Code of Conduct New

Code of Conduct for Young Golfers in Hertfordshire

This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards expected when participating in Hertfordshire Golf Competitions/Events.

You must ensure you understand and always meet the minimal standards of the code. Breaches of the Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:

Serious Breaches

• Using ‘Foul and Abusive Language’ on or off the course.
• Damage to the course or course equipment, tee markers, flagsticks, rakes, throwing and/or breaking clubs.
• Use of any form of Smoking paraphernalia, using illegal performance enhancing drugs or stimulants, consuming alcohol or playing gambling machines.
• Being verbally, physically aggressive or disrespectful towards other players, referees, officials or spectators.
• Misuse of Social Media. Publicly criticising or using disrespectful descriptions of Hertfordshire Golf or other individuals relating to Hertfordshire Golf Events/Competitions via any social media platforms.

Any serious breaches of this code of conduct will be dealt with immediately by Hertfordshire Golf through the following processes:

1. A breach witnessed by a Hertfordshire Official, Referee, Volunteer, Coach, Manager or Host Staff will result in an initial recorded warning.
2. A further breach that day or at a future competition/event will result in you being disqualified from the competition or required to leave the event.
3. A third breach will result in a ban from Hertfordshire Golf organised events for the remainder of the year and expulsion from any county squads they may be part of.

In all cases the golfer’s parents and Home club will be informed of the situation by the appropriate Hertfordshire Golf representative.

As a young golfer taking part in a Hertfordshire Golf activity, you should:

Be aware of the host club’s local rules both on the practice area and on the course.

Help create and maintain an environment free of fear and harassment.

Demonstrate fair play and apply golfing etiquette both on and off the course.

Understand that you have the right to be treated as an individual.

Respect the advice that you receive.

Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.

Respect other people and their differences.

Look out for yourself and for the welfare of others.

Speak out (to your parents, carers, a Hertfordshire Golf representative or trusted adult) if you consider that you or others have been poorly treated.

Be organised and on time.

Tell organisers if you are leaving the venue unexpectedly.

Observe instructions or restrictions requested by the adults looking after you.

Prioritise County Events over Club or Non-National Organised Events on the same day.

Ensure the appropriate authority is told as soon as possible if you are unable to participate in any event you have previously entered, or which you have been invited to attend.

Win or lose, after your round is over, come out on the course and support your fellow team members still playing.

Accept that these guidelines are in place for the well-being of all concerned.

Dress:

At each event find out and adhere to the dress rules of the Club, both on the course and in the clubhouse.

All county squad members are issued with official County coloured uniform, which should be kept clean and in good order, and only worn for County matches and training sessions.

Players should change their shoes and wet weather clothes before entering the lounge or dining area of a club after completion of their round.

Ensure, if requested, you have your jacket and county tie to change into for the meal afterwards.

Courtesy on the Course:

Before making a stroke or practise swing, ensure that nobody can be struck by your club, ball or any stones, twigs or the like, which may be moved in making the stroke or practise swing.

Watch where your playing partner’s ball lands and help them find it if necessary.

If a putt is conceded, hand the ball to your opponent, do not knock it away with your putter or throw it to them.

Always thank the starter before leaving the first tee, and your fellow competitors or opponents after your game is over and take off your hat when you do so.

Care of the Course:

Look for and obey any notices governing conduct on the golf course.

In taking practice swings, avoid causing damage to the course, particularly the tees, by removing divots.

Do not take trolleys onto greens or tees, or between green side bunkers and greens.

Replace any divots taken immediately and press them down.

Make sure you use sand & seed boxes or bags where provided, to fill in your divots on the tees, especially on par 3’s.

Rake over holes and footprints made in bunkers and replace the rake in a position similar to which you found it, and where it will least likely affect play.

Repair pitch marks on the green by levelling with a pitch mark repairer or tee peg and tapping down with a putter.

Ensure that neither you nor your caddie causes any damage to the green, or the hole by standing too close to it, in handling the flag stick, or in removing the ball from the hole.

After completion of the hole, repair any spike mark damage as a courtesy to those coming behind.

Speed of Play:

Play without delay.

Slow play is one of the game’s most undesirable aspects and you may be penalised if you do not keep pace with the game in front of you.

Walk quickly between shots and be ready to play when it is your turn.

Play a provisional ball if there is any chance that your ball may be lost or out of bounds but not in a penalty area.

Only 3 minutes allowed to search for a golf ball.

Check the time when you start searching.

Be ready to call the following game through as soon as it is apparent that your ball is not going to be found easily.

Leave your bag on the side of the green in the direction of the next tee.

Do not mark your card on the green after the hole is finished, or when it is your turn to drive.

Scores for the previous hole must be agreed prior to teeing off on the next hole.

In stroke play try to hole out short putts unless you will be standing on another player’s line.

As Parents/Carers you are expected to:

On the Golf Course

Spectate your child and other players in a Hertfordshire Golf organised competition/event from a minimum 50yards, refrain from any communication with the players.

Only exceptions to this are indicating the location of a lost ball, helping call for a referee or assisting in any medical emergency.

Any other changes or exceptions to these rules will be indicated prior to the competition/event.

Showing respect to all players, at all times.

Off the Golf Course

• Behave responsibly at Hertfordshire Golf run events, show support and respect to coaches, referees, volunteers, players, officials and staff.
• Accept the decisions and judgements of the officials during events and competitions.
• Do not post pictures or images of any other players on any social media platforms from Hertfordshire competitions or events, without the prior permission of their parent or carer.
• If another adult will be responsible for dropping off/collecting or spectating your child, you must make them aware of the parent/carer code of conduct and to adhere to it.

Any breaches of this code of conduct may be dealt with immediately by Hertfordshire Golf through the following processes:

1. A breach witnessed by a Hertfordshire Official, Referee, Volunteer, Coach, Manager or Host Staff will result in an initial recorded warning.
2. A further breach that day or at a future competition/event will result in you being required to leave the course/event/competition.
3. A third breach will result in a ban from Hertfordshire Golf organised events for the remainder of the year, except for dropping off or picking up.
4. A one-off extreme breach of this code may result in an immediate 1-year ban, except for dropping off and picking up, irrespective of no previous breaches.

•  Be encouraging, supportive and positively reinforce your child, showing an interest in their chosen activity.
• Do not place your child under pressure or push them in to activities they do not want to do.
• Keep it fun, enjoyment will keep them wanting to come back.
• Report and update Hertfordshire Golf with any changes relevant to your child’s health and wellbeing. e.g. change of address, emergency contact telephone number/s, medical information or dietary requirements.
• Deliver and collect your child punctually before and after coaching sessions and competitions.
• Ensure your child has clothing and kit appropriate to the weather conditions, including sunscreen.
• Ensure you child has appropriate equipment, plus adequate food and drink.
• Ensure that you child understands the basic rules of Golf and Etiquette.
• Ensure that your child understands their Player Code of Conduct and the consequences of breaking it.

As a Parents/Carer you have the right to:

• Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their participation in all Hertfordshire organised competitions and events.
• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child.
• Be informed if your child is injured.
• Have consent sought for issues such as trips and photography.
• Have any concerns about any aspect of your child’s welfare listened to and responded to.