🏛️Official — PDGA
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Absolute silence and stillness during a player's throw
All players and observers must be completely silent and motionless while a player addresses the disc and throws. Talking, shuffling feet, or creating any distraction is the most serious breach of disc golf etiquette. Players are also expected to stand outside the thrower's peripheral vision.
Mark your lie honestly without creeping the disc forward
Players are expected to mark the front edge of their disc's lie precisely before placing a mini marker—not nudging the disc ahead to gain distance. Because casual and even many competitive rounds run entirely on the honor system with no referee present, dishonest lie marking is viewed as the gravest integrity violation in the sport.
All players stop and help search for a lost disc
When any player in the group loses a disc, everyone—including direct competitors—is expected to halt and assist in the search. Standing aside or continuing to prepare for your own throw while a competitor searches alone is widely considered poor sportsmanship.
Never show visible joy at a competitor's mistake
Laughing, cheering, or visibly celebrating when a competitor throws out of bounds, misses a critical putt, or hits trouble is considered deeply unsportsmanlike. Disc golf culture strongly prizes composed, respectful reactions to all outcomes—good and bad—by everyone in the group.
Shout 'Fore!' immediately for any errant throw near others
When a throw travels toward other players, pedestrians, or bystanders, the thrower must call out a loud warning the instant the disc goes off-line. Failing to warn someone of an incoming disc—regardless of whether it ultimately misses—is both a safety and etiquette failure.
Don't throw until the fairway ahead is completely clear
Players wait for the group ahead to move fully out of range before throwing, even on seemingly open holes with generous sight lines. Throwing into the group in front—regardless of confidence in distance or accuracy—earns a swift and lasting negative reputation.
Do not walk across a player's putting line
Players must not step between a competitor and the basket before or during their putt, nor disturb the ground between the mini marker and the target. Crossing someone's putting line without acknowledgment is considered a meaningful breach of course etiquette.
Players carry their own discs; caddies are permitted in most divisions and may carry the bag; Markers (small mini-marker discs) used to mark the lie are PDGA-approved or improvised within rule; Towels, water, weather gear, and rangefinders are permitted unless restricted by event-specific rules
Why people argue about this
People often assume that just because a key is attached to their disc doesn't mean it's altered, leading them to think they can use it as normal. However, the official rule strictly prohibits any alteration, which includes even attaching accessories like keys or lanyards, regardless of how innocuous they might seem.
Score on a hole equals the number of throws taken plus any penalty throws assessed. Throws include the tee shot, every subsequent throw on the hole, and the throw that holes out.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only tee shots count towards your score, forgetting about all those other throws like approach shots and chip shots. But actually, every throw you make on a hole counts toward your total score according to this rule, not just the initial tee shot.
Players are responsible for being aware of natural hazards: water, cliffs, dense brush, wildlife, and uneven terrain; Risk acceptance for retrieving discs from hazardous areas is the player's responsibility; no penalty applies to declaring a disc unsafe to retrieve and accepting the lost-disc pen...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that water stations are automatically placed at regular intervals along every long PDGA course, which they think should be a given for fairness. However, the official verdict clarifies that TDs typically arrange these based on practical considerations like player needs and course layout, not as a standard feature of all long courses.
Hazards (one-throw penalty without re-throw, the disc is played from where it lies) are differentiated from OB (one-throw penalty with re-throw or drop zone). Tournament Directors define hazards on a per-event basis.
Why people argue about this
People often think that hazards are just like out-of-bounds in golf—meaning they get a free throw from where the hazard is located. But actually, these course hazards result in a one-throw penalty without an automatic re-throw or drop zone, unlike OB situations which do allow for a re-throw if needed.
A disc golf course consists of a sequenced set of holes, typically nine or eighteen, each comprising a tee area, a fairway, and a target. Each hole has a designated par — the number of throws an expert player is expected to require to hole out — and a designated rated distance.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a disc golf course's par number is based solely on the distance from tee to basket, which leads them to believe it doesn't consider accuracy or skill level. However, the official verdict clarifies that par takes into account both the rated distance and the required precision needed to hole out, not just the physical distance.
Smoking near other players, distracting actions during another player's throw, throwing without a clear fairway, profanity in earshot of spectators or other players, and other discourteous conduct; First courtesy violation in a round is a warning; subsequent courtesy violations carry a one-throw ...
— Rule 801
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they didn't intentionally damage anything when it comes to 'courtesy violations', but in reality, the rule is quite broad and can encompass a wide range of unintentional actions like leaving trash or improperly disposing of used discs, which could be seen as negligence rather than malicious intent.
Players may not use a disc that has been altered in a manner that changes its original PDGA-approved flight characteristics. , cracked, gouged, or have a piece broken off) become unsuitable for further competition and must be replaced from the player's bag with a PDGA-approved disc.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that modifying a disc's flight characteristics is only about adding weight or changing its color, so they argue when they find out it includes altering materials like adding grip tape or reinforcing the rim with duct tape to improve distance control, which technically violates the rule as it changes the original PDGA-approved flight.
Damaged discs (cracked, gouged, broken) must not be returned to play in PDGA-sanctioned events; Sharp-edged discs are not PDGA-approved and may not be used in competition; Caddies and spectators retrieving thrown discs do so at their own risk
Why people argue about this
People often assume that spectators are only supposed to watch from a safe distance without needing to actively monitor the fairway for clear space, leading to arguments about their responsibilities. However, the actual rule requires them to be alert and ready to move if needed, ensuring players can safely throw without interference.
Players throw a flying disc — a circular plastic implement with a continuously curved upper surface and a peripheral rim. The PDGA Technical Standards govern disc dimensions, weight, and rim configuration; only PDGA-approved discs may be used in PDGA-sanctioned competition.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only intentionally tampering with a disc counts as an alteration, leading them to argue about whether damage sustained during play is considered an "altered" disc under this rule. The confusion arises because the official language doesn't explicitly define what constitutes an "alteration," leaving room for interpretation based on how players perceive their own actions.
Falsifying a scorecard, refusing a TD ruling, fighting or threatening violence, intentionally damaging course property, and similarly serious misconduct are grounds for disqualification from the event under Rule 801 and may trigger PDGA Disciplinary review extending to multi-event suspensions.
— Rule 801
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only intentional acts like damaging course property can lead to disqualification, forgetting that falsifying a scorecard is just as serious and can happen unintentionally if someone tries to cheat by altering their own results. The confusion arises because they overlook how easily the integrity of an event can be compromised with such dishonesty.
). Drop zones are part of the course design and are noted in the round briefing and on the tee signs.
Why people argue about this
People often think that a drop zone is just for when you hit your ball into water, but in disc golf, it's actually used for any penalty situation like missing mandatory baskets or hitting deep rough. The confusion arises because they see it as an area only for OB (out of bounds) penalties and not realize its broader application within the sport’s rules.
The fairway is the area within the boundaries of the hole where play is intended; the rules do not require play to remain on a defined fairway, only that the disc not come to rest in OB; OB areas are defined by the Tournament Director: roads, parking lots, water, marked lines, defined property bo...
— Rule 805
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if a disc hits a mandatory obstacle like a tree on either side of the arrow, it's still considered fair game and no penalty is incurred. However, the official verdict clarifies that hitting the mandatory from either side results in a one-throw penalty, highlighting the crucial distinction between passing through versus hitting the obstacle itself.
Within 10 meters of the target — the "putting circle" — the player must demonstrate full balance after releasing the disc and before stepping forward. The player must not advance any supporting point closer to the target than the marker until full balance has been demonstrated.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that they can start moving before achieving full balance, thinking it's just a precautionary measure. But in reality, the rule strictly requires demonstrating full balance first, which can lead to confusion when players feel pressured to move prematurely for fear of breaking the rule.
A breach of the falling-putt rule within 10 meters of the target is a stance violation. The throw counts and is followed by a one-throw penalty and a re-throw from the original lie when the violation is the player's second on the hole, per the standard stance-violation cadence.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that falling putts are only penalized if they land on the green within 10 meters of the target, but in reality, it's the player’s stance when they fall to the ground while putting that triggers a penalty, not necessarily where the ball lands. They overlook the fact that the rule is about the position of the player at impact, not the final resting place of the putted ball.
Long PDGA tournament rounds are physically demanding. Players carry their own water in most events; TDs typically arrange water stations on long courses.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PDGA tournaments provide unlimited water for players at every hole, which leads them to argue about how they should manage their hydration during long rounds. However, the official stance is that players carry their own water and TDs only set up water stations on courses longer than 9 holes, so there's no expectation of constant access to water throughout each round.
A hole is completed when the disc comes to rest fully supported by the basket or by the chains assembly above the basket entry. A disc that strikes the chains and falls outside the basket is not holed and must be played from where it comes to rest.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their disc touches the chains and then falls outside the basket, it's still considered holed, which is why they argue. Actually, the official verdict clearly states that a disc must come to rest fully supported by the basket or chains assembly for it to be considered holed, so touching the chains doesn't count as completion under any circumstances in this sport.
The TD has authority to suspend play for lightning, severe wind, hail, or other conditions hazardous to players. PDGA recommends compliance with local lightning detection and the standard "30-30 ru...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PDGA tournaments provide ample water stations along long courses for players, especially during hot days when dehydration is a concern. However, the official stance clarifies that TDs typically arrange water stations only on a case-by-case basis and not as a standard practice for all events, leading to misunderstandings about what’s expected or provided by default.
A disc is declared lost if it is not located within 3 minutes after the group reaches the area where the disc is believed to be. A lost disc carries a one-throw penalty, and the lie is established at the previous lie (or at a designated drop zone where applicable).
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if they can't find their lost disc within 3 minutes, they must have intentionally hidden it themselves, leading to arguments about cheating. However, the confusion arises because the rule specifically states a disc is declared lost due to not being located in the designated area, not necessarily indicating foul play or intentional hiding.
One-throw penalty plus replay from the previous lie, after the 3-minute search interval has elapsed.
Why people argue about this
People think they can ignore time violations if their throw is good, but actually, once a warning is given for exceeding the 30-second window, every subsequent violation requires a one-throw penalty, regardless of whether the shot was successful or not.
A mandatory ("mando") is a designated obstacle (often a tree or pole) marked by an arrow indicating the side the disc must pass. A disc that fails to pass a mandatory on the indicated side incurs a one-throw penalty and is played from the designat...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their disc goes past a mandatory on either side of the arrow, they're automatically out due to a penalty. However, the official verdict clarifies that as long as the disc doesn't touch or cross over the marked side entirely, it's still considered legal and only incurs a one-throw penalty.
After the tee shot and on every subsequent throw, the lie — the position from which the next throw is made — is marked. Two methods are recognized: Marking with the thrown disc itself, with the disc remaining where it came to rest (the leading edge of the disc closest to the target defines the li...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that marking the lie is only about setting up a boundary for where players can throw from, when in reality it's more about ensuring fair play by keeping track of each player’s specific starting point on their course route, which helps prevent disputes over whether a shot was played within the designated area or not.
A disc that fails to pass a mandatory on the indicated side incurs a one-throw penalty, with the next lie at the designated drop zone or, in absence of a drop zone, the previous lie.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a missed mandatory is just about being late for your throw, but in reality, it's more nuanced - you can miss the mandatory if you're too far away from the basket or if you've already used up your 30-second window on another shot, leading to confusion with other time-related infractions.
A disc determined to be OB carries a one-throw penalty.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a disc going out-of-bounds (OB) means they have to throw again from where it went OB, but actually, in Disc Golf, if a disc is determined to be OB, you simply take one more turn without moving your throwing position. This can lead to confusion because the penalty seems harsh for what feels like a minor infraction.
Each hole has a designated par — the score an expert player is expected to take; Round score is the sum of hole scores; Performance is sometimes expressed relative to par (e.g., "−5") and sometimes expressed as the raw stroke total
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a player's PDGA rating is based solely on their own performance over time, forgetting that it also reflects the average performance of all rated players across the course. This misunderstanding leads to arguments about why certain rounds might have different ratings if they're not directly related to individual skill levels.
Disc golf is an individual sport played in groups (cards) of typically four players. The composition of each card and the order of play within each card is determined by the Tournament Director, often with reference to standings or random draw.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all players within a card are friends or teammates who choose their own partners, which leads to arguments about team dynamics affecting gameplay. However, the official rule clearly states that the composition of each group (card) is decided by the Tournament Director, not based on personal preferences among participants.
The PDGA assigns each round a numeric rating based on the average performance of rated players on the course. Players accumulate a rolling rating from their rated rounds; PDGA player ratings are used for division eligibility and for some seeding purposes.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PDGA ratings apply only to professional players, thinking it's a perk for elite competitors. In fact, anyone who plays rated rounds gets these ratings, which are crucial for division eligibility and seeding in tournaments, affecting even recreational players' tournament paths.
The card's designated scorekeeper records all throws taken by each player and any penalties applied. The scorekeeper announces each player's running score on completion of each hole.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only their own throws are recorded by the scorekeeper, which leads to misunderstandings about who is responsible for keeping track of other players' scores. The confusion arises because they interpret "all throws taken by each player" as just their own shots, forgetting the broader scope of the rule requiring recording everyone's progress on the course.
Players may not use a disc that has been altered in a manner that changes its original PDGA-approved flight characteristics. , cracked, gouged, or have a piece broken off) become unsuitable for further competition and must be replaced from the player's bag with a PDGA-approved disc.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that only intentionally altered discs are prohibited under this rule, forgetting that even naturally damaged discs can be affected if they've changed their original flight characteristics in play. The confusion arises because they overlook the subtle impact of minor damage on a disc's aerodynamics and trajectory, mistakingly believing only deliberate tampering is regulated.
A disc golf course consists of a sequenced set of holes, typically nine or eighteen, each comprising a tee area, a fairway, and a target. Each hole has a designated par — the number of throws an expert player is expected to require to hole out — and a designated rated distance.
— Rule 805
Why people argue about this
People often assume that par is a measure of distance rather than skill level when it comes to disc golf, thinking they need to hit the target in as few throws as possible regardless of their player rating or experience, but actually, par reflects how many throws an expert would take under ideal conditions, not necessarily the shortest path.
Disc golf is an individual sport played in groups (cards) of typically four players. The composition of each card and the order of play within each card is determined by the Tournament Director, often with reference to standings or random draw.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that disc golf cards are randomly assigned players based solely on their skill levels, which leads them to argue over who gets placed together in a card. However, the actual rule states that composition is determined by the Tournament Director and can be influenced by standings or random draw, not just skill level alone.
The first throw on each hole is the tee shot. The player must establish a legal stance entirely within the tee area before releasing the disc.
— Rule 804
Why people argue about this
People often assume that as long as their feet are in the tee area when they throw, it's fine even if their body is partially outside, but actually, the official stance requires the entire player to be within the designated tee area for the first throw to count.
Score on a hole equals the number of throws taken plus any penalty throws assessed. Throws include the tee shot, every subsequent throw on the hole, and the throw that holes out.
Why people argue about this
People often think that just putting in a throw for every ball they hit is enough to calculate their score, forgetting about penalty throws. But actually, you have to add up all your throws, including those penalized due to bad shots or rule infractions, to get the total score on each hole.
A player whose stance does not comply with Rule 803 at the moment of release commits a stance violation. The first stance violation on a hole is typically a warning to the card; a second stance violation by the same player on the same hole results...
— Rule 803, Rule 804, Rule 801
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a stance violation is only about where you place your feet at address, forgetting that it also includes how you hold your club or disc in relation to your body. The confusion arises because they overlook the broader interpretation of what constitutes a proper stance as outlined in Rule 803, leading to arguments over subtle differences in positioning and grip.
A player must not throw when there is a reasonable chance of striking another player, a spectator, course staff, or any non-player. The player is responsible for waiting until the fairway and the area around the target are clear of personnel before releasing the throw.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that they can throw whenever they want as long as no one is in sight, which leads them to overlook the "reasonable chance" part of the rule. The confusion arises because they misinterpret "reasonable chance" to mean someone could be hiding behind a tree or under an umbrella, not realizing it includes any potential presence around the target area, even if unseen.
Spectators are positioned by the TD or the card to maintain safe sightlines and clear fairways. Players must verify the fairway is clear before throwing; spectators must remain alert to play around them.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that spectators are only there for safety reasons, so they don't need to pay attention during play. But in reality, the rule emphasizes that spectators must remain alert because players rely on them to ensure the fairway is clear before each throw, preventing distractions and maintaining a smooth game flow.
Spectators may follow play but must not influence the result; spectators do not call rules infractions; Caddies may carry the bag, retrieve discs, and offer information that any player on the card could obtain (e.g., distance to a basket if obtained from a permitted source); Caddies must conform ...
Why people argue about this
People often argue that they should be able to decide their own throw order based on personal preference rather than score from the previous hole, misunderstanding the intention behind having it determined by lowest score first ("honor"). The rule is meant to ensure fairness and speed up play by organizing throws in a logical sequence.
The player establishes a legal stance at the moment the disc is released: At least one supporting point (typically a foot) must be in contact with the playing surface within 30 cm directly behind the marker disc, on the line of play; All other supporting points must be in line with or behind the ...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the stance must be established before they even pick up their disc, which leads them to believe it's a very strict rule about positioning. Actually, the official stance is clarified as being set when the disc is released, not picked up, so there’s room for interpretation based on how quickly one can get into position after picking up their disc.
A player whose stance does not comply with Rule 803 at the moment of release commits a stance violation. The first stance violation on a hole is typically a warning to the card; a second stance violation by the same player on the same hole results...
— Rule 803
Why people argue about this
People often assume that a stance violation is only about feet placement, when in fact it's broader - encompassing how players hold their equipment (like grips or carry positions) at the moment of release. They overlook the full scope of what constitutes a stance violation, leading to misunderstandings and arguments over seemingly minor adjustments.
The standard target is a Pole Hole-style assembly: a vertical center pole with chains hanging into a basket. Approved targets meet PDGA Technical Standards for height, basket dimensions, chain configuration, and entry geometry.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that all disc golf targets are identical, overlooking the variety in designs like Pole Holes versus Basket Targets. However, they misunderstand that while there might be a preference for one style over another, the official rule specifies only that approved targets must meet certain height and dimensions standards, not dictate which type of target is used.
Each hole begins from a designated tee area marked by tee pads (typically rubber or concrete) or by tee signs. The tee defines the legal area from which the first throw of each hole is made.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that any open space near a tee sign is fair game for their first throw, forgetting that only the designated area marked by the tee pads or signs is allowed. The confusion arises because they overlook the specific delineation of where exactly they are permitted to start from each hole.
The first throw on each hole is the tee shot. The player must establish a legal stance entirely within the tee area before releasing the disc.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that as long as they're standing near where their disc will land, they can take their stance anywhere in the tee area, which leads them to argue when they get penalized for stepping out of bounds before releasing the disc. The confusion arises because the official rule specifies a legal stance must be taken entirely within the designated tee shot area before any throw is made.
The player must release the throw within 30 seconds after taking position at the lie and after the previous player has thrown — failure to do so is a time violation; A player who takes excessive practice swings or otherwise unreasonably delays play is subject to the courtesy provisions of Rule 804
— Rule 804
Why people argue about this
People often assume that if their disc is lost within 3 minutes, they can simply throw again without consequence, thinking it's a freebie penalty. However, the confusion arises because the one-throw penalty means they must actually throw from where they were previously standing, not just start over at the tee.
On the first hole of a round, throw order is the order players appear on the scorecard; On subsequent tees, throw order is by score on the previous hole, lowest first ("honor"); On the fairway, throw order is by lie distance from the target — the lie farthest from the target throws first
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the scorekeeper is supposed to announce each player's total score after all holes are played, rather than just their running score on completion of each hole. This misunderstanding stems from a lack of clarity in how exactly "running score" is defined and used under PDGA rules for Disc Golf.
A player must not throw when there is a reasonable chance of striking another player, a spectator, course staff, or any non-player. The player is responsible for waiting until the fairway and the area around the target are clear of personnel before releasing the throw.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that the throw safety rule only applies when a player is directly in front of them, forgetting that it also covers anyone within their line of sight or potential impact zone, leading to arguments about whether someone was too far away to be considered "reasonable chance.
A player who exceeds the 30-second throw window receives a warning on first occurrence in the round and a one-throw penalty on subsequent occurrences. Time violations are called by the card.
Why people argue about this
People often assume that time violations are only called by the disc thrower themselves, forgetting that a caddy can also signal a time violation if they notice their player is taking too long. The confusion arises because in Disc Golf, both the player and the caddy have a role in signaling when a 30-second throw window has been exceeded.
The Tournament Director (TD) has overall authority over the event, including OB definition, mandatory placement, drop-zone designation, weather and play decisions, and rulings on matters not explic...
Why people argue about this
People think that the TD's authority is limited to their stated responsibilities like weather decisions and rulings on unexplained matters, but they often argue about it because they assume the TD has final say over all aspects of the tournament, including setting OB definitions or deciding mandatory placements, which isn't explicitly stated in the rules.
Multi-round events sum the round scores; the lowest cumulative score wins the division; Ties are broken by play-off (sudden-death extra holes) in PDGA-sanctioned majors, or per the Tournament Director's published format; Scoring discrepancies discovered after the card is turned in are governed by...
Why people argue about this
People often assume that PDGA's tournament scoring system only applies to professional players, forgetting that it benefits all rated members who participate in tournaments on a regular basis, leading to misunderstandings about its impact and eligibility for certain seeding purposes.