Play is governed by the 2008-09 USGA Rules of Golf and its Decisions and, where applicable, by the following Local Rules, Conditions, and Definitions, subject to changes or amendments by the Rules Committee. Appendix I refers to the Appendix of Local Rules and Conditions of the Competition in the 2008-09 Rules of Golf Book.
1. Ten Shot Rule: A player shall take no more than 10 stokes on a hole. Once a 9 has been reached, a player must pick up their ball, place it at the edge of the cup, putt out and wait for the other players in the group to complete the hole.
2. Time of Starting/Late to Tee: If a player arrives at his tee, ready to play, within five minutes of his starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole. If a player arrives at the tee more than five minutes after his starting time he will receive a 10 on that hole and any future holes missed. Players may not join a group during play of a hole; they must join them on the next tee.
3. Caddie Policy: All players eight years old and younger must be accompanied by a caddie. All players are encouraged to have caddies to help them play their best. It is also vital for caddies not to over coach and to have their player hit each shot within a reasonable amount of time, and not to be disruptive to any player or caddie in the group.
If a caddie becomes disruptive he will be warned of the problem. If the problem continues the caddie will be dismissed as a caddie from that event and will not be allowed to caddie in any other events for the remainder of the year. The conduct of caddies will be monitored by officials and by other caddies and players in the group. The Tournament Director will have the final decision on any incident that occurs. All caddies are required to complete the Boys Golf Club Caddie Certification.
4. Pace of Play: Each player must play without undue delay, which is defined as taking no more than 45 seconds to play a shot. Those players who are first to play from a given area (tee, fairway, green, etc.) will have 10 extra seconds to play their shot. Caddies are asked to please refrain from over-coaching the player. It is the caddie's duty to help the player hit each shot within a reasonable period of time.
A group will be deemed to be out of position on the golf course when they are over time par. Time par is determined by each hole taking an average of 15 minutes to complete a hole and/or by staying up with the group in front. When it is determined that a group is out of position on the golf course the group will be warned and asked to speed up play. If the group continues to fall behind each member of the group will be timed. If a player takes more than the allotted time, he or she may be subject to a penalty. First offense: warning; Second offense: two stroke penalty; Subsequent offenses: score of 10 on that hole. The 45-second rule is in place to assure playing without “undue delay” and to prevent over coaching and slow play.
5. Out of Bounds: Where white stakes or fence posts are used, the nearest inside points at ground level define out of bounds. When out of bounds is defined by a white line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. A ball coming to rest on or crossing any public road is considered out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of the golf course.
6. Water Hazards: Defined by yellow lines and designated by yellow stakes. In the absence of lines, the stakes both identify and define the hazard.
7. Lateral Water Hazards: Defined by red lines and designated by red stakes. In the absence of lines, the stakes both identify and define the hazard.
8. Ball Drops: A “ball drop” is an area enclosed by a white line having the words “ball drop” printed inside it. A “ball drop” is not ground under repair. The line itself is in the “ball drop”.
9. Ground Under Repair: Enclosed white lined areas define ground under repair. The white lines are considered in ground under repair. Other areas of ground under repair, even though not so marked include:
a. French drains (trenches filled with stones or like)
b. Fire ant beds and mounds
10. Flower Beds Identified by Blue Stakes: To be treated as Ground Under Repair. Relief is mandatory.
11. Sod Seams for Lie of Ball Only: To be treated as an embedded ball through the green. All seams in a given area are deemed to be the same seam. See Appendix I, Page 98.
12. Lifting an Embedded Ball: The “Embedded Ball Rule” as written in Appendix I, page 98 is in effect “through the green.”
13. Disqualification Policy: No player will be disqualified for any violations of the Rules of Golf. Instead, the player will be assessed a maximum score of 10 on any hole where the infraction would normally lead to disqualification. In situations where the round or hole has been completed, the score of 10 will apply to the last hole played or to the hole where the infraction occurred. Exceptions: A player or his caddie may be disqualified for code of conduct violations or unauthorized use of electronic devices.
14. Signals for Suspension and Resumption of Play: If play is suspended by three prolonged consecutive siren or horn blast or verbal direction by a Rules Committee member, the player must immediately discontinue play and look for shelter. All practice areas are closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open for use. Penalty for breach of this rule is a 10 on the first hole when play resumes. It is the player's responsibility to be ready when play resumes that will be signaled by one prolonged siren or horn blast or verbal direction. All players failing to start play on time after a delay will be assessed a score of 10 on that and any subsequent holes on which their group has already begun play. A player may not join a group during play of the hole; but must join them on the next tee.
The Rules Committee makes all decisions regarding weather delays and/or cancellations on site the day of the event. The intention is to play the event on its scheduled day, and everything possible will be done in order to do so.
15. Electronic Devices: Cell phones, headphones, pagers and the like may not be used during play. First offense: warning; second offense: disqualification.
16. Spectator Policy: Spectators will be allowed during Boys Golf Club events. The Spectator Guidelines are as follows:
· All spectators MUST be at least 5 years of age.
· Spectators are asked to adhere to the Boys Golf Club dress code.
· Spectators must remain on the cart path at all times or at least 30 yards away from the group if a cart path is not available.
· Any verbal or non-verbal contact could be construed as giving advice (Rule 8). Conversations with players are not permitted.
· Requests to use a golf cart while spectating must be submitted to the JGAA office at least 2 days prior to the event. Requests will be approved if warranted by physical or health reasons.
· Cell phones or other electronic devices are prohibited when spectating.
Failure to abide by these rules will result in immediate disqualification of the related participant.
17. Code of Conduct: The Boys Golf Club provides worthwhile golf activities which help develop character and good sportsmanship.
The Code of Conduct is a guideline for junior golfers to follow, both on and off the course. It is not intended to scare players, but to help participants understand the consequences of their actions.
Specific Penalties will be assessed for the following:
· A 2-stroke penalty will be assessed every time a participant leaves litter on the course property and fails to pick up litter found on the course.
· A 2-stroke penalty will be assessed every time a participant fails to replace a divot, repair a ball mark or fails to rake a bunker.
Any of the following behavior will result in a warning. Flagrant and subsequent violations will result in disqualification. Repeated infractions will result in suspension of membership:
· Lack of respect for others
· Improper attire (see dress code)
· Use of electronic devises (includes walkmans, radios, MP3 players, beepers and mobile phones) are prohibited during the round of play. Devises may be used before and after the round. This policy applies to scorekeepers and caddies.
The following violation are always considered flagrant and as such, they will result in automatic disqualification:
· Cheating
· Lack of respect for volunteers or officials
· Damage to course or course property
· Smoking or use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs
· Throwing clubs
· Obscene, abusive or vulgar language
18. Dress Code: For players and caddies proper golf attire is expected, which include all of the following:
· Collared golf shirt
· Shirts tucked in
· Hats worn properly
· Golf/tennis shoes
Players and caddies are prohibited from wearing shoes with metal spikes, short shorts, swimwear, denim of any kind or color, shorts that go below the knee, t-shirts, or tank tops. Players or caddies not appropriately attired will not be permitted to participate.
19. Result of the Competition: When all the scores have been posted on the official scoreboard and approved by the Committee, the result of the competition is deemed to have been officially announced.
The Rules Committee reserves the right to change the Rules & Regulations prior to the start of any event.
