Codes of Conduct for Participants and Spectators

Players Code of Conduct

Optimist International takes great pride in the quality of its players, host facility and volunteer involvement. In order to continue making Optimist Junior Golf events enjoyable for everyone, the Junior Golf Committee requires all players to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Its purpose is to help participants grow and mature by understanding and accepting the consequences of their actions. The Code of Conduct is to be followed throughout the player's stay at the tournament. Tournament play will be conducted in accordance with USGA rules, the following Code of Conduct and Optimist local rules. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in proper fashion both on and off the course for the duration of the event.

Violations of the Code of Conduct on the Course

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers, officials or fellow competitors, or abuse of golf course property.

• Use of drugs, alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco products—a zero tolerance policy is in effect.

• Not adhering to the dress code during practice round or tournament play.

• Cell phones can only be used to notify a tournament official for a ruling or medical attention. Please make sure they are turned off during play. Headsets are strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.

Violations of the Code of Conduct off the Course

• Any use or association with drugs, alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco products—a zero tolerance policy is in effect.

• Vandalism at the hotel or its surrounding properties, abusive behavior to any volunteer or tournament official.

• Damages in any rooms will be the financial responsibility of the players occupying the room. Please report any accidental damage to your chaperone or to the tournament office.

• All players must comply with the tournament Curfew of 10:30 p.m. local time. You must be in your room by the curfew and remain in your room for the remainder of the night unless accompanied by an adult chaperone, parent, or legal guardian. Nightly random room checks will be made.

• Leaving the resort property is not permitted unless accompanied by an adult chaperone, parent, or guardian.

• Gambling is not permitted. Any games involving the exchange of money are strictly prohibited.

• Male and female participants may not occupy the same room at any time. Roommate changes are not permitted. Once you are assigned to a room you may not change rooms. No exceptions.

• Attendance at the player orientation is mandatory. Any player failing to attend the player orientation may be subject to disqualification.

Dress Code

• Proper golf attire is required at all times during tournament play. Questionable attire will be reviewed by the Tournament Director. Players in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to tee off.

• Hats/visors must be worn with brim forward.

• Collared shirts must be worn and tucked in at all times with the following exceptions: women’s shirts without a collar must have sleeves. Men’s shirts without a collar must have a tight neck fit. T-shirts are prohibited.

• No tank tops, short-shorts, denim shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, t-shirts or jeans.

Code of Conduct Violation Penalties

• will vary depending on severity of offense, one stroke for minor, two strokes for repeated minor, and disqualified for serious. See the Optimist Code of Conduct on Local Rules (Hard Card)

Optimist Junior Golf Withdrawal Policy

This policy will allow for withdrawals for medical reasons or for emergencies. The medical reason must be verified and approved by a Rules Official and Tournament Director. If the player is deemed to be okay to play but refuses, they are disqualified and will receive a NC (no card) on final report. The entire group involved will be held at the point of stoppage and other groups will play through. A rules official will restart the group. All play must comply with all current tournament rules and policies. The player must notify and receive approval of a rules official prior to leaving the course. The decision of the Rules Committee is final. If it is a family emergency or like, player will receive a WD on final report.

Spectator Code of Conduct

In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play. It is appropriate for parents and spectators to applaud successful strokes, but in order to secure the spirit of the game, we ask parents and spectators to please adhere to the following guidelines. Please note that if any of the following guidelines are perceived as broken by a Rules Official, the player may be subject to penalty.

Advice (Rule 10) is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. In addition, any conversation between player/spectator may be construed as advice. This includes any conversation between player/spectator in their native language. In either instance, penalty for breach of this rule is two strokes. Players are responsible for the actions of their relatives and spectators in regards to this rule.

Spectators attend Optimist Golf events at their own risk.

Place phones on silent and if calls are necessary, move far enough away as to not be heard by players.

Spectator carts are allowed at the Championship one per family. Spectators must pay for and abide by all cart policies set up by the Doral staff. Any violations can result in loss of privileges for remainder of event.

Spectators should stay on cart paths. In the absence of cart paths, we ask that spectators stay in the rough. Please stay off fairways, tees and greens.

Spectators should stay one shot ahead of the group they are following. This allows spectators to follow errant shots and help identify where the ball comes to rest. Spectators are allowed to aid in the search for lost golf balls.

If a spectator commits a serious breach (as determined by the Rules Committee), they may be asked to leave the course.

Spectators are allowed to carry medicine, drinks, food, umbrellas, etc.

For your personal safety, we ask you exercise caution at all times. When inclement weather moves into the area, play will be suspended by sounding airhorns. Accordingly, you should seek shelter immediately. The staff will evacuate players from the course first and then spectators.

Spectators are asked not to consume alcoholic beverages while on the golf course, in any Optimist meal function or planned indoor event.

Please use discretion when smoking around players on the courses.

2026 OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 

Rules Procedures and Reminders 

THE FOLLOWING RULES REMINDERS MAY ASSIST YOU DURING THE COMPETITION 

(These are only summary reminders and do not modify the Rules themselves)

 PLAYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES: The player shall start at the time laid down by the Committee. (Rule 5.3a) • All players are to be at their designated tee ten minutes prior to their starting time. If the player arrives at his/her starting point ready to play within five minutes after his/her starting time, in the absence of circumstances which warrant waiving the penalty as provided in Rule 5.7b, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes. If the player is more than five minutes late, he/she shall be disqualified.

 The responsibility for playing the proper ball rests with the player. (Rule 7.2) • Each player should put an identification mark on his/her ball. 

The Competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on the card. (Rule 3.3b) 

The player shall play without undue delay. (Rule 5.6b) • The player shall play without undue delay in accordance with any pace of play guidelines laid down by the committee. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player shall not unduly delay play. • If a group is out of position it will be subject to be timed. A player will be allowed 40 seconds to complete his/her stroke. The following are penalties for breach of rule: • Out Of Position - Not Keeping Up With The Group In Front Of You. • First Offense - Verbal Warning • Second Offense - One Stroke Penalty • Third Offense - Two Stroke Penalty • For Subsequent Offense - Disqualification • Note: Timing will discontinue when the group has regained its position. Time previously recorded that may have exceeded the limit, however, will be held over for further occurrence. • Pace of Play appeal – A player has the right to appeal a pace of play penalty given to him/her but must appeal directly to the Rules Committee before signing and returning his/her scorecard. 

OUT OF BOUNDS: In addition to the Out of Bounds defined by a White Line and or White Stakes, all off property fences and roadways will also define out of bounds. 

RELIEF SITUATIONS: Relief from a Red Penalty Area. All penalty areas at Trump Doral are marked as Red Penalty Areas. Your relief options are as follows under penalty of one stroke: (Rule 17.1) • Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was last played. • Drop a ball behind the red penalty area, keeping the point between which the original ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area the hole, with no limit to how far behind the penalty area the ball may be dropped. • Drop a ball outside the red penalty area within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area. 

RELIEF FROM TEMPORARY WATER: Temporary Water is any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground which is visible before or after the player takes his/her stance and is not in a penalty area. (Rule 16.1) Interference by temporary water occurs when a ball lies in or touches any temporary water or when such a condition interferes with the player’s stance or the area of his/her intended swing. Relief may be taken as follows: • Determine the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies which is not nearer the hole, avoids interference by the condition, and is not in a penalty area while taking full relief from the abnormal ground condition. • The ball shall be lifted and dropped and must remain without penalty within one club length of the determined point of full relief and not nearer the hole. 

RELIEF FROM ABNORMAL GROUND CONDITION: Abnormal Ground Condition is any portion of the course so marked by the order of the Committee. White lines define Abnormal Ground Condition. A ball is in an Abnormal Ground Condition when it lies in or any part of it touches the ground under repair. Relief may be taken as follows: • Determine the point on the course nearest to where the ball lies which is not nearer the hole, avoids interference by the condition, and is not in a penalty area while taking full relief from the abnormal ground condition. • The ball shall be lifted and dropped and must remain without penalty within one club length of the determined point of full relief and not nearer the hole. 

DOUBT AS TO PROCEDURE: • In stroke play, if a competitor is doubtful of his/her rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole, he/she may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls. (Rule 20.1c(3)) • After the doubtful situation has arisen and before taking further action, the competitor should announce to his marker or a fellow competitor that he intends to play two balls and which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit. The competitor MUST report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning his score card. If he fails to do so, he is DISQUALIFIED. 

CONDUCT: Players can be disqualified for actions on and off the golf course. In addition, each room is subject to an on the spot inspection at any time. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language and club throwing on the golf course will result in the following penalties: First offense – warning; Second offense – two shot penalty; third offense – disqualification. Some penalties may be issued at the full discretion of the Rules Committee. 

OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL WITHDRAWAL POLICY • This policy will allow for withdrawals for medical reasons or for emergencies. The medical reason must be verified and approved by Tournament Director to receive a WD. If a player is healthy enough to continue and the player refuses, the player will receive a NC. The entire group involved will be held at the point of stoppage and other groups will play through. A rules official will restart the group. All play must comply with all current Tournament Rules and Policies. The player must notify and receive approval from the Tournament Director or Rules Official prior to leaving the course. This decision is final. If a family emergency, on or off site occurs, a player may be allowed to withdraw. The reason or reasons must be verified by the Tournament Director or Rules Committee. All printed and published results at the end of the Tournament will reflect a withdrawn status. 

OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL DISQUALIFICATION POLICY Disqualification occurs during a competitive round of the Tournament a player refuses to continue play after a medical personnel releases the player to continue play. Failure to report for your tee time, leaving the course without the notification and approval of a Rules Official, or and other already published reason will also be automatic disqualification. All printed and published results at the end of the Tournament will reflect a disqualified status. 

• If a player is disqualified prior to the final round during the tournament, the player may play as a marker at the discretion of the Tournament Director based on size of field and other circumstances. 

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES In this competition a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4.3a(1) 

Optimist "Hard Card" Local Rules and Terms of Competition 

LOCAL RULES & TERMS OF THE COMPETITION

 The Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association and the R&A govern play and where applicable, by the following Local Rules and Terms of the Competition. See applicable championship or qualifying round Notice to Players and Entry Application for modifications or additions to these Local Rules and Terms. Complete text of the Rules and Model Local Rules in Section 8 may be found in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, effective January 2023. 

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for breach of a Local Rule is the general penalty – two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.

 LOCAL RULES 

Out of Bounds - Defined by the line between the course-side points, at ground level, of white stakes and fence posts.

Penalty Areas - When a penalty area is defined on only one side, it extends to infinity. When a penalty area is connected to the out-of-bounds edge, the penalty area extends to and coincides with out of bounds.

 Ground Under Repair - Defined by white lines. French drains are ground under repair. 

Animal Near Ball – Model Local Rule E-13 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. 

Relief from Seams of Cut Turf - Model Local Rule F-7, Pg 487 in Section 8 of Committee Procedures is in effect. (Relief from the seams but not the cut turf unless marked or defined). 

White-Lined Areas Tying Into Artificially Surfaced Roads and Paths - White-lined areas of ground under repair and the artificially surfaced roads, paths or other identified obstructions that they are connected to are a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1. 

Wood Chips and Mulch - Are loose impediments. 

Integral Objects - Include cables, rods, wires and wrappings when closely attached to trees, and artificial walls and pilings when located in penalty areas and bunkers. 

Code of Conduct - Committee may disqualify a player for acting contrary to the spirit of the game if it finds the player has committed serious misconduct, in accordance with Rule 1.2a. Penalties other than disqualification may be imposed for player misconduct, also in accordance with Rule 1.2a and Committee procedure 5I. Pg 416. 

The Committee may apply the following penalty structure at its discretion: First Offence, warning; Second Offence, one-stroke penalty; Third Offence, general penalty; Fourth Offense or Serious Misconduct, disqualification. 

Prohibiting Use of Caddies- Model Local Rule H-1.1. Pg 511 in Section 8 of Committee Procedures is in effect. (A player must not have a caddie during the round). 

List of Conforming Driver Heads - Model Local Rule G-1, Pg 503 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. 

Grooves and Punch Mark Specifications – Model Local Rule G-2, Pg 504 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect, except as modified by the applicable championship Entry Application. 

List of Conforming Golf Balls – Model Local Rule G-3, Pg 504 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. 

Missing Player or Marker Certification – Model Local Rule L-1, Pg 520 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. 

Pace of Play - See “Optimist Pace of Play” guidelines on the Optimist website or “Notice to Players”. 

Stopping and Resuming Play – Model Local Rule J-1, Pg 515 as prescribed in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures is in effect. 

All practice areas are closed during an immediate suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open. Players who practice on closed practice areas will be asked to stop practicing; failure to stop practicing might result in disqualification. 

An immediate suspension will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes. Resumption of play will be signaled by two shorts notes. 

Practice - Prior to and after a round in stroke play, a player may practice on the designated practice areas. Rule 5.2b covering practice in stroke play is modified in this way: A player may NOT practice on the competition course before or between rounds. See Model Local Rule I-1.1, Pg 514 in Section 8 of the Committee Procedures. Penalty for breach of Local Rule, see Rule 5.2. 

Prohibiting Use of Motorized Transportation- Model Local Rule G-6, Pg 506 in Section 8 of Committee Procedures is in effect. (Players must walk unless riding is authorized by the Committee e.g., at designated shuttles points or when they will play, or has played, again under penalty of stroke and distance). 

Ties- Weather and time permitting, ties for first place will be broken by a sudden death playoff starting at a hole determined by the Committee. If two or more players are tied for first, any trophies will be awarded in the order they are eliminated from the playoff. All other ties will be broken in accordance with the USGA recommendation in Committee procedure 5A (6), Pg 402. All ties, except for first place will be reported to the various ranking organizations unbroken. 

When Competition is Final – The competition is final when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee. 

Scoring Policy

The following scoring policy will be in use for the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships:

Scorecards must be returned to the scoring room as soon as possible after completion of a round. All players in a group must come to the scoring area together and remain there until all scorecards for that group have been checked by the Committee.

The marker is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor’s score for each hole of the round. He/she should check the score with the competitor at the completion of each hole and resolve any differences at that time. Upon completion of the round, the marker must sign the scorecard and hand it to the competitor.

The competitor should check his score for each hole and resolve any doubtful points with the Committee and his marker and fellow competitors. He must ensure the marker has signed the scorecard, sign it himself, and hand it to the Committee. The scorecard is considered “returned” when the competitor has left the scoring area without the scorecard (unless authorized by the Committee).

Subsequently, Committee officials may initiate a review of a competitors score. Competitors or outside agencies may request a review, but must present such a request, and the facts surrounding the reason for the request, in writing and signed with a legible signature to the Tournament Director.  

Failure to follow this scoring policy may result in penalties under the Rules of Golf and/or administrative action including withdrawal of entry and/or denial of future entry.

Pull Carts, Caddies and Distance Measuring Devices

Pull Carts
Pull carts (Electronic carts not allowed) are permitted in ALL age divisions - Boys and Girls.

Caddies

Caddies are prohibited in all age divisions for all tournament rounds.  No exceptions.

Distance Measuring Devices
In this competition a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device. If, during a round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g. elevation changes, wind speed, etc.) the player is in breach of Rule 4.3(1). Cell phones may be used to measure distance only.