In the field - part 2

No-play zone - biotopes
We are currently having a "hot" discussion on the topic of "easing the no-play zone".

Specifically, it is about the following situation:
The ball is not in the obstacle but is hindered in its swing by a branch growing out of the no-play zone.
We have three opinions ;-)

1. play the ball as it lies
2. relief until stance and swing are free with penalty stroke
3. relief until stance and swing are free without penalty stroke

Answer:
The no-play zone can be found in the explanations/definitions in the rule book.
A part of the court on which play is prohibited by the referee.

No-play zone/1 - Status of plants protruding from a no-play zone
- The status of plants protruding from a no-play zone depends on the type of no-play zone. This is important as the plants may be part of the no-play zone and the player must then claim relief.

- Example: If a no-play zone is labelled as a penalty area (whose boundaries continue above and below ground level), any part of a plant that protrudes beyond the boundaries of the no-play zone is not part of the no-play zone. However, if the no-play area is marked as ground in repair (which includes all ground within the marked area and anything growing within and extending above the ground and outside the boundaries), anything protruding beyond the boundary of the no-play area is part of that no-play area.

No-play area Penalty area:
The player only receives relief if his stance or swing is impeded within the no-play zone and his ball is outside this no-play zone, but not if bushes, plants protrude over the boundaries.

No-play zone ground in repair: The player also receives relief if bushes or plants protrude beyond the boundaries and his stance, ball position or swing is hindered as a result.