Rules & Etiquette

PDGA Rules for Casual Players

The handful of rules every player should know.

Why it matters

The rulebook is long and almost none of it comes up. Perhaps eight rules cover everything you will meet in a normal round, and knowing those eight means you can play anywhere, with anyone, without needing to be taught mid-hole.

How to do it

Tee off with supporting points behind the front line of the tee pad.
Mark your lie, and throw with a supporting point within 30 cm behind the marker.
Out of bounds is one penalty throw, played from within a metre of where it last crossed.
You are holed out when the disc rests supported by the chains or in the tray.
Furthest from the basket throws first.
Obstacles to a stance may not be moved; casual water and loose debris give relief.
Inside circle 1, show balance after a putt before advancing past your marker.
When unsure, take the interpretation that is worse for you, and look it up afterwards.

Common mistakes

Guessing in your own favour when a rule is unclear.Take the stricter reading, then check afterwards. It costs little and it is how you stay somebody people trust to keep score.

Trying to learn the whole rulebook before playing.Learn these eight. The rest you can look up on the rare occasions it comes up.

Being embarrassed to ask mid-round.Ask. Every experienced player has looked something up, and nobody minds the question.

Key points

One throw = one penalty for OB.
Mark your lie and take a legal stance.
When unsure, ask or take the safe interpretation.

The drill

Drill · The eight — 1 round applying all 8 rules deliberately. Play a round consciously applying each of the eight — marking, stance, order, OB, holing out. Say which one you are applying as you do it. After one round they are yours, and the rulebook stops being a thing you are vaguely worried about.

Watch: Disc Golf Rules School - Episode 1: The Official Rules of Disc Golf — PDGA