Out of bounds: the rules explained
Fully inside the OB line means out. Take one penalty throw and play from where it went out, or from the drop zone if there is one.
Rules covered
806.02, 806.03, 806.04. Summaries follow the PDGA Official Rules, 2026 edition.
806.02When a disc is out
A disc is out of bounds when the OB area completely surrounds the spot where it came to rest. The OB line itself counts as out, so a disc sitting on the line is out. If it is clear the disc went into an OB area, it is out even if nobody can find it.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.02The OB penalty
Out of bounds costs one penalty throw, added to the throw that went out. You can’t throw from inside an OB area or stand in one to throw.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.02Where to play after OB
You choose where to play your next throw: from your previous lie (a re-throw), from a lie marked within 1 m (3 ft) of where the disc last crossed into OB, or from the drop zone when the course or tournament director offers one. After marking, you may also move back along the line of play at no extra cost.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.02In bounds, near the line
If your disc is in bounds but within 1 m (3 ft) of an OB line, you may move your lie anywhere on a 1 m line that runs from the boundary through your disc, square to the boundary. It’s free, and it gives you room to stand in bounds.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.02Going straight to the drop zone
Where the tournament director allows it, a player may go directly to the drop zone for two penalty throws.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.02Picking it up too soon
If you move your disc before the group decides whether it is out, it is treated as out.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.02)
806.03Water
Water isn’t out of bounds on its own. In-bounds water counts as a casual area, so you may take free relief, unless the tournament director made it part of play. Many courses mark ponds and creeks as OB or as a hazard in their local rules, so check the tee sign.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.03)
806.04Required relief areas
Some areas, like a garden or a parking lot, are marked so you may not play from them. They work like OB without the penalty throw: mark your lie within 1 m (3 ft) of where the disc went in. You can’t just re-throw from your previous lie for free, though you can abandon the throw for one penalty throw.
Terms
Read the full rule at pdga.com (rule 806.04)
A quick check
Not sure if it’s in? If any part of the disc is touching in-bounds ground, it’s in. When the card can’t agree, the majority decides.
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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