SOME of the Rules and Decisions changes that take effect Jan. 1 are subtle, likely to slip past all but the serious Rules devotee. But even the casual observer will notice the recommended new markings that signify areas deemed to be environmentally sensitive.

Under the Rules for 1996, the Committee may define an environmentally sensitive area (ESA) as ground under repair, a water hazard, a lateral water hazard or out of bounds. As such, it is suggested these areas be marked in accordance with the Rules of Golf (by yellow, red or white stakes, depending on the status of the area) but with stakes topped with a green band to designate an environmentally sensitive area. While the Rules of Golf make no recommendations regarding the use of stakes to define ground under repair, blue stakes with green tops would work nicely when an ESA is to be defined as ground under repair. The Committee should be certain to clarify this point in a Local Rules sheet.

It is important to note that the Committee, while responsible for its markings, may not declare an area to be environmentally sensitive. In a new Decision, 33-8/40, the definition of an environmentally sensitive area is one that is so declared "by an appropriate authority, entry into and/or play from which is prohibited for environmental reasons."

Five new Decisions under Rule 33 explain procedures and penalties for actions involving entry into and/or play from environmentally sensitive areas, as well as the definition and markings of such areas.

Among them is Decision 33-8/42, which deals with a player who wrongfully enters an environmentally sensitive area to retrieve his ball. While there is no penalty under the Rules of Golf, the player may have broken the law or be subject to other disciplinary action. In writing the Decision, the USGA and R&A did not authorize the Committee to write a Local Rule which imposes a penalty for entering an environmentally sensitive area.

Here's how to proceed when your ball is in an environmentally sensitive area marked as:

• A water hazard or lateral water hazard -- Under a penalty of one stroke, proceed under Rule 26-1;
• Out of bounds -- Under a penalty of one stroke, the player shall play a ball as near as possible from the spot which the original ball was last played;
• Ground under repair -- If a ball is in an environmentally sensitive area defined as ground under repair, a ball must be dropped in accordance with Rule 25-1b. If, however, there is reasonable evidence the ball is lost in such an area, the player may take relief without penalty as prescribed in Rule 25-1c.

The suggested markings for environmentally sensitive areas: stakes with green tops.