Not being an annoying disc golfer is an on-the-books rule

I should’ve connected the dots on this a long time ago …

So the mindlessness of this one’s on me.

But for years, I thought not being loud, annoying or obnoxious while another disc golfer was throwing was just a nice thing to do – sort of an unspoken, yet widely accepted social norm within the greater disc golf community. If you toss regularly, you know what I’m on about:

• Talking.
• Coughing.
• Whispering.
• Opening a Werther’s Original.

And all of this during key, concentration-filled moments, of course.

Not wanting to ruffle feathers or be a horrible person, I’ve always followed suit – and without question. It turns out, however, being quiet and respectful is an official, on-the-books rule.

Like, the PDGA penned it and everything.

Its title?

One word …

Courtesy.

Here’s a relevant sampling of PDGA Rule No. 812:

“A player must not: … (3) Engage in distracting or unsportsmanlike actions such as shouting (unless warning someone at risk of being struck by a disc), cursing, striking, kicking or throwing park, course or player equipment, moving or talking while another player is throwing [or] advancing beyond the away player.”

Also, “cigarette butts” (gross) get put in their place – you love to see it.

* Note #1: To read the entirety of the PDGA’s courtesy rule, click here.

It doesn’t get much clearer than that …

Don’t be a tool-brained disc golfer.

If you’re angry, get a hold of your emotions. And if you fancy yourself a funnyman, please take out a pen and paper and make a note of the following: Your stupidity isn’t funny – it’s sad.

Not to mention embarrassing.

* Note #2: The title of the video is incorrect, as Nate Perkins (not Sexton) makes the call.

However, should you find your mouth (or anything else) incapable of common decency, you’ll be pleased to know the other members of your card, an on-site official or ANY impacted competitor are all capable of issuing (or confirming) a courtesy warning against you.

There’s no penalty for a warning.

After that, though, for each subsequent courtesy violation during the same round, you’ll be awarded a penalty stroke. In theory, only one should be needed to get the message across. But if the issue keeps happening, tournament directors are urged to consider outright disqualification.

This is the way things should be.

Sayonara, sucker.

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