GSGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct
PLAYER/SPECTATOR CONDUCT: Players may be warned, penalized, or disqualified for violations of the Code of Conduct (including violations by their spectators or family members). Further, the GSGA may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the tournament and/or suspend a player from future tournaments if the player, their spectators or family members engage in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in the GSGA. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to:
• Disorderly behavior, including:
- Excessive use of profanity
- Club throwing
- Verbal or physical abuse, or threats of abuse, to officials, volunteers, other players or staff in any medium
- Damage to the golf course or any player’s equipment
- Unbecoming conduct
• Failure to care for the course, including, but not limited to the failure to:
- Replace or step down on divots (reasonable effort to repair divots)
- Repair ball marks
- Rake bunkers
- Follow cart rules
- Dispose of trash into trash receptacles or golf carts
• Failure to abide by the host club’s rule
• Dress Code violations
PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR SPECTATORS & FAMILY: Players in GSGA competitions are guests of the host club and accordingly, players are responsible for the behavior and attire of their spectators and family. Players may face withdrawal of their entry, and possible future suspension for the inappropriate behavior of their spectators or family members. Players, spectators or family members who repeatedly violate the code of conduct, or who are abusive to officials or club staff, may be suspended from attending future events.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL & TOBACCO: The illegal use of, or association with, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, including e-cigarettes, by players, spectators or family members is prohibited.
DRESS CODE - PLAYERS (BEFORE, DURING & AFTER THE ROUND):
- Club Dress Code Policy - If more formal, supersedes the GSGA dress code
- Generally Accepted Golf Attire - Should always be worn by players, caddies and family
- Shirts - Must have collars or be specifically designed for golf and acceptable at the host facility
- Men's Shirts - Must be tucked in at all times
- Hats/Visors - Must be worn forward and should be removed in clubhouse
- Girls' Shorts, Skirts, Skorts - Generally, should be at or beyond the extended fingertips with arms hanging at sides
- Footwear - Athletic shoes, golf shoes or dress shoes should be worn; flip flops are discouraged
DRESS CODE - SPECTATORS (FAMILY MEMBERS): Spectators are guests of the club and should avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, short shorts, and similarly casual attire. Generally, golf attire is preferred. We hope that you will attend our events and be comfortable but ask that you respect the host club’s policies. At few clubs, jeans are permitted on the golf course, and in those cases, jeans would be acceptable for spectators but not for players. When in doubt, please contact GSGA or avoid jeans and more casual attire.
FAMILY MEMBER & SPECTATOR INVOLVEMENT IN CONDUCT & RULINGS: Please refrain from policing any code of conduct issues. If you witness a code of conduct breach or have seen the same breach multiple times by a player, you may notify an official. DO NOT HANDLE THE SITUATION YOURSELF. GSGA Staff will be responsible for addressing all code of conduct issues.
PENALTIES FOR PLAYER VIOLATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT: Penalties may be assessed based on each individual situation including the severity of the breach and the factors that contributed to the breach occurring.
- 1st Offense: One Stroke Penalty
- 2nd Offense: Two Stroke Penalty
- 3rd Offense: Disqualification
- Immediate Disqualification: A player is subject to immediate disqualification for a serious breach of any code of conduct.
SUSPENSION INFORMATION: In the event of a suspension or revocation of a player’s membership for a breach of the Code of Conduct by either a player, his/her family member and/or other spectator, both the player, his/her family member, and if applicable, the spectator, may be required to submit a written account of the event. The GSGA Director, Junior Golf will determine whether the suspension or revocation of a player’s membership may be shortened, expanded or modified after reviewing all submitted materials. Any player whose membership is under suspension or revocation will not be eligible for post-season honors. In addition, neither the family member of, nor any player whose membership is under suspension/revocation, will be allowed on the premises at any GSGA event during the period of suspension/revocation.
Revised 12/7/22