This is a twist on the usual Am playing Pro debate. Today I was talking to a local TD and another player, when the following was said.

The TD asked the local player if he was playing in an upcoming tournament and if so if he was playing in Pro. The TD said if he was, then he needed to sign up with the PDGA, which he could get signed up for. The local was a little put off by the cost of a Pro membership and I mentioned that he could sign up as an AM, play Pro and just not accept any money, just merchandise, thus paying the lower AM fee for membership. The TD said something along the lines of "where's the fun in that" and proceeded to talk the local into playing Pro.

Now this local can easily wind up with a rating of 980 or higher. I want to ensure this local isn't hurting himself by being stuck in Pro when he usually plays Advanced. What are the consequences of an Am signing up with the PDGA and then playing Pro and accepting money, all the while getting a rating of 975 or higher? Can the PDGA do anything to this player?

As soon as the TD reports the event to the PDGA, the player will be on the PDGA records as earning cash and will be listed as a pro even if the player pays for an Am membership.

And then next year he will have to sign up as a pro, correct?

Yes, unless he appeals to revert to Am.

As soon as the TD reports the event to the PDGA, the player will be on the PDGA records as earning cash and will be listed as a pro even if the player pays for an Am membership.

What about other PDGA tournaments? Wouldn't he be limited to playing Open division if he rates at or above 970 and takes cash? Like I said he has the potential to rate high, but usually just stays in Advanced.

Yep.