Last week, we talked about how the Drugs & Medicine policy keeps our athletes healthy. This week, we’re looking at how we keep the game itself honest.

As Disc Golf grows in Australia, it’s attracting more eyes, more sponsors, and more fans. That’s exciting! But it also means we need to protect the unpredictability of our sport. That’s where the Competition Manipulation and Sports Gambling Policy comes in.

What is Competition Manipulation?

Essentially, it’s anything that aims to fix the outcome of a hole, a round, or a tournament for a reason other than pure skill. Whether it’s deliberately missing a putt to help a friend’s ranking or agreeing to split a prize before the final round is over, it undermines the very reason we compete.

Why Does This Matter for Disc Golf?

You might think, “I’m just playing a B-Tier event, surely this doesn’t apply to me?” But integrity starts at the grassroots. To keep our sport respected by sponsors, government bodies, and the public, we need to ensure that every result is earned fairly.

The “No-Go” Zones

The policy identifies a few key prohibited behaviors:

• Match-Fixing: Intentionally performing below your best to influence a result.
• Inside Information: Sharing non-public info (like a top player’s secret injury) with someone who might use it for betting.
• Betting on Your Own Sport: Under the NIF, if you are a “Relevant Person” (player, official, or volunteer), you are generally prohibited from betting on Disc Golf events you are involved in or have influence over.

The Bottom Line

We play Disc Golf because the best player on the day wins. This policy helps ensure the scorecard always tells the true story. By keeping gambling and manipulation out of our game, we protect the spirit of competition that makes every birdie feel so good.

Next Week: We wrap up the series with the Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy