Space Coast Junior Golf Association

2016-17
Policies and Procedures Manual
Individual Format
Age Divisions, Unranked Events
Boys and Girls 8 & Under: 9 Holes
Boys and Girls 9 – 11: 9 Holes
Girls 12 – 14: 18 Holes
Girls 15-18: 18 Holes
Boys 12 - 14: 18 Holes
Boys 15 - 18: 18 Holes
Age Divisions, Junior Scoreboard Ranked Events
Boys and Girls 8 & Under: 9 Holes
Boys and Girls 9-11: 18 Total Holes (9 each day)
Girls 12 - 14: 36 Total Holes
Girls 15-18: 36 Total Holes
Boys 13 – 15 : 36 Total Holes
Boys 16 – 18: 36 Total Holes
Course Yardages
The following are approximate yardages that will be played:
Boys 8 & Under
1800-2500 Yards
Girls 8 & Under
1800-2500 Yards
Boys 9-11
2300-2800 Yards
Girls 9-11
2300-2800 Yards
Boys 12-14
5000-5800 Yards
Girls 12-14
4700-5600 Yards
Boys 15-18
6000-7000 Yards
Girls 15-18
5400-6200 Yards
I. Eligibility:
You can compete on the Tour through age 18 as long as you have not completed high school
AND started attending college. Which means... you can take college classes while you’re still in
high school, but once you graduate from high school and go to college you become ineligible.
Oh yeah, if you bomb out of college and want to come back and play it’s too late - you should
have studied more.
The last day of each tournament is used to calculate players’ ages to determine eligibility. The
player’s age on the last day the tournament must fall within the age division (8& Under, 9-11,
12-14 or 15-18 age division).
The SCJGA reserves the right to grant conditional status to players younger than 12 to play in
the 36 hole divisions if they demonstrate exceptional playing ability.
Membership:
You must be a SCJGA member to earn points rankings in any SCJGA event. The seasonal
membership fee is $80 and covers the entire tournament season. The season runs from May 1,
2016 through April 30, 2017. The membership fee must be paid before any event registration
will be accepted.
Tournament Entry Fees:
8 & Under Age Division: $35 for all 9-hole tournaments.
9-11 Age Divisions: $35 for 9-hole tournaments; $70 for 18-hole tournaments.
12+ Age Divisions: $45 for 18-hole tournaments; $90 for 36-hole tournaments.
All fees are due upon receipt of the event entry form.
Entry Closing Dates and Late Entries:
Entry closing dates are THREE (3) days prior to the event date, unless stated otherwise by the
Tournament Director. Late entries may be accepted by contacting the Tournament Director and
paying a, non-refundable, late entry fee of $20 per occurrence.
Refund Policy:
Requests for refunds received prior to the entry closing date will be honored (less $10
administration fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of the
entry fee). No requests will be honored within 48 hours of the first scheduled tee time. All
refunds are paid by check.
Returned Checks:
All checks returned due to insufficient funds will carry a $40.00 service charge.
II. Tournament Information:
Tour Philosophy
The credibility of the SCJGT depends upon three primary factors; (1) The quality of its fields
and participants, (2) the quality of venues, and (3) the proper administration of each event
(Rules, Pace-of-play, etc).
The Tour strongly suggests that players participate in their local junior programs in order to
develop the experience and confidence necessary to perform at SCJGT events.
Conditions of Play
Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the event) by the SCJGT. The
reason for rejection may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose
entry is accepted shall be subject to the rules and conditions of play set forth by the SCJGT. In
all SCJGT events, an event may become official by reverting to a stipulated number of holes
completed by all players in a particular age bracket.
Stroke Limits:
All SCJGT events, with the exception of Junior Scoreboard Events, will implement a “double
par” stroke limitation on any ball in play. The most a player can write down on his or her
scorecard on any one hole is twice that of par. For example, if the hole being played is a par 4,
then the highest number of strokes that player can take is 8 (double par). The player, upon
hitting his/her eighth stroke, should pick up the ball and enter an 8 on the scorecard. That player
should quietly proceed with his/her fellow competitors for the remainder of that hole, while
adhering to the proper rules and etiquette of golf. Only after everyone has finished that hole,
should all the players of that group proceed to the next tee.
Format:
All play will be individual stroke play. Awards will be given for the top finishers in each age
division at each event. Points will be accrued at each event throughout the season which will
lead to an invitation to play in the SCJGT Tour Championship. The Tour Championship will
determine an overall champion for each age division at the end of the season.
A player can move up during the middle of the season. For example, if a player is 11 and turns
12 during the middle of the season, they will play the remainder of the season from the 12-14
division. Half of the players total points accumulated at the time of the division switch will roll
over to the new division. Players can earn points only in the age division they are currently
playing in.
Event point distribution will be as follows:
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th +
1000 points
700 points
500 points
400 points
350 points
300 points
270 points
250 points
230 points
210 points
190 points
170 points
150 points
130 points
110 points
100 points
Practice Rounds
Typically, a single practice round will be available for an additional fee. In some cases, parents
will also be allowed to play a practice round with their son or daughter at a reduced fee. Players
under 16 years old will not be allowed to operate carts during practice rounds, but typically all
players may ride in carts during the practice rounds. Practice round information can be obtained
by calling the individual courses.
Withdrawing Before the Start of the Tournament
Players who have been accepted into an SCJGT event and wish to withdraw for any reason
MUST notify the SCJGT Tournament Director at 321-960-5152, or email
[email protected] prior to the event. If withdrawing on the day of the event,
contact the SCJGT Director at 321-960-5152.
No Shows, No Cards, & Disqualifications - Suspensions
No Show - a no show (NS) is when a player does not show for a round of a tournament without
contacting the Tournament Director (see contact information in the paragraph above).
No Card - a no card (NC) is when a player begins a tournament round and fails to return a score.
Withdrawal - a withdrawal (WD) is either before a tournament begins or between rounds of a
tournament. If the player withdraws before the first round, it is not looked upon negatively. If a
player withdrawals between rounds, it is looked upon negatively; however, sometimes there are
acceptable reasons (family emergency, injury, etc.)
Disqualification - a disqualification (DQ) is only due to a breach of the Rules of Golf. There are
many different ways a player can be disqualified.
No shows, no cards, and withdrawing during a tournament are serious breaches of the SCJGT
Tournament Policy. In some cases, a NC is not a serious breach (running out of golf balls, illness
during round, emergency, etc.).
Consequences
In order to avoid the amount of no shows and no cards, the SCJGT has implemented a strict
policy that suspends players who no show, no card, or withdraw between/during rounds twice in
one season.

First NC, NS, or WD between/during rounds during season - No action taken and no
excuses needed.

Second NC, NS, or WD between/during rounds during season - Player is suspended
for one month in which SCJGT tournaments are held. Player will be withdrawn from any
tournaments entered into during the one month suspension and receive the appropriate
refund.
Third NC, NS, or WD between/during rounds during season - Player is suspended for
remainder of season and withdrawn from any tournaments they are already entered in.
The SCJGT Tournament Committee reserves the right to lengthen the suspension into the
next SCJGT season.

No action is taken for the first time a player doesn’t finish a tournament because we understand
players become ill or injured; however, it is very rare for it to happen twice in one season.
Example: During a tournament in the beginning of the season, a player doesn’t show for a
tournament. He is listed as a “NS” and no further action is taken by the SCJGT Tournament
Committee. Later in the season the player becomes very ill during a tournament and is unable to
complete the round. He is listed as a “NC” and the SCJGT Tournament Committee will likely
suspend him for one month. He shouldn’t have wasted his “free pass” earlier in the season!
Exceptional Circumstances: The SCJGT Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify or
waive suspensions for exceptional circumstances. An exceptional circumstance may be, but is
not limited to, providing proof that the player felt very ill during both tournaments and was
unable to complete the event.
If a player purposely gets disqualified to avoid finishing a tournament, the Tournament
Committee may impose a suspension.
Official Time
The official time will be maintained at the starting tee(s) only.
Hard Card & Notice To Players (Local Rules)
The “Hard Card” is a list of local rules in effect for all SCJGT competitions. The hard card is
usually handed out at registration with the pace of play policy copied on the back.
**Electronic measuring devices (range finders) ARE ALLOWED in SCJGT competitions.
A “Notice to Players” is a list of local rules specific to a course during a tournament. The Notice
to Players takes precedence over the Hard Card. The Notice to Players is usually handed out at
registration or the starting tee.
Playing Up
Players may earn the ability to play up under very specific guidelines, with the prior approval of
the SCJGA Tournament Committee.
Exceptional Playing Capability
Players that demonstrate exceptional playing capability may be granted conditional status to
participate on the SCJGT. Exceptional playing capability is much more than being able to
compete against most of the players in an age division, exceptional performance means being
able to consistently challenge the top players in the SCJGT at typical SCJGT yardages with a
strong possibility of victory.
Any player requesting conditional status into the SCJGT must submit a request in writing with
all tournament scores for the past two years. Once submitted, the SCJGA Tournament
Committee will review the request and make a ruling.
The SCJGA Tournament Committee reserves the right to retract your conditional status for many
reasons; some examples are: not demonstrating outstanding conduct, regularly withdrawing from
events, unable to demonstrate the maturity level of a young adult, unable to control emotions
because of poor play (crying, etc.), failing to place in the top 25% of the field in two of your first
three events, etc.
Walking, Caddies Not Permitted
Players must walk and will need to carry their own bag. Caddies are not permitted except in the
8 & Under, 9-11, and 12-14 age divisions. In all events, pull carts will be permitted. Caddies
and players for the younger divisions must read and sign the SCJGT Caddy Rules information
sheet.
Spikeless Policy
It is a condition of the SCJGT that shoes with traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of
composition, i.e., ceramic, plastic, etc.) or spikes, regardless of design, comprised either entirely
or partially of metal (when such metal comes in contact with the surface of the putting green) are
prohibited. Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.
Attire
Proper golf attire must be worn at all times when players are at the host facility.






Hats/visors must be worn with brim forward, males must remove hat/visor while indoors
at host facility
Collared shirts or shirts specifically designed for golf must be worn and tucked in at all
times
Women’s fashion shirts without a collar are acceptable.
Women’s shorts must be no more than 5” above the knee or the inseam of the shorts must
measure at least 5”
Men’s short’s must not hang past the knee
All attire must also meet club guidelines - when in doubt - dress traditionally
Prohibited Attire
 Tank tops, T-shirts.
 Denim shorts, short-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, jeans.
 Camouflage designed attire, including hats.
Proper attire is required at all times at the host facility, including players meetings and cookouts.
Questionable attire will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee. Should a host facility have a
stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence. Players in violation will not be allowed to tee
off.
Headphones, Ear Pieces, & Electronic Devices
To eliminate distractions and breaches of etiquette, the use of headphones and ear pieces are
prohibited during SCJGT competitive rounds (including sunglasses and hats that have listening
devices).
The use of headphones and ear pieces are discouraged while on property at the host club
including inside the clubhouse and on the practice facilities.
Playoffs
Play-offs will be conducted to decide the Champion in each division. It is the player’s
responsibility to be present for any playoff. All playoffs will commence immediately after the
completion of the final round. Playoffs for the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each division will be
by scorecard playoff to determine the winner of the finish position. All scorecard playoffs will be
conducted using the USGA Rules of Golf, Appendix 1, Part C, 10 (c).
Videotaping and Photography
Absolutely no videotaping or photography is permitted during tournament play, without prior
consent from the Space Coast Junior Golf Tour and its’ affiliates.
III. Code Of Conduct:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
As a member of the SCJGT you will have the privilege of visiting fine golf clubs around Brevard
and surrounding counties. Tour members AND their parents and spectators are expected to
conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen.
CONDITIONS OF PLAY
Entries are subject to withdraw at any time (including during the event) by the SCJGT. The
reason for withdraw may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose
entry is accepted shall be subject to the rules and conditions of play set forth by the FSGA and
the SCJGT. NOTE: The SCJGT will not make any provisions for a player asking for special
consideration due to other commitments.
VIOLATIONS ON THE GOLF COURSE
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes abusive language, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers,
disrespect to officials or fellow competitors, abuse of the course or facilities, or the use of drugs,
alcohol or tobacco products.
VIOLATIONS OFF THE GOLF COURSE
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes any use or association with drugs, alcohol or tobacco
products, vandalism at a host hotel, rude behavior to a host family or property, and any other
conduct not becoming of a SCJGT member.
CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION PENALTIES
The game of golf relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players
and conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, irrespective of how competitive they may be
that day. Breaches of the SCJGT Code of Conduct may result in the forfeiture of any and/or all
fees paid to the SCJGA.
The SCJGT Tournament Committee, based on severity and frequency of the violation(s), may in
accordance with Rule 33-7:





Warn the player, or
Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs, or
Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result
in disqualification from the next tournament(s) for which a player has been accepted.
The Space Coast Junior Golf Association reserves the right to suspend or revoke a
player’s membership or entries for a serious breach of the SCJGT Code of Conduct.
A player’s disregard of others is not limited to the current round but may include repeated
offenses from tournament to tournament. Examples may include, but are not limited to:





Club tossing or throwing
Words or phrases that may be disrespectful to others
Kicking or throwing their bag
Poor etiquette
Any unnecessary/intentional damage to the golf course or property
ATTIRE & HEADPHONES/EAR PIECE
To eliminate distractions and breaches of etiquette, the use of headphones and ear pieces are
prohibited during SCJGT competitive rounds (including sunglasses and hats that have listening
devices).
The use of headphones and ear pieces are discouraged while on property at the host club
including inside the clubhouse and on the practice facilities.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Signatures or the appropriate indication on the entry form verify both the players and the
parent/guardian understand and agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct.
APPEALS
Any appeal must be made in writing to the SCJGA Tournament Committee at 5325 Creekwood
Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940. Appeals must be made within two weeks of the occurrence.
IV. Parent/Spectator Policies:
The Florida State Golf Association and the SCJGT takes great pride in the conduct of its players
and the relationships that it has with the golf clubs in Florida.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
Our players, their parents, friends and relatives are expected to act as ladies and gentlemen at all
SCJGT events including practice rounds, competitive rounds, dinners and other functions.
Spectators must observe the same golf etiquette and respect to the golf course, facilities, and
policies of the host club as the players.
SPECTATOR PRIVILEGES
Watching an SCJGT event as a spectator is a privilege. Whether you are a parent or a friend of a
player, your spectator privileges may be suspended if you fail to follow the spectator guidelines.
PARENT AND SPECTATOR POLICIES
GENERAL CONDUCT
Your child or friend is attempting to play top-level competitive golf and this is NOT the time for
any coaching. Quietly follow players and keep your expressions of joy and/or disappointment to
a minimum. Please do not embarrass your child in front of other players and spectators. Smoking
and drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept at a minimum at all events - cigarette butts look
horrible on the golf course and smoking sets a poor example for the kids - enjoy the fresh air and
exercise! Any consumption of alcoholic beverages must be contained to the club bar/lounge area
– NO alcoholic beverages are allowed on the course or in the tournament area by any
parent/spectator from the official start of the tournament through the completion of the awards
ceremony.
DRESS CODE
All spectators must dress in appropriate golf attire or clothing of a similar nature. Blue jeans, tshirts, tank tops, short-shorts, flip-flops and other overly casual attire should NOT be worn at any
SCJGT function. Gentlemen should remove hats when entering the clubhouse, pro shop or grill.
All attire must also meet club guidelines.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones should not be used on the course. Please turn off all electronic devices or set them to
silent. Calls may be returned at the clubhouse by cell phone at a later time (if the club permits).
Some host clubs do not allow cell phones on their property.
COMMUNICATING WITH PLAYERS
Spectators who need to talk with a player (for health reasons and handing them sunscreen, food
or beverages) should do so in front of other spectators and/or players. Absolutely NO advice
should be given to any player at any time!
VIOLATIONS ON THE GOLF COURSE
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes abusive language, yelling or screaming at others, disrespect to
volunteers, disrespect to officials or fellow competitors, abuse of the course or facilities, or the
use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.
VIOLATIONS OFF THE GOLF COURSE
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes any use or association with drugs, alcohol or tobacco
products, vandalism at a host hotel, rude behavior to a host family or property, and any other
conduct not becoming of a SCJGT supporter.
CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION PENALTIES
The game of golf relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for others and
conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, irrespective of how competitive they may be that
day. Breaches of the SCJGT Parent/Spectator Policies may result in suspension or forfeiture of
spectator privileges.
ADVICE AND RULES OF GOLF
Rule 6-1 states “The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the Rules.”
RULES OFFCIALS
Rules Officials are stationed on the course to assist players when they are unsure how they
should proceed, to monitor pace of play, and for emergency situations. Players and spectators
should notify an Official when someone needs assistance.
Most Officials are volunteers and the number of Officials per event will vary. When there is no
Official nearby to assist, players should play a second ball under Rule 3-3; remember - it is the
player’s responsibility to know the Rules.
When an Official is assisting a player all spectators should stay at least 25 yards away and should
not get involved in the conversation. Spectators will be brought into a situation only if asked by
the Official.
Spectators should not confront Officials. If a spectator has a question, or information, for an
Official it should be done away from the players and in a calm manner.
ADVICE (Rule 8. Advice; Indicating Line of Play)
“Advice is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the
choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. Information on the Rules or on matters of
public information, such as the position of hazards or the flagstick on the putting green, is not
advice.”
Spectators are encouraged not to give information on the Rules to players because frequently the
information is incorrect and/or Rule 8 (Advice) is breached. Violation of the Rules will typically
lead to a penalty for the player(s) involved. For additional information please carefully read Rule
8, and the Decisions on the Rules of Golf under Rule 8.
General Penalty for a breach of Rule 8 is: loss of hole in Match Play; or two strokes in Stoke
Play.
HOW TO PROPERLY FOLLOW A GROUP (Where you should stand & walk)





Follow your players from a distance (at least 25 yards) and stay in the rough or on the
cart paths. Spectators are NOT allowed to be in the fairway.
Stay to the side of the action and remain still and quite while all players play.
Do not lag behind the participants as this often delays the group behind.
Move forward to the putting green when all shots have been completed.
Putting Green - Spectators must never be on the putting surface and should observe the
putting green from a reasonable distance that will not interfere with the players (at least
50 feet away from any player).

Looking for Balls -. Spectators are not allowed to help players search for lost balls!
Players and tournament personnel are the only ones allowed to help search for balls.
SPECTATORS AND CARTS
Carts may be available for rental on a course by course basis. The SCJGT will rigorously enforce
the SCJGT spectator policies.
SPECTATOR CART POLICY
(Failure to follow these policies can result in your cart being taken away at any time and may
result in your privileges being suspended for future events.)








Carts may be rented by spectators based on course availability - the daily fee is
determined by each individual club and will be posted as available.
Spectator carts must stay on the cart path at ALL times. If the course doesn’t have cart
paths then the cart must stay in the rough at all times.
Only 4 carts will be allowed per group.
Carts may only move forward on the golf course (from tee to green) except in case of a
weather evacuation. Carts may not move while competitors are playing a stroke
Only 2 people per cart are allowed except during evacuation.
Spectator carts will NOT be used for shuttling of players from green to tee unless stated
on the Notice to Players (local rules sheet) that is given to each player.
Spectator carts will be used to assist with evacuation of players and spectators and may
leave the cart path as necessary during an evacuation.
Spectator carts may carry water for players, but no golf equipment, and may also carry
any other spectator’s items such as umbrellas etc.
APPRECIATION OF CLUB STAFF AND OFFICIALS
It is appropriate to express your appreciation to the host club, its staff and the SCJGT officials
conducting the event. Please recognize that your actions may influence the future ability of other
junior golf organizations to use the club and it is your responsibility to be a gracious ambassador
of junior golf. Set a great example for your child and all the people present:






Say thank you to the golf professional, club staff and members
Be patient with staff and officials
Write a thank you note to the club
Express your thanks to our volunteer officials
Be courteous at all times
Do not wear hats indoors
V. Pace of Play Policy:
The FSGA Championship Pace of Play policy utilizes a two checkpoint system.

Players will not receive warnings.

Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.

To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole either:
(1) Within 15 minutes of the group ahead, or
(2) Under the allotted time.

Checkpoints will be on holes 9 and 18, unless otherwise indicated.

All players in a group in breach of the pace of play policy at any checkpoint are
subject to penalty.
PENALTIES
First Breach of Round = 1 stroke penalty to each player in the group.
Second Breach of Round = additional 2 stroke penalty to each player in the group.
NOTIFICATION
Any group that completes a checkpoint hole in breach of the pace of play policy will verbally
notified by an Official. Officials at checkpoints should never be confronted.
It is the player’s responsibility to recognize when a breach has occurred at each checkpoint and
penalties must be recorded on their scorecards. Penalties are to be added to the checkpoint hole
the group received the Red Card or was notified of the breach (usually holes #9 or #18).
Verbally Notified by an Official (Penalty Applied) – The group is both:
(1) More than 15 minutes behind the group ahead AND;
(2) Over the allotted time.
POSITION
First Group(s) off Either Tee - The first group(s) will be in breach of the pace of play policy if
they take more than the allotted time to finish a checkpoint hole until they reach (within 15
minutes) any group ahead. After they reach a group ahead, both conditions must be met to be in
breach of the pace of play policy.
Position with Group Ahead - To stay within 15 minutes of the group ahead, players should never
have an open hole and they should be in the fairway on par 4’s and 5’s when the group ahead
leaves the green.
CONCERNED PLAYERS AND APPEALS
A player concerned about slow players in a group should first remind that player of the pace of
play policy and encourage them to play more efficiently. The concerned player may, before or
after penalties are assessed, request an Official to monitor the group.
Appeals for exceptional situations will be considered only in the scoring area after the
completion of the round and prior to the return of a player’s scorecard.
DEFINITIONS - TIME AND POSITION
Timing – A group’s completion time at each checkpoint is measured when the flagstick is
replaced in the hole once all players in the group have holed out.
Allotted Time - The “allotted time” is the maximum time allowed to complete play of the course
or the holes between checkpoints. The allotted time is predetermined by the Tournament
Committee and may be adjusted between rounds. Time for ball searches, rulings, and walking
time between holes is included in the allotted time. The allotted time for each course will be
posted in a prominent location at the tournament site.
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.