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Competition Manual for Disc Golf Events

1.13 Youth Safety

Last updated: Sunday, December 31, 2023 - 23:14
  1. Parents/guardians must be responsible for their children during PDGA-sanctioned events. Neither the PDGA staff nor the event staff are responsible for the children of tournament players, spectators, etc. during events. Parents/guardians may not leave unaccompanied children at or near the scoring area, clubhouse, or any other tournament venue. Any child younger than 13 years of age who is accompanying any player group must be supervised by an adult who is not part of that player group and not a caddie.
  2. Players in the Junior ≤12, Junior ≤10, Junior ≤08, and Junior ≤06 divisions must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during tournament rounds. Additionally, any player younger than 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian regardless of the division they play in. A single parent or guardian may be responsible for multiple junior players in the same group if agreed upon by all of the parents/guardians prior to the start of the round. Players in the Junior ≤18 and Junior ≤15 divisions may be accompanied by a parent or guardian during tournament rounds.
  3. During PDGA-sanctioned tournament rounds, parents/guardians accompanying junior division players:
    1. MAY assume the roles of a caddie; assist junior players with disc selection, throw selection, rule interpretations, or scorekeeping.
    2. MAY NOT make or second rulings such as foot faults, courtesy violations, etc.
    3. MUST encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all junior players in the group.
    4. MUST place the emotional and physical well-being of all junior players in the group above the personal desire to win.
    5. MUST refrain from the use of abusive or profane language.
    6. MUST refrain from using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
  4. Failure to adhere to the parent/guardian responsibilities outlined in section 1.13 shall result in the disqualification of the junior player or removal of the offending player, caddie, or guardian. Junior players under 13 years of age whose guardian has been removed may continue to play if a substitute guardian volunteers to take their place with the consent of the removed guardian.
  5. The PDGA highly recommends that Tournament Directors create their tournament schedules to ensure that all players in the two youngest age groups, Junior ≤08 and Junior ≤06, be scheduled to play no more than 18 holes in one day. Additionally, TDs should use their discretion to possibly limit the amount of daily play concerning the Junior ≤10 divisions (age 10 and younger) depending on the length and strenuousness of their course.
  6. See the International Program Guide for guidance for events outside the United States and Canada.

Outline of Contents

Disc Golf Rules and Standards