“Sanctioned.”
It’s one of those terms you hear tossed around all the time in disc golf circles …
Is or isn’t an upcoming tournament of the sanctioned variety?
As you’re likely aware, if it’s sanctioned, the event means something. Win, lose or draw with a half-million other disc golfers, your performance will have a quantifiable impact on your PDGA rating. Conversely, if it’s unsanctioned, it’ll largely be for kicks, giggles and post-round BBQs.
The by-the-book definition, however, is a bit more boring …
Technically, a sanctioned disc golf tournament is one that’s completed and is subject to the terms of the PDGA Event-Sanctioning Agreement. Basically, if you’re the event director, the PDGA wants to know what you’re doing, where you’re doing it and that you’ll play by the rules.
That’s it.
If you’d like to read it, click here.
* Note #1: Majors and Elite Series (+) events are subject to virtually the same agreement.
The paperwork is all standard stuff. Nothing too surprising: The tournament’s dates, address, divisions, scoring format, etc. A few of the terms and conditions event directors are required to sign off on, though, are interesting. Again, nothing insane, but stuff you might not’ve known …
- Event directors agree to enforce the PDGA’s standing on alcohol and illegal substances.
- Event directors agree to take gender into account when determining division eligibility.
- Event directors agree leagues must run a minimum of six and maximum of 10 weeks.
- Event directors must be at least 18 years of age – big-time bummer for Gannon Buhr.
Interested in sanctioning a league of your own?
It’s hardly rocket science …
It’s a simple, three-step process:
- Step No. 1 – Select a date and tier. Then, have it approved by your PDGA coordinator.
- Step No. 2 – That event-sanctioning agreement I just went over? Fill it out.
- Step No. 3 – If you’re not a PDGA-certified official, make it happen stat.
- Step No. 4 – If you need to make any changes to your event, make ‘em.
* Note #2: For more detailed information on each of the above steps, click here.
All of this’ll cost you some cash, but nothing too eyebrow-raising: C-tiers are $50, B-tiers are $75 and A-tiers are $100. And not that you’ll be putting one together anytime soon, but Majors and Elite Series (+) events create enough revenue for the PDGA to waive their fees …
Also, there’s that whole DGPT partnership thing.
Lastly, straight from the PDGA, some rock-solid resources for making this even easier:
- Source No. 1 – How to Run a PDGA Event
- Source No. 2 – How to Plan a PDGA Event
- Source No. 3 – How to Use Disc Golf Scene’s Registration Portal
- Source No. 4 – Tournament Director Documents and Resources
As I see it, if you’re going to dedicate hours each week to disc golf, you might as well maximize the competitive side of the sport – sanctioned play is the best way to make it happen. And if competition’s not your jam, put something together your local club can be proud of …
Go sanctioned. It’s worth it.
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