These days, Nikko Locastro and Gannon Buhr are often the go-to scapegoats for rule-breaking out on the Pro Tour. For both, it’s an issue of taking an eternity to throw – and for one, verbally assaulting officials. But it’s not just them or the sweet time they take to putt that’s the problem. Arming cards with stopwatches won’t make things right – there’s more meat on this bone:
- Foot faults exist.
- Falling putts happen.
- Courtesy violations need …
Calling.
EVERYTHING needs calling, actually.
And given the self-governing nature of the sport, it’s the players themselves who are largely responsible for policing the way the game is played out on the course. With livelihoods at stake, touring players might be tempted to look the other way, but content-starved fans can’t …
It hurts their product.
I asked Jeff Spring about it:
Question: What can disc golf do to better enforce rules?
The following are his thoughts on the matter:
“First of all, I’m going to give this some context …
“The PDGA is the governing body of our sport – they deal with rules. Throughout its professional history, disc golf has primarily been a self-governing sport. Recently, disc golf media has become more prevalent – it’s of a higher quality, too. So when there’s a rules infraction, fans see it – and they can call players on it from home.”
Things are getting better
“Year after year, the enforcement of rules at Pro Tour events has improved. Back in 2014, though, nobody saw blatant rules violations like they do now – there was simply no way for fans to observe them. I believe rule-enforcement has improved because of the rules sheets, caddy books and resources players have at their disposal well in advance of every event.
“These are detailed, easy-to-follow documents. We review them with players to make sure there is no confusion. In addition to the feedback players provide, we have staff review them, as well. Two years ago, we had an average of three active tournament officials on the course during play. Last season, that number increased to six. If there are questions, players can always ask.”
Culture is key
“However, the fact that there’s a self-governing aspect of our sport means players have to speak up when they see something that’s not right – they have an obligation to do so. When this doesn’t happen, there’s a cultural issue that needs fixing. The current culture of our sport is to stay focused on your own play – to keep to yourself. Though less awkward and impactful on player focus, it’s NOT an approach that aligns with current rules …
“And it won’t work.
“It won’t work at the amateur level; it won’t work at the professional level. And unless the PDGA decides to make some big changes, it’s never going to be. As video and photographic evidence can’t be used when making rules calls, the players need to work on making this cultural shift themselves. If they want to see a change, they need to BE part of the change. Of course, our event officials can help, too.”
Players must speak up
“Now I know that’s not going to appease many fans in the short term – they want to see the game’s rules applied precisely and accurately. We understand that; we agree with it. To help, we’re continually training and increasing the number of on-course officials and integrating them into play. When players refuse to get vocal, should they see something, they’ll do just that.
“The long-term fix, however, is to continue to see an advancement in comfort for players making the right calls. Before each Pro Tour tournament, we make it clear to players that it’s not merely suggested they say something when a rule is broken – it’s their responsibility to get involved.
“And if they don’t, many rules infractions may not get called.
“So much so, in fact, that we regularly remind players that they should make calls on themselves when they’ve made a mistake. It can be awkward to notify a cardmate of a rules violation, but it’s less awkward to say something when you’re the one who’s committed the infraction. We’ve seen this happen in the past, and it’s an encouraging step forward.
“Understandably, this won’t fix culture overnight, but it’s a move in the right direction.”
The biggest issue: Excessive time
“Lastly, I will say that the DGPT is actively working with the PDGA to address issues of excessive time-taking. As the rule’s currently written, it can be confusing. ‘Assessing lies’ and ‘addressing lies’ can mean different things to different people. When asking players to govern what goes on, additional clarification is likely needed – we’re working to ensure understanding.
“Furthermore, the ‘spirit of the game’ should be taken into consideration, as well. For example, on the final hole of a major, should a player take longer than 30 seconds to address his or her lie, most fans and players aren’t going to be upset about it. Honestly, in that moment, the real tragedy would be an excessive-time penalty deciding the winner of the tournament.
“However, under current PDGA rules, there aren’t provisions in place to avoid a warning or penalty being called in a circumstance like that, but we’re working towards considerations that can address similar situations.”
The future of rule enforcement
“Again, we understand the frustration from fans …
“Currently, our answer isn’t to stick an official on each card to ensure the right call is made every time – it’s not feasible, and it’s not even an approach the PDGA is considering. That’s not our plan now, and I don’t see it being our plan in the future, either. With a player-wide effort, I don’t think it’s needed for accuracy.
“It’s important to remember that the maintenance and evolution of our rules is a collaborative project. The DGPT works with the players council, event teams and members of our operations staff to suggest rules adjustments to the PDGA. It’ll take some time to get where we want, but I’m confident we’ll arrive soon enough.”
You can be part of the solution
The culture of disc golf can’t be a responsibility heaped exclusively on the Pro Tour …
Whether it be during a tag round, league night or C-tier, regardless of ability, if you see a problem, make the call. If disc golf can normalize rule-calling at its more entry-level events, more widespread change will work its way up the sanctioned-tournament funnel …
Or vice-versa.
It doesn’t really matter – as long as it gets there.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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It needs more a change of mindset than culture. In ball golf there is the concept that each player’s core ethical obligation is to protect the entire field both by calling their own penalties and monitoring the infractions of others. No more card votes. Anything in question needs to be addressed with a rules official either on the spot or a later ruling on a provisional.
There is nothing there that in itself would wipe out a cordial atmosphere. I’d go so far to say that in a competitive format card based enforcement lends itself to a more toxic environment because there is more politicking. A card agreeing to relaxed enforcement is essentially agreeing to cheat the field. Protecting the field isn’t personal.
To this end judgement calls obviously need to be reduced by changing rules and course setup when possible.
Love the comment, Jobertski!
Never thought of it this way …
Protecting the Fields vs. Protecting the Card
Thanks for reading, man!
To the pdga. Simple as this. Stop being so wimpy. It’s making this growing sport look like a joke. Obviously you don’t put a rules official on every card. Any teenager could’ve told you that. You put a rules official on every HOLE. 18 volunteers that are knowledgeable and chosen by the pdga, on video for proof in case players need to see the evidence after the event. Rules officials monitor play and make a call on the spot. Their ruling is final and holding up play to allow someone to disrupt the game is simply wimpy. Players on the pga(ball golf) have no power at all against an official ruling, so disc golfers who cause an inappropriate scene should be removed immediately by a local officer considering they already know the ruling is final. If you don’t have this in place, you’re giving these players the idea that it’s not a professional atmosphere and that they can act in an unprofessional manner. Once you do this, all players will know what to expect before even registering for an event. If you don’t like the rules, GET OUT. We have plenty of talented and intelligent players that understand this. Time to teach the few fools who’s game it is and who sets the rules. Otherwise, the rest of the sports world will always think of disc golf as just some amateur, recreational Frisbee throwing game that’s fun but far from professional.
Thanks for the detailed comment, Glenn – appreciate it, man!
TBH, I’m kind of on the same page with you …
Makes sense.