SMGA EVENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Transcription

1 SMGA EVENT RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. HANDICAPS a. All handicaps must be based on Indexes in accordance with current USGA Handicap System. The maximum handicap allowed in all Events is 36. b. All handicaps used in an Event will be based on the current USGA Handicap Index on date of entry and as applied to the specific course being played. c. The Event Chairman may arbitrarily reduce or increase a handicap if a player fails to observe the true spirit of the handicap system or if a player consistently outperforms others in handicap events. The Chairman is empowered to determine the amount of the adjustment. d. When you do not complete a hole, count the strokes you played including any penalty strokes and add the most likely number of strokes you would take to finish the hole. On the score card, put an X in front of this number. This number cannot exceed your maximum equitable stroke control strokes based on your course handicap: 0-9 handicap = double bogey max = 7 max = 8 max = 9 max 2. ENTRY REGISTRATION AND ACCESS TO GHIN TPP a. All events will be entered by selecting the GOLF BALL on the home page of the SMGA web site (SMGAHHI.com). You will leave the SMGAHHI.com web site and be transferred to GHINTPP.com, a separate web site. b. From the home page of GHIN TPP you will enter your user name and password. c. Once you are logged in you may enter any open event by clicking on it. A description of the event, including format and cost will be available. If you choose to enter, click on Register for This Event, and complete the steps on several different pages until you see a summary of the transaction screen. At this point you must click on finish to complete the process and be added to the wait list for the event. No charges will be incurred unless you are selected to play in the event. d. For partner events both members must enter the event separately and provide their partners name in the appropriate box.. You can also have SMGA assign you a partner by indicating NONE in the partner box. 3. EVENTS a. Pairing sheets will be posted on each SMGA web site (SMGAHHI.com) under the EVENT INFORMATION TAB.

2 b. Pairing sheets shall contain relevant information describing the event plus the list of alternates. c. All players must check-in with the SMGA Event Chairman prior to playing in the event. d. Players shall report to the starting tee at least ten minutes prior to their respective assigned starting time. e. Results of each Event will be posted on the SMGA website (SMGAHHI.com) under the EVENT INFORMATION TAB. 4. ALTERNATES a. When an event is over-subscribed, alternates will be given credit for the event and their credit card will not be charged. b. Alternates will be expected to play if called. If an alternate cannot play when called he will receive no credit for the event. 5. CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL, LATE OR NO SHOW a. A player who withdraws from an event prior to event registration closing, will not be charged for the event. b. If a player cancels after event registration closing, but before 6:00 PM the day before the event, will be charged an entry fee, but not a cart fee. He will receive no credit for the event. This applies even when the Event is subsequently cancelled because of weather. c. When members enter a Event as a team (select your partner) and one player cancels after pairings have been completed, the member canceling gets no credit and an entry fee is charged. The other member gets credit for the event and incurs no cart or entry fee, and the team is replaced by a new team from the alternate list. Partner substitutions are permitted at the discretion of the Event Chairman. d. If a player on a four man team has to withdraw, where an alternate is not available or after the match has started, the Event Chairman will assign a blind partner of equal or closest handicap from the foursome playing directly ahead or from the group directly behind the foursome from which the member withdrew. The blind partner's score will count for all 18 holes. If the blind wins two team prizes, he can accept only the one with the highest value. In the case of two man teams, if the cancellation of a partner (late or withdraws) is just prior to the start of play, such that the remaining two man team would have to play alone, the remaining single will be allowed to play and a blind will be assigned. Two man teams that have a blind will be eligible for prize awards, but not trophies. e. In the event a player is late for a starting time, he shall be disqualified from play in the scheduled event, and be charged both an entry fee and a cart fee, and no credit for the event will be given. f. Any player who fails to appear for his schedule tee time without having notified the Event Chairman of his cancellation or withdrawal by 6:00 PM of the day prior to the

3 event, will be considered a No-Show. He will not receive credit for the event, and will be charged both an entry fee and a cart fee, and he will receive a written reprimand for the first infraction and will be advised of membership cancellation on the second infraction occurring within the succeeding 12 months. This applies even when the event is subsequently cancelled because of weather. g. If a player appears for a Event and because of an injury immediately prior to or during play, or because of a medical condition, or because of a change in playing conditions (walking or cart path only), withdraws from the event before the event has been completed, the Event Chairman is authorized, at their discretion, to charge both a cart fee and an entry fee, and allow credit to the affected player(s). h. If a player on the day of the event withdraws or fails to complete the event, because of a non-medical issue, both an entry fee and a cart fee will be charged, and no credit is given. i. When an event is for two days or more, a player must play the entire eveent to receive event credit, except in single elimination events. Failure to complete the event will be treated in accordance with Rules 5.g. or 5.h., respectively. j. Onsite cancellation of an event is to be determined by the host golf club. i. If an event is cancelled before starting because of weather, credit will be given and no charges will be incurred for all participants who did not previously cancel. A no-show is not considered a participant. ii. If an event is cancelled after play has started, players may or may not receive refunds, depending on a decision to be made between the SMGA Board and the host golf club. However, credit will be given. 6. RULES FOR COMPETITION a. USGA rules govern all play, except when special local rules are posted by the Event Chairman. b. The decision of the Event Chairman shall be final. c. No conceded putts are allowed in stroke competition, or when the score counts for the team. d. No member shall enter a match play event unless prepared to play all matches in the event. e. Score cards are to be kept by opposing teams or individuals. Cards shall be signed and attested and delivered to the scoring area when play is completed. f. DISTANCE-MEASURING DEVICES - As provided in USGA Rule 14-3/0.5, the SMGA has adopted a Local Rule for all SMGA events whereby 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

4 disqualification, regardless of whether any such additional information is actually used. Conforming devices may be shared by players. g. Forward Tees will be permitted for most SMGA events. Handicap adjustments will be made lowering forward tee player's course handicaps when they are competing against players playing 'white' (middle) tees. Members must declare at the start of the season their intention to play forward tees and they will not be allowed to change during that year. 7. TIES a. In trophy play where handicaps have been used, a sudden death play-off will start at the 1st hole. Handicaps will be established by playing off the lowest handicap. The lowest handicap will play at scratch and the difference between handicaps will be the other players handicap. (Example: A has a handicap of 5 and B a handicap of 9 - A plays at scratch and B at 4). Strokes will be used where they fall on the card. b. In non-trophy handicap competition, winners will be determined by a match of cards (MOC). The best score on the back nine holes (#10 - #18 inclusive) will be used. If the players remain tied, then the winner is determined using the last six holes, then the last three holes, and then the 18th hole. If the players remain tied, then the same procedure will be applied to the front nine holes. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF ENTRY FEES a. The total of entry fees received for each Event shall be distributed in the form of prizes or amenities as determined by the Event Chairman. Amenities usually include range balls and tips for the bag handlers. b. After deduction of amenities, the balance of entry money is distributed to approximately 20% of the players in the form of gift certificates at the course being played. c. In those events having gross and net prizes, the winner of low gross will be awarded a gross prize, and he will not be eligible for any net prizes. d. Hole-in-one prizes will be awarded at the annual meeting. e. When an event is started but cancelled before completion, the Event Chairmen will determine how and if prizes will be awarded. 9. SPEED OF PLAY a. The SMGA is a Ready Golf organization and promotes ready golf not rushed golf. We ask that you be ready to play while using common sense and good etiquette on the course. b. We have adopted several local rules to encourage faster play: - reduced time to search for lost balls to 3 minutes - maximum gross score of a triple bogey on any hole - low handicap player is Pace of Play Captain responsible for team pace of play

5 c. If a match fails to keep its place on the course by losing distance of one full hole on the match in front, the match following is entitled to play through. d. The Event Chairman reserves the right to place chronic slow players at the end of the field. e. Continued slow play or action contrary to the rules of golf could result in disciplinary action by the Board of Governors, including loss of membership. 10. MISCELLANEOUS a. In the event of a change of address or telephone number, please advise the Secretary. 11. LOCAL RULES a. In any Event, the local club or the SMGA Event Chairman may establish a local rule to speed play or clarify an existing ruling MAN TEAM HANDICAP DIFFERENTIAL a. In the event that a two man team has a handicap difference exceeding 10 strokes, the higher handicap will be reduced until there is a 10 stroke difference. 13. SMOKING POLICY a. Please refrain from smoking if your playing partner(s) objects. b. Please refrain from smoking in common areas (driving range, putting green, etc.).