When a player lifts a ball to identify it, what must they remember to do?

When a player lifts a ball to identify it, it is essential to mark the spot where the ball was located before lifting it. This is crucial because it ensures that the player can return the ball to its original position after identifying it. Not marking the spot can lead to confusion and potential penalties for improper play, as the ball must be replaced in the exact location it was lifted from. Marking the spot typically uses a tee, coin, or any other suitable object, which helps maintain the integrity of the game and guarantees fairness.

While other options might seem relevant in different contexts – such as notifying a referee or cleaning the ball – marking the spot is the fundamental rule that must be followed during the identification process.