Fact-checked August 25, 2026. This article summarizes rules already in force. The online PDGA rulebook is authoritative and can receive in-year revisions. Check it before every sanctioned event.
What is current—and what is not
The main 2026 revision took effect January 1, 2026. The PDGA later posted minor or clerical revisions during the year, including August 14 clarifications to Enforcement and Appeals. Separately, the PDGA published proposed changes for 2027. Those proposals are not current rules and should not be used for competition unless and until a final version takes effect.
1. The thrower sits out the first determination vote
When a group must determine a disc’s flight, position, or status, the players other than the thrower take the first vote. The thrower may briefly state an opinion but may not lobby for an outcome. If that first vote ties, the thrower participates to break the tie. Players who were physically present must vote.
This replaces the casual shorthand that “benefit of the doubt goes to the player.” The rulebook now focuses on a required group determination and its voting sequence.
2. Some fairway throws now allow 45 seconds
The 2026 excessive-time rule uses two limits:
- 30 seconds from a teeing area, a drop zone, or a lie within 20 meters of the target.
- 45 seconds from other lies.
The clock does not simply start the instant the previous disc leaves a hand. The listed conditions must be met, including that the player is next, has located the lie, the area is clear, and has “addressed” the lie by beginning an action that indicates preparation to throw. Marking the lie, testing footing, checking wind, using a rangefinder, or starting a pre-shot routine are examples.
3. Every player keeps an independent scorecard
Rule 808 now requires each player to keep an independent scorecard recording the entire group’s scores after every hole. Refusing to keep score can lead to disqualification. Follow the tournament director’s instructions for the accepted paper or digital methods and compare scores before submission.
4. Provisional throws have a clearer procedure
A provisional is an alternate sequence used to prevent delay or preserve an appeal while the correct ruling is unresolved. Before throwing, the player must clearly announce that a provisional sequence is starting, explain why, and identify which sequence applies to each possible ruling.
The 2026 rule also identifies situations where a provisional is unavailable, including a potentially missed mandatory and a player merely considering an abandoned throw. A throw that does not satisfy the procedure can be treated as a practice throw, so this is a rule to read in full before relying on it.
5. Team play has its own appendix
Appendix G now codifies common team-play procedures. It covers team composition, division guidelines, team singles, team doubles, alternate team doubles, scoring, ties, substitutions, and related conduct. Ordinary doubles remains in Appendix B; event staff and players should confirm which format the event is using.
Later 2026 clarifications
On August 14, the PDGA clarified in Rules 801.02 and 801.03 that a tournament director’s ruling is final even if it is later found to be incorrect. Other 2026 Competition Manual revisions addressed scoring-method responsibilities, paper-scorecard notice, Major-event procedures, and playoff time extensions. Some were clerical changes rather than new player obligations.
A summary cannot decide a live ruling. Course notes, the Official Rules of Disc Golf, the Competition Manual, and the tournament director control. Open the linked rule before quoting it.
What casual players should take away
The 45-second fairway allowance and the new group-vote sequence are the most visible changes during ordinary singles play. The scorecard and provisional procedures matter especially in sanctioned rounds. Even if your weekend group plays casually, learning the official process prevents surprises at a first league or tournament.
New to the basics? Read how to play disc golf. Checking disc legality? Use our disc wear and tournament legality guide.