rule 13-2/22

[rulefan]

Duncan

Apart from the words in red, which are one new concept, the new decision also introduces another by qualifying the word affected by materially. Further, with the inclusion of other examples, it does a better job of explaining the situation.
However, I agree, the essence is the same.

13-2/22 In some cases, the knocking down of a number of leaves would not improve the area of the intended swing as the player still has to swing through a number of remaining leaves when making his stroke. In such circumstances, there would be no breach of the Rules. In other cases, the knocking down of one leaf might improve the area of the intended swing, in which case there would be a breach of Rule 13-2.

13-2/0.5 merely changing an area protected by Rule 13-2 will not be a breach of Rule 13-2 unless it creates such a potential advantage for the player in his play.

Examples of changes that are unlikely to create such a potential advantage are if a player:

accidentally knocks down several leaves from a tree in his area of intended swing with a practice swing, but there are still so many leaves or branches remaining that the area of intended swing has not been materially affected;

Examples of changes that are likely to create such a potential advantage are if a player:

accidentally knocks down a single leaf from a tree in his area of intended swing with a practice swing, but, as this was one of very few leaves that might either interfere with his swing or fall and thereby distract him, the area of intended swing has been materially affected

The determination as to whether a player has gained a potential advantage from his actions is made by reference to the situation immediately prior to his stroke. If there is a reasonable possibility that the player's action has created a potential advantage, the player is in breach of Rule 13-2

 

[duncan mackie]

Duncan

Apart from the words in red, which are one new concept, the new decision also introduces another by qualifying the word affected by materially. Further, with the inclusion of other examples, it does a better job of explaining the situation.
However, I agree, the essence is the same.

13-2/22 In some cases, the knocking down of a number of leaves would not improve the area of the intended swing as the player still has to swing through a number of remaining leaves when making his stroke. In such circumstances, there would be no breach of the Rules. In other cases, the knocking down of one leaf might improve the area of the intended swing, in which case there would be a breach of Rule 13-2.

13-2/0.5 merely changing an area protected by Rule 13-2 will not be a breach of Rule 13-2 unless it creates such a potential advantage for the player in his play.

Examples of changes that are unlikely to create such a potential advantage are if a player:

accidentally knocks down several leaves from a tree in his area of intended swing with a practice swing, but there are still so many leaves or branches remaining that the area of intended swing has not been materially affected;

Examples of changes that are likely to create such a potential advantage are if a player:

accidentally knocks down a single leaf from a tree in his area of intended swing with a practice swing, but, as this was one of very few leaves that might either interfere with his swing or fall and thereby distract him, the area of intended swing has been materially affected

The determination as to whether a player has gained a potential advantage from his actions is made by reference to the situation immediately prior to his stroke. If there is a reasonable possibility that the player's action has created a potential advantage, the player is in breach of Rule 13-2

:thup: re the additional clarification

thank you for taking the time to post this way; really clear all round.

 

[williamalex1]

:thup: re the additional clarification

thank you for taking the time to post this way; really clear all round.

If you well versed rules guys [ rule / decisions book and PCs at hand] still take some time to resolve your different views on this type of ruling , what chance do us mere mortals have of making the right call during play.

 

[rulefan]

If you well versed rules guys [ rule / decisions book and PCs at hand] still take some time to resolve your different views on this type of ruling , what chance do us mere mortals have of making the right call during play.

I don't think Duncan and I had any difference about how we would rule.
It didn't take long in real time to find the decision (either does the job). In fact you got it right in your original post.

But the rule itself really has all the words necessary.

[h=3]13-2. Improving Lie, Area Of Intended Stance Or Swing, Or Line Of Play[/h]A player must not improve or allow to be improved:

• the position or lie of his ball,
• the area of his intended Stance or swing,
• his Line Of Play or a reasonable extension of that line beyond theHole, or
• the area in which he is to drop or place a ball,

by any of the following actions:

• pressing a club on the ground,
• moving, bending or breaking anything growing or fixed (including immovable Obstructions and objects defining Out Of Bounds),
• creating or eliminating irregularities of surface,
• removing or pressing down sand, loose soil, replaced divots or other cut turf placed in position, or
• removing dew, frost or water.

 

[williamalex1]

Keep up the good work guys.:thup the key is not to improve your swing path.

 

[Foxholer]

If you well versed rules guys [ rule / decisions book and PCs at hand] still take some time to resolve your different views on this type of ruling , what chance do us mere mortals have of making the right call during play.

I don't think there's any disagreement in what the Ruling would be, simply about what, if anything, had changed when it went from ../22 to ../0.5

I can actually remember the very first time I encountered this situation (late 90s at Hever Castle) and it's always been a case of whether it materially improves the path.

As for digging the book out etc. I believe this sort of thing is worth deferring to after the round - as it only creates unnecessary animosity and loss of concentration. In Matchplay, the hole should be continued, but a claim made before teeing off on the next hole. This way, the issue is raised but the round/match can continue amicably.