An example of what can happen when infractions are NOT called:

[can't putt]

I played Am Grandmaster in the Northwoods Open this weekend.  My card the first round included Frank Grimes and a guy who threw lots of thumbers.  I noticed that the thumber guy, when behind a tree, would take his run-up planting his right foot about three feet behind his marker and then his left foot (the foot he actually threw off) about three foot to the left, well outside the tree's influence.  I didn't call it, thinking to myself "I'm just here for fun, not to create controversy.  The hell with it".  Frank and the guy ended up tying, with Frank losing the playoff.

Sorry, Frank.  Never again.

[Chainmeister]

I played Am Grandmaster in the Northwoods Open this weekend.  My card the first round included Frank Grimes and a guy who threw lots of thumbers.  I noticed that the thumber guy, when behind a tree, would take his run-up planting his right foot about three feet behind his marker and then his left foot (the foot he actually threw off) about three foot to the left, well outside the tree's influence.  I didn't call it, thinking to myself "I'm just here for fun, not to create controversy.  The hell with it".  Frank and the guy ended up tying, with Frank losing the playoff.

Sorry, Frank.  Never again.

Well said Kurt.  I have often kept quiet but feel that doing so is going to be unfair to somebody. I think my laisse faire approach has to be modified. If I see an infraction, I am going to call it.  I will admit that playing mostly in Novice if I see an infraction from somebody who I know will not affect anything other than the last couple of points, I might do it quietly and informally.  At Worlds a guy in my group threw one out of bounds and argued that he was in bounds. I was having such a tough time that day that I was trying to focus on getting myself out of the rut. I still regret not saying, "I agree" when another guy said the throw was out. It was.

[Bruce Brakel]

I got away with one of those at Worlds.  I figured my throwing motion would pull my foot off my lie before I released the disc.  It did.  I figured no one would call it.  They didn't.  They really could not see it.  Besides, I threw my disc into the next bush!   

We have a culture in disc golf that makes it hard to call the rules.  The abolition of mixed groups only makes it harder.  When I started we all looked to the Advanced player or the pro to be the defacto referee of the group, first round.  And usually they would educate more than call.  With that system skimming from the lower ams to add to the pro purse had arguable merit. 

[SIUFrolf]

I called a guy on a practice throw during the IOS at aurora.  He got really angry and then pouted and hid under his umbrella (during the sunny parts) and wouldn't talk with our group.  he was acting like a real baby and kept trying to call rules infractions that he thought we broke.  We offered him a rule book and told him to show us which rules we broke but he said he didn't want to be A**holes like we were for calling him on it.  I'm sorry, but when you miss a putt, hole out, then go back to where you missed and putt again, you are going to be called. ESPECIALLY IN A SANCTIONED TOURNAMENT!!! This was intermediate division by the way.

[thedraphter]

I tend to pass the buck to the rec and intermediate players, unless it is an infraction that gives an advantage.  Like this weekend in IOS #5, there was a real nice guy, at his first ever tournament.  I can't even remember what he did, but it had to do with marking his disk, and I told him (in a really nice way) that I don't mind how he marks his disc, but others in the tourney might.  He didn't get sour or angry, but did a much better job of remembering how to mark his disc. He messed up a few more times, but usually caught himself.

I find that the only ones who get mad at being called are the jerks that not only take themselves too seriously, but also are trying to get an advantage.  People who make honest mistakes that they didn't even notice usually will be gracious about it.

On the flip side of the same coin, I was playing REC in a tourney, and fairly close to the lead.  There was an A-hole that told me that I really need to be careful of the 30 second rule, because I went over.  He was trying to pretend he was just trying to help me out by warning me.  I knew I didn't go over it, but I also knew he was trying to call a rule just to rattle me.  He had spent the previous 8 or 9 holes trying to rattle me with stupid humming and little taunts  before I threw etc.  I didn't get rattled...I just smiled and knew that I am better than that.

By the way....to all the people who have legitimately warned me of rules things....thanks.

DaveO
pdga 33544