower may not delay in order to allow the position of
the disc to improve.
D. If the two-meter status of a disc is uncertain,
either a majority of the group or an official shall make the determination.
If the thrower moves the disc before determination has been made,
the disc shall be considered above two meters and the thrower shall
proceed in accordance with 803.07 A and B. If a player other than
the thrower moves the disc before a determination has been made,
the disc shall be considered below two meters and the interference
rule shall be applied as it relates to the thrower and the player.
See sections 803.06 B and C.
RULE: 803.08 OUT OF BOUNDS
A. A disc shall be considered out-of-bounds only when it comes to
rest and it is clearly and completely surrounded by the out-of-bounds
area. A disc thrown in water shall be deemed to be at rest once
it is floating or is moving only by the action of the water or the
wind on the water. See section 803.02 E. The out-of-bounds line
itself is considered in-bounds.
B. A player whose disc is considered out-of-bounds
shall receive one penalty throw. The player shall mark his or her
lie up to one meter away from, and perpendicular to, the point where
the disc last crossed into out-o-bounds, as determined by a majority
of the group or an official. This holds true even if the direction
takes the lie closer to the hole. If the disc is also considered
above two meters, the penalty for a disc above two meters shall
not be assessed in addition to the penalty for out-of-bounds.
C. The Rule of Verticality- The out-of-bounds line
represents a vertical plane. Where a player's lie is marked from
a particular point within one meter of the out-of-bounds line pursuant
to the rules, the one-meter relief may be taken from the particular
point upward or downward along the vertical plane.
D. If the in-bounds status of a disc is uncertain,
either a majority of the group or an official shall make the determination.
If the thrower moves the disc before a determination has been made,
the disc shall be considered out-of-bounds, and he or she shall
proceed in accordance with 803.08 B. If a player other than the
thrower moves the disc before a determination has been made, the
disc shall be considered in-bounds, and play for the thrower and
the mover of the disc shall proceed under the rules of interference,
803.06 B and C.
RULE: 803.09 PLAYING FROM ANOTHER PLAYER'S LIE
A. A player who has thrown from another player's lie shall receive
two penalty throws, without a warning. The offending player shall
complete the hole as if the other player's lie were his or her own.
No throws shall be replayed.
B. The player whose lie was played by the offending
player shall be given an approximate lie as close to the original
lie as possible, as determined by the offending player, a majority
of his or her group, or an official. See section 803.10 C if the
disc has been declared lost.
RULE: 803.10 LOST DISC
A. A disc shall be declared lost if the player cannot locate it
within three minutes after arriving at the spot where it was last
seen by the group or an official. Two players or an official must
note when the timing of three minutes begins. All players of the
group must, upon request, assist in searching for the disc for the
full three minutes before the disc is declared lost.
B. A player whose disc is declared lost, shall receive
one penalty throw. The approximate lie for the player's next shot
shall be marked in-bounds nearest the spot where the disc was last
seen, as agreed to by a majority of the group or an official.
C. If it is discovered, prior to the completion
of the tournament, that a player's disc that was declared lost had
been removed or taken, then the player shall have the penalty throw
for the lost disc subtracted from his or her score.
D. A mini marker disc that is lost shall be replaced
in its approximate lie as agreed to by a majority of the group or
an official with no penalty.
RULE: 803.11 MANDATORIES
A. A mandatory restricts the path the disc may take to the hole.
The disc must be thrown past the mandatory to the correct side,
as indicated on the tee sign or at the mandatory, before the player
may complete the hole. All progress toward the hole must play around
the mandatory in the designated direction.
B. If the disc should pass a mandatory on the incorrect
side, the player must throw the disc back past the incorrect side
of the mandatory in an unwinding fashion, in order to pass to the
correct side.
C. When marking the lie, if the line of play does
not pass to the correct side of the mandatory, then the mandatory
shall be considered the hole for the application of all stance,
mini marker, obstacle, and relief rules.
RULE: 803.12 HOLE OUT
A. A player who fails to play any hole or who fails to hole out
on any hole during the round may, at the discretion of the director,
be disqualified, except as follows:
(1) Hole missed due to late arrival. See sections 804.02 A and B.
(2) Failure to hole out inadvertently (as determined by a majority
of the group or an official) shall result in two penalty throws
being added to the number of throws plus penalty throws already
taken or received on the hole. The hole shall then be considered
completed.
B. Disc Entrapment Devices: In order to hole out,
the the thrower must release the disc and it must come to rest supported
by the chains or within one of the entrapment sections. This includes
a disc wedged into or hanging from the lower entrapment section
but excludes a disc resting on top of, or hanging outside of, the
upper entrapment section. The disc must also remain within the chains
or entrapment sections until removed by the thrower.
C. Object Targets: In order to hole out, the thrower
must release the disc and it must strike the marked target area
on the object as specified by the director.
RULE: 804 TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES
TOURNAMNET PROCEDURES
RULE: 804.01 SPECIAL CONDITIONS
A. Rules governing special conditions that may exist on the course
shall be clearly defined and disseminated to the player prior to
the start of the tournament. No rules may be stipulated which conflict
with the rules of disc golf, unless approved by the Competition
Director of the PDGA for X-Tier Events.
RULE: 804.02 BEGINNING PLAY
A. Starts (rounds where several groups start simultaneously): At
a scheduled time, scorecard(s) shall be distributed to the player
listed first on each hole. After the cards have been distributed,
groups shall be given adequate time to reach their assigned teeing
areas. A loud noisemaker, such as an air horn, shall be used to
indicate that there are two minutes remaining until tee off. This
signal shall be a series of short blasts. At this time, players
are to end practice and all practice shots and move promptly to
their teeing areas. A throw by a player between the two minute signal
and the start of the round shall receive a warning if observed by
two or more players or an official. After being warned, subsequent
throws by the player during this period, if observed by two or more
players or an official, shall result in one penalty throw added
to the player's score, regardless of the number of throws. An extended
blast of the noisemaker begins the round and signals the scorekeepers
to call the throwing orders. If a player is not present to throw
when it is his or her turn, the scorekeeper shall allow 30 seconds.
If the player has not thrown after the 30 seconds has elapsed, a
score of par plus four is to be entered for that hole. This procedure
continues on any subsequent holes for which a player is absent.
No holes shall be replayed. If a complete round is missed, or if
a player does not finish a round, the player may, at the discretion
of the director, be disqualified.
B. Staggered Starts (rounds where groups start one
after another on a certain hole): The player shall start at the
time announced by the director. Players may practice until their
group prepares to tee off provided their practice does not distract
players on the course. If a player is not present to throw when
it is his or her turn, the scorekeeper shall allow 30 seconds. If
the player has not thrown by then, a score of par plus four is to
be entered for that hole. This procedure continues on any subsequent
tee offs for which a player is absent. No holes shall be replayed.
If a complete round is missed, or if a player does not finish a
round, the player may, at the discretion of the director, be disqualified.
RULE: 804.03 SCORING
A. The player listed first on the scorecard or, in the case of individual
scorecards, listed first among the group on the leader board, is
responsible for picking up the scorecard(s) prior to the start of
the round and is the first scorekeeper. Players in the group shall
rotate the scorekeeping responsibility proportionally, unless a
player or a scorekeeper volunteers to score keep more and this is
acceptable to all members of the group.
B. After each hole is completed, the scorekeeper
shall call out each player's name. The called player shall answer
with the score in a manner that is clear to all players of the group
and the scorekeeper. The scorekeeper shall record that score and
read it back, in a manner that is clear to all players of the group.
If there is any disagreement about the score a player reports, the
group must review the hole and attempt to arrive at the correct
score. If the group cannot reach consensus on the player's score,
they shall consult 803.00 C
C. Warnings and penalty throws given to a player
for rules infractions should be noted on the scorecard.
D. At the end of the round, each player shall sign
his or her scorecard indicating that he or she attests to the accuracy
of the score on each hole and the total score. If all the players
of the group agree that a hole score was recorded in error, the
score may be changed prior to the scorecard being turned in. Players
whose scorecards are turned in unsigned accept responsibility for
the scores reported.
E. All players are responsible for returning their
scorecards within 25 minutes after the completion of a round. Failure
to do so shall result in the assessment of two penalty throws, without
a warning, to each player listed on the late scorecard.
F. After the scorecard is turned in, the score shall
stand with no appeal, except for the following circumstances:
(1) Penalty throws may be assessed at whatever time the infraction
is discovered until the director declares the tournament officially
over or all awards have been distributed.
(2) If it is determined that the total score was incorrectly recorded,
either by an error on a hole score or by an error in totaling the
hole scores, the director shall add two penalty throws to the correct
total score.
(3) Late Scorecard. See 804.03 E.
RULE: 804.04 RAIN OR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
A. If, in the opinion of the director, excessive rain or hazardous
conditions exist that make it impractical or dangerous to continue
play, the tournament shall be suspended. The signal to suspend play
shall be the same as the signal to start.
B. Players should immediately stop play and mark
the lie of each member of the group. A natural object is sufficient
to mark the approximate lie from which the player shall resume play.
Players shall then return to the first teeing area, clubhouse, or
area designated by the director.
C. Players shall resume play from their approximate
lies as established when the round was halted. The approximate lie
is determined by a majority of the group.
D. The director may allow players to take a break
while waiting for weather to improve, but may require players to
return each hour on the hour or at a time assigned by the director
until play resumes or until the round is postponed.
E. The director may postpone the incomplete portion
of the round for a later date if, in the director's opinion, the
conditions will not improve or if darkness will fall prior to the
projected finish time.
F. Partial round scores shall be carried forward
to the completion of the round whenever the round is resumed.
G. A player who stops playing before a signal to
stop has been given shall receive two penalty throws if, in the
opinion of the director, the player stopped playing prematurely.
RULE: 804.05 DISQUALIFICATIONS & SUSPENSIONS
A. A player may be disqualified by the director for meeting any
of the necessary conditions of disqualification as set forth in
the rules, or for any of the following:
(1) Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as; loud cursing, throwing things
in anger (other than discs in play), or overt rudeness to anyone
present.
(2) Willful and overt destruction or abuse of plant life, course
hardware, or any other property considered part of the disc golf
course or the park.
(3) Cheating: a willful attempt to circumvent the rules of play.
(4) Activities which are in violation of the law or park regulation
or disc golf course rule, including the illegal consumption of drugs
or alcohol. Directors are granted the discretion to disqualify a
player based on the severity of the offending conduct. An official
warning of disqualification may be issued by a director where appropriate.
B. Disqualified players shall forfeit any prize
money and shall not receive a refund of entry fees.
C. A player in violation of any section under 804.05
A is also subject to suspension from the PDGA Tour. Suspension from
the PDGA Tour may only be assigned by the PDGA Commissioner. A player
may appeal his or her suspension to the PDGA Board of Directors.
The determination to suspend, and the length of the suspension,
shall be based on the severity of the action and the extent to which
the player may have committed repeated violations.
RULE: 804.06 GROUPING & SECTIONING
A. Professional and Amateur players should not be grouped together,
and all players from different divisions shall be segregated from
each other during play as much as practicable.
B. All players within a division shall be randomly
grouped for the first round and grouped by cumulative score for
each round thereafter.
C. Groups shall not be less than three players,
except under extenuating circumstances, as deemed necessary by the
director, to promote fairness. In cases where fewer than three players
are required to play together, an official is required to accompany
the group and may play as long as this does not interfere with the
competing players.
D. When there are more entrants than can play together
in one round, the field of competitors may be split into sections.
These sections shall be seeded, i.e., each section should have an
equal number of top players and lesser players.
E. If conditions differentially affect play among
seeded sections, the director may consider using a sectioning procedure
for cut and advancement. Under this procedure, a proportionate number
of advancing players are taken from each section by score and the
scores are not carried forward.
F. If a cut is made, it shall be done to a number
that allows all advancing players to play at the same time.
RULE: 804.07 TIES
A. If there is a tie at the level of a cut, all players at that
level shall advance.
B. Between rounds when the groups are being reset,
tied positions shall be broken. The player with the lowest score
in the most recent round shall have the highest ranking when the
scorecards/positions are reset. In the event of low score ties,
the ties shall be broken by the director through any consistently
applied manner.
C. Final ties for first place must be broken by
sudden death play. Sudden death play shall begin with hole number
one unless a different hole is designated by the director prior
to the start of the tournament. Final ties for other ranks shall
be officially recorded as ties. Prize money distribution to tied
players shall be determined by adding the total money allocated
to the number of positions represented by the tied players and dividing
that by the number of players tied. Trophy distribution for ties
may be determined by sudden death play or by any related disc golf
skill event determined by the director.
RULE: 804.08 CLASSIFICATION OF PLAYERS
A. The following classifications shall be used for all PDGA sanctioned
tournaments except the PDGA Amateur World Championships. See 804.08
H. All female players shall compete in duplicate divisions as those
offered for male players. A director may, by giving adequate public
notice, restrict the divisions offered. Absent such notice, the
director shall offer for competition any division which has four
or more players.
B. A player may not enter a division below that
which they are registered with the PDGA. A player may enter a division
above their PDGA registered division. A player may enter a division
which is parallel to their PDGA division. For example, a player
registered in Advanced may play in an Advanced Master division.
C. A player may only compete in a single division
of a tournament at one time. Where a tournament offers different
divisions on different days, a director may allow a player to play
in different divisions on separate days.
D. Professional Divisions: In professional divisions,
players compete for money.
(1) Open: The top professional division, available to players of
any age.
(2) Master: A professional division available to players at least
40 years of age on the date the tournament begins.
(3) Grand Master: A professional division available to players at
least 50 years of age on the date the tournament begins.
(4) Senior Grand Master: A professional division available to players
at least 60 years of age on the date the tournament begins.
(5) Legends: A professional division available to players at least
70 years of age on the date the tournament begins.
E. Amateur Divisions: Amateur players compete for
trophies and/or prizes.
(1) Advanced: The top amateur division.
(2) Intermediate: An amateur division for players who have developed
basic skills and/or have tournament experience.
(3) Novice: An amateur division for beginning players.
(4) Juniors (under 16): An amateur division for players under 16
years of age on the date the tournament ends.
(5) Juniors under (12): An amateur division for players under 12
years of age on the date the tournament ends.
(6) Amateur divisions combining age restrictions and amateur skill
levels: Examples would include Advanced Master, Intermediate Grand
Master and Novice Senior Grand Master.
F. Amateur Status: A player relinquishes amateur
status by competing in a Professional division of a PDGA sanctioned
event and accepting prize money for divisional finish. Accepting
money for winning an ancillary contest such as an ace pool does
not cause a player to relinquish his or her amateur status. A player
may also relinquish amateur status by registering in a professional
division with the PDGA. See 804.08 H for eligibility in the PDGA
Amateur World Championships.
G. A director may not restrict a player from playing
in the division which the player is registered with the PDGA, unless
the director has established a fair procedure which gives players
advance notice and said procedure has been approved by the PDGA
Competition Director. A director may not forbid a player from competing
in a Professional division for which the player qualifies and which
division is being offered for competition.
H. PDGA Amateur World Championships Eligibility:
Current PDGA members registered in an Amateur division who have
not relinquished their amateur status are eligible to play, once
invited, in the PDGA Amateur World Championships. A player registered
in a Professional division who has not accepted prize money in a
sanctioned tournament at any time and who was registered in an Amateur
division for the immediately preceding calendar year is eligible
to play, once invited, in the PDGA Amateur World Championships.
I. Requests for Reclassification: A player may change
his or her classification to a higher division by making the request,
along with payment of any related fees, to the PDGA Administrator.
A player may request reclassification to a lower division by petitioning
the PDGA Competition director. If a lower reclassification is granted,
the player may not compete in the lower division for 60 days.
RULE: 804.09 OFFICIALS
A. To be eligible to serve as an official, an individual must have
demonstrated his or her knowledge of the rules by passing the Official's
Qualification Test. The test must be retaken each time the rules
are updated.
B. Directors are required to pass the Official's
Qualification Test.
C. Each official must carry a valid PDGA Official's
License and a copy of the rules.
D. Officials may actively call any violation they
witness. If an official competes in the tournament, he or she may
not officiate over a dispute in his or her own playing group or
a dispute which clearly impacts their own relative position in the
tournament. Officials are empowered to add penalty throws to a player's
score in accordance with the rules.
RULE: 805 Measurement Reference & Technical Standards
A. All measurements listed in the rules are given in metric units.
The following English System equivalents are to be used when no
metric measuring device is available. Under no circumstances shall
players or officials use independent conversion calculations.
Metric System English System
10 meters 32 feet 10 inches
5 meters 16 feet 5 inches
3 meters 9 feet 10 inches
2 meters 6 feet 6 inches
1 meter 3 feet 3 inches
30 centimeters 11 and 3/4 inches
15 centimeters 5 and 7/8 inches
7 centimeters 2 and 3/4 inches
2.54 centimeters 1 inch
B.The guidelines for golf discs are set forth in the PDGA Technical
Standards Document. To be legal in PDGA competition, a disc must:
(1)have a saucer-like configuration with a non-perforated flight
plate.
(2)be made of solid plastic material, without any inflatable components;
(3)have an inner rim depth that exceeds five percent of the disc's
outside disc diameter;
(4)not be less than 21 centimeters or greater than 40 centimeters
in outside disc diameter;
(5)not exceed 8.3 grams per centimeter in outside disc diameter;
(6)not exceed 200 grams in weight;
(7)be essentially as produced, without any intentional post-production
modifications that alter the weight or flight characteristics;
(8)be produced in numbers of at least 1500;
(9)be made available commercially to the public;
(10)present no unreasonable and no unusual danger to players or
spectators;
(11)have a rim configuration rating of 26.0 or greater;
(12)pass the leading edge radius test with a 1.6 millimeters (1/16
inch) radius gauge;
(13)have a rigidity rating no greater than 12.25 kilograms (27 lb);
(14)be specifically approved by the director if questioned by any
player in a PDGA sanctioned event, but in no case shall the disc
be approved if it violates any of the above specifications; and,
(15)have been certified for competition by the PDGA Technical Standards
Committee.
RULE: 806 GLOSSARY
Approximate Lie: A lie established by the player's group in order
to resume play following a rain or hazardous conditions delay (804.04
C), a lost disc (803.10 B), a lost mini marker disc (803.10 D),
or to correct a misplay from out-of-bounds (801.04 B (4)).
Away Player: The player whose lie is farthest from the hole and
who shall throw next.
Casual Water: Bodies of water other than those that have been specifically
designated by the director prior to the start of the round as out-of-bounds
or those that have been specifically designated by the director
prior to the start of the round as not being casual water.
Completion of a Round: The round has been officially completed for
all competitors when, in the director's opinion, the last group
on the course has completed their final hole and has had reasonable
time to walk from their final hole to tournament headquarters.
Director: The person in charge of the tournament or event. The term
"director" may be used to refer to the tournament director
or the course director in multi-site tournaments.
Disc Entrapment Device: A target used to complete the hole, usually
consisting of an upper entrapping section of chains, cables, tubes,
etc. and a lower entrapping section of a basket or tray.
Fairway: The in-bounds path or field over which a player throws
while advancing from the teeing area to the hole.
Group: The competitors who are assigned to play a round together
for the purpose of verifying scores and proper play in accordance
with the rules.
Hole: The target that must be reached in order to complete that
segment of the course. The term "hole" also refers to
the numbered segments of the course that are separate units for
scoring.
Holed-Out: A term used to signify completion of a hole. A player
has "holed-out" after removing his or her at rest disc
from the chains or entrapment area of a disc entrapment device or
after successfully striking the marked area of an object target.
Lie: The spot on the playing surface upon which the player takes
his or her stance in accordance with the rules.
Line of Play: The imaginary line on the playing surface extending
from the center of the target through the center of the mini marker
disc and beyond.
Mandatory: An object that the disc must pass around a designated
side on its way to the hole. A mandatory functions to limit the
legal path the disc may take to the hole.
Mini Marker Disc: A disc used to mark the location of the lie. (See
803.02 marking the lie, and 802.02, size restrictions)
Obstacle: Any feature of the course that may impede any aspect of
play.
Official: A person who is authorized to make judgments regarding
the proper application of the rules during play.
Out-of-bounds: An area designated by the director prior to the start
of play from which a disc may not be played. The out-of-bounds line
extends a plane vertically upward and downward. The out-of-bounds
line is itself in- bounds.
Par: As determined by the director, the score an expert disc golfer
would be expected to make on a given hole. Par means errorless play
under ordinary weather conditions, allowing two close range throws
to hole-out.
Penalty Throw: A throw added to a player's score for violating a
rule, or for relocation of a lie, as called for by a rule.
Practice Throw: During a round, the projection of a disc of a distance
greater than two meters, or of any distance toward a target, intentional
or not, which does not change the player's lie, either because it
did not occur from the teeing area or the lie, or because the player
had already thrown competitively from the teeing area or the lie.
Throws that are re-thrown in accordance with the rules are not practice
throws. Provisional throws made pursuant to 803.00 C(3) are not
practice throws. A player shall receive a penalty for practice throws
in accordance with sections 803.00 B or 804.02 A (2).
Putt: Any throw from 10 meters or less as measured from the rear
of the mini marker disc to the base of the hole is considered a
putt.
Putt (falling): A putt after which a player touches his or her mini
marker disc, or any object beyond the lie, including the playing
surface, before having demonstrated full control of balance.
Relief: A change made to the player's lie or surrounding area, such
that an obstacle is removed from the vicinity, or when that is impractical,
the lie is relocated away from the obstacle in accordance with section
803.04 C.
Supporting Point: Any part of a player's body that is in contact
with the playing surface or some other object capable of providing
support, at the time of release.
Teeing Area: The area bounded by the edges of a tee pad (if provided);
otherwise, the area extending three meters perpendicularly behind
the designated tee line.
Throw: The propulsion of a disc that causes it to change its position
from the teeing area or the lie.
Thrower: The player who has made, or is about to make, a throw that
is the aspect of play being considered by a particular rule.
Unsafe Lie: A lie from which a player decides that obstacles to
stance or throwing motion make it impractical or unsafe to attempt
a throw. The lie is relocated with a penalty.
Warning: Where prescribed by a rule, the initial advisement a player
is given for violating that rule, making him or her vulnerable to
receiving a penalty throw for subsequent violations of that rule
or set of rules within the same round.