There will be situations where a player will request a second opinion or you as the Referee may offer one to either assure the player is getting the correct ruling or when you are not positive of the ruling. While playing two balls is an option in stroke play when the player has doubt on how to proceed, a Referee should call for a second opinion rather than allowing this option. If a Rover is not able to get to the ruling in a timely manner, the Rover may direct you to have the player play two balls. However, this should only be done at the direction of a Rover.   

When requesting a second opinion, make a call on radio requesting a Rover for a second opinion. Be sure to include your detailed location and if possible, what the second opinion is about at a high level. For example, “Can I have a Rover to hole 15, right side of fairway for a second opinion on TIO relief?” Avoid going into any more detail about the second opinion request to avoid the appearance of influencing the outcome.  

While waiting for the Rover to arrive, stay with the player at the ruling spot to manage the situation until the Rover arrives. When the Rover arrives, exit the ruling, and allow the Rover to handle the ruling until it is complete. The goal of a second opinion is to allow the player a fresh review by a new Referee, without any potential colluding. By leaving when the Rover arrives, it avoids any appearance of you influencing the situation. It also prevents any confusion as to who is managing the ruling. If the Rover needs any information from you, they will radio and either ask or potentially ask you to come back to the situation. 

It is possible to have a situation where you may need to explain what actions the player has taken to the Rover prior to leaving. For example, as you assist a player with taking relief, you are unsure if they need to drop again or play the ball as it lies. In that situation, you should explain what the player has done to the Rover prior to exiting the situation. After giving that information, you should still leave the ruling and allow the Rover to proceed. This avoids any confusion as to who is managing the ruling.