Testing the Wind
 

I know that the PDGA has a rule against testing the wind. You can't use your disc, blah blah blah. That's why people use the grass or pine needles etc. My question is, would it be considered against the rules if I use my towel? I've been playing a few rounds this year with my golf towel clipped to my side and I noticed that when the wind is up, it acts as a flag would on top of the basket. My worry is that this could be considered to be violation of the PDGA policy.

Anyone got an answer?

If its attached to you its part of the player. Don't over think this one!

So if it's attached at the hip it's good. What if I'm holding it my hand as I would a disc at the front of the teepad? Does that count as attached?

There's no rule against using some method to determine the wind direction and strength. Far as I know, you could carry a portable weather station with wind vane and anemometer. The only restriction in the rules is seeing what the affect of the wind might be by making practice throws.

In theory, you could be penalized for "damaging foliage" by pulling up live grass to test the wind and even moreso if you pick up grass or anything else that's unattached like pine needles in front of your lie. Perhaps a good choice would be to carry your own container of ...ahem, dried grass you could toss in the air to test the wind. Seems like that's been a tradition by many over the years, other than the "tossing in the air" part. Towel is fine.

thanks, chuck. i'd never heard of this rule and i know the rulebook fairly well at this point... just spent some time searching for it, got frustrated, and was about to come back on and in my best whiney typing be like, "chuu-uuuck... i can't find the wind rule? what's the wind rule?"

My nomination for post of the year. :trophy:

"Yes, officer. This is official tournament equipment we use to test the wind. Watch how it works as I toss it all in the air..."