Rules

RCGA Rules

RCGA Decisions

Rules Education Program

• What is it?

  For many years, training for rules officials had been done at the national level. The training program focused solely on the Rules of Golf and did not include any material on the role, duties or techniques of being a rules official.

   

  This approach worked well at the national level, but did not provide enough rules officials at the BCGA and Zone levels. In response, the BCGA and RCGA have developed a 4-level education program, with Levels 1-3 delivered by the BCGA and Level 4 by the RCGA.

   

  Participants in the Program must complete each level before moving to the next. In order to complete each level, participants must exhibit a balance of theoretical knowledge and on-course experience.

   

  Level 1 is presented on a CD-ROM and contains a mail-in exam of 20 questions. If you are interested in starting the Program, the CD-ROM can be ordered online through the RCGA.

• How to start
  Level 1 - Introduction
  • Complete the Level 1 - Introduction to the Rules of Golf CD-ROM
  • Achieve 80% on the Level 1 exam
  • May attend Level 2 Rules of Golf Seminar
• Level 2 - Regional Tournament Official
  • Pre-requisite: Level 1 Certified
• Certification
  • Complete Level 2 Rules of Golf Seminar
  • Achieve 80% on Level 2 Exam
  • Complete 25 hours as a Starter/Scorer at Regional events
• Level 3 - Provincial Rules of Golf Official
  • Pre-requisite: Level 2 certification and one year of experience as a Level 2 Tournament Official
• Certification
  • Complete Level 3 Rules of Golf Seminar
  • Achieve 80% on Level 3 Exam
  • 10 hours accompanying a Certified Rules Official as an observer
  • 60 hours of on-course experience as a Rules Official
• Level 4 – National Rules of Golf Official
  • Pre-requisites: Level 3 certification and at least two years of experience as a Level 3 Rules Official
• Certification
  • Complete Level 4 RCGA Rules of Golf Seminar
  • Achieve 85% on RCGA Rules Exam
    
  Rules seminars
  
  Amateur Status

Tournament Policies

Pace of Play

Adherence to the Pace of Play is the player’s responsibility
Warnings will not be issued to slow groups
Advise rules officials ASAP of a slow player in your group

Rule 6-7, Undue Delay, Slow Play states: “The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play.”

EXPECTED TIME - This is the time within which all groups must play each nine holes. An Expected Time will be given for the front nine and back nine, eg. the Expected Time for the 1st nine might be 2:15 and for the 2nd nine 2:10. When a group falls behind, whatever the reason, it must regain its position. Time for ball searches, rulings and walking time between holes is included in the Expected Time.

Each group’s starting time will be recorded on a time card at the start of each round. The group’s time will be punched on a time clock when the flagstick is replaced at the end of each 9 holes. If the group is within the Expected Time and less than 13 minutes behind the group in front, no action will be taken, although the group may be warned if they are failing to keep up with the group ahead.

OUT OF POSITION

First Group – The first group is out of position and subject to penalty if they complete the first nine and/or second nine holes over the Expected Time.

Following Groups – Following groups are out of position and subject to penalty if they complete the first nine and/or second nine over the Expected Time and complete play of the 9th/18th hole more than 13 minutes (13:00) after the preceding group completes play of that hole.

PENALTIES

A rules official may monitor play and may assess individual 2 stroke penalties to any player who is not playing to an acceptable pace.

Any penalty strokes will be added to the ninth or eighteenth hole or the hole being played at the time the penalty is assessed, as directed by a rules official.

NOTE: The time for the 2nd nine holes starts when the flagstick is replaced upon completion of play on the 9th/18th hole.

APPEALS - Slow Play penalties may be appealed to the Tournament Committee. The appeal must be in writing and must be based on facts relevant to the reason Pace of Play was not maintained. The decision of the Tournament Committee will be final.

Conditions of Competition

Detail: Play is governed by the RCGA Rules of Golf, and, where applicable, by the following conditions, local rules and definitions. Complete text of Rules and Appendix I Part A, B and C may be found in the RCGA 2004 Rules of Golf, as referenced on page numbers below. Golf Club Local Rules do not apply for BCGA competitions unless specifically stated by the tournament committee.

Unless otherwise provided, penalty for breach of a Condition or Local Rule is:

Stroke Play - two strokes
Match Play - loss of hole

TIME OF STARTING
If a player arrives at the starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after his starting time, in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty of disqualification under Rule 33-7, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of first hole in match play or two strokes, to be added to the score on the first hole, in stroke play. Rule 6-3 Note, page 24 and Appendix 1, page 112.

GOLF BALLS
Only golf balls approved and described on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls recognized by the RCGA may be used. Penalty: Disqualification. Note to Rule 5-1, page 21.

PACE OF PLAY
A player or players shall be subject to penalty if they unduly delay play. The BCGA Pace of Play Policy is in effect and posted at the first tee of all tournaments. The Policy provides applicable penalties, as indicated by Rule 6-7 Note 2, page 26.

PRACTICE
During a stroke play competition a player shall not play or practice a stroke on or near the putting surface of the hole last played. Note 2 to Rule 7-2, page 30.

SUSPENSION OF PLAY DUE TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION
In potentially dangerous situations, all play shall be discontinued IMMEDIATELY following a suspension of play signal by the BCGA Tournament Committee. Penalty: Disqualification. Note to Rule 6-8b. Note: All practice areas shall be closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee declares them open again. Signals are:
· Discontinue play immediately: One prolonged note of a siren
· Discontinue play: Three consecutive notes of a siren, repeated
· Resume Play: two short notes of a siren, repeated

TRANSPORTATION
Except when specifically permitted by the BCGA Tournament/Rules Committee, transportation is prohibited. Penalty: Match Play - deduct one hole for each hole violation occurred; max two holes. Stroke Play - two strokes for each hole; max 4 strokes. Appendix 1C-7, page 114. Note: Special exemptions may be allowed for qualified players who have a serious permanent impairment.

CLOSE OF COMPETITION
The competition shall be deemed to be closed when the BCGA Rules Committee has approved all scores. In the event of a play-off, the competition shall be deemed to be closed when the BCGA Rules Committee has approved the play-off scores.

Local Rules

Detail: Play is governed by the RCGA Rules of Golf, and, where applicable, by the following conditions, local rules and definitions. Complete text of Rules and Appendix I Part A, B and C may be found in the RCGA 2004 Rules of Golf, as referenced on page numbers below. Golf Club Local Rules do not apply for BCGA competitions unless specifically stated by the tournament committee.

Unless otherwise provided, penalty for breach of a Condition or Local Rule is:

Stroke Play - two strokes
Match Play - loss of hole

Detail: EMBEDDED BALL - Through the green a ball embedded in its own pitch-mark in the ground, except in loose sand, may be lifted, cleaned and dropped without penalty as near as possible to the spot where it lay, not nearer the hole.

Exception: A player may not obtain relief under this Local Rule if it is clearly unreasonable for him to play a stroke because of interference by anything other than the condition covered by this Local Rule. Rule 25-2 (page 77) and Appendix 1B-3 (page 107)

OUT OF BOUNDS - When white stakes or fences are used, the out of bounds is determined by the nearest inside points of the stakes or fence posts at ground level (excludes angled supports). When a white line defines out of bounds, the line itself is out of bounds. A ball is out of bounds when all of it lies out of bounds. Rule 27-1 (page 81). A ball that crosses a public road defined as out of bounds and comes to rest beyond that road is out of bounds, even though it may lie on another part of the course.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR - Areas enclosed by white lines are ground under repair, and the lines themselves are in the GUR. French Drains (gravel can be seen or felt by probing), trenches filled with gravel or the like, are ground under repair, even though not so marked. Rule 25-1 (page 74)

ROADS, PATHS OR IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS - Areas enclosed by white lines tying into roads, paths or obstructions have the same status as the road, path or obstruction and are not GUR. The line itself is part of the obstruction. Rule 24-2 (page 71)

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES - In this competition, a player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional functions are actually used

INTEGRAL PARTS OF COURSE - Tree wrappings, electrical wires and cables when closely attached to trees, liners in bunkers, and artificial walls and/or pilings when located within water hazards or bunkers are integral parts of the course. These items are not obstructions and relief under Rule 24-2 is not permitted.

ELEVATED POWER LINES AND CABLES - if a ball strikes such a line, the stroke shall be cancelled and the player must play a ball, without penalty, in accordance with Rule 20-5.

DOUBT AS TO PROCEDURE - In stroke play, if a player is doubtful of his rights or procedure, a second ball may be played, without penalty, as permitted in Rule 3-3 (page 21). The Player shall:

      . declare that he is playing a second ball
      . indicate to his marker in advance which ball he wishes to count
      . report to the Committee before returning his scorecard to obtain a ruling regardless of the score made with both balls

General Tournament Policies

Parent's Code of Conduct click here
Junior Code of Conduct click here
Player's Code of Conduct click here

All BCGA tournaments are conducted using the Conditions of Competition and Local Rules adopted by the BCGA. Copies of these documents are available on the BCGA web site, the BCGA office and copies will be distributed to all players at the tournament. The British Columbia Golf Association reserves the right to decline or withdraw any entry at any time.

OFFICIAL TIME
The digital clock at the tee (1st or 10th) where the player begins his/her stipulated round indicates the official tournament time. Starters will not page players in advance of their starting time. Players should report to the tee one starting interval prior to their starting time.

ELIGIBILITY
All competitors must be a member of a recognized provincial, state or national golf association and submit with their entry form a photocopy of their official membership card. The membership card must also be available for inspection at the registration table. Note: Entrants must be eligible to play in club and zone tournaments.

ENTRY PROCEDURES
All entries must be received by mail, fax or on-line by the entry deadline. Phone and email entries will not be accepted. Payment must accompany all entries.

It is the player’s responsibility to ensure entries arrive at the BCGA offices on time. Please check the BCGA web site to ensure your entry has been received. The BCGA does not assume responsibility for entries lost in the mail or by courier or by fax.

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
All information for specific tournaments, such as information regarding practice rounds, pairings and starting times will be available on the BCGA web site approximately 7 days before the tournament commences. Email notification of pairings and starting times will be sent to players who have supplied valid email addresses.

WITHDRAWALS
A competitor withdrawing during the course of the event must immediately fill out a Withdrawal Form. The reason must be on medical or compassionate grounds acceptable to a tournament official. Failure to do so may result in suspension from all of next year’s events sanctioned or conducted by the BCGA. A “no-show” will be deemed an unauthorized withdrawal.

REFUND POLICY
Tournament entry fees, less a $25.00 service charge, will be refunded when the BCGA is notified by phone, email or through on-line cancellation at least 7 days prior to the tournament. Refunds, less the service charge, will be given only for medical or compassionate reasons for a cancellation received less than 7 days before the tournament. Such cancellations require written confirmation. No refund will be given for any reason once the tournament begins.

POWER CARTS AND CADDIES
Power carts are not permitted in the BCGA Championships, except the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s events.. Caddies are permitted in all tournaments except all junior events.

BCGA DRESS CODE
Only full-length golf pants, plus fours, tailored golf shorts and golf shirts are acceptable. Prohibited are cut-offs, jeans, sweat pants and shirts with slogans, numbers and offensive illustrations. The Host Club Dress Code, if more restrictive, will apply. All hats must be worn properly with the peak forward and all shirts must be tucked in. No commercial logos, such as those of alcoholic beverages or other similar products, or with slogans, numbers or offensive illustrations will be accepted on any hat, clothing or equipment, except logos of golf equipment companies.

A player or caddie violating this dress code will not be permitted to start the competition. A violation of this dress code by either the player or caddie during the stipulated round must be rectified without undue delay or the player will not be allowed to continue play or the caddie will not be allowed to perform the acts of a caddie.

"SPIKELESS” SHOES
It is a condition of all BCGA competitions (including practice rounds) that contestants must wear spikeless or “softspike” shoes; traditional steel or ceramic spikes may not be used. Contestants in non-compliance with the “spikeless” policy will not be permitted to start. In accordance with Rule 6-3, players must arrive on the tee ready to play and extra time will not be afforded for non-metal spike installation or changing shoes. Failure to comply with the “spikeless” policy at any time once play has commenced will result in immediate disqualification.

SELECTION TO PROVINCIAL TEAMS
Selection to teams representing BC is open only to players belonging to the BCGA and who have been residing in Canada for one year and in BC for at least three months. Selection will be based in part on play in BC events. The BCGA reserves the right to consider other matters in the team selection at its sole discretion.