2016 DEER RUN 18-HOLE LADIES GOLF LEAGUE

POLICIES

 

 

INTRODUCTION

The Deer Run 18-Hole Ladies League Board makes all determinations on how to run the league in accordance with the league's By-Laws.  As issues have arisen, policies have been written to assure a clear understanding of expectations and consistency in handling situations.  The Board can dictate policies in the best interest of the league and take disciplinary action through provisions in the league's By-Laws and the USGA Rules of Golf.

 

 

EXPECTATIONS FOR PLAYERS

LEAGUE PLAY

  • Rules
    • ​USGA Rules - Unless otherwise specified in Local Rules, league play will follow USGA Rules.
    • Local Rules - As provided for in The Rules of Golf, a committee may make local rules for certain situations on the Deer Run course.
      • ​Free drop from flower beds.
      • On holes #5 and #7, when your ball is in a lateral hazard on the left and the cart path is within two club lengths of the red line, you are entitled to drop the ball on the fairway side of the cart path - and to also have relief from the cart path.  This may mean that your ball will be in the fairway.  That is OK as long as you are no closer to the hole.
      • On hole #9, if you hit over the green and into the back pond, there is no place to take 2 club lengths no nearer the hole.  There will be a designated drop area defined.
    • Doubt as to Procedure - i.e. "where can I drop my ball?"
      • ​This is accounted for in The Rules of Golf 3-3.  In short, if you are unsure of what to do, you have two choices:
        • ​Do what you believe to be correct.  If later you find out you were wrong, then you incur a penalty.
        • Play 2 balls.  Keep the score for both balls.  When the round is finished, consult the rule book, Nancy Dreissiger (Rules Coordinator) or Lori Money (Deer Run Asst. Pro) to determine which score should be used for that round.  Remember to announce to your foursome or competitor that you are playing 2 balls.​

 

  • Etiquette -   Etiquette is an integral part of the USGA Rules of Golf and is a fundamental and important part of the success of any league.  It supports the friendly and social aspect of our Deer Run league.  As a reminder, following are two excerpts from The Rules of Golf:
    • ​The Spirit of the Game:   "Golf is played for the most part without the supervision of a referee or umpire.  The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules.  All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.  This is the spirit of the game of golf."
    • Penalty for Breach:  "If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or even over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee (which in this case is the Deer Run 18-Hole League Board) consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player.  Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions.  This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interests of the  majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.  In the case of a serious breach of etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7."

 

  • Non-Intimidation  -  Intimidating behavior is covered by the Etiquette section of the USGA Rules of Golf when it says "demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship".  However, the Board sees a need to "spell it out".  Intimidating behavior is behavior that results in emotional distress to another member of our league, whether intentionally caused or not.  Examples of behaviors that have caused emotional distress are listed below.  These are examples and are not intended to be all-inclusive.  In each case, we have endeavored to explain both appropriate and inappropriate behavior.  
    • ​Overzealous enforcing of golf rules  -  It is appropriate to kindly tell a player if you believe they have violated a rule and to explain what you believe the rule to be.  If there is any uncertainty or disagreement, suggest that the player play a second ball and determine a ruling once back in the clubhouse.  (See "Doubt as to Procedure" in Rules section).  That is the extent of your role on the course.  Overzealous enforcing of the rules includes "telling" the player what she can and can not do, insisting that your interpretation is right, using sarcasm, yelling when you see a rules violation, etc.​
    • Inappropriately questioning other golfers' scores  -  We all miscount our scores at one time or another.  It is totally appropriate to kindly ask another player to recount their score on a hole if you believe they have miscounted.  That is the extent of your role on the course unless the player specifically asks for your help in recounting the hole.  If you believe that the player put the wrong score on the hole after you asked for a recount, bring it to the Event/Tournament Coordinator's attention.  Do not ask the player to count again, insist that the score was different or indicate that you believe they are wrong or dishonest.  This behavior becomes intimidating and usually results in emotional distress and impacts the rest of the player's game.

 

  • Tournaments  -  The Tournaments are run by league volunteers.  The Tournament Directors are given a budget from the Board and guidelines from previous directors.  The Tournament Directors make all decisions about the flights, the governing rules and prize money.

 

  • No-Show Policy  -  Sometimes you can't show up on Tuesday because of an emergency or unforeseen situation.  The Rotation Coordinator will notify the Treasurer that you did not show up.  The Treasurer will contact you via e-mail that your No-Show check will be cashed.  Should you feel that you have a good reason for not showing up, you can appeal.  A committee will hear your case.  Their decision is final.

 

  • Rain-Out Policy  -  League members will be notified by 7 a.m. on the Golf Genius website under the Weather tab if golf is cancelled for that day.  No event money will be paid out if golf has been cancelled.  If golf has not been cancelled by 7am but weather causes a cancellation before everyone finishes, the weekly event money will be paid out if more than half of the scheduled golfers finish.  If less than half finish, the pay-out will be prorated.

 

 

LEAGUE PROCEDURES

  • Grievances and Complaints  -  You are expected to report incidents that happen to you or that you witness.  Locate the League President, a Board member or the Event/Tournament chair.  If none are present, call the League President at first opportunity.  She will discuss the incident with all involved (e.g. all golfers in that foursome) and, as appropriate, with other club and league officials.  The League President will inform those directly involved of her decision.

 

  • Contesting a No-Show  -  As stated under League Play, if you have not cancelled your game by Midnight Saturday evening prior to Tuesday, your No-Show check will be cashed.  However, if you feel you have a legitimate reason for not showing up, you can appeal.  A committee will hear your case.  Their decision is final.

 

  • Disciplinary Action  -  Disciplinary action will be taken for breaches of Rules, Etiquette and Non-Intimidation (as outlined in the Etiquette Section).  If it is determined that the behavior violates this policy, the League President will counsel the offender with the intent of helping to change the behavior.  If the behavior continues, the offending member will be suspended from league play for two weeks.  If the behavior still continues, the member will be asked to leave the league and will not be eligible to return without the unanimous support of the current board members.  The expelled member may appeal the expulsion by sending a written request to the League President for review.