. Rules Q and A Questions: While searching for my ball in the deep rough, I inadvertently step on it and push the ball further into the ground. The ball does not move laterally in any direction. Do I receive a penalty in this situation? Answer: Yes, by stepping on the ball you moved it vertically from its original position. Therefore, you incur a penalty of one stroke and you must replace the ball. By definition, a ball is deemed to have moved if it leaves its position and comes to rest in any other place. According to Decision 18/1 the direction in which the ball moves in immaterial. Questions: During a team play match in which A & B are playing against C & D, C purposely putts her ball well beyond the hole so as to assist D in reading her upcoming putt. Is this in compliance with the Rules? Answer: According to Decision 30-3f/6, such an act is contrary to the spirit of the game. In a match play situation such as team play, in equity (Rule 1-4) player C should be disqualified for the hole. Since her action assisted her partner's play, player D should also receive the same penalty and be disqualified for the hole.