Following our introduction to the Member Protection Policy last week, we’re moving on to the second pillar of the National Integrity Framework (NIF): the Improper Use of Drugs & Medicine Policy.

When we hear about drug policies in sports, we often think of elite athletes and Olympic testing. While that’s part of it, this policy is actually designed to protect the health and safety of every player in the disc golf community.

What is this Policy About?

At its core, this policy ensures that the way we use medications and supplements in our sport is safe, transparent, and fair. As our sport becomes more competitive and rounds get longer, players are increasingly looking at ways to support their recovery and performance. This policy provides a roadmap to ensure that:

1. Safety First: Decisions about your health should be made by qualified medical professionals.
2. Integrity: No one should feel pressured to use substances to “keep up” or gain an unfair advantage.
3. Protection: Our junior and vulnerable players are protected from the inappropriate administration of medicines.

What are the “Ground Rules”?

The policy identifies a few key areas that every member should be aware of:

• Inappropriate Use of “Relevant Substances”: This includes the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription medications in a way that could impact performance or safety.
• The “No Needle” Policy: To keep our sport safe and clean, there is a general rule against injections unless they are administered by a qualified medical practitioner for a documented medical condition.
• Supplement Safety: Many off-the-shelf supplements can contain hidden ingredients. This policy encourages players to be “Supplement Aware” and cautious about what they put in their bodies.
• Professional Standards: Only people with the right medical qualifications should be providing medical advice or treatment at ADG-sanctioned events.

It’s important to note that the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs at any ADG-sanctioned event or in a way that brings the sport into disrepute is a direct violation of this policy. We are committed to maintaining a family-friendly environment where everyone feels safe.

How Does This Affect You?

For the casual league player, this policy largely means sticking to the common sense approach: use medications as prescribed by your doctor and keep the course a drug-free zone.

For our competitive athletes, it’s a reminder to be diligent. If you are taking medication for a legitimate health condition, or if you use supplements, it’s worth checking them against the Sport Integrity Australia guidelines to ensure you’re staying within the lines.

Building a Healthy Culture

By adopting this policy from the AFDA, Australian Disc Golf is joining a nationwide effort to keep sports healthy. We want our players to have long, successful careers (and social rounds!) powered by health and fair play.

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Need to check a medication?

The best way to stay safe is to use the Sport Integrity app or visit the Sport Integrity Australia website to check any substance or medication.

Next Week: We’ll be discussing Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling

Australian Disc Golf is growing at a record pace. To ensure our sport remains a safe, fair, and professional environment for everyone, we are officially adopting the National Integrity Framework (NIF).

The “Why” and the “How”

Constitutionally, ADG operates as a branch of the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA). While ADG maintains full financial and decision-making autonomy over disc golf, we share a commitment to the highest standards of sports governance.

The AFDA has formally adopted the National Integrity Framework (NIF), a suite of gold-standard policies developed by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA). By aligning with this framework, ADG ensures that our players are protected by the same independent oversight and consistent rules used by Australia’s major sporting bodies.

The NIF policies are:

• Member Protection Policy
• Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy
• Improper Use of Drugs & Medicine Policy
• Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling Policy
• Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy

These policies apply to all participants and organisations involved in all disc golf activities.

Over the coming weeks, we will introduce this framework, beginning today with The Member Protection Policy.

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Part 1: Keeping Our Sport Safe and Respectful

What is the Member Protection Policy?

The Member Protection Policy is designed to ensure that everyone participating in disc golf is treated with respect and dignity. It establishes clear standards of behaviour and protects participants from harmful conduct including abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, victimisation, and vilification. 

What is covered?

This policy defines “Prohibited Conduct” to ensure our community is shielded from:

• Abuse & Bullying: Physical, emotional, or repeated unreasonable behaviour.
• Harassment & Sexual Misconduct: Any unwanted conduct that offends or intimidates.
• Discrimination & Vilification: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, disability, orientation, or religion.
• Victimisation: Protecting those who have the courage to speak up.

Why This Matters for You

As an ADG member, you have a right to a safe environment and a responsibility to treat others with dignity. This policy doesn’t change the game we love; it provides the professional framework to protect it.

Get Informed: You can find the full policy here.

As we head into the 2026 season, there are several significant updates to the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf and Competition Manual. Some of these changes are global, while others are from the international guide and are specific for events held in Australia.

Below is a summary of the major changes you need to be aware of for your events this year.

Major Rule Changes (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

• Mandatory Scoring for All Players (Now Mandatory in Australia): Following the 2025 transition period, every player on a card must now keep an independent scorecard for the entire group. A player who refuses to keep score must be disqualified.
• New “45-Second” Fairway Rule: The traditional 30-second clock still applies to tee shots, drop zones, and putts within 20 meters. However, for all other fairway shots (scrambles/approaches), players now have 45 seconds.
• Addressing the Lie (Clock Start): The clock now officially starts when a player “addresses their lie.” This includes actions like marking with a mini, using a rangefinder, or clearing casual obstacles.
• Group Voting (Thrower Excluded): When a group needs to vote on a ruling (e.g., OB or a stance violation), the thrower is now excluded from the initial vote. If the remaining players are tied, only then does the thrower vote to break the tie. Lobbying the group for a favourable call is now a courtesy violation.
•  Relief areas: These are now named required relief areas and casual areas to avoid confusion. Required relief areas are played like out of bounds, but without a penalty throw, (you cannot also take line of play relief or return to the previous lie without penalty); casual areas allow for optional relocation without penalty. 
• Casual obstacles:  can be moved by a player without penalty. A casual obstacle must not be an item intentionally placed as part of the course, embedded into the playing surface and is not a larger item such as a large branch or rock.

TD Cheat Sheet: Quick Reminders for Players

To help your players adjust during the first few events of the year, here are the key bullet points for your player meetings:

• Scorekeeping: “Everyone on the card must keep score. If you don’t have a phone for digital scoring, you must use a paper card.”
• Fairway Clock: “You have 30 seconds on the tee and green, but 45 seconds on the fairway once you’ve addressed your lie.”
• Group Rulings: “If there’s a call to be made, the thrower stays quiet while the rest of the card votes. No lobbying for your own safe call.”
• Casual Obstacles: “You can move loose debris, but if it takes two people to move it, it’s not a casual obstacle—leave it alone.”
• Required Relief Areas: “If you land in a required relief area, you must take relief without a penalty, but you play it like OB (no line-of-play relief).”

For a full breakdown of the clerical and minor changes, please review the Official PDGA 2026 Update Page and international guide https://www.pdga.com/international/international-program-guide

One section of the PDGA International Program Guide we’d like to remind organisers of is the Target Requirements section.

Best of luck with your events this season!