Fair play and courtesy: the rules explained

800Play it as you find it

Each hole starts at the tee and ends at the basket, and every throw after the tee is made from where the last one stopped. You play the course as you find it and the disc where it lies, unless a rule lets you move it. You can’t change the course to make a hole easier.

Terms

• Lie
• Tee

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 800)

801.01When the rules don’t say

The rules exist so everyone plays on equal terms. When two rules seem to fit, use the one that speaks most directly to the situation. When no rule covers it, decide what is fair, using the closest rule as a guide.

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 801.01)

801.02Calling a violation

Any player in the group can call a violation on another player when it clearly happens, and the call has to be made right away to count (misplays are the exception). A warning stands on one player’s call. A call that adds a penalty throw needs a second player in the group, or an official, to confirm it. You can call a violation on yourself without confirmation.

Terms

• Warning
• Penalty throw
• Official

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 801.02)

801.02When the group can’t agree

When nobody is sure where a disc went or whether it is in, the group votes. Everyone except the thrower votes first and the option with the most votes wins. The thrower can say what they saw but can’t argue for it, and breaks a tied vote. An official’s call overrides the group.

Terms

• Official

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 801.02)

801.02Warnings and penalty throws

Some violations, like courtesy, taking too long and marking, get a warning the first time and a penalty throw each time after that in the same round. Warnings don’t carry over to the next round or a playoff. When one action breaks two rules, the one with more penalty throws applies.

Terms

• Warning
• Penalty throw

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 801.02)

801.03Appealing a call

If you disagree with a warning, a penalty or a group decision, tell the group right away. With no official nearby, you can play provisional throws and take it to an official later. The tournament director has the final word.

Terms

• Provisional throw
• Official
• Tournament director

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 801.03)

812Courtesy

Don’t throw when someone could be hit or distracted, don’t talk or move while someone is throwing, and don’t walk ahead of the player farthest from the basket. No profanity, no kicking or throwing equipment, no litter. Shout only to warn someone in a disc’s path. Help look for lost discs and watch the others throw.

Terms

• Away

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 812)

812Courtesy penalties

The first courtesy violation in a round is a warning. Each one after that costs one penalty throw. Any affected player or an official can call it, and repeated violations can get a player disqualified.

Terms

• Warning
• Penalty throw

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 812)

802.03Taking too long

You have 30 seconds to throw from the tee, a drop zone or within 20 m (66 ft) of the basket, and 45 seconds from anywhere else. The clock starts once it’s your turn, you have reached your lie and the way is clear. The first time is a warning, then one penalty throw each time.

Terms

• Warning
• Drop zone

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 802.03)

803.04Damaging the course

Harming any part of the course on purpose, like snapping a branch out of your way, costs two penalty throws, and a tournament director can disqualify you for it.

Terms

• Penalty throw

Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 803.04)