What form of play does Rule 24 cover?

Rule 24 of the Rules of Golf addresses the topic of "Animal holes" and seeks to provide guidelines for how to proceed when a player's ball comes into contact with an obstruction, such as a hole made by an animal, which can affect play in various situations. The rule applies to both team and individual competitions and emphasizes that players should take appropriate relief from such obstructions regardless of whether they are engaged in match play or stroke play.

The correctness of the answer lies in its inclusive nature, recognizing that the rule is designed to apply to team competitions and not limited to just one specific format of play. It ensures that players in any competitive setting can adhere to the standard procedures, thus maintaining fairness and consistency throughout both match and stroke play formats.

Other options focus only on specific forms of play or tournament formats, which limits the application of Rule 24 and does not encompass the broader range of situations where the rule can be pertinent. By understanding that the rule supports both match play and stroke play in team formats, players can better navigate the course and ensure proper adherence to the regulations during varied play scenarios.