Standing Rules

Latest Version - July 2022

FAR WEST GOLF ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF

APPENDIX A - STANDING RULES

1) CODE OF CONDUCT

a) All members are required to adhere to a set of guidelines known as the “Player Code of Conduct”. The “Player Code of Conduct” is to be followed throughout the member’s membership.

b) The FWGAD reserves the right to decline or withdraw any entry at any time. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject to the rules and conditions of play set forth by the FWGAD. The reason for rejection of entry may include, but is not limited to, unbecoming conduct. By entering an FWGAD-administered event, all participants agree that there are certain risks inherent in the game of golf and accept personal and sole liability for all such risks, including, but not limited to, any health-related risks.

2) ATTIRE

a) Only polo shirts and non-cargo shorts or pants are to be used during the tournament.

b) The FWGAD board reserves the right to determine the acceptability of all golf attire worn while in competition. If a player is found to be in violation of the aforementioned policies, the FWGAD board may request the player to remedy the infraction prior to competing. If the player is unable to come into compliance with the dress code policy, he/she may be asked to leave the tournament and subsequently be disqualified from competition.

3) BEHAVIOR DURING TOURNAMENT

a) Abusive or inappropriate language; disrespectful behaviors towards members/participants, officials, volunteers or golf professionals; throwing or breaking golf equipment; any form of cheating; leaving the golf course without properly notifying an official during a tournament round; and abuse of the golf course in any way will be considered Code of Conduct violations.

b) Offenses/violations may result in automatic disqualification from the tournament and possible suspensions from future events

4) OFF-COURSE BEHAVIOR

a) The FWGAD reserves the right to take action for any golfer who demonstrates behavior that is unbecoming of a FWGAD member. Some examples such as abusive language, vandalism of any kind at the host hotel or golf facility, history of any other conduct unbecoming of a FWGAD member, are a violation of the Code of Conduct. Actions may include a letter of warning to the player; a disqualification from FWGAD tournament(s), and/or a disqualification from future events; and/or suspension from all future events.

5) DUE PROCESS 

When a complaint/violation is made known to the FWGAD Board, the procedures for dealing the issue shall be:

1. The President assembles the Adjudication Committee; the person making the complaint; and the person being accused.

2. The complaint will describe the nature of the issue.

3. The accused will present his side of the argument.

4. The Adjudication Committee will make the determination and impose the appropriate consequence.

5. The secretary will document the nature of the violation and the determination of the consequence for the FWGAD files

6) PLAYING CONDITION 

All rules and conditions of play will adhere to USGA Rules Book with the following exceptions:

a) Local Rules – Tournament Director will update golfers of local rules that will be based on the golf course’s local rules.

b) Lost Balls and Out of Bounds – Out of bound or lost ball the ball will be dropped near where you believe the ball crossed the out of bounds. Penalty is one stroke for out of bound, lost ball, or unplayable.

c) Signing Incorrect Scorecards – If you sign a card with a score that is higher than you played, the score shall stand. If you sign a card that is lower than you played, a two-stroke penalty shall be added to the actual score.

d) Course Playability – Winter rules shall be in effect in all tournaments. Ball may be lifted, cleaned, and returned within six inches behind the golf ball.

e) GPS – Any approved GPS device shall be used for measuring distance only. 

f) Excessive Strokes – The maximum score shall be double the par plus one stroke. Par 3 the maximum score is 7. Par 4 the maximum score is 9. Par 5 the maximum score is 11.