New for 2010! - PDGA

Bruce · #1 November 1st, 2009, 09:07 PM

"In 2010 all competitors will be required to pass a rules proficiency exam before they are allowed to compete in a National Tour event. This test will be offered online and should be ready by January 1st, 2010. "

Found that when I was looking at the registration form for the Memorial. I like the idea, but discuss!

runnaman · #2 November 1st, 2009, 09:57 PM

Excellent idea. I think something like this should be done for all PDGA events so that people won't be oblivious about some of the more basic rules about foot faults and such.

snap7times · #3 November 1st, 2009, 10:47 PM

I looked everywhere on all registration forms for the memorial and did not see anything like this, where did you see this? However, I agree this is a good thing, but how many "oblivious" players play in an NT event as compared to the B and C tiers that have the real problem occur often?

Bruce · #4 November 1st, 2009, 11:31 PM

It's on the PDGA signup's site, under the pro registration, right about where you sign off on the waiver.

snap7times · #5 November 2nd, 2009, 12:38 AM

ahh but aren't ams the ones with the problem? Nothing on the Am's side like that... hmm, but still an idea to pursue...

RonTheWhip · #6 November 2nd, 2009, 02:17 AM

are currently certified officials required to take the test?

i like the idea

catalystdg · #7 November 2nd, 2009, 06:25 AM

we don't have problems with people not knowing the basic rules of disc golf because we have someone to explain everything in the players meeting at every event. sure it takes an hour but we all have plenty of time.

i think anyone who plays in any sanctioned tourney should have a basic understanding of the rules.

bvdisc · #8 November 2nd, 2009, 08:37 AM

Great idea. Certified officials should also be exempt.

GettinBetter · #9 November 2nd, 2009, 12:02 PM

This is a great idea! Maybe you should have to pass this test before you become a PDGA member, or before your first sanctioned tourney.

"Over the Hill" Bob · #10 November 2nd, 2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snap7times

ahh but aren't ams the ones with the problem? Nothing on the Am's side like that... hmm, but still an idea to pursue...

Not from my experience with the BSF this year. You wouldn't believe the complaints I heard from Pro after Pro about foot faults, courtesy, scorecards, on and on. Maybe they know, but don't adhere?

I like this idea and I think the next step IS to have anyone playing a sanctioned event tested.

Bob

DMajor · #11 November 2nd, 2009, 01:42 PM

You might lose some of the more casual ams playing sanctioned tournaments if you require certification to play. I don't think that would be a problem with pros

Scott · #12 November 2nd, 2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMajor

You might lose some of the more casual ams playing sanctioned tournaments if you require certification to play. I don't think that would be a problem with pros

I think this is absolutely correct, but keep in mind that this change is only for NT tournaments (for now). Not many casual ams play those.

snap7times · #13 November 2nd, 2009, 02:11 PM

which brings me to my point is why only pros at NT take the test, why not just all because right now there is no test for the AM side...

Scott · #14 November 2nd, 2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snap7times

which brings me to my point is why only pros at NT take the test, why not just all because right now there is no test for the AM side...

Baby steps.

DMajor · #15 November 2nd, 2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

I think this is absolutely correct, but keep in mind that this change is only for NT tournaments (for now). Not many casual ams play those.

very true I was responding to this comment

"This is a great idea! Maybe you should have to pass this test before you become a PDGA member, or before your first sanctioned tourney."

Parks · #16 November 2nd, 2009, 08:16 PM

It wouldn't be worth it for Ams, as DMajor is correct.

Not to mention that the level of play is less serious for Ams. Almost every Am group that I play with in tournaments cares more about having fun than nitpicking details. There is usually at least one person in the group that knows the rules, and so the common things like foot faults and
O.B. get handled without the need for a rules test.

On occasion a rule is questioned and the book comes out, and that solves the problem.

Worst case scenario is that an entire Am group doesn't know the rules, and someone gains or loses a piece of plastic. With hundreds or thousands of dollars on the line it becomes necessary to absolutely know the rules well.

DoubleDees · #17 November 2nd, 2009, 10:58 PM

im curious if they will ever truly define a falling putt outside the circle... Im thinking we will have to wait until we can get slow-mo replay for verification

bvdisc · #18 November 7th, 2009, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleDees

im curious if they will ever truly define a falling putt outside the circle... Im thinking we will have to wait until we can get slow-mo replay for verification

The problem isn't the definition. The problem is not having the instant replay with slow-mo (like you said). It's so hard to tell when people jump putt so the uncertainty goes to the player. That's a tough one.

Tim · #19 November 7th, 2009, 07:07 AM

I'm surprised nobody has pointed out that there's no such thing as an Am NT.

gwillim · #20 November 7th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snap7times

which brings me to my point is why only pros at NT take the test, why not just all because right now there is no test for the AM side...

There is no AM side to the Memorial NT. The Amateur event is a separate Supertour "A-Tier" event. All NT events are PRO only. If an am signs up for the Memorial NT, they will have to be certified.

Also, I agree with Cabal, the PRO division competitors DO have a serious lack of understanding of the rules.

I was at an event this year hanging out with a card and there was a rules issue that came up, a veteran player told the rest of the group something that was definitely incorrect. Meanwhile, two of the other players on the card, both very highly rated pros, admitted that they'd never actually read the rulebook.

It's pretty common, and I completely support what the PDGA is implementing this year. It won't magically make everyone playing NTs know the rules, but it's a start, and it will hopefully help people take pride in knowing the rules of our sport.