is one allowed to use like a chalk bag to keep the disc from slipping out of thier hand because i noticed the other day a product called disc dry??
alot of poeple use the dirt from the front of the pad but what is the official ruling on this

They have dirty hands.

The closest rule is 802.04.A where abrasion is covered.

The spirit of the rule seems to be aimed at things that are used to increase the length of the levers used to project a disc, not things that alter the grip a disc as gloves are allowed.

One could argue that "abrasion" and "friction" are near enough in definition that controlling one is pretty much controlling the other and therefore specifically allowed by the rule.

The simpler argument is that dirt or other products applied to the skin are not devices as described in 802.04. Since there is no other rule that prohibits using them, they are legal.

The only other rule that may come into play is 802.01 where a player cannot add anything to the disc with a detectable thickness. Whatever you put on your hands needs to stay on your hands, and not be transferred to your disc.

Almost a direct mirror of Gary's comments, but from the Q&A:

Rule Question: Grip additives
Question: Is it legal to use stuff on one's hands in order to obtain a better grip on the disc?
Applicable Rules:
802.01 Disc Used in Play
802.04 Artificial Devices
Summary: Many players have long used substances in order to obtain a better grip. Some examples of grip additives/grip aids are: dirt, juice from oranges, rosin bags, birdie bags, talc, sawdust, gorilla grip, pine tar, firm grip, Pow'r-tac, etc. Some are marketed specifically for disc golf and some are marketed for other sports.
Conclusion: The PDGA Rules Committee has discussed these issues. We also solicited the input of the PDGA Technical Standards Committee Chairman. It is our opinion that the use of grip aids is generally acceptable since nothing in the rules specifically prohibits their use.
Other comments: We believe that anything that can help a player secure a better grip would lead to safer play. Particularly since we often play in conditions that are cold and/or wet. The rules of most sports allow for grip additives (golf, tennis, basketball, bowling and baseball, for example), thus we see them as a generally accepted part of competitive sports.
The only problem that we foresee is if the substance used ( as with the grippier additives like pine tar or Pow'r-tac, etc.) winds up adding thickness or weight to the disc (generally through repeated use and build up, both of the additive and other substances which might stick to the additives). Of course, the player can manage this by periodically cleaning off the discs when build up appears. If a competitor thinks that additives are adding weight and thus affecting the legality of the disc, that player has the right to have the TD inspect the disc and make the final determination of the legality of the disc in question.

Almost a direct mirror of Gary's comments, but from the Q&A:

Rule Question: Grip additives
Question: Is it legal to use stuff on one's hands in order to obtain a better grip on the disc?
Applicable Rules:
802.01 Disc Used in Play
802.04 Artificial Devices
Summary: Many players have long used substances in order to obtain a better grip. Some examples of grip additives/grip aids are: dirt, juice from oranges, rosin bags, birdie bags, talc, sawdust, gorilla grip, pine tar, firm grip, Pow'r-tac, etc. Some are marketed specifically for disc golf and some are marketed for other sports.
Conclusion: The PDGA Rules Committee has discussed these issues. We also solicited the input of the PDGA Technical Standards Committee Chairman. It is our opinion that the use of grip aids is generally acceptable since nothing in the rules specifically prohibits their use.
Other comments: We believe that anything that can help a player secure a better grip would lead to safer play. Particularly since we often play in conditions that are cold and/or wet. The rules of most sports allow for grip additives (golf, tennis, basketball, bowling and baseball, for example), thus we see them as a generally accepted part of competitive sports.
The only problem that we foresee is if the substance used ( as with the grippier additives like pine tar or Pow'r-tac, etc.) winds up adding thickness or weight to the disc (generally through repeated use and build up, both of the additive and other substances which might stick to the additives). Of course, the player can manage this by periodically cleaning off the discs when build up appears. If a competitor thinks that additives are adding weight and thus affecting the legality of the disc, that player has the right to have the TD inspect the disc and make the final determination of the legality of the disc in question.



As an added note, in the rain I often use a "pine tar" substitute from Easton. It's very gooey and works great. I am careful in how I apply so that none gets deposited on the disc but a good swipe with a towel takes it right off if I do. The down side is that if you're really dependent on a touch grip, you might not like the different feel. Personally, I grip fairly firmly and this stuff makes no difference to me.

I guess that's why one should always check the Q&A first.

I guess that's why one should always check the Q&A first.



I didn't get this from Q&A. When I first thought about it I asked somewhere on here and got a reply from the rules guys that it was O.K. as long as you didn't deposit on the disc or allow a build up of detectable thickness. On the other hand, I wonder if you got a thin (undetectable) layer of stick-um on your disc if you could stop those undesirable skip bounces or pass throughs... :)