PDGA Rules Competition Manual Combined 2011

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Outline o Contents

800 Defnitions

801 Conduct o Players

801.01 Courtesy

801.02 Order o Play

801.03 Excessive Time

801.04 Playing the Stipulated

Course

802 Equipment

802.01 Discs Used in Play

802.02 Mini Marker Discs

802.03 Targets

802.04 Artifcial Devices

803 Rules o Play

803.01 General

A. Description o the Game

B. Practice Throws

C. Provisional Throws

D. Appeals

E. Warnings

F. Rule o Fairness803.02 Teeing O

803.03 Marking the Lie

803.04 Stance, Subsequent to

Teeing O

803.05 Obstacles and Relie

803.06 Optional Rethrow

803.07 Intererence

803.08 Disc Above Or Below the

Playing Surace

803.09 Out-o-Bounds

803.10 Playing rom Another

Player's Lie

803.11 Lost Disc

803.12 Mandatories

803.13 Holing Out

804 Tournament Procedures

804.01 Special Conditions

804.02 Beginning Play

804.03 Scoring

804.04 Rain or HazardousConditions

804.05 Disqualifcation and

Suspension

804.06 Grouping and Sectioning

804.07 Ties

804.08 Classifcation o Players

804.09 Ofcials

805 Measurement Cross-Reerence and Equipment Technical

Standards

Summary o Rules Changes

© Copyright 2011 The Proessional Disc Gol Association (PDGA)



Introduction

The growing popularity of the game of disc golf begins with the essential fact that throwing

a ying disc with power and accuracy is a

marvelous sensation. The constant challenge,

the social nature of the game, the good physical

and mental conditioning, and the fact that it is

inexpensive to begin play are also attractions.

Disc golf is a recreational sport for everyone,

regardless of age, sex, or ability.

The object of the game is to traverse a course

from beginning to end in the fewest number

of throws of the disc. Each consecutive throw

is made from where the disc came to rest

after the last throw. Score is determined by

counting the number of throws made on each

hole plus penalty throws and then summing all

holes. The winner is the player who completes

the course with the lowest score.

The course consists of a series of holes laid out

so that when the player completes one hole

he or she proceeds to the beginning of the next

until all the holes have been played. The player

is provided with a teeing area from which to

begin each hole and a target to complete the

hole.

PDGA Ofcial Rules o Disc Gol

Proessional Disc Gol Association

Revised January 1, 2011

Disc golf courses are normally laid out among wooded areas with diverse terrain to provide

natural obstacles to the ight of the disc.

These natural obstacles are very much a part

of the game and must not be altered by the

players in any way to decrease the difculty of

a hole. Disc golf courses are normally 18 holes

in length, but there are other combinations as

well, including 9-hole, 22-hole, 24-hole and

27-hole courses in existence. Disc golf coursescan be found in each of the 50 United States

and 36 countries. A complete list of courses is

available at www.pdga.com/course_directory.

Disc golf is a game that expects high

standards of etiquette and courtesy. Among

the basic considerations of etiquette are such

things as concern for spectators and other

players and respect for plant life on the course.These rules have been designed to promote

fair play for all disc golfers. In using these

rules, players shall apply the rule that most

directly addresses the situation in question.

If in doubt, players shall consult an ofcial. The

rules are available at www.pdga.com/rules, and

applications of the rules to particular situations

can be found at www.pdga.com/rulesqa.

Read more about the rules o disc gol at www.pdga.com



their nal hole to tournament headquarters.

Director: The person in charge of thetournament or event. The term “director” may

be used to refer to the tournament director or

the course director in multi-site tournaments.

The Director may designate an ofcial to rule

on appeals.

Drop Zone: An area on the course, as

designated by the course designer or director,

from which play is resumed after the

preceding shot (1) was thrown out-of-bounds,

(2) missed a mandatory, (3) was declared lost,

or (4) landed in a protected area (governed

by 804.01, Special Conditions). The throwing

area from within the drop zone shall be

clearly marked and played in a manner

similar to the marking and playing of a teeing

area.

Fairway: The in-bounds path or eld 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 inorder 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. See 803.13, Holing Out.

Lie: The spot on the playing surface upon which the player takes his or her stance in

accordance with the rules.

800 Page 2

800. Defnitions

Approximate Lie: A lie established by the

player's group in order to resume play: to

correct a misplay from out-of-bounds (801.04B (4)), following the thrower's election to

throw from the previous lie after declaring an

optional rethrow (803.06 A), following the

thrower’s election to throw from the previous

lie after throwing out-of-bounds (803.09B

(1)), following an instance where the thrower’s

disc has been thrown and removed by another

player (803.10 B), following a lost disc (803.11

B), following a lost marker disc (803.11 D), or

following a rain or hazardous conditions delay (Competition Manual 1.7 C).

Away Player: The player whose lie is farthest

from the hole and who shall throw next.

Basket Target: A disc-catching device

designed to clearly determine completion of

a hole. A basket target generally consists of a

tray, chains, chain support, and pole.

Casual Water: Bodies of water other than

those that have been specically designated

by the director prior to the start of the round

as out-of-bounds or those that have been

specically designated by the director prior to

the start of the round as not being casual water.

Chains: A deection assembly which isdesigned to deect a thrown disc down into

the tray component of a basket target.

Chain Support: The structure from which

the chains are suspended; a deector support

which often forms the top of a basket target.

Completion of a Round: The round has

been ofcially completed for all competitors when, in the director’s opinion, the lastgroup

on the course has completed their nal hole

and has had reasonable time to travel from



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.

Players’ Meeting: A meeting of players with

the tournament director or course ofcial

prior to a tournament, where players are giveninstructions about the tournament procedures,

courses, and any special conditions which will

apply during the tournament.

Playing Surface: A surface, generally

the ground, which is capable of supporting

the player and from which a stance may

reasonably be taken. In cases where it is

unclear whether a surface is the playingsurface, the decision shall be made by the

tournament director or a course ofcial.

Pole: A central pipe or post which supports

the other components of a basket target.

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 803.01 C and 803.01 D (3)

are not practice throws. A player shall receivea penalty for a practice throw in accordance

with sections 803.01 B or Competition Manual

1.5 B (1).

800 Page 3

Line of Play: The imaginary line on the

playing surface extending from the center

of the target through the center of the

marker disc and beyond. This line has no

thickness; therefore one support point must

be directly behind the center of the marker.

Mandatory: An object or objects that the

disc must pass in a designated manner on

its way to the hole. A mandatory functions

to limit the allowable path the disc may

take to the hole.

Marker: A term used to indicate either

the mini marker disc or the thrown disc at

rest, both of which can be used to indicate

the lie from which a thrower’s next shot

shall be played.

Marker Disc: See Marker.

Mini: See Mini Marker disc.

Mini Marker Disc: A disc used to mark

the location of the lie. (See 803.03 marking

the lie, and 802.02, size restrictions).

Obstacle: Any feature of the course that

may impede any aspect of play.

Ofcial: A person who is authorized tomake 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 out-of-bounds. An out-of- bounds disc is not a lost disc.



Provisional: See Provisional Throw.

Provisional Throw: An extra throw, agreed

upon by a player’s group, that is not added to

a player’s score if not used in the completion

of the hole. Additionally, a set of provisional

throws that will be allowed to complete a

hole as an alternative to the original play

of the hole, when there is a disputed ruling.

Only one set of throws will be counted as the

player’s score when a nal ruling is made.

Putt: Any throw from 10 meters or less as

measured from the rear of the marker disc

to the base of the hole is considered a putt.

Putt (falling) – Falling Putt: A putt after

which a player touches his or her 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 803.05C.

Supporting Point: Any part of a player’s

body that is in contact with the playingsurface 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.

Tray: A shallow open-topped receptacle

into which the disc may fall or be thrown.

Also known as "basket", and one component

of a basket target.

Two meter rule: Where designated by the

director, a one throw penalty for discs that

come to rest two meters or higher above the

playing surface. The director may declare the

two meter rule to be in effect for the entire

course, or just for individual obstacles.

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 within

the same round.

801. Conducto Players

801.01 Courtesy:

A. Players should not throw until they are

certain that the thrown disc will not distractanother 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 arethrowing. Examples of discourteous actions

are: shouting, cursing, freestyling, slapping

course equipment, throwing out of turn,

800-801.01 Page 4



throwing or kicking golf bags, throwing minis,

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 fromanother group, or by an ofcial, 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 disqualication in

accordance with section 3.3 of the Competition

Manual.

801.02 Order o Play:

A. Teeing order on the rst teeing area

is determined by the order in which the

scorecards were lled 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 rst, 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 rst. To facilitate ow of play, a player who is not farthest away may

play next if the away player consents.

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 ofcial.

E. Throwing out of turn shall be considered a

courtesy violation. See 801.01 F.

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

rst excessive time violation if observed

by two or more players of the group or an

ofcial. 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

ofcial.

801.04 Playing the Stipulated Course:

A. It is the responsibility of the player to

play the course correctly. Before play begins,

players shall attend the players’ meeting

and ask about any special conditions that

may exist on the course, including extra

801.01–801.04 Page 5



holes, alternate teeing areas, alternate

hole placements, out-of-bounds areas, and

mandatories.

B. Specic Types of Misplay and Penalty

Procedures for Each:

(1) Wrong Tee:

Teeing off from the wrong teeing area. 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 theinitial 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 be assessed a one-throw penalty

and play from the drop zone as stipulated

in 803.12 B. 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 nish the hole without playing from thedrop zone, and receive a two-throw penalty

for the misplay.

(3) Wrong Target:

If a player holes out on the wrong target for a

given hole, he or she will continue play from

a lie directly beneath that target, without

penalty. If the player holes out at the wrong

target, and believes the hole is completed,and proceeds to play the next hole, a two-

throw penalty will be added to that player’s

score for misplaying the course.

801.04 Page 6

(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 asubsequent 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 section 3.3 of the Competition

Manual and shall be penalized in accordance

with this section.

802. Equipment

802.01 Discs Used in Play:

A. Discs used in play must meet all of the

conditions set forth in the Ofcial PDGA

Technical Standards Document. See section

805 B for disc technical standards.

B. A disc which is cracked or perforated isillegal. 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. The player

must immediately declare his intention to

carry the newly cracked or broken disc to

the group or be subject to penalty under

802.01 E.

C. Players may not make post-production

modication of discs which alter their original

ight 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 specically approved

by the director if questioned by another

player or an ofcial, but in no case shall the

disc be approved if it violates any of theabove specications. Any specically 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 ofcial. A player whorepeatedly throws an illegal disc during the

round may be subject to disqualication in

accordance with section 3.3 of the PDGA

Competition Manual.

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 rst instance of throwing an

unmarked disc if observed by two or more

players of the group or an ofcial. After the

warning has been given, 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 ofcial.

802.02 Mini Marker Discs: A. Mini marker discs shall be used to mark

a player’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 3 centimeters.

802.03 Targets:

A. Targets used to complete the hole may

not violate any of the conditions set forthin the ofcial PDGA Technical Standards

Document. See sections 803.13 B and C for

criteria to hole out for targets.

801.04-802.03 Page 7



802.04 Artifcial Devices:

A. During a round, a player shall not use any

articial device that may assist in making a

throw, except those devices that reduce orcontrol abrasion to the skin (such as gloves,

tape, bandages, gauze, etc.) and medical

items (such as knee and ankle braces, etc.).

Items used to prevent slipping on the

teeing surface are also allowed. A player

is specically prohibited from using any

articial device that changes the position of

the disc in the player’s hand or articially

lengthens any of the player’s throwing levers(ngers, wrist, arm, shoulder, etc.). The

use of devices which assist in determining

distances over 10 meters, such as range

nders and GPS devices are prohibited.

Measuring devices such as a tape measure

may be carried and used to determine

distances 10 meters and less for the purpose

of rules enforcement.

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 ofcial to be using or carrying an articial

device that is determined by the director to

violate section 802.04 A. A player who uses an

articial device after it has been determined by

the director to be in violation of 802.04 A has

also violated section 3.3 of the CompetitionManual and shall be penalized accordingly.

803. Rules o Play

803.01 General:

A. Description of the Game. The game of

disc golf consists of throwing a ying disc

from the teeing area to a target by a throw or successive throws. Players shall play the

course as they nd it and play the disc where

it lies unless allowed otherwise by the Rules.

The competitor who plays the stipulated

round or rounds in the fewest throws plus

penalty throws is the winner.

B. Practice Throws. 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 nishing the

last hole of the round (except for throws that

must be re-thrown in accordance with the

rules, provisional throws made pursuant to

803.01 C and 803.01 D (3), or throws duringa 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 ofcial.

C. Provisional Throws. Provisional throws

are extra throws that are not added to a

player’s score if they are not ultimately

used in completion of the hole. The useof provisional throws is encouraged in

all situations where there is a question

regarding a thrower’s lie and a provisional

would speed play or when the thrower

questions the group’s or ofcial’s ruling.

The unused throws shall not be added to

the thrower’s score nor treated as practice

throws if the player announces that such

additional throws are made as provisionalthrows prior to taking them. A provisional

throw may not be subsequently declared

to be an optional rethrow. Provisional

throws are appropriate in the following

circumstances:

(1) To save time: A player may declare a

provisional throw any time (a) the status of a

disc cannot immediately be determined, and(b) the majority of the group agrees that playing

a provisional throw may save time, and (c) the

802.04–803.01 Page 8



original throw may be out of bounds, lost, or

have missed a mandatory. When proceeding

under this type of provisional the thrower shall

complete the hole from whichever of the twothrows is deemed by the group or an ofcial as

the appropriate lie according to the rules.

(2) To appeal the group’s or an ofcial’s

ruling: A set of provisional throws may be taken

to complete a hole pursuant to 803.01 D

(3) When the player disagrees with the

majority group decision and an ofcial isnot readily available, or if the player wishes

to appeal the decision of an ofcial. The

scores from both sets of throws shall be

recorded. The proper ruling and score are

then determined by the director at the end

of the round.

D. Appeals:

(1) When a group cannot reach a majority decision regarding a ruling, the benet of

the doubt shall be given to the thrower.

However, any player may seek the ruling

of an ofcial, and the ofcial’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 ofcial is readily available, the group

shall stand aside to seek the ofcial’s ruling,

allowing other groups to play through.

(3) If an ofcial is not readily available, the

group shall proceed in one of two ways. The

group may reach a majority decision with the

benet of the doubt going to the thrower, and

continue play. Alternatively, if the throwerdoes not wish to continue play under the

group’s majority decision, the thrower may

declare a provisional per 803.01 C. The use

of provisional throws is encouraged in all

situations where the thrower questions the

group’s or ofcial’s ruling.

(4) A player may seek an appeal of an

ofcial’s ruling to the director. If the director

is readily available, the appeal shall be heard

directly. The group shall stand aside awaiting

the ruling on appeal. If the director is not

readily available, the group shall continue

playing under the ofcial’s ruling. The appeal

shall be made as soon as practical. Thedecision of the director shall be nal.

(5) Where a group’s or ofcial’s decision is

overturned on appeal, the ofcial or director

may, in the interest of fairness, allow the

thrower’s score to remain the same or adjust

the thrower’s score to reect the correct

interpretation of the rules. Only in a case

where a replay is the most fair solution, atthe discretion of the director, shall a hole or

holes be replayed.

E. Warnings. A player shall not receive

a warning for a rules violation unless the

rule specically provides for a warning.

Warnings do not carry over from one round

to the next round or to a playoff.

F. Rule of Fairness. 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.

803.01 Page 9



803.02 Teeing O:

A. Play shall begin on each hole with the

player throwing from within the teeing

area. When the disc is released, at least oneof 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 specied a modied 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.

The front line of the teeing area includes

the outside edges of the two tee markers.

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 803.04 F, G and H.

803.03 Marking the Lie:

A. After each throw, the thrown disc

must be left where it came to rest until

the lie is established by the placing of

a marker. This can be done by placing

a mini marker disc on the playing surface

between the hole and the disc, directly

in line with the hole, on the line of play,

touching the thrown disc. A player may

instead choose, without touching or

repositioning the thrown disc, to use the

thrown disc as the marker. The marker

may not be moved until the throw is released. A

marker inadvertently moved prior to the throw

shall be returned to its correct location.

B. A player is only required to mark the lie

with a mini marker disc when repositioning

the lie under the rules. This includes the

following rules: out-of-bounds, disc above or

below the playing surface, lost disc, optional

rethrow, relocated for relief, interference, or

repositioning the lie within 1 meter of the

out-of-bounds line.

C. If the thrown disc comes to rest in-bounds

but within one meter of an out-of-bounds line,

the lie may be relocated to any point on a one-

meter line that extends perpendicularly from

the nearest point on the out-of-bounds line, and

passes through the center of the thrown disc.

This holds true even if the direction takes the lie

closer to the hole. See the following sections for

other considerations in marking a thrown disc:

(1) Relocated for relief - 803.05 B, C

(2) Interference - 803.07 A, B

(3) Above or below the playing surface

-803.08 A, B

(4) Out-of-Bounds - 803.09 B

(5) Lost Disc- 803.11 B

D. 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.

803.02–803.03 Page 10



E. 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

ofcial, is deemed to be the thrown disc.

F. A disc thrown in water shall be deemed to be

at rest once it is oating or is moving only by

the action of the water or the wind on the water.

G. A player shall receive a warning for the rst

violation of a marking rule if observed by two

or more players of the group or an ofcial. One

penalty throw shall be assessed for each subse-

quent violation of any marking rule during the

round if observed by two or more players of the

group or an ofcial.

803.04 Stance, Subsequent to Teeing

O:

A. When the disc is released, a player must:

(1) Have at least one supporting point that is

in contact with the playing surfaceon the line of

play and within 30 centimters directly behind

the marker disc (except as specied in 803.04

E); and,

(2) have no supporting point contact with the

marker disc or any object closer to the hole than

the rear edge of the marker disc; and,

(3) have all of his or her supporting points in- bounds.

B. Stepping past the 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 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 marker disc

constitutes a falling putt and is considered a

stance violation . The player must demonstrate

full control of balance before advancing towardthe 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 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 803.04 A other than being within

30 centimeters directly behind the 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 ofcial. When the call is made

by a member of the group, it must subsequently

be conrmed by another member of the group.

A player shall receive a warning for the rst

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, 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. Wherea disc is retrieved in violation of this rule, a

one throw penalty shall be imposed without a

warning.

803.03-803.04 Page 11



803.05 Obstacles and Relie:

A. Obstacles to a Stance or Throwing Motion:

With the exception of casual obstacles to a

stance as described in 803.05 B, a playeris not allowed to move any obstacle on

the course. No relief is granted from park

equipment (such as signs, trash cans, picnic

tables, etc), which is considered part of the

course. A player is allowed to request that

other people remove themselves and/or their

belongings from the player's stance or line of

play. A player must choose the stance which

results in the least movement of any obstacle.Once a legal stance is taken, the player may

not move an obstacle in any way in order

to make room for a throwing motion. It is

legal for a player's throwing motion to cause

incidental movement of an obstacle.

B. Casual Obstacles to a Stance: A player

may obtain relief only from the following

obstacles that are in the stance or run-up

area: casual water, loose leaves or debris,

broken branches no longer connected to

a tree, motor vehicles, harmful insects or

animals, players' equipment, people, or any

item or area specically designated by the

director before the round. The player must

rst attempt to remove the obstacle. If it is

impractical to move the obstacle, 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 is not more than ve meters from the

original lie, as agreed to by a majority of the

group or an ofcial (unless greater casual

relief is announced by the director).

C. Optional Relief: A player may declare that

he or she is taking optional relief. The lie

may then be relocated to a new lie that is no

closer to the hole, and on the line of play. Theoriginal throw plus one penalty throw are

counted in the player's score.

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 ofcial.

E. A player shall receive one penalty throw,

without a warning, for violation of an

obstacle or relief rule.

F. A player who purposely damages anything

on the course shall receive two penalty

throws, without a warning, if observed

by two or more players of the group or anofcial. The player may also be disqualied

from the tournament, in accordance with

Section 3.3 of the Competition Manual.

803.06 Optional Rethrow:

At any time, a player may elect to rethrow

from the previous lie as evidenced by the

marker disc or, if the marker disc has been

moved, from an approximate lie as agreed

to by the majority of the group or an ofcial.

The original throw plus one penalty throw

are counted in the player's score.

803.07 Intererence:

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 deected 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 ofcial.

Alternatively, for intentional interference only,

the thrower has the option of taking a re-throw.

Players shall not stand or leave their equipment

where interference with the ight 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 theplayer believes that either could interfere with

his or her throw.

803.05-803.07 Page 12



B. If a disc at rest on the playing surface or

supported by the target 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 ofcial. If a marker disc is

moved, the marker disc shall be replaced as

close as possible to its original location, as

determined by a majority of the group or an

ofcial. (If the two meter penalty is in effect,

see also 803.08 D and E for movement of a

disc above the playing surface.)

C. Any player who consciously alters thecourse 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 identication, shall receive

two penalty throws, without a warning, if

observed by any two players or an ofcial.

803.08 Disc Above Or Below the Playing

Surace:

A. If a disc comes to rest above the playing

surface in a tree or other obstacle 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 803.09. 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. The director may

designate a one throw penalty for discs that

come to rest two meters or higher above the

playing surface. The director may declare the

two meter rule to be in effect for the entire

course, or just for individual obstacles.

(Sections C through E are only used if the

two meter penalty is in effect.)

B. If a disc comes to rest below the playing

surface, its lie shall be marked on the playing

surface directly above it. If the point directly

above the disc is an out-of-bounds area, thedisc shall be declared out-of-bounds and

marked an penalized in accordance with

803.09. If the playing surface directly above

the disc is inside a solid obstacle, the lie shall

be marked on the line of play immediately

behind the solid obstacle.

C. If a disc has come to rest above two meters,

as measured from the lowest point of the discto 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 803.08 A.

D. No penalty shall be incurred if the disc

falls, unassisted by a player or spectator, to

a position less than two meters above theplaying surface before the thrower arrives at

the disc. The thrower may not delay in order

to allow the position of the disc to improve.

E. If the two-meter status of a disc is

uncertain, either a majority of the group

or an ofcial shall make the determination.

If the thrower moves the disc before

determination has been made, the discshall be considered above two meters and

the thrower shall proceed in accordance

with 803.08 A and C. 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

803.07 B and C.

803.07-803.08 Page 13



803.09 Out-o-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 oating or is moving

only by the action of the water or the wind on

the water. See section 803.03 F. The out-of-

bounds line itself is considered out-of-bounds.

In order to consider the disc as out-of-bounds,

there must be reasonable evidence that the

disc came to rest within the out-of-bounds

area. In the absence of such evidence, the

disc will be considered lost and the player will

proceed according to rule 803.11B.

B. A player whose disc is considered out-of-

bounds shall receive one penalty throw. The

player may elect to play the next shot from:

(1) The previous lie as evidenced by the

marker disc or, if the marker disc has been

moved from an approximate lie, as agreed to

by the majority of the group or an ofcial; or

(2) A lie that is up to one meter away from

and perpendicular to the point where the

disc last crossed into out-of-bounds, as

determined by a majority of the group or an

ofcial. This holds true even if the direction

takes the lie closer to the hole; or

(3) Within the designated Drop Zone, if

provided. These options may be limited

by the tournament director as a special

condition (see 804.01).

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 ofcial

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 803.09B counting all

throws made prior to the determination of

the in-bounds status of the original lie. 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,

803.07 B and C.

803.10 Throwing From Another

Player’s Lie:

A. A player who has thrown from anotherplayer’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, asdetermined by the offending player, a majority

of his or her group, or an ofcial. See section

803.11 C if the disc has been declared lost.

803.11 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 ofcial. Two players or anofcial must note when the timing of three

minutes begins. All players of the group must,

upon request, assist in searching for the disc

803.09–803.11 Page 14



for the full three minutes before the disc

is declared lost. The disc is considered lost

immediately upon the expiration of the three

minute time limit.

B. A player whose disc is declared lost shall

receive one penalty throw. If the throw was

made from the tee, the player will re-tee for

the next shot. If not made from the tee, the

group will determine the approximate lie from

which the throw was made, and the player

will throw again from that lie. The director

may designate a drop zone for lost discs on a

particular hole. If a drop zone is provided, theplayer may throw from there instead of the

previous lie or the tee. In all cases the original

throw plus one penalty throw shall be counted

in the player's score.

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 two throws removed fromhis or her score.

D. A marker disc that is lost shall be replaced

in its approximate lie as agreed to by a

majority of the group or an ofcial with no

penalty.

803.12 Mandatories:

A. A mandatory restricts the path the discmay take to the target. A disc must pass the

correct side of the mandatory before the hole

is completed. Once the disc has completely

passed the mandatory line on the correct side

(even if it subsequently re-crosses the line), the

mandatory is to be ignored for the remainder

of play on that hole.

(1) The mandatory line is the line marked by the director or course designer to indicate

when a disc has passed or missed the

mandatory.

(2) If no line is marked, the mandatory

line is dened as a straight line through the

mandatory, perpendicular to the line from the

tee to the mandatory.

(3) In the case of a double mandatory when

no line is marked, the mandatory line is the

straight line connecting the two mandatories,

and extends beyond them in both directions.

B. A throw is considered to have missed the

mandatory if it passes the incorrect side of the

mandatory line from the direction of the tee,

and comes to rest lying completely beyondthat line.

C. A disc that has missed the mandatory

results in a one-throw penalty and the next

throw shall be made from the drop zone, as

designated for that mandatory. In cases where

the drop zone is not designated, the lie is

marked within ve meters of the mandatory

object and one meter behind the mandatory line which extends from the correct side of the

mandatory.

D. When marking the lie, if the line of

play does not pass the correct side of the

mandatory, then the mandatory itself shall

be considered the hole for the application of

all rules regarding stance, markers, obstacles,

and relief. For the purposes of taking a legalstance, the mandatory object which has not

yet been passed, and is nearest the tee, will be

considered to be the hole.

E. A throw that misses a mandatory shall be

penalized and the lie marked according to

the mandatory rule (803.12). It will not be

further penalized for any other reason, such

as out-of-bounds or above two meters.

803.11-803.12 Page 15



803.13 Holing Out:

A. A player who fails to play any hole or fails

to hole out on any hole during the round

may be disqualied, at the discretion of thedirector, using the following guidelines:

(1) Holes missed due to late arrival may be

scored and penalized according to section

1.5 B of the Competition Manual.

(2) Inadvertently failing to hole out

(as determined by a majority of the group or

an ofcial) shall result in 2 penalty throws

being added to the number of throws plus

penalty throws already taken on the hole. The

hole shall then be considered completed.

(3) Intentionally failing to hole out (emergency,

injury, plane ight, etc.) constitutes

withdrawal from competition. The player shall

be withdrawn from competition and ofcially

listed as “Did Not Finish” on the scorecard and

in the event results.

B. Disc Entrapment Devices: In order to

hole out, the thrower must release the disc

and it must come to rest supported by the

chains and/or the inner cylinder (bottom and

inside wall) of the tray. It may be additionally

supported by the pole. A disc observed by two

or more players of the group or an ofcial to

have entered the target below the top of thetray or above the bottom of the chain support

is not holed out.

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 specied by the director.

804. TournamentProcedures

804.01 Special Conditions: A. Rules governing special conditions that may

exist on the course shall be clearly dened and

disseminated to all players prior to the start of

the tournament. All special conditions shall be

covered in the players' meeting. Each player is

responsible for adhering to all points covered

in the players' meeting.

B. The drop zone may be utilized in specialconditions. The director must announce

prior to the tournament how it is to be used

and if a penalty throw is to be assessed.

If no penalty is announced prior to the

tournament, none will be assessed for use of

the drop zone in special conditions.

C. The two meter rule may be utilized

in special conditions. The director mustannounce prior to the tournament how it

is to be used and if a penalty throw is to be

assessed. If no penalty is announced prior to

the tournament, none will be assessed when a

disc comes to rest two meters or higher above

the playing surface. The director may declare

the two meter rule to be in effect for the

entire course, or just for individual obstacles.

D. No rules may be stipulated which conict

with the PDGA Rules of Play, unless approved

by the Tour Manager of the PDGA.

804.02 Beginning Play:Please refer to section 1.5B of the

Competition Manual.

803.13-804.02 Page 16



804.03 Scoring:

A. The player listed rst on the scorecard(s)

bears primary responsibility for picking

up the group’s scorecard(s), although any player may deliver it (them) to the rst

player. Players in the group shall rotate the

scorekeeping responsibility proportionally,

unless a player or a scorekeeper volunteers

to keep score 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 onthe player’s score, they shall consult 803.01 D.

C. The scorekeeper shall record the score for

each player on each hole as the total number

of throws, including penalty throws. The

round total shall also be recorded as the

total number of throws, including penalty

throws. The use of anything else (including

the lack of a score) represents an incorrecthole or total score and is subject to penalty

as described in 804.03.G(2).

D. Warnings and penalty throws given to a

player for rules infractions shall be noted on

the scorecard.

E. 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 playersof 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.

F. All players are responsible for returning

their scorecards within 25 minutes after

the completion of a round. Failure to do soshall result in the assessment of two penalty

throws, without a warning, to each player

listed on the late scorecard.

G. After the scorecard is turned in,

the total score as recorded 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 ofcially 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, including omission of the total

score, the director shall add two penalty

throws to the correct total score. These

penalty throws are not added when the TD

(or an ofcial designated by the TD, such as a

course director) corrects a player’s score for

other infractions determined after this player

had turned in an otherwise correct scorecard.

(3) Late Scorecard. See 804.03 F.

804.03 Page 17





Page 19

Project Credits

Much appreciation is due the PDGA Rules

Committee members who helped in this

revision:

Conrad Damon, Chair

Peter Bygde (SWE)

Gary Duke

Harold Duvall

Jim Garnett

Shawn Sinclair

Rick Voakes

Layout and typesetting by Craig Dodds

Suggestions for improvements to the next

revision should be in writing and made to:

Conrad Damon

c/o International Disc Golf Center

Wildwood Park

3828 Dogwood Lane

Appling, GA [email protected]

Full copyright to this book and any iteration

of its contents is reserved by the PDGA.

Copies of this book are sold to cover costs

of production and may be obtained from

the PDGA ofce or at www.pdgastore.com.

PDGA afliated associations are permitted

to translate these rules into their ownlanguage provided the rules are not altered

or contradicted. The PDGA Executive

Director must be notied of such translation

and publication and must receive a copy.

The PDGA is a non-prot organization

under US IRC Section 501(c)(4) and its

incorporated business ofce is located at:

Alamo Corporate Center

102 S. Tejan Street, Suite 800

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Summary o Rules Changes

Denitions of the basket and its

components have been added to theGlossary so that we no longer have to

use the phrase "entrapment section".

The denition of holing out has been

tightened up a bit. A putt that sticks in

the side of the tray, or hangs outside

the tray from one of the nubs, no longer

counts.

The hole has been completed once thedisc has come to rest, not when the disc

is removed.

The "unplayable lie" rule has been

reformulated into an "optional

rethrow" rule. It is now clear that

penalty strokes are not added if the

rethrow option is taken, so that double

jeopardy is avoided.

The rules for a lie above ground have

been changed to include a lie below

ground (in a crevice or below a bridge,

for example).

The relief rules have been simplied.

You can't move anything unless it's

in your stance. If something is both

in your stance and between your lieand the hole, you can move it. You can

always ask people to move themselves

or their stuff if they are in your way.

The 5-meter relief rule has been

extended to anywhere back along the

line of play, and moved to the relief

section.

A director may designate a drop zone to

be used for lost disc on a hole.





Outline o Contents

Section 1: Tournament Procedures

1.1 Player Eligibility

1.2 Tournament Registration

1.3 Withdraws and Reunds

1.4 Event Check-In

1.5 Practice Rounds and

Beginning Play1.6 Grouping and Sectioning

1.7 Suspension o Play

1.8 Reduction o Field Size

1.9 Tie Breakers

1.10 Distribution o Prizes

1.11 Ofcials

Section 2: Division Qualifcations

2.1 General

2.2 Exceptions

2.3 Reclassifcation

2.4 Pros Playing Am

2.5 Trophy Only

Section 3: Player Code o Conduct

3.1 General

3.2 Pace o Play

3.3 Player Misconduct

3.4 Dress Code

3.5 Carts and Caddies

3.6 Tour Player Media andSponsor Relations

3.7 Tour Vendor Policies

3.8 Tournament Director Rights

and Responsibilities

© Copyright 2011 The Proessional Disc Gol Association (PDGA)



PDGA Competition Manual

Proessional Disc Gol Association

Revised January 1, 2011

Read more about the rules o disc gol at www.pdga.com

IntroductionThe PDGA Competition Manual outlines procedures and guidelines for PDGA events,

and is to be used in conjunction with the Ofcial Rules of Play and Tour Standards

document. These procedures and guidelines are required for all PDGA sanctioned events

unless specied otherwise. If a Tournament Director nds any provision in the document

unacceptable a waiver may be requested by contacting the Tour Manager at [email protected]

or 706.261.6342.

The Spirit o the Game

Disc golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The

game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and

to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner,

demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive

they may be. This is the spirit of the game of disc golf.



1.1-1.3 Page 2

Section 1:Tournament

Procedures1.1 Player Eligibility

A. All members in good standing of the

PDGA are eligible to compete in any division

for which they qualify based upon class

(Professional or Amateur), age, sex, and

player rating unless approved in advance by

the PDGA Tour Manager. Please see Section

2: Division Qualication for more specicinformation on division eligibility.

B. Current PDGA Membership is required to

compete in any Major, Elite Series/National

Tour, or SuperTour (A Tier) event.

C. In all other PDGA sanctioned events,

players who are not current members may

compete by paying a non-member fee. Thisfee is required for all players except players

competing in a Junior division.

1.2 Tournament Registration

A . Pre-registration is required for PDGA Major

& Elite Series/National Tour events and

strongly suggested for all other tier events.

B. A player is ofcially “entered” in theevent when their entry fee is received at the

tournament address.

C. All openings in the eld of play will be lled

on a rst come-rst serve basis, until the

allocated places have been lled.

D. The order of entries received will be

according to the postmark of the packagecontaining the entry fee payment.

E. Entries received via an on-line entry method

shall be date and time-stamped based on the

actual time the entry fee is received at theon-line entry point.

F. In the event that multiple entries are

received simultaneously, the player with

the lowest PDGA number shall have priority.

G. Posting of the pre-registration list

on pdga.com is required for Major & Elite

Series/National Tour events and strongly suggested for all tier events.

1.3 Withdraws and Reunds

A. A player may ofcially withdraw only

by contacting the Tournament Director.

B. Players must email or phone their

withdrawals to the Tournament Director only

at the contact information posted.

C. Discussions with persons other than

the Tournament Director, including other

tournament staff, shall not be considered

ofcial.

D. No refunds will be issued after the

7th day prior to the start of the event, but

the player shall be sent a player’s package if one was provided to event competitors.

E. Withdrawals made before the 7th day prior

to the start of the event shall receive

a 50% refund.

F. Withdrawals made 14 days prior to the

start of the event shall be refunded 100 %, less

postage and handling, which shall not exceed10% of the entry fee.



1.4-1.5 Page 3

G. These criteria may be relaxed at the

discretion of the Tournament Director.

1.4 Event Check-In

A. Pre tournament check-in is required for

Major & Elite Series/National Tour events and

suggested for all other tier events.

B. Any player who does not check-in by the time

specied by the TD shall forfeit their ofcial

place and entry fee. Exceptions will be made

only at the sole discretion of the TournamentDirector.

1.5 Practice Rounds and

Beginning Play

A. A player is responsible for scheduling their

practice rounds prior to the event. Availability

of the course and its tournament set-up for

practice rounds may vary (see Tour Standards

for details). The course or courses are closed topractice during the tournament and all other

times designated by the Tournament Director.

B. Two types of starts will be used to begin

competitive play:

(1) Shotgun Starts (rounds where several

groups start simultaneously): At a scheduled

time, scorecard(s) shall be distributed tothe player listed rst 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 allpractice 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 ofcial. After being warned, subsequentthrows by the player during this period, if

observed by two or more players or an

ofcial, 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 shallallow 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 nish a round, the player may, at

the discretion of the director, be disqualied.

(2) 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 doesnot distract players

on the course. If a player is not present

to throw when it is his or her turn, thescorekeeper 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 nish a round, the player may,

at the discretion of the director, bedisqualied.



1.6-1.7 Page 4

C. It is the sole responsibility of the player

to be at the course, ready to play in time for

the start of their round.

1.6 Grouping and Sectioning

A. Professional and Amateur players should

not be grouped together, and players

competing in different divisions should be

segregated from each other during play as

much as practicable.

B. All players within a division for the rst

round should be grouped via two methods:

(1) Random grouping; players within a

division may be randomly grouped for the

rst round.

(2) Player Rating grouping; players within

a division may use player rating to

set rst round groups. Highest rated

player starting on the lowest number hole,the second highest rated player starting

on the following hole, etc. This process

would continue until all starting holes

have been lled.

C. To promote fairness, groups shall not

be less than three players, except under

extenuating circumstances, as deemed

necessary by the director. In cases wherefewer than three players are required to play

together players, an ofcial is required to

accompany the group and may play as long

as this does not interfere with the competing

players.

D. Groups shall not be more than ve

players and should be limited to four players

whenever possible.

E. When there are more entrants than can

play together in one round, the eld of

competitors may be split into sections or

pools.

F. If conditions differently affect play

among sections, the director may consider

using a sectioning procedure to determine

advancement. Under this procedure, a

proportionate number of advancing players

would be taken from each section by score

and their scores would not be carried

forward.

1.7 Suspension o Play

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 shall immediately stop play and

mark the lie of each member of the group.

A natural object is sufcient to mark the

approximate lie from which the player shall

resume play. Players shall then return to

the rst teeing area, clubhouse, tournament

central or area designated by the director.

C. Players shall resume play from theirapproximate 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 at a time

assigned by the director until play resumes or

until the round is postponed.



1.7-1.9 Page 5

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 theprojected nish 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.

H. The Tournament Director will make

every effort to complete all rounds of the

tournament as scheduled.

(1) If a total of 54 holes or fewer holes are

scheduled. All players must completea minimum of 18 holes for the event to be

considered ofcial.

(2) If a total of 72 holes are scheduled. All

players must complete a minimum of 36

holes for the event to be considered ofcial.

(3) If these criteria are not met, all efforts

will be made to reschedule the event. If rescheduling is impossible, a full refund

will be issued minus player’s package,

PDGA, and other associated event fees.

I. Based upon course availability, and if less

than one half of the eld needs to complete a

round necessary to declare the event ofcial,

the tournament may be completed the day

after the nal round was scheduled. Allsuspended rounds shall be completed, unless

conditions exist that make it impossible. If

such conditions exist, the results shall be nal

as of the last completed round as long as the

necessary hole requirements are met.

J. The completion of a suspended round is ahigher priority than a future round and thus

future rounds shall be canceled in order to

complete a suspended round.

1.8 Reduction o Field Size

A. The eld may be cut for a semi nals or

nals at the discretion of the Tournament

Director, provided this is announced well

in advance of the event.

B. Unless announced in advance by the

Tournament Director all ties for a semi nal

or nal cut will be broken by the use of a

tiebreaker. (See Section 1.9).

C. Making the cut line at or above the cash

line is highly recommended.

D. Any eligible player who chooses not to

participate in a semi nal or nal shall

receive cash or prizes equal to nishing last

in the appropriate cut.

1.9 Tie Breakers

A. Between rounds when the groups are

being reset, tied positions shall be broken.

The player with the lowest score in the mostrecent round shall have the highest ranking

when the scorecards/positions are reset. In

the event of ties for lowest score, the ties

shall be broken by the director through a

consistently applied manner.

B. Final ties for rst place in any division

or for the reduction of eld size must be

broken by sudden death play. Sudden deathplay shall begin with hole number one

unless a different hole or series of holes is



1.9-1.11 Page 6

designated by the Tournament Director

prior to the start of the tournament.

C. First place cash/prize must be awardedto the division winner and listed in the event

results. Cash or prizes may not be evenly split

between any players tied for rst place.

D. Final ties for other ranks shall be ofcially

recorded as ties. Prize money distribution

to tied players (other than for rst place)

shall be determined by adding the total

money allocated to the number of positionsrepresented 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.

1.10 Distribution o Prizes

A. Any prizes (money or merchandise)

declined by a player must pass down to the

next nishing position. (Example: If a player

placing third declines his prize, the player in

fourth place will receive third place prize, the

player in fth will receive fourth place prize,

etc.) Tournaments are allowed to retain prizes

that have been declined by all players within

a division only after the declined prizes have

been passed through all nishing positions.

B. The usage of skins (and other similar

formats) is permitted at PDGA events but

scores are not allowed to determine a player’s

overall standing in the event and prizes are

not credited towards a player’s winnings.

C. Any prizes that a player has earned

will be distributed at the completion of the

event once the results have been tabulated

and veried.

(1) Tournament Directors may award prizes

earlier at their discretion.

(2) Players who leave before the ofcial

distribution of prizes do not relinquish

their winnings but are responsible for

any associated shipping costs.

1.11 Ofcials

A. To be eligible to serve as an ofcial, an

individual must be a current PDGA member

and have demonstrated knowledge of the rules

by passing the PDGA Ofcial's Exam. Upon

signicant changes to the Rules of Play, the

PDGA Board of Directors may require ofcials

to pass an updated Ofcial's Exam to retain

certication as an ofcial.

B. Directors are required to pass the Ofcial's

Exam.

C. Each ofcial must pass the PDGA Ofcials

Exam, and must carry a copy of the rules.

D. Non-playing certied ofcials may actively

make rulings during any tournament play that they witness. If an ofcial competes in

a tournament, he or she may not ofciate

for any ruling within his or her own division.

The ofcial's ruling supersedes the ruling

of the group, but an appeal may be made to

the tournament director. The director may

empower non-certied ofcials to act as

spotters for a specic purpose. The ruling of

such a spotter supersedes the ruling of the

group.



2.1-2.2 Page 7

Section 2: DivisionQualifcations

2.1 General

A. Players are not allowed to enter a

division for which they are ineligible. Please

see The Table of PDGA Tour Player Divisions

for specics.

B. A player is solely responsible for knowing

what division(s) they are eligible to compete

in. Entry into an ineligible division may result in disqualication from the event and/

or suspension from PDGA events.

C: Players are allowed to compete in only

one division per event unless the event has

divisions competing on a different day or

weekend and is listed as two distinct entries

in the PDGA calendar.

D. A player must properly identify themselves

when competing in a PDGA sanctioned event.

Players who wish to remain anonymous or

who assume a false identity will be

disqualied from the event and face potential

suspension from the PDGA tour.

E. Professional players entering into a

Professional division compete for money and Amateur players entering into a Professional

division may accept merchandise in lieu of

cash.

F. Players entering into an Amateur division

compete for trophies and/or prizes.

G. Female players may compete in male

divisions if they wish, but male players may not compete in female divisions.

H. A player registered as an Amateur may

compete in any Pro division for which they

are eligible based on age and sex.

I. A player registered as a Professional may

only compete in Amateur divisions in select

cases. (See Section 2.4 for specics)

J. A Tournament 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 that are eligible and wishing to compete. Tournament Directors

may offer divisions with less than four

players at their discretion.

K. All Bump rules are invalid and not

allowed at PDGA sanctioned events. Players

shall be allowed to play in any divisions they

might be eligible for, if those divisions are

offered by the Tournament Director.

2.2 Exceptions

A. Players are allowed to enter a ratings

based division they would otherwise be

ineligible to participate only under the

following circumstances

(1) If approved before the event by the

PDGA Tour Manager.

(2) Players who have become ineligible

for a division due to a ratings update may

participate for two weeks following the

update, provided they are pre-registered for

the event in question, at the discretion of the TD.

(3) If competing in an applicable pointsseries (see Section 2.2 B for specics)



2.2 - 2.25 Page 8

B. Players may be allowed to enter a ratings

based division they would otherwise be

ineligible to participate in as part of a points

Series provided that

(1) The Series Director has contacted the

PDGA prior and received approval from

the PDGA Tour Manager.

(2) The Series allows players to stay in the

division for the entire Series.

(3) The player has not competed in a higherdivision at any time during the Series.

(4) The player’s rating does not exceed

20 points above the rating ceiling for the

division they wish to compete in.

2.3 Reclassifcation

A. Professional to Amateur

(1) Players registered with the PDGA as

Professionals may petition the Tour

Manager for reclassication back to

Amateur.

B. Amateur to Professional

(1) An Amateur wishing to change their

classication to Professional may doso by contacting the PDGA ofce and

requesting a Pro card.

(2) An Am player is automatically

re-classied as Pro when the player

has accepted cash while competing

in a Pro division. Accepting prizes in

lieu of cash or accepting money

for winning an ancillary contest such

as an ace pool does not cause a player to

relinquish his or her amateur status.

2.4 Pros Playing Am

A. Pros rated less than 970 may now compete

in Amateur divisions offered at PDGA A, B,

and C Tier events, for which they qualify basedon player rating, age, and sex.

(1) Pro Men and Women

<970 can play Advanced (MA1)

<935 can play Intermediate (MA2)

<900 can play Recreational (MA3)

<850 can play Novice (MA4)

<935 can play Advanced Master (MM1)

if they are of Masters age <900 can play Advanced Grandmaster

(MG1) if they are of Grandmasters age

(2) Pro Women only

<850 can play Advanced Women (FW1)

<800 can play Intermediate Women(FW2)

<750 can play Recreational Women (FW3)

B. Players are awarded Amateur pointsfor their performance but these points

are not eligible for year-end awards or Worlds

invitations.

2.5 Trophy Only

A. At the option of the TD, Amateur players

are allowed to play in Pro divisions for which

they are eligible according to age and sex at a

reduced entry fee.

B. At the option of the TD, Pro or Am players

may compete for trophies only in any Amateur

division offered by an event that their player

rating, age and sex qualies them for, by

paying a reduced entry fee.

C. Players competing under “Trophy Only”

are not allowed to accept cash or prizes based

upon nish but are allowed to accept trophies.



2.5-3.3 Page 9

D. Players paying full price should have

priority over players paying the reduced

rate. If an event or division is full, a TD may

require trophy only players to pay the fullprice in order to maintain their position in the

tournament.

Section 3: Player Code

o Conduct

3.1 General A. All PDGA members should refrain from

any conduct which is detrimental to the

game of disc golf and to the PDGA, both on

and off of the course.

B. All players must abide by the PDGA

Ofcial Rules of Disc Golf and the PDGA

Competition Manual.

C. Players are not permitted to have audible

mobile phones or audible pagers on the

course during any competitive round. In

addition, personal music players and other

devices must be used exclusively with

personal headphones and the volume must

be kept at a level so as not to be heard by

other players.

D. Animals, with the exception of serviceanimals, may not accompany players during

competition.

E. All players will be required to take and

pass an online tournament rules assessment

test before being able to compete in any

Elite Series/National Tour or Major PDGA

sanctioned event. This test will be based upon

the PDGA Ofcial Rules of Disc Golf and thePDGA Competition Manual.

F. The PDGA reserves the right to determine

and enforce further disciplinary action upon

its players and members, which may result

in probation or suspension from PDGA sanctioned events or permanent loss of PDGA

membership. For more information on the

PDGA disciplinary policies and procedures,

see the documents posted at www.pdga.com/

discipline.

3.2 Pace o Play

A. All competitors shall play without undue

delay and will make every effort to keepup with the group in front of them. Players

are required to quickly move from the

completion of one hole to the tee area of the

next hole. Also, while advancing down the

fairway, the player shall not unduly delay

play by his or her actions.

B. A player causing undue delays may

be issued an excessive time violation by tournament ofcials. Please see PDGA Rules

of Play 801.03B Excessive Time regarding

specic penalties.

3.3 Player Misconduct

A. The PDGA adopts a strict policy of

appropriate behavior and comments to

the media. Any conduct deemed to be

unprofessional is subject to disqualication by the Tournament Director, and may also

be subject to further disciplinary actions

from the PDGA.

B. Players are expected to behave in a

professional and sportsmanlike manner

while participating in a PDGA sanctioned

event. Actions that are in violation of this

conduct include but are not limited to:



3.3-3.4 Page 10

(1) Repeated and overt use of abusive or

profane language

(2) Throwing items in anger (other than

discs in play)

(3) Overt rudeness to anyone present

(4) Willful and overt destruction, abuse or

vandalism of property, including animal

and plant life

(5) Cheating: a willful attempt to circumvent

the rules of play

(6) Physical attacks or threatening behavior

to anyone present

(7) Activities which are in violation

of Federal, State or Local laws or

ordinances, park regulation or disc

golf course rule. Directors are granted the

discretion to disqualify a player based

on the severity of the offending

conduct. An ofcial warning of

disqualication may be issued by a

director where appropriate.

(8) The possession of illegal substances in

violation of Federal, State or Local laws.

(9) Excessive use of alcohol at the

tournament site.

(10) Possession of alcohol from the start

of play until the player’s scorecard

is submitted. Such possession

shall result in immediate disqualication

at PDGA events sanctioned at B-Tier

or higher. The Tournament Directormay, at his sole discretion, elect to

issue a warning to the offending player

in lieu of disqualication solely at

PDGA events sanctioned at C-tier

and below. If a player has been

previously issued a warning for alcohol

possession at the same event, allsubsequent violations shall result in

immediate disqualication.

(11) Overt failure or refusal to enforce the

rules of disc golf during competition.

(12) Failure or refusal to cooperate with, or

obstruction of any investigation by an

ofcial into the competitor’s conduct orthe conduct of another competitors.

(13) Deliberately seeking to manipulate ones

player rating through intentional

misplay or withdrawal.

C. Tournament Directors are required to

report any disqualications to the PDGA as

quickly as possible.

D. Disqualied players shall forfeit any prize

money or merchandise and shall not receive

a refund of entry fees.

E. Players who commit Player Misconduct

may also be subject to disciplinary actions.

To nd out more information about the

Disciplinary Process please visit www.pdga.com/discipline.

3.4 Dress Code

A. All violations of the Dress Code Policy shall

be considered a Courtesy Violation under

Section 801.01 of the PDGA Ofcial Rules of

Play.

B. All competitors and staff are required to wear a shirt.



3.4-3.5 Page 11

C. All competitors and staff are required to

wear shoes or other foot coverings. Players will

not be allowed to play in bare feet. Sandals or

slides are allowed.

D. The following dress code for all competitors

will be enforced at all PDGA Elite Series/

National Tour and Major Events. The PDGA

also recommends that this dress code

be enforced at Super Tour and lower tier

events, but this decision lies solely with the

Tournament Director:

(1) All players in PDGA sanctionedcompetition

and tournament staff are expected to dress

appropriately and to maintain a clean and

well-groomed appearance at all event sites

and associated functions.

(2) All players must wear a shirt covering

their upper chest area. A well-tailored

shirt with a fold-down, mock turtle,

v-neck, crew neck, Henley, or zipperedcollar, and with sleeves covering the part of

the arm from the shoulder to the elbow

(commonly known as the upper arm), shall

be considered acceptable.

Women are also allowed to wear sleeveless

shirts as designated above.

(3) No tee shirts will be allowed, except forcompetitors in the Junior and Amateur

divisions during preliminary rounds

only. Juniors and Amateurs shall not wear

tee shirts during seminal or nal rounds.

Crew neck or v-neck shirts made of high-

performance or high-tech materials, such

as Dry-Fit, Cool-Max, and others will be

allowed.

(4) Shirts that hang down lower than the

bottom hemline on the player’s shorts

shall be tucked in.

(5) No ripped shirts, shorts, pants will

be allowed on the course. This includes

unhemmed, torn or cut “vents” at the

shirt collar.

(6) No offensive, profane, or obscene

slogans or logos shall be allowed on

any clothing. Junior players may not

wear slogans or logos referring to alcohol

or tobacco.

(7) This dress code will be in effect from

start to nish at each event, including alltournament rounds.

(8) Players who do not make a cut,

but wish to remain on site through

the duration of the tournament, will

be considered spectators and will not be

required to conform to the Tour’s dress

code.

3.5 Carts and Caddies

A. Players are required to walk during their

tournament rounds at all PDGA events unless

alternate transportation such as golf carts are

provided to all competitors

B. Players will have the option to bring a

caddie or carrying device during their round

of play. A player’s caddie is subject to all items with in the PDGA Rules of Play and the PDGA

Competition Manual including all applicable

dress codes.

C. Players choosing to use a caddie will be

solely responsible for their caddie’s conduct

from the two minute warning until the

players cards are turned in. Misconduct by a

caddie may subject the player and caddy todisqualication and/or suspension.

D. Players must instruct their caddies to



maintain a reasonable distance and not

interfere with a competitor attempting his or

her shot.

E. For those players wishing to use a carrying

device, approved carrying devices include

disc golf bags, foldable chairs and push cart

companions. No animals, motor driven or

bicycle type devices shall be allowed at all

PDGA events.

3.6 Tour Player Media and

Sponsor Relations

A. All participants agree that the PDGA and

its agents may publish photographs and other

kinds of images of their participation at PDGA

sanctioned events.

B. All players at PDGA Elite Series/National

Tour and Major events are requested to be

available to any and all media while on site

except during or within 30 minutes of the start

of a competitive round.

3.7 Tour Vendor Policies

A. The Tournament Director may refuse to

allow any vendor access to the tournament

venue and its environs at their discretion.

B. If applicable, sponsors/vendors are

responsible for obtaining the required permits

from the appropriate agencies/ jurisdictions

and must make permits available to the

Tournament Director upon request.

C. Failure to comply with this policy by a

vendor may result in further disciplinary

actions by the PDGA.

3.8 Tournament Director

Rights and Responsibilities

The PDGA recognizes that the strength of the

organization and stainability of tournamentgolf is reliant on the partnership between the

PDGA and the Tournament Director. In order

to help the Tournament Director to better

perform their job, the PDGA has endowed

them with certain rights. The Tournament

Director also has responsibilities to the PDGA

and its players, including but not limited to the

following:

A. Any qualied PDGA member interested

in running a PDGA sanctioned event may

be required to take and pass an online

tournament procedures assessment test

before being able to direct that event. This test

will be based upon the PDGA Rules of Play

and Competition Manual.

B. All Tournament Directors may be requiredto sign a statement acknowledging that

they have read the PDGA Rules of Play and

Competition Manual, and agree to abide by

and enforce its contents before being able to

direct any PDGA sanctioned event.

C. Tournament Directors must disclose the

nancial information on their tournaments

as listed in the PDGA Sanctioning Agreement.

However, beyond the PDGA required

disclosures, any additional release of

tournament related nancial information is

solely at the discretion of the Tournament

Director.

D. Tournament Directors may not

refuse service to anyone on the basis of

discrimination reecting race, creed, national

origin, gender, sexual orientation and orreligion.

3.6-3.8 Page 12



E. Tournament Directors must abide by

active PDGA player disciplinary actions.

F. Any issues that may arise during atournament, whether or not covered in

any existing PDGA document, including

allegations of abuse of responsibilities by

a Tournament Director, may be brought

to the attention of the PDGA through the

PDGA Disciplinary Process.

3.8 Page 13

PDGA Administrative Ofces:

International Disc Golf Center • 3828 Dogwood Lane • Appling, GA 30802

Full copyright to this book and any

iterations of its contents is reserved by

the PDGA. Copies of this book are sold

to cover costs of production and may beobtained from the PDGA ofce or at

www.pdgastore.com.

The PDGA is a nonprot organization

under US IRC Section 501 (c)(4) and its

incorporated business ofce is located at:

Alamo Corporate Center

102 S. Tejan Street, Suite 800

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

First edition of the PDGA Competition

Manual was made in January 2007.

Second edition of the PDGA Competition

Manual was made in January 2010.

Third edition of the PDGA Competition

Manual was made in January 2011

© 2011 PDGA Professional Disc Golf

Association.

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