Since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic in November 2019, we’ve seen differing views about the virus, and the measures that our local, state, and federal governments are taking to combat its spread.

All ADG members should realize however, that your views don’t matter when it comes to obeying the law. Several state governments have invoked temporary lockdowns as a measure to combat the spread of the virus. Depending on their severity, these lockdowns have included restrictions on sport, recreation, and exercise. The lockdowns often allow for exercise, alone (or with a member of the same household), within a specified distance from home. The lockdowns usually prohibit participation in indoor or outdoor sports and the use of public exercise and play equipment. Depending on the state, the lockdown conditions will sometimes explicitly refer to outdoor sports like disc golf, sometimes they won’t. However, each time we have sought clarification from the relevant municipal body it has been made clear to us that Disc Golf is considered an outdoor sport making use of public facilities (ie baskets).

The message here is clear. You must follow local public health orders and stop playing Disc Golf during a lockdown when outdoor sports are prohibited. Continuing to play harms the reputation of our sport and is not in accordance with our goal to be respectful members of the community in which our sport is played. The Australian Disc Golf Respect Agreement, includes following local bylaws and regulations in the public or private property on which the sport is played. Alleged breaches of our respect agreement are reviewed by the ADG board and actions taken can include warnings, temporary suspensions, and permanent bans.

To continue the growth of your sport that we have enjoyed in Australia, every Disc Golfer needs to show some cultural leadership in these difficult times.