What happens if a referee tells me to break a rule by mistake?
No, you won't be penalized. If a referee authorizes you to breach a Rule by mistake, their ruling is final and you play on without penalty. The referee can seek a second opinion or refer it to the Committee, but you must follow their decision.
This situation is distinct from a general referee ruling: here the referee explicitly tells you to do something that breaches a Rule (e.g., "lift your ball" when you're not allowed to, or "drop here" when it's the wrong relief area). You're protected because you acted on the referee's direct authorization, not just a general ruling on the Rules.
The referee's ruling is binding
A referee is an official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. When a referee gives a ruling on the facts or how the Rules apply, you must follow it. You have no right to appeal a referee's ruling to the Committee. The referee may get a second opinion from another referee or refer the ruling to the Committee for review, but they are not required to do so. Their decision stands as final in the moment.
When a wrong ruling can be corrected
If a referee or the Committee makes a wrong ruling — applying the wrong penalty, applying a Rule that doesn't exist, or misinterpreting a Rule — the ruling will be corrected if possible under the Rules. If it's too late to correct it, the wrong ruling stands. This correction process is covered in Rule 20.2d and the Committee Procedures. The key point: you're protected while following the referee's instruction.
Acting on a reasonable misunderstanding
If you take an action that breaches a Rule based on a reasonable misunderstanding of a referee's or Committee's instruction during a round or while play is stopped, there is no penalty. The instruction is treated like a wrong ruling. For example, if a referee tells you to lift your ball when you're not allowed to, and you do it, you won't be penalized for lifting it.
Exceptions that change the answer
- The wrong ruling is discovered in time to be corrected under the Rules → The ruling will be corrected and the proper Rule applied
- It is too late to correct the wrong ruling → The wrong ruling stands and the result based on it remains
- You act on a reasonable misunderstanding of a referee's instruction → No penalty, and the instruction is treated as a wrong ruling
Frequently asked questions
Can I appeal a referee's ruling to the Committee?
No. A player has no right to appeal a referee's ruling to the Committee. The referee's decision is final in the moment, though the referee may voluntarily seek a second opinion or refer it to the Committee.
What if the referee tells me to do something that's actually against the Rules?
You follow the referee's instruction. If they authorize you to breach a Rule in error, you will not be penalized. The referee's ruling is final and protects you.
Can a wrong ruling by a referee be fixed later?
Yes, if it's discovered in time and can be corrected under the Rules. If it's too late to correct, the wrong ruling stands. The Committee follows specific procedures in Section 6C for handling wrong rulings.
What counts as a wrong ruling?
A wrong ruling occurs when a referee or Committee attempts to apply the Rules but does so incorrectly — like applying the wrong penalty, failing to apply a penalty, applying a Rule that doesn't apply, or misinterpreting a Rule.
What if I misunderstand what the referee told me to do?
If your misunderstanding is reasonable and you breach a Rule because of it, there's no penalty. The instruction is treated like a wrong ruling. But the misunderstanding must be reasonable — you can't ignore clear instructions.