Untitled Document
GSJGA TOURNAMENT PROGRAM
RULES AND REQUIREMENTS
WALKING SCORERS
· Futures Tour (5-hole modified) and (9-hole modified) flights should/may have a walking scorer.
· Walking scorer will help keep score and check scores with other scorers after each hole.
· Scorers may give advice on yardage and club selection.
· Scorers will help maintain pace of play.
· Scorers will assist player with the rules of golf and proper etiquettes.
· Scorers will work together with other scorers to show good sportsmanship at all times.
· Futures Tour (9-hole flight) and Regular Tour divisions are not allowed walking scorers. Players must carry their own clubs or use a push cart. They will not be allowed to get advice from anyone.
· No riding in carts during play, from tee to green; however, to speed play, players from all divisions may ride from green to tee. All occupants must be seated.
MODIFIED RULES AND YARDAGES
· Ball in Bunker: The player may not ground his/her club in the bunker.
· Player is permitted a maximum of two (2) strokes to get out of the bunker. After (2) strokes, if the ball is still in the bunker, drop the ball outside the hazard, without penalty, no nearer the hole. However, please inform the player that this is a GSJGA modified rule for modified flights only. Then inform the player of the proper/correct procedure under the Rules of Golf.
· If a player uses the Modified Bunker Rule, the total score on that hole must be circled.
· Ball in Water Hazard: After hitting two shots into a Water Hazard, the player may drop on the “green side” of the Water Hazard. For example, if the first shot is hit into the water hazard, a ball is dropped on the “hazard side” adding a penalty stroke. The player will be hitting his/her third shot. If the third shot is hit into the water hazard, the ball is then dropped on the “green side” with a penalty stroke. The player will be hitting his/her fifth shot. (Lateral Water Hazards and Out of Bounds, play by the USGA Rules of Golf).
· When a player uses the Modified Water Hazard Rule, the total score on that hole must be circled.
· Maximum total strokes per hole to reach green:
Par 3 6 strokes
Par 4 8 strokes
Par 5 10 strokes
After reaching the maximum total strokes on a hole, a ball may be placed on the front of the green (spot will be marked) and played, thereby allowing the player to complete play of the hole.
· Whiffs count but accidental touching or moving of ball does not.
TARGET SCORES
· Upon successful completion of a GSJGA Fun Camp, juniors become eligible to participate in Future Tour Tournaments.
· Guidelines established by the GSJGA Junior Golf Board will be used to determine the division in which a junior qualifies to play.
· Once a junior competes in tournaments, the junior’s tournament scores will determine the level the junior will be competing in for the following week.
· Guidelines for advancement for each level can be found below.
· During tournament play, a junior reaching target scores in two consecutive tournaments will be moved up to the next higher flight/division. (i.e., from 5-hole modified flight to 9-hole modified flight, from 9-hole modified flight to the 9-hole flight, to the regular tour (18 holes).
· Both “moving” scores must be recorded in a single flight.
· Adjustments in divisions will be made at the end of every week for the following week.
In addition, the GSJGA Junior Golf Board has the authority to move a junior to the next lower division if a junior’s tournament scores fall substantially outside the scoring brackets used to determine skill level.
TARGET SCORES FOR FLIGHT AND DIVISION ADVANCEMENT
5-Hole Modified Flight Target Score
· A junior playing in the 5-hole modified flight and scoring 9 above par or less for those five (5) holes, in two consecutive events, will advance to the 9-hole modified flight.
9-Hole Modified Flight Target Score
· A junior playing in the 9-hole modified flight and scoring 13 above par or less for those nine (9) holes, in two consecutive tournaments, will advance to the 9-hole flight. Both “moving” scores must be recorded in the 9-hole modified flight.
9-Hole Flight Target Score
· A junior playing in the 9-hole flight and scoring 19 above par or less for those nine (9) holes on a regulation course or scoring a 10 above par or less for those nine (9) holes on an executive course, in two consecutive tournaments, will advance to the Regular Tour (18-hole division).
In addition, if juniors have scored well enough for flight or division advancement the player must move to the next flight or division.
Regular Tour
· On Regular Tour, juniors can choose to play in a older age group or girls can choose to play by age in Boys’ Division from Boys’ Tees. However, players must stay in that division.
POST SEASON PLAY
Phyllis Wilbanks Memorial Tournament – 8:30 shotgun Gulf Gate Golf Club-August 2nd, 2008. For Mini-Tour (3-wood flight) and Futures Tour (5-hole modified divisions), by invitation only. Must participate in two events to be eligible.
Peridia Junior Championship – August 2nd, 2008. Eligibility for Futures Tour (9-hole modified and 9-hole flight), by invitation only. Championship is an 18-hole event. Must participate in two events to be eligible.
Tournament of Champions – August 2nd & 3rd, 2008. For Regular Tour, by invitation only. Eligibility is based on performance and juniors must play in at least 4 events. A junior must accumulate 5 points during the season to be eligible.
Tournament of Champions point system:
Place (Age Group) Points
First Place 5
Second Place 4
Third Place 3
Fourth Place 2
Fifth Place 1
Participation ½
- Juniors who have advanced from the 9-hole flight to the regular tour based on their target scores and have not earned a spot in the Tournament of Champions may play in the 9-hole flight post-season event if they have advanced to the regular Tour after July 7th. For example: If junior golfer A goes from 9-hole flight to Regular Tour and does not earn enough points to play in the Tournament of Champions, then golfer A would be allowed to compete in the Peridia Junior Championship.
Pro-Junior – August 23rd at Capri Isles Golf Club. All juniors in the Regular Tour and the Futures Tour’s 9-Hole Flight are eligible to play in the Pro Junior.
AWARDS
Regular Tour – High Point Award in each flight
Low Stroke Average (one boy, one girl)
Mike Clayton Sportsmanship Award
9 Hole-Flight – Sportsmanship Award
General Rules & Policies
1. Junior membership in this Association shall be open to boys and girls who are at least 6 years of age at the time of the first tournament played by the junior and eighteen (18) years of age or younger on or before August 31 of that tournament year regardless of whether such individual has his/her 19th birthday during said tournament year, whose applications for such membership are accepted by the Board of Directors. Players must be enrolled and in good standing in a public or private school or registered in a home education program in the twelfth grade or lower, or shall have completed the school year as such a student if a tournament is held after the school year is completed.
2. Membership dues are as follows: Regular Tour, $150; Futures Tour, $75; Mini-Tour, $75.*
3. USGA rules will govern all play except where it is necessary to apply local rules. Decisions of the members of the rules committee will be final in all matters concerning the interpretation and enforcement of the Rules of Golf and the tournament rules of the Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association.
4. In order to compete in GSJGA tournament, each player must have submitted the rules test. Players who fail to pass the test with a minimum score of 75% correct will not be permitted to play in GSJGA tournaments. Players may receive assistance with this test.
5. All participants are required to wear appropriate golf attire at all times while at the facility. Cut-offs, blue jeans, tank tops, leggings, and short shorts/skirts (more than 5” above the knee or less than 5” inseam) are not considered appropriate golf attire. Please use discretion. Boys must wear collared shirts tucked in at all times. Proper attire is required in order to appropriately represent GSJGA. Improper attire may result in a player not being allowed to compete. Tournament officials will enforce this rule. The tournament committee will review unusual hair or clothing styles.
6. Time of Starting: Shotgun start tournaments – Any player not registered at the tournament site 15 minutes prior to the announced tournament starting time will be assessed a 2-stroke penalty. Any player who has not completed registration at the tournament site by the announced starting time will be disqualified.
7. All players must register at each tournament at the registration area. With the exception of shotgun starts, scorecards will be distributed to contestants at the starting tee. Scorecards for shotgun starts will be distributed at the registration area. Scorecards must be exchanged among players within playing groups and scorecards must be signed and attested before they are turned in at the score table or scoreboard, as appropriate.
8. The use of caddies by tournament contestants is prohibited. Exceptions to this rule may exist for some age groups. See rules specific to your age group for this information.
9. Players must walk at all times during play of the stipulated round. Exception: When deemed necessary, a Rules Official and/or a member of the Committee may transport or request assistance in transporting player(s).
10. Pull Carts are permitted unless prohibited by host facility.
11. Use of tobacco, drugs, alcoholic beverages, or betting by contestants during any tournament is strictly prohibited. Violators will be disqualified. Cell phones and beepers are prohibited on the course.
12. A two-stroke penalty may be assessed against any contestant for use of profanity or throwing golf equipment during any tournament. These actions may be grounds for disqualification from the tournament by the Rules Committee. In the event of intentional damage to any part of the golf course, the player shall be disqualified from the event and, at the discretion of the Board, may forfeit GSJGA membership.
13. If a player finds he cannot compete in any event for which he has registered, he must withdraw 24 hours prior to the event by contacting GSJGA. In the event of illness, call the GSJGA line prior to your tee time. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE GOLF COURSE. If you cannot compete and do not withdraw and are therefore a “no show,” the following action will be taken:
• You will be allowed to play but not compete in the next event.
• In the event of a second offense, either a no-card or no-show, you will
not be allowed to participate in any GSJGA event for the remainder of
the year.
14. For “no scorecards”, (i.e., no card turned in) players will be disciplined in the same manner as no shows.
15. Tournament contestants are reminded that they are the guests of the host club; exemplary conduct is expected. Any report of misconduct may be grounds for disqualification from the tournament by the Rules Committee and will be reported to the Board of Directors. Please do not litter!
16. The number of winners eligible for awards within each age group will be determined by the Tournament Committee.
17. Rain-Out Policy. Tournament results within each age group will be based on only those holes completed by all players within each age group, with the following minimum hole requirements for trophies to be awarded:
• Age brackets playing less than 9 holes must complete at least 4 holes.
• Age brackets playing 9 holes must complete at least 6 holes.
• Age brackets playing 18 holes must complete at least 9 holes.
18. DETERMINATION OF WINNERS AND PLACES IN GSJGA EVENTS in the event of ties: The first place winner within each age group will be determined by a sudden death playoff. When a playoff is not possible for first place, or for determining second and third places, the following method will be used to determine the placing of players. For 18 hole events, ties will be broken on the basis of the best score for the last 9 holes. If the tying players have the same score for the last 9 holes, determine the place based upon the last 6 holes, last 3 holes and finally the 18th hole. If a tie still exists, the tie will be broken by lot. For 9 holes or less events, ties will be broken on the basis of the best score for the last 6 holes. If the tying players have the same score for the last 6 holes, determine the place based upon the last 3 holes, and finally the last hole. If a tie still exists, the tie will be broken by lot.
19. WEATHER RELATED TERMINATION OF AN EVENT: If the termination of an event is necessary due to weather the following procedure is implemented to determine a winner: Tee times, one tee, 18 hole event: If all competitors have completed the first 9 holes in the same age group, the winner shall be determined on the basis of the first 9 holes completed by all players. When all players in an age group have not completed the same nine holes, there will not be a tournament winner in that age group. Tee times, multiple tees, or shotgun start, 18 hole event: the scores will be determined on the basis of the first 9 holes completed by all players within an age group. When all players in an age group have not completed the same 9 holes, there will not be a tournament winner in that age group.
20. Decisions of the Committee will be final in all matters concerning the tournament rules and policies of the Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association.
21. Parents and other interested persons are encouraged to be spectators. Upon the written request of the Rules Committee, or any member thereof, the Board of Directors shall have the right to indefinitely suspend any parent or other spectator for any violation of the Association’s Spectator Rules or for any unsportsmanlike behavior or other conduct which, in the opinion of the Board, is inconsistent with the Association’s purposes or is intended to interfere with the operation of the Association and its committees.
PARENT AND SPECTATOR POLICIES
The GSJGA realizes that it is enjoyable for friends and family members to watch junior golfers, but watching an event is a privilege. Whether you are a parent or friend of a player, your spectator privilege may be suspended if you fail to follow the following guidelines.
1. Spectators and parents, except those volunteers acting in an official capacity, are not allowed in the SCORING AND REGISTRATION AREA.
2. Following your group – Where to stand and walk:
Ø All spectators shall stay at least 30 yards away from the junior golfers at all times and stay in the rough or on the cart paths. You should NOT be in the fairway.
Ø Do not lag behind the players as this often delays the group behind.
Ø Spectators may provide the player with sunscreen and water, or seek information about health, should do so in front of other spectators and/or other players...
Ø Spectators may help players look for balls, but once the ball is found, please return to the cart path. Help spot balls for all players.
Ø Please DO NOT attempt to give rulings or advice. There are rules officials on the course to provide the players with assistance if they need it.
Ø Disrespect to tournament officials, volunteers and other players as well as interference with discussions on rulings and scores will not be permitted. Obscene, abusive or vulgar language will not be tolerated.
Ø Distracting play by loud talking and the use of cameras, radios or beepers during competition is strictly prohibited. Cell phones should not to be used on the golf course. Please turn phones to silent mode. Calls may be returned in the clubhouse area.
Ø Spectators are asked to encourage all participants with polite clapping.
3. Spectator Carts will only be allowed at the discretion of the host facility and Tournament Director and the fee determined by the host club. Spectator carts must stay on the cart path at all times and only 2 people per cart are allowed. Spectator carts will NOT be used for shuttling of players from green to tee unless authorized by an Official.
4. Advice: Violation of the advice rule will lead to a two-shot penalty for the player involved.
Ø A player may not receive any advice from spectators. Examples are:
o Verbal communication with the player
o Hand signals to the player, including gestures to influence decisions
5. It is appropriate to express your appreciation and thanks to the host club, its staff and the GSJGA officials conducting this event.
The GSJGA Junior Events have been created for Junior Golfers, not spectators. Parental or spectator interference may result in disqualification of the related participant. Warnings will not be issued. This policy has been adopted to protect the players. Any continued non-compliance with these policies will result in your being asked to leave the course and possibly a loss of future spectating privileges.
22. Lightning policy. All players are responsible for determining danger from lightning. At any point if you feel threatened by lightning, you should immediately head for safety. You are not required to wait for play to be suspended by the Committee. In the event that play is suspended by the Committee, ALL PLAY SHALL IMMEDIATELY STOP. You do NOT have the option of completing the hole.
23. No metal or traditionally designed spikes are permitted. Penalty – disqualification.
24. Electronic Distance Measuring Equipment: Use is PROHIBITED during the stipulated round. Penalty: DISQUALIFICATION.
*The member is responsible for any bank charge attributed to returned checks. Amount owed must be paid in full prior to the next event.
| 
