Most disc golfers know these exist …
They’re just not familiar with the specifics.
And even if they were, is it worth shredding the vibe of your card over what others might perceive as oversensitivity? Before you go giving a cardmate the “Charmin Ultra Soft” label, let’s take a closer look at the rules as the PDGA has outlined them – knowledge is power, right?
In disc golf, a courtesy violation occurs when a player blatantly disregards a courtesy rule – more on that later. Generally speaking, courtesy rules are mandates the PDGA has put in place to help maintain etiquette and sportsmanship during sanctioned tournament play – don’t be a jerk.
It’s important to note, however, that – taking place within a single round – courtesy violations are preceded by courtesy warnings. After a courtesy rule is broken, a courtesy warning can be issued. From there, should the same player continue to behave like a toddler, for each additional courtesy infraction, he (or she) will receive a courtesy violation and a one-stroke penalty.
Who can make the calls?
You can. Other players on your card can, too. On-course officials have the green light. In fact, golfers on other cards are even able to get in on the action, assuming the offense is egregious. Should violations persist, tournament directions can disqualify the suckiest from amongst us.
* Note: BTW, this isn’t a foot fault – nobody needs to “second” the call.
Now that we’ve covered all that …
How do you go about earning one?
The obvious stuff
Remember those “courtesy rules” I promised we’d get back to?
This is that part.
You shouldn’t need to summer in Vatican City to know right from wrong – most of this stuff is painfully obvious. Dropping F-bombs isn’t allowed – or any other kind of swearing, for that matter. Shouting for the sake of shouting isn’t kosher, either, as it’s mega-distracting.
Distraction is a BIG part of this.
Incessantly moving, talking and placing gear in other people’s way are all grounds for courtesy warnings and violations. Furthermore, doing anything that leaves others feeling uncomfortable will get you busted, too. Don’t get violent with your gear: kicking, punching, throwing, etc.
Maturity: Don’t leave home without it.
The not-so-obvious stuff
There’s a bit more here than meets the eye, though …
Littering is a no-go. The PDGA even goes as far in its rulebook as clarifying that improperly discarded “cigarette butts” are littering, because apparently, there were enough questions around this to warrant including it. Also, speaking of cigarettes, your smoke can’t disturb others …
I’ve got seasonal asthma; I’m big on that one.
Should you intentionally throw in on a person (or persons) in a way that could quite possibly remove somebody’s head from their shoulders, you’re potentially on the chopping block. Throwing out of order when it’s a clear-cut competitive advantage is bad, too.
Three more for good measure:
- No-No No. 1 – The inability to accurately (or honestly) record scores.
- No-No No. 2 – The refusal to move gear to accommodate other players’ needs.
- No-No No. 3 – The unwillingness to help a cardmate search for their missing frisbee.
Forget about it.
And if you think I merely pulled the above out of nowhere, think again …
In way fancier language, it’s all outlined by the PDGA right here.
Nine times out of ten, the guys you share a card with come tournament time won’t make much of a fuss. And when they do, it’s all pretty tame: You’ll hear some language, mini markers get kicked and following in Paul McBeth’s footsteps, a Luna might get the “taco” treatment.
RARELY is there a need to do anything about it …
But it could happen.
Should a total butt-brain show up, you’ll be ready.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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