BC. Golf Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct Policy

 

BC. Golf takes great pride in the quality of its competitions, which would not be possible without the active support and assistance of its host facilities and broad community involvement at each competition. In order to continue making BC. Golf competitions enjoyable for everyone, and to show respect for the involvement of our host facilities and their volunteers, BC. Golf requires that all parents and spectators adhere to the Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct at all BC. Golf competitions.

 

The Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct must be followed throughout the entire competition, including the practice round(s). Any parent of a player or spectator whose conduct is deemed to be disruptive, in violation of BC. Golf’s Recognition and Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy or Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy or not conducive to the well-being of the game, may be banned from the course, host facility, and/or future BC. Golf competitions. The Tournament Committee is the sole judge in determining unbecoming conduct and will handle all situations on a case-by-case basis depending on the severity and frequency of the violation(s). All instances of abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination require an incident report to be compiled by the tournament director who must also notify the BC. Golf Ethics Commissioner of any such Code of Conduct violations, as well as the sanctions imposed as a result of such violations.

 

Note: For more information on the definition and concepts of bullying, harassment, discrimination and abuse please refer to the BC. Golf Recognition and Prevention of Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Policy and the BC. Golf Recognition and Prevention of Abuse Policy.

 

BC. Golf’s Expectations from Parents and Spectators on the Golf Course:

 

• Please do not carry or handle your child’s clubs, including their golf bag and/or cart (caddies are prohibited). However, you are permitted to carry other items for players (i.e. a rain suit, umbrella, food and drink).

• No advice is to be given to any player during the entire competition, including practice rounds. Advice is defined as any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining their play, choice of a club or method of making a stroke.

• Make sure to avoid all communication, verbal and non-verbal, which may be construed by others (players, parents and our referees) as advice.

• Please keep your distance from players (approx. 20 yards) while following them during play. Spectators should remain in the rough to the side of the fairway wherever practicable. Parents and spectators are not permitted on the teeing grounds, putting greens, or starting and scoring areas.

• Help everyone maintain the pace of play by assisting to spot golf balls for players.

• No cameras or video cameras are permitted on the course. Pictures or videos may be taken only before or after each round, not during play.

• Mobile devices are permitted on the course with the volume setting on silent, unless prohibited by the host facility.

Regarding the Rules of Golf:

• Allow BC. Golf referees to administer rulings and do not intervene. You will be brought into a situation ONLY if the referee asks you.

• For parents: Encourage your child to become familiar with the Rules of Golf and the supplementary local rules (Notice to Competitors) specific to the competition so that they are aware of the options available to them.

Respecting the Host Facility and Golf Etiquette:

• Respect the host facility policy if cell phones are prohibited.

• Familiarize yourself and adhere to the host facility dress code. Some facilities may not allow blue jeans, T-shirts, etc.

• If you are going to wear golf shoes as you walk the course, make sure they do not have metal or traditionally designed spikes.

After the Competition:

• For parents: Encourage your child to express their thanks by letter, e-mail or other means to tournament officials, the host club and tournament volunteers who contributed to the success of the respective tournament. A thank you list can be found in the competition fact sheet.

• We welcome any and all letters of suggestion to BC. Golf that will ultimately help us in making these competitions even more special for all involved.

 

This information was compiled not because of recurring problems, but rather in order to serve as a reference for parents and spectators for frequently asked questions. BC. Golf and our host facilities thank you for your cooperation.