Cell Phones

[jaboc83]

Rule 802.04 Artificial Devices -
"... The use of devices which assist in determining distances over 10 meters , such as range finders and GPS devices are prohibited."

Since you can use GPS on most smart phones today are they completely illegal to have in tournament play, or only if you use the GPS? I use my phone for tracking my stats and other various things, but don't use the GPS on it and was wondering if that would still be ok in a tournament to fill in that data during some downtime, or can you just not have them with you?

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I didn't find anything in the search.

[pointdisc]

Score keeping & general whatever on phone = OK. GPS use on phone to determine distance greater than 10 meter = not ok.

Though it specifically lists "ranger finders and GPS devices", it is not limited to only those items. It would be any device used to measure the distance, they were just giving some examples.

[jaboc83]

Score keeping & general whatever on phone = OK. GPS use on phone to determine distance greater than 10 meter = not ok.

Though it specifically lists "ranger finders and GPS devices", it is not limited to only those items. It would be any device used to measure the distance, they were just giving some examples.

So you are saying that even though it's a GPS device, so long as you don't use the GPS it's ok to have on the course and use for other things?

[pointdisc]

Yes

[jaboc83]

Yes

Great! Thanks for the clarification.

[isobar]

I would guess using a cell phone to estimate distance would probably have a larger margin of error then guessing. I know my HTC Evo is only accurate to about 50-100 feet here in metro detroit, so I would never trust it to tell me distances. Not really an answer to your question, but someone else already did that.

[jaboc83]

Agreed. GPS on my captivate is pretty questionable. I use a laser range finder for distance measurement which is great.

[veganray]

I think in your zeal to justify carrying your beloved smartphone in a tournament, you are conveniently overlooking the "sanction" portion of the rule (802.04B):

B. A player shall receive two penalty throws, without a warning, if, during any portion of a round, he or she is observed by two players or an official to be using or carrying an artificial device that is determined by the director to violate section 802.04A.

Even a semi-fluent reader will interpret that section to prohibit the carrying of a cell phone if it is able to "assist in determining distances over 10 meters".

Sorry, gadgetheads.

[Smigles]

Even a semi-fluent reader will interpret that section to prohibit the carrying of a cell phone if it is able to "assist in determining distances over 10 meters".

Sorry, gadgetheads.

The rule says "the device which assists", not "which is able to assist". As long as you dont use the functionality, you dont break a rule.

Speaking of semi-fluent readers, eh ?

[veganray]

using or carrying

QED

[Smigles]

Does not change my point.

As long as you dont use it, it does not assist you in measuring distances over 10 meters. It would be able to, but it does not.

QED

[MIdiscgolfer]

This is another example of reading a rule to it's absolute strictest interpretation even if the conclusion is silly. How accurate is the gps in determining distances? Is it even accurate to within 10 meter? I can hold a pencil up and, probably, more accurately judge the distance by seeing how large the basket appears in relation to the pencil at arms length. Are we not allowed to carry pencils? I can do the same thing with my thumb do I have to amputate? Any gps sytem requires you to walk the distance to determine how far you went. You could then just count your paces and measure the distance that way. Here's a challenge VR you try and come up with something that you could carry on a disc golf round that I can't come up with a way it could potentially be used to "assist" in measuring distances. Sometimes it makes a lot more sense to read the rule and come up with a "reasonable" interpretation than to take it to it's literal extreme.

[mark12b]

Note that in any case: (a) the TD has to rule that the device is in violation, and (b) that at least two players have to observe the device during the round. If the TD is cool with you carrying it, you're fine. If it stays in the bag during the round, you're fine.

[Smigles]

Here's a challenge VR you try and come up with something that you could carry on a disc golf round that I can't come up with a way it could potentially be used to "assist" in measuring distances. Sometimes it makes a lot more sense to read the rule and come up with a "reasonable" interpretation than to take it to it's literal extreme.

I think the distance difference i get between putters, midranges and drivers is more accurate distance measurement than a gps