Getting Started

Registration

Scoring & Payouts

*dramatically raises arms as if announcing the winner of a game show*

The ace pot! That tantalizing pool of cash that grows and grows until someone hits that perfect shot! Each league sets their own ace pot contribution amount (typically $3 per player), which is clearly displayed with full accounting online.

Ace Pot Basics
Contribution: Typically $3 per player (set by each league)
Rollover: Carries over week to week if not hit
Singles Only: Only paid for ace during singles play
Verification: Must be witnessed by your group
Multiple Aces: Pot split among all aces that week
Payment: Added to your league account balance
Transparency: Full accounting available online
Qualifying Aces
  • Official Ace: Any ace during league play on the hole you're supposed to be playing
  • Par Requirements: Hole must be par 3 or greater (a "1" on a par 2 is just a good putt, not an ace)
  • Verification: Must be witnessed by at least one other player in your group
  • Reporting: Score must be entered as a "1" on the scorecard for that hole
End of League Allocation

If no aces are hit during the entire league, the League Director has several options for allocating the unclaimed ace pot:

Future Leagues
Roll over to upcoming leagues to give them a larger starting pot
Course Funds
Contribute to course improvement projects
Super Ace Pot
Add to the area-wide Super Ace pot for harder-to-hit aces
Club Fund
Add to the club's ace pot carry-over fund
Yearly Projects
Support yearly disc golf project initiatives
Prize Pool
Add to final week's prize pool across divisions
How to Claim Your Ace
  1. Make sure everyone in your group witnesses it
  2. Take a photo at the basket if possible
  3. Submit scores with the ace marked
  4. The system will automatically detect your ace
  5. Your payout will be calculated & credited after round finalization
Did You Know? Our system has automated ace detection! When your scorecard shows a "1" on any hole, it automatically flags it as a potential ace for verification, no special forms needed.

*adjusts glasses in a triumphant manner*

You'll receive an email confirmation when your ace is verified, along with the amount you've won. The payout will appear in your league account balance immediately after event finalization, allowing you to request a payout.

*whispers* And then I get to write a dramatically overblown narrative about your ace for the ages...

PDGA & Rules

*dramatically pulls out a well-worn PDGA rulebook*

Ah, the PDGA rulebook - 84 pages of pure bureaucratic joy! For league play, here's what you need to know:

Official PDGA Rules For League Play
801 All Standard PDGA Rules Apply

For PDGA-sanctioned leagues, the complete PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf apply. This includes all rules for gameplay, courtesy, equipment, and competitive play.

View the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf and PDGA Competition Manual online or download the PDGA Rules app.
Quick Links to Key Rules:
811 Group Integrity & Scoring

Players are expected to maintain accurate scorekeeping and integrity in calling rules violations. All scorecards must be signed by the player and verified by another player in the group.

812 Courtesy & Sportsmanship

League players must observe all courtesy rules, including not disrupting other players, respecting the course, and exhibiting good sportsmanship at all times.

813 Equipment Rules

All discs used must conform to PDGA equipment standards. Illegal modifications to discs are not permitted in league play.

League-Specific Guidelines
Two-Minute Rule

The two-minute rule for searching for lost discs is strictly enforced in league play.

Minimum Group Size

For PDGA rating purposes, groups must have at least 3 players. Two-player groups are still valid for league competition but won't generate ratings.

Digital Scorekeeping

Digital scoring through the PDGA app is required and considered the official record for our leagues.

Common Rule Issues
Foot Faults: Maintaining proper stance during throws is often overlooked
OB Rulings: Be clear on all out-of-bounds areas before starting
Casual Relief: Know when and how to take casual relief from hazards
Interference: Follow proper procedures if a thrown disc is interfered with
Remember: League Directors have final authority on rule interpretations for their leagues. If there's a dispute, their decision is final.
PDGA Doubles League Test Program: ElevateUT is part of the first official PDGA doubles league test program. As part of this program, teams are locked for the entire duration of the league. This policy ensures proper evaluation of the format and statistical integrity.

*adjusts glasses while reviewing rulebook sections*

In my extensive documentary experience, I've observed that 73% of league players claim to know all the rules, yet somehow 94% are mysteriously unaware of foot fault regulations when it affects their own throws. A fascinating statistical anomaly, wouldn't you agree?

*mutters while filing rulebook* At least pretend to read the rules before arguing about them...

Doubles Leagues

*Flippy dramatically unfolds a PDGA rulebook, sending loose pages fluttering*

The PDGA Competition Manual (section B.05) defines these official doubles formats for competitive play. Each format has specific rules for how teammates play together and how scores are calculated.

Official PDGA Rules References

All doubles formats follow the official PDGA guidelines found in:

ElevateUT is part of the first PDGA doubles league test program, implementing these formats in a league setting under official PDGA guidelines. Each format enforces specific rules for how scoring, lies, and completion are determined.

Best Throw

Both team members throw from each position. The team chooses which of the two positions to play from for the next throw.

  • Both players throw from every position
  • Team chooses best lie after each round of throws
  • A team completes a hole when either team member completes the hole
  • Most common and player-friendly format
Modified Best Throw

Same as Best Throw, but with limits on when each member's tee throw can be used.

  • The Director may set a limit on when the team may use each member's tee throw
  • The team receives two penalty throws each time that limit is exceeded
  • Good for balancing teams with different skill levels
  • Ensures both players contribute tee shots
Worst Throw

Both team members throw from each position. The opponents choose which position the team must play from next.

  • Both players throw from every position
  • Opponents choose which lie to play from
  • A team completes a hole when all team members complete the hole from the same lie
  • Extremely challenging format
Tough Throw

Same as Worst Throw, with the variation that a team completes the hole when any team member completes the hole.

  • Still uses opponent selection like Worst Throw
  • Slightly more forgiving than Worst Throw
  • Allows completion when one team member finishes
  • Still very challenging format
Alternate Throw

The team chooses which member makes the first throw. They then alternate: each team member throws from the lie resulting from the other team member's throw.

  • Team members alternate throws throughout the hole
  • A team completes a hole when either team member completes the hole
  • Tests all aspects of each player's game
  • Makes each shot critically important
Modified Alternate Throw

Same as Alternate Throw, but the Director may designate which team member makes the first throw on each hole.

  • Follows Alternate Throw rules
  • First thrower may be assigned for each hole
  • Creates more strategic choices
  • Can prevent stronger players from always taking key holes
Best Score

Each team member plays the hole as an individual player.

  • Players play their own rounds
  • Team score is the lowest individual score
  • A hole is complete when a player completes it with the lowest potential score
  • Good format for players who prefer individual play
Best Score Alternate Throw

Each team member throws from the tee, starting two separate sequences of Alternate Throw.

  • Creates two parallel alternate throw sequences
  • Team score is the lower of the two alternate throw sequences
  • Complex format combining Best Score and Alternate Throw
  • Advanced format for experienced teams
Aggregate Score

Each team member plays the hole as an individual player.

  • Players play their own rounds
  • Team score is the sum of both players' scores
  • Tests consistency of both team members
  • No room for error - both players must perform well
Format Selection

In our leagues, the doubles format is set by the league director following official PDGA rules. The format selection depends on the league's goals and player experience levels.

Best Throw remains the most popular format for recreational play, while Alternate Throw and other formats are sometimes used for more competitive or special events.

Important Test Program Information

As part of the first official PDGA doubles league test program, teams are locked for the entire duration of the league - you cannot switch partners mid-league. This policy ensures we can properly evaluate the format, maintain statistical integrity, and provide valuable feedback to the PDGA.

*Mutters while carefully re-collecting scattered rulebook pages*

No matter which PDGA format your league uses, doubles is an excellent way to enjoy disc golf with a friend while learning from each other's game. Each format creates unique strategic opportunities and challenges. Just remember to choose a partner who complements your strengths - or at least someone who can find your disc in the rough!

*Flippy adjusts clipboard and dramatically checks off a registration form*

Registering for a doubles league is easy! Here's what you need to know about playing disc golf with a partner.

IMPORTANT: BYOP (Bring Your Own Partner)

Doubles leagues are strictly BYOP - you MUST bring your own partner. Once registered, you are essentially "married" to your partner for the entire duration of the league - no partner swapping, no substitutions, no exceptions!

This rigid policy ensures fair competition and maintains the statistical integrity of our PDGA test program.

Finding a Partner
Choosing Your Teammate

Before registering, you'll need to find a partner to play with throughout the league. Consider someone who:

  • Has a reliable schedule and can commit to ALL league dates
  • Complements your playing style or skill level
  • You enjoy spending time with on the course
  • Already has an account on our league system
Partner Requirements

Your partner needs to have an account in our system before you can register as a team. Make sure they've signed up first if they're new to our leagues!

Registration Process
Step-by-Step Registration
  1. Sign into your account and find the doubles league event
  2. Click "Register" to begin the registration process
  3. Select your division and preferred tee time
  4. Search for and select your partner from the system
  5. Complete payment for the registration
  6. Both you and your partner will receive confirmation
Team Information Section
Common Questions
Can I switch partners mid-league?

No. Teams are locked for the entire duration of the league. This is a strict policy to maintain fair competition, consistent records, and statistical integrity in our PDGA test program for doubles leagues.

Do both partners need to pay?

Only one person needs to pay during registration. The fee covers both players' participation.

Can we be in different divisions?

In doubles leagues, both team members play in the same division, typically determined by the team's strongest player.

What if my partner can't make an event?

Easy - your team simply doesn't compete that week. Your team will not be eligible for weekly prizes and will not accrue any points in the league standings for that week. No fill-ins, no substitutions, no exceptions. This strict policy ensures the statistical integrity of the league and fairness to all competitors.

*Dramatically stamps "TEAM REGISTERED" on an imaginary form*

Remember, doubles leagues are about having fun with a friend while challenging yourselves on the course. Choose wisely - you're in this together for the entire league!

*Flippy dramatically shuffles scorecards with theatrical flair*

Scoring for doubles leagues follows official PDGA rules based on the format. Each format has different methods for determining the team's score.

Format How Score Is Calculated When Hole Is Complete
Best Throw Number of throws for the lies that were played + penalty throws When either team member completes the hole
Alternate Throw Number of throws by the team + penalty throws When either team member completes the hole
Worst Throw Number of throws for the lies that were played + penalty throws When all team members complete the hole from the same lie
Modified Best Same as Best Throw + two penalty throws each time limits are exceeded When either team member completes the hole
Penalties in Doubles

According to PDGA Appendix B, penalties in doubles have specific rules:

  • Individual penalties: "Penalties incurred by a throw apply only to the team member who made the throw"
  • Team penalties: "All other warnings and penalties are incurred by the team as a whole"
  • Extra throws: "Any throw which cannot possibly improve a team's score is an extra throw" (warning first, then penalty)
  • Incorrect order: In Alternate format, throwing out of order incurs one penalty throw for misplay
Important Doubles Rules

Additional scoring rules from PDGA Appendix B:

  • For formats where both teammates throw from the same lie (Best/Worst Throw), a team member who throws from the wrong lie receives one penalty throw
  • In Alternate Throw, if an additional throw is made after the incorrect member has thrown, the team receives two penalty throws
  • For any re-throw from the same lie in Alternate Throw, the same player makes the re-throw
  • The throwing order on each hole is determined by scores on the previous hole (lowest score throws first)

*Mutters while reorganizing a stack of team scorecards*

Team scoring may be more complex than singles, but it's also twice the fun when you can blame your partner for that missed putt. Just remember, in Best Throw format, your excuses are cut in half!

*Flippy dramatically counts out plastic coins from a tiny treasure chest*

If you're playing in a doubles league, you might be wondering how payouts, prizes, and achievements are handled when there are two players involved.

Winnings and Payouts
Team Placement Payouts

When your team finishes in a payout position:

  • Cash prizes are awarded based on team performance
  • Both team members share in the success
  • Payouts are processed after the event is finalized
  • Winnings can be used toward future events or donated to funds
Payout Example

If your team finishes 1st place with a $40 payout, both players will be recognized as winners, and each player's account will reflect their portion of the win. While we generally refer to the Competition Manual section 1.10 for guidance, leagues have flexibility in how they handle payouts. Some leagues may pay out amateurs with cash, which is permitted by the PDGA for league play.

Individual Achievements
Special Achievements in Doubles
  • Ace Pots: The player who throws the ace receives the ace pot prize
  • CTP Contests: The player who throws the closest shot wins the CTP prize
  • Points Series: Both players receive credit for team placement in series standings
  • Bag Tag Movements: Both players' tags are affected by team performance
Aces & CTPs

Individual achievements are credited to the specific player who accomplished them. If your partner hits an ace, congratulate them - and remember they get to keep that prize!

Common Questions
Who pays the entry fee?

Sharing is caring! All it takes is for one member of your team to buy you in. Only one person needs to pay during registration, and the fee covers both players' participation. Split the load with your partner - you're in this together!

Can we donate our winnings?

Yes! Team winnings can be donated to course funds, ace pots, or other supported causes, just like in singles play.

How are prizes distributed?

Physical prizes like discs or merchandise are typically awarded at the event. Both team members will be recognized as winners.

What about series points?

Both team members receive the same series points based on team finish position, helping both players in the overall series standings.

*Dramatically seals the treasure chest and tucks it away*

Remember, doubles leagues are all about teamwork - except when your partner hits that ace on hole 7. Then it's all about fairness... and perhaps a gentle reminder that buying the first round after league is tradition!

*Dramatically pulls out a well-worn PDGA rule book*

Yes, doubles leagues can absolutely be PDGA-sanctioned events! The PDGA has official rules and guidelines for sanctioning doubles events, just like they do for singles competition. There are a few key points to understand about sanctioning in doubles:

PDGA Sanctioning Benefits

All PDGA-sanctioned doubles events provide these official benefits:

  • PDGA points toward player eligibility for Majors (including Worlds)
  • Official recognition in PDGA tournament history
  • Insurance coverage for the event
  • TD and Assistant TD credit toward PDGA certification

PDGA Formats and Sanctioning

For an event to be PDGA-sanctioned, it must follow one of the official PDGA doubles formats outlined in the competition manual. ElevateUT offers all of the official PDGA formats:

Best Throw

Both players throw from each position. The team chooses the best lie after each round of throws. The most popular format.

Modified Best Throw

Same as Best Throw, but with limits on when each member's tee throw can be used (typically no more than two holes in a row).

Worst Throw

Both players throw from each position. The opponents choose which lie must be played next. Extremely challenging.

Tough Throw

Same as Worst Throw, but the hole is complete when any team member completes it (slightly more forgiving).

Alternate Throw

Team members alternate throws, with each player throwing from the lie created by their partner's previous throw.

Modified Alternate Throw

Same as Alternate Throw, but the Director designates which team member makes the first throw on each hole (often males on odd holes, females on even).

Best Score

Each player plays their own round. The team score is the best individual score on each hole.

Aggregate Score

Each player plays their own round. The team score is the sum of both players' scores on each hole.

Best Score Alternate Throw

Each player throws from the tee, starting two separate Alternate Throw sequences. The team score is the lower of the two sequences. An advanced format that combines elements of Best Score and Alternate Throw.

The tournament or league director needs to follow the requirements in Section 1 of the Competition Manual:

  1. Be a current PDGA member (Rule 1.02.A)
  2. Submit the event for sanctioning through the PDGA website (Rule 1.02)
  3. Follow all PDGA rules and competition standards (Rule 1.01)
  4. Report results properly after the event (Rule 1.11)

Ratings and Standards

Here's an important distinction that many players don't realize:

Ratings Note

While you do receive a round rating for your doubles performance, these ratings are not included in your official PDGA player rating calculation. This is outlined in the PDGA Ratings Guide.

Why PDGA Sanctioning Matters (Even Without Rating Impact)

PDGA-sanctioned doubles events provide significant benefits beyond ratings impact:

Insurance & Official Status
  • Full PDGA liability insurance coverage for all participants, tournament directors, and venues
  • Official recognition in PDGA tournament history and records
  • Standardized rules enforcement through certified officials
Performance Assessment
  • Round ratings are calculated and published, providing valuable performance metrics
  • Compare your team's performance to established standards (e.g., "We threw a 1000-rated round!")
  • Track your progression and improvement over time with consistent measurement
Competitive Standards
  • Access to all nine official PDGA doubles formats with standardized rules
  • Consistent implementation of rules across all sanctioned events
  • Clear guidelines for competitive play that ensure fairness

In short, sanctioning brings structure, credibility, and official recognition to doubles events, while the unique ratings situation gives you the best of both worlds - the excitement of seeing your performance measured without the pressure of affecting your official rating.

Reference Links

For more information about PDGA ratings, check these official resources:

That means when you and your partner throw that amazing 1000-rated doubles round, you'll see that rating in the results, but it won't affect your official PDGA rating that appears on your player profile. It's like getting the dopamine hit without the pressure!

Worlds Qualification and Points

Even though the ratings don't count toward your official rating, sanctioned doubles events do provide PDGA points that count toward qualification for PDGA Majors including World Championships. So your performance in doubles events can still help you qualify for these prestigious tournaments even if it doesn't change your rating.

ElevateUT Doubles Leagues

First Official PDGA Doubles League Test Program

ElevateUT is proud to be part of the first official PDGA doubles league test program! This is a pilot initiative to establish and refine the sanctioning process for doubles leagues.

As we're among the first to implement these formats in a league setting under PDGA guidelines, your feedback and participation are especially valuable to both our organization and the PDGA.

Our PDGA-sanctioned doubles leagues (as part of this test program) offer:

  • Official round ratings for each event (though they won't factor into your player rating)
  • PDGA points that count toward Worlds qualification
  • Strict adherence to all official PDGA rules and formats
  • Results recorded in official PDGA tournament history
  • The opportunity to be part of establishing a new PDGA competitive format
Important Team Policy

As part of this test program, teams are locked for the duration of the league. This means you cannot switch partners mid-league. This policy ensures consistency in competition, accurate record-keeping, and statistical integrity.

*Closes rulebook and adjusts glasses dramatically*

So go ahead and enjoy that 1000-rated round with your partner! You get the satisfaction of the rating without affecting your official rating average, while helping establish a new competitive format for the sport.

*Dramatically sorts through rating calculation spreadsheets*

The relationship between doubles rounds and PDGA ratings is one of the most misunderstood aspects of competitive disc golf. Let me clarify how this works:

Doubles Ratings: The Quick Facts
What You DO Get
  • A round rating for each doubles event
  • PDGA points for Worlds qualification
  • Official tournament history credit
  • The satisfaction of seeing your rating
What You DON'T Get
  • Inclusion in your official PDGA player rating
  • Impact on your division eligibility
  • Rating-based qualification changes

How Doubles Ratings Work

When you play in a PDGA-sanctioned doubles event, the PDGA calculates a round rating for your team's performance, just like they would for a singles round. This rating appears in the official results and in your tournament history.

The Rating Process

The PDGA still calculates a Scratch Scoring Average (SSA) for the course based on player ratings and scores, then determines how your team's score compares to the expected performance. For more information, see the PDGA Ratings Guide.

The "Hidden" Benefit

This creates an interesting situation for players:

  1. You get to see how your team performs in terms of a rating (e.g., "We just threw a 1000-rated round!")
  2. You get the excitement and dopamine rush of seeing a great rating
  3. But if you have a bad round, it doesn't hurt your official player rating
  4. Similarly, if you throw an amazing round, it doesn't artificially inflate your rating

It's like having your cake and eating it too!

Why Doesn't the PDGA Count These Ratings?

The PDGA excludes doubles ratings from player rating calculations because:

  1. Team dynamics significantly change how people play
  2. Different doubles formats produce very different scoring patterns
  3. It would be difficult to fairly integrate doubles performances with singles performances
  4. Players often perform differently when they have a partner

Benefits for World Championship Qualification

Even though the ratings don't count toward your player rating, your participation in sanctioned doubles events DOES count toward your eligibility for PDGA Major events like World Championships. The PDGA points system considers your participation in all sanctioned events, including doubles.

Pro Tip

If you're trying to qualify for Worlds or other Majors, playing in sanctioned doubles events can help you accumulate the necessary PDGA points while giving you competitive experience without risking your rating.

*Puts away the spreadsheets with a flourish*

So the next time you and your partner throw that incredible round in doubles, celebrate that 1000-rated performance! Just remember that while it won't change your official rating, you still get the PDGA points and the bragging rights that come with it!

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