Mandatories and drop zones: the rules explained
A mando’s arrow shows the side your disc must pass. Miss it and take one penalty throw, then play from the drop zone, or your previous lie if there isn’t one.
Rules covered
804.01, 802.05. Summaries follow the PDGA Official Rules, 2026 edition.
804.01What a mando is
A mandatory, or mando, limits the path your disc may take. An arrow on a tree, pole or sign shows which side to pass. On the wrong side is an imaginary vertical wall, the restricted plane, set by the mando and its markers.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 804.01)
804.01Missing a mando
If any part of your disc clearly crosses the restricted plane, you missed the mando. Take one penalty throw and play from the mando’s drop zone, or from your previous lie if there is no drop zone. If it isn’t clear the disc crossed, there’s no penalty.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 804.01)
802.05Drop zones
A drop zone is a marked spot you play from after certain penalties, like a missed mando, OB or a lost disc, when the course or tournament director sets one. It’s played like a teeing area or like a marked lie, depending on how it’s set up.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 802.05)
804.01Required or optional
After a missed mando you must use the drop zone if the mando has one. After OB, the drop zone is one of your options only when the course or tournament director offers it. Either way the penalty is one throw.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 804.01)
See also
Rule summaries are based on the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf. Shot Lab is not affiliated with the PDGA.
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