2008 - 2009 Handbook

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation, Inc. is open to all junior golfers under the age of nineteen. Members, age 18 may participate until their 19^th birthday or until they enter college, whichever comes first. A member must have a valid email address, be able to obtain all information from the web site and email messages, and make payment of  fees by using a MasterCard or Visa credit card. Membership in the Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation, Inc. is required to participate in Gold Program tournaments or events. An additional fee is required to play in a Platinum Tour tournament. Each member must register for membership and tournaments on-line. Payment must be made by credit card. The membership year is from September 1st through August 31st. The Gold Program membership fee is $50 and is valid from Sept. 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009. The Platinum Tour membership fee is $75 and is valid from March 1, 2009 through September 2009.

REGULAR MEMBERS may participate in all Gold Program events only.

PLATINUM TOUR MEMBERS must be approved for tournaments and may participate in Platinum Tour tournaments only.

GOLD PROGRAM & PLATINUM TOUR MEMBERS may play in both, Gold Program and Platinum Tour Tournaments. All players must be approved for EACH TOURNAMENT.

PRESTIGE MEMBERS may participate in the 2009 Prestige Junior Championships only.

Special Membership is for internal use only

GOLD PROGRAM TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS

BOYS:  7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
GIRLS:  7-9, 10-12, 13-18
FUTURE PROS: 6 & Under (beginning players-Boys & Girls)

Players who cannot maintain the pace of play will play in a division that is compatible to their level of play..

Divisions may be adjusted by age and/or sex to provide for the best competition.

PLATINUM TOUR TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS (see www.platinumtour.org/handbook.htm for additional Platinum Tour Rules

BOYS: 13-15, 16-18 (exceptional 12 year-old players may make a request to the Tournament Director to play)

GIRLS: 13-18

All Boys must consistently record scores of 90 or better per round and Girls 100 or better..

TOURNAMENT ENTRY

Members are required to register for each tournament they are eligible to play by using the on-line, BlueGolf system. Entries for each tournament may be limited and members will be notified by email of their entry status. Membership in the Gold Program or Platinum Tour of Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation, Inc. does not guarantee entry into any event. Tournament entry fees vary, depending on the tournament site. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Check and Cash payments will not be accepted.

ENTRY FEE REFUND 

The entry registration will not be processed if the player is not accepted for the tournament. The entry fee for withdrawals made 10 days or more prior to the event may be refunded, less a $25 service charge, and providing GCJGF is not charged a fee by the host course. In the event a tournament must be cancelled prior to the start of play, the entry fee will be fully refunded unless food is part of the entry and GCJGF is not charged a fee. Refunds for tournaments where play was suspended due to weather will not be made. Note: This policy does not apply to the Prestige Junior Championships. See the Prestige Junior Championships tournament information for entry fee refund policy.

DRESS CODE

The dress code applies to all members, parents, and spectators.

Members, Parents, and Spectators are required to wear proper golf attire at all GCJGF events. Shirts with collars or mock turtle neck shirts designed for golf are required and shirt-tails must be worn inside pants, shorts, or skirts. Persons not meeting the above conditions will be asked to either conform to the dress code or asked to leave. Entry fee will not be refunded. Players will have one hundred (1000) points deducted from their points total for each violation of the dress code. Everyone must also abide by any additional dress codes that apply at the host course.

Garments not permissible:
Short Shorts or Running Shorts
Gym, Bicycle or Exercise Shorts
Cutoffs
Jeans (shorts, pants, skirts made of denim)
See-through clothing
Tube or Tank Tops
Clothing containing words, phrases, symbols, or pictures, which could be considered obscene, profane, drug, alcohol, or tobacco related.

SHOES

Playing members and caddies must wear proper shoes for golf. Shoes fitted with spikes must have non-metal spikes i.e. soft spikes. Metal Spikes are not allowed. Flat sole sneakers are permitted.

PULL CARTS

Pull Carts are permitted to be used by players in all flights providing they are allowed by the Host course. Caddies (allowed in the Gold Program and Prestige Junior Championships only) may use a pull cart in divisions where caddies are permitted and the host course allows pull carts. Pull carts must not be taken onto the green or the collar of the green and must be placed in a position to expedite exiting the green to go to the next hole. In the interest of safety of all participants, players and caddies using a pull cart agree to remove their golf bag from the pull cart during a course evacuation and leave the cart on the course. The player is responsible for retrieving the cart once conditions are safe to do so. The player, and their parents, agree that GCJGF, its Officers and Directors, and the Host course cannot be held responsible for any damaged, missing, or stolen pull carts left on the course as a result of a course evacuation.

PLAYING RULES

USGA Rules of Golf apply plus any local rules established by the Tournament Rules Committee.

Players must abide by all Rules and Regulations for each event.

Gold Program players are required to check in with the registration desk or starter at each tournament site 20 minutes prior to the assigned tee time and be ready to play. Player's tee time may be adjusted in the event a player or players are not present. Players on the tournament waiting list will be substituted for a missing player based on the waiting list order for the division. Entry fee for the originally scheduled player will not be refunded.

Gold Program players arriving late for registration, when a player from the tournament waiting list is not available, will be permitted to play providing the division has not completed teeing off. The late player will be assessed a 2 stroke penalty.  A player arriving after the division has completed teeing off will be disqualified and entry fee will not be refunded.

Platinum Tour players must see the Platinum Tour Handbook for rules governing the Platinum Tour.

Players in divisions 13 & Up must carry their own equipment or use a pull cart. Caddies are not permitted.

The use of an Electric or Gas Golf Cart by a caddie is not permitted unless authorized by the Tournament Director. Caddies must meet the conditions of the ADA or have a letter from a physician stating that a cart is required while they are being treated for a temporary condition. Players may not sit or ride in Golf Carts at ant time, unless authorized by GCJGF Officials. Penalty: Disqualification

Pace of Play... The first player to play from the tee will have 50 seconds to do so; each of the following players will have 40 seconds to play their shot. Timing starts for the 1st player as soon as the group ahead is clear and for the remaining players as soon as the ball hits the ground from the preceding player's shot.

Each playing group will have 15 minutes to play each hole on the course. This includes the time necessary to walk from green to the next tee. Each player in the group that is out of position and over the time allotted to play will receive a two-stroke penalty at the 9th & 18th hole checkpoints (4th & 9th holes for 9 hole divisions). Players experiencing unusual situations may appeal the penalties at the scoring table prior to submitting their scorecard. There are NO WARNINGS a group is out of position. If you cannot see the group ahead, you are probably Out of Position. You start out waiting for the group that has the tee time just before your times to clear. You must maintain that position throughout the round.

Note: The time a group must complete a hole is printed on each scorecard and/or within 15 minutes of the group directly in front. If you are out of position, you must catch up!!!  If there is a player in your group taking more than the allowed time to play, do not wait until group is behind, ask an official to time the player. See the "Hard Card" for Pace of Play. Hard Cards are available from the starter and should be kept in your golf bag.

Gold Program players must be able to consistently shoot 49 or better for nine holes to play in the 18 hole divisions (Boys and Girls). Players playing in the 18-hole divisions must score less that 100 per round to continue to play 18 holes.

USGA Rules of Golf apply except where modified by Local Rules.

Note: USGA RULE 3-3. If unable to resolve a rule question and a marshal or official is not available, play a second ball and declare which ball you will score if the rules permit.  Keep score on both balls. Obtain a ruling at the scoreboard prior to signing and turning in the scorecard. 

Gold Program Local Rule for ALL divisions: The Maximum number of strokes per hole is three over par.  Players must “pick-up” on a hole and record the maximum score allowed for the hole once their score is 3 over par for that hole.

Gold Program Local Rule for 6 & Under, Boys 12 & Under, Girls 12 & Under divisions: After the 3^rd attempt to clear a water hazard or get out of a bunker (sand trap) the player may then place their ball in a position which will afford them a clear shot to the hole. A one-stroke penalty will be added for placing the ball outside of the hazard or bunker.

The player closest to the hole on each green is to attend the flagstick for the other players. Continuous putting is encouraged unless the player will be standing in the line of putt of another player, in which case the player is to immediately mark their ball. (continuous putting is not required) The first player to hole their putt is to tend the flagstick for the remaining players and to properly replace flagstick in the hole when all players have completed putting. Players are to leave the green immediately and proceed to the next tee where they will record the scores for the hole just completed. The player with the honor (lowest score on the last hole) is to tee off first and is allowed 50 seconds from the time they arrive at the tee to play the shot, followed by the next lowest score, and then the next player. The 2nd and 3rd players have 40 seconds each to play their shot. Time begins as soon as the previous player's ball strikes the ground or hazard.

Each player will serve as a marker (scorekeeper) and will keep the scorecard, with legible figures, for a fellow competitor (playing partner) as assigned. 

After each hole the “marker” will ask the “competitor” for his score on  the hole just completed and record it on the scorecard under the correct hole number on the top of the scorecard. NOTE: No other marks, symbols, circles, squares, or the number of putts are to be recorded on the Official Scorecard. The “marker’s” score (your score) is to be recorded on the bottom portion of the scorecard.  NOTE: The player may record any kind of information on the marker's portion at the bottom of the Official Scorecard. The bottom portion of the scorecard is to be removed after play and be used to verify your score as recorded by your playing competitor. NOTE: Players in the 9-hole flights will be assigned a scorekeeper (marker) for each group. Players in those flights are to verify their score with the scorekeeper after each hole. Each player is responsible for making sure that their score for each hole is correct, even though another person is entering the scores.

All players in the group are to report to the scoreboard with their scorekeeper to review their scorecard, sign scorecard, and submit it to the scoring committee immediately upon leaving the last green played. Only players and the scorekeeper (if one has been assigned) are permitted in the scoring area. Once the score has been posted, the resolution of a scoring error will be made in accordance with the Rules of Golf.

Gold Program Ties for 1st Place will be decided by a play-off, chip-off, or putt-off, depending on availability of the course. Ties for 2nd Place and/or 3rd Place will be by a match of cards, starting with the last hole the division played and going back. The winning player is the first one to have a lower score.

Parents and Spectators are not to ask players their score or scores at any time during the round.

See USGA Rules of Golf, rule 6-6a and 6-6d.

Local Rule: Artificial devices used to measure distances are permitted in all tournaments providing the device does not gauge wind and gradient. Note: Yardage information may be shared with fellow competitors.

SAFETY

Players are not to remove clubs from their golf bag until it is time for their group to tee off; or when on the driving range practicing; or when using the putter on the practice putting green. Players are to make sure no other person is within range of being struck by the club or ball when a swing is made. Players waiting to tee off with their playing group are to hold the club by the club head until it is their turn to hit. Practice swings are not to be made until it is your turn to hit and never swing where the club path is towards another person.

NOTE: Parents or Guardians should carry a golfer’s liability endorsement on their homeowner or renter’s insurance policy if available.

SPECTATORS

SMOKING AT GCJGF TOURNAMENTS IS PROHIBITED.
Spectators will be permitted walk and follow the junior players when the course allows spectators.  The use of golf cars will be permitted providing the course is willing to rent cars to spectators, and they will be rented by the course based on availability. Cars must be kept on cart paths where they are available and in the rough if cart paths are not available. Spectators must keep 30 yards from all the junior players. Words of encouragement may be given but golf advice and instructions for 18 hole divisions are prohibited.  The player will receive a warning for the first violation and the spectator will be asked to leave the course for any additional violations.  See USGA Rules of Golf concerning advice. Parents are not to ask players their score or scores at any time during the round. Spectators must be aware of all playing groups so as not to delay play or being hit by a golf shot.

EMERGENCY WEATHER PROCEDURE

When potentially dangerous weather is in the area a horn will sound one long blast. All players are required to immediately mark the position of their ball [it is suggested a golf tee be used] and seek the nearest shelter from the threatening conditions. When it is determined that the conditions no longer exist and play is to resume a horn will sound two short blast.  Players are to proceed to the previously marked ball position and replace their ball and continue play.

Lightning detectors and a weather service are used to assist in detecting dangerous weather conditions. There are times when lightning is in the area but may not be visible to the eye. Once play has been suspended, GCJGF volunteers will transport the junior golfers to the clubhouse a soon as possible and then the spectators will be transported. Spectators with golf cars are to assist with evacuating players.

Players are not to use any of the practice facilities during the suspension and must remain in a safe area

RESPECT THE GOLF COURSE

Players are required to respect the course by following the instructions on all signs, from course personnel, and from tournament committee members. Each player is to replace or fill in their divots, repair ball marks on the greens, and rake bunkers (sand traps). A player should never take a divot during a practice swing. All trash is to be placed in the proper receptacles.

CONDUCT

Each player, parent, or spectator following the player are to conduct themselves with dignity and abide by all rules.

The following actions will be grounds for immediate removal from the GCJGF program:

Conduct that is detrimental to the GCJGF.
Failure to follow the instructions of a GCJGF official.
Abuse to the host course facilities and properties. Damage to course or equipment, littering
Hitting of golf balls in any area not designated for play
Deliberate hitting of golf balls into the preceding golf group.
The use of Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, or any type of Tobacco Products.
Abusive Language or Profanity. 
Throwing of golf equipment.
Gambling.
Cheating
Playing Cards

PARTICIPATION & PERFORMANCE AWARDS
See Points Matrix

GCJGF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

These rules and regulations may be changed at any time, without notification, by the Board of Directors or Tournament Directors.