Informing Your Opponent of a Free Drop (Rules Question)

[iacas]

I seem to remember a rule that doesn't seem to exist, either because it's been modified or it never was.

Two teams of two players are playing a best-ball match (match play). Player A, having found his ball, looks over to see player X (on the other team) handling his ball. Player A says "what are you doing?" Player X says "taking a drop from the cart path." I could have sworn it was a player's responsibility to inform his opponent that he was taking a drop prior to actually taking the drop. This would give the opponent the opportunity to inspect the lie to see if a drop is appropriate and to ensure that proper drop procedure is followed.

Otherwise, to Player A, it simply looks like Player X is picking up his ball. He could have taken an exaggerated stance (like with a driver) to get his heel barely on the cart path... who knows. Perhaps the underlying guideline that everyone simply "be honest" is the over-riding principle here. Perhaps, to avoid confusion, it's simply "best" to inform your opponent.

But, really, is it written somewhere? I couldn't find it.

[ragontona]

You know, I can't find anything either. It seems to me that should be at least covered in a decision somewhere .

[iacas]

You know, I can't find anything either. It seems to me that should be at least covered in a decision

That's what I'm thinking, yet... who knows?

[iacas]

I always thought you needed your opponent to approve/acknowledge your free drop. Tried to search the USGA web site but could not find a definite answer.

If you find it, please let us know. If anyone can find it, in fact, please let us know.