Etiquette: “The customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.”
Sportsmanship is an understanding of and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill toward an opponent.
Good sportsmanship and etiquette are important because it makes competitive play more enjoyable for every disc golfer. While winning might feel like the most important thing during a disc golf round or tournament, being positive and respectful towards others and to the sport itself demonstrates a true athlete’s character.
Whenever you’re out on the course, every round, remember that our individual actions reflect on and represent the sport as a whole.
Here’s a great list of the standard unspoken rules of disc golf etiquette, from the UDisc Article, Stay Classy, Disc Golfers: Rules of Disc Golf Etiquette by Alex Williamson, summarized below:
- Let faster players go ahead.
- If there’s any chance of hitting someone, don’t throw your disc. Yell “Fore!” if your disc is heading toward a person or group of people.
- Leave trees and branches as is
- Litter: Pack it in, pack it out
- Return losts discs to their rightful owner
- If you choose to skip a hole, make sure others aren’t waiting on you
- Keep music at a reasonable volume
- Know the park and course rules
- Know the official rules of the sport
- Be respectful when others throw
- Help find discs
- Remove your disc from the basket
- Keep your cool
- Keep up the pace
- Hold your compliments until after a shot lands
Check out these links as well:
Disc Golf Etiquette (Innova Discs)
Official Rules of Disc Golf (PDGA)
Most Important Disc Golf Rules to Know (Just Discs)