Cgkdisc
.:Hall of Fame Member:.
The 1997 rulebook was first to include a statement and penalties regarding use of certain Artificial Devices, but it was unclear if rangefinders were not allowed: "802.04 A. During a round, a player shall not use any artificial device that may assist in making a throw, except those devices that reduce or control abrasion to the skin such as gloves, tape, bandages, gauze, etc. Items used to prevent slipping on the teeing surface are also allowed. A player is specifically prohibited from using any artificial device that changes the position of the disc in the player's hand or artificially lengthens any of the player's throwing levers (fingers, wrist, arm, shoulder, etc.)."
The next rulebook in 2002 specifically called out rangefinders as illegal during play: "The use of devices which assist in determining distances, such as range finders, are prohibited."
The 2006 and 2011 rules continued with rangefinder prohibition statements with the 2011 rules also excluding use of GPS devices, i.e., smartphone apps. As a side note, a parent was caught using a smartphone app to determine distances for their Junior at the 2012 Worlds in Charlotte. Not sure if any penalty was applied.
The 2013 rules removed the statement prohibiting rangefinders and GPS devices which was de facto approval of rangefinders and GPS measurement methods without publicly stating it. And this de facto, unstated approval has continued since 2013.
The next rulebook in 2002 specifically called out rangefinders as illegal during play: "The use of devices which assist in determining distances, such as range finders, are prohibited."
The 2006 and 2011 rules continued with rangefinder prohibition statements with the 2011 rules also excluding use of GPS devices, i.e., smartphone apps. As a side note, a parent was caught using a smartphone app to determine distances for their Junior at the 2012 Worlds in Charlotte. Not sure if any penalty was applied.
The 2013 rules removed the statement prohibiting rangefinders and GPS devices which was de facto approval of rangefinders and GPS measurement methods without publicly stating it. And this de facto, unstated approval has continued since 2013.