The PDGA: Are stickers allowed on discs?

Discraft stickers suck, don’t they?

Not just any sticker, though – I’m talking about the weight stickers on the inside rim.

The adhesive on those things almost makes it seem like the guys and gals up in Wixom don’t want you to take ‘em off. And they should, because to leave them on would be illegal, right?

Well …

Before I get too far ahead of myself, let’s take a look at what the PDGA rulebook says on the matter. For starters, here’s what the game’s governing body says about legal disc modification:

“Allowed modifications to a disc after production are limited to:

1. Wear and tear from usage during play.
2. Moderate sanding to address wear and tear or small molding imperfections.
3. Marking with dye or permanent marker ink.”

Put a pin in the above.

Then, compare it with what rule No. 813.01.C.4 says – here’s what kind of mod ISN’T legal:

“Adding a material of a detectable thickness such as paint.”

No, it’s not outright mentioned in the rule, but a decorative sticker qualifies as a “material of detectable thickness.” As such, don’t put any on your discs. In fact, stickers can be lame-looking, too. For example, those scannable barcodes retailers stick on discs? They’re detectably thick. Should you fail to remove ‘em, your discs are rendered illegal for use at sanctioned events.

But what about those “weight stickers” I mentioned earlier on …

Is Discraft aiding and abetting in the hucking of illegal frisbees?

Reread the first line of quoted rulebook text in this post – you’ll see the word “production” in there. Stickers added by a manufacturer are protected under the “production” umbrella. The production version of a disc is what the manufacturer sends to a retailer or consumer …

Weight stickers and all.

It is worth noting, however, that – in certain event settings or environments – non-production stickers may temporarily be added to discs, as well. Rule No. 813.01.D reads as follows:

“When night or snow play has been announced by the Director, players are allowed to add a material or device to assist in finding a disc.”

You get the idea: Ribbons, glow tape, glow stickers, LED adhesives – they can be legal.

So, is Paul McBeth breaking the rules by leaving Discraft’s weight stickers on his frisbees? No, he’s not – he knows the rules. But should you choose to disregard the above, you will be …

Keep your bag on the up and up, kiddos.

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