AFLGA

Rules information provided by Liz Earhart

Ball moved when addressing it (Rule 18-2)

Previously, if he ball moved after the player had addressed it, it was assumed that the player had caused the ball to move.  He incurred 1 penalty stroke.  An exception to this were cases in which it was obvious that the player was not responsible for the ball moving.

Now it is no longer automatically assumed that the player is at fault and the sole determining factor is who or what caused the ball to move.  If it was the player he must put the ball back and he incurs 1 penalty stroke.  If, for example, it was the wind or if the ball moved on its own, it must be played from it’s new position and no penalty is incurred.

Distance measuring devices (Rule 14-3 and Appendix IV)

Since 2006, distance measuring devices can be permitted by Local Rule. However, they are only allowed to measure the distance and the player is not permitted to use any prohibited functions (e.g. measuring the slope).  Previously it was deemed a breach of the rules of ia function such as this was installed on the device, irrespective of whether the player had actually used it.  Now, the sole determining factor is whether the player uses a prohibited function.

Prohibited devices (Rule 14-3)

Previously, a player who used an artificial device or unusual equipment was immediately disqualified.

Now, the penalty is applied in stages – with the first infringement the player incurs 2 penalty strokes (in match play, he loses the hole) and he is only disqualified if he breaches the rule again.

“Anchoring” the club (Rule 14-1)

Previously, certain unusual stroke techniques were permitted too, especially in connection with long putters.

Now, “anchoring” a club is banned, for example a player must not rest or support a club or his hand/forearm against a part of his body  However, long putters as such are still permitted.

Submission of a score card with fewer strokes than taken (Rule 6-6)

Previously, if a player handed in a score card on which a fewer number of strokes was entered for a hole than was actually taken he was always disqualified.

Now, there is an exception in favor of players who have not recorded penalty strokes because they did not know they had breached the rules.  These players are no longer disqualified but are subsequently given the penalty strokes they failed to record, plus an additional penalty of 2 strokes.