THE OFFICIATING MANUAL OF THE COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 THE OFFICIATING MANUAL OF THE COLORADO GOLF ASSOCIATION Compiled by the Rules Committee of the Colorado Golf Association

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION... 1 CATEGORIES OF OFFICIALS... 1 EDUCATION... 2 TRAINING... 3 SCHEDULING... 3 UNIFORMS... 4 EQUIPMENT... 4 THE RADIO... 5 BASIC OFFICIATING... 6 WATER HAZARDS... 8 GROUND UNDER REPAIR... 9 CASUAL WATER... 9 MOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS IMMOVABLE OBTRUCTIONS TEMPORARY IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS BALL UNPLAYABLE SPOTTING SEARCHING SUSPENSION OF PLAY CHECKING THE COURSE SET-UP TEEING GROUNDS THROUGH THE GREEN AND HAZARDS THE GREEN PREPARING FOR A HOLE ASSIGNMENT TEEING GROUNDS THROUGH THE GREEN AND HAZARDS THE GREEN ANTICIPATION... 19

4 STARTING BEFORE THE START THE START PLAYERS LATE TO THE TEE THE STARTER S SCRIPTS SCORING THE SCORING AREA SCORING PROCEDURES MATCH PLAY SCORING SAMPLE SITUATIONS THE SCOREBOARD THE ROVER THE REFEREE OBSERVER DECISION MAKING BY THE COMMITTEE GATHERING INFORMATION THE DECISION ANNOUNCING THE DECISION JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS... 32

5 INTRODUCTION The conduct of the Colorado Golf Association s Championships is greatly enhanced by the enthusiastic participation of a large number of volunteers who perform a wide variety of tournament functions under the general classification of Rules Official. Officiating requires an understanding of and a certain reverence for the Game, knowledge of the Rules, training in the conduct of tournaments, patience, appreciation for the players, experience and the willingness to endure long hours of watchful waiting for the opportunity to help out for a few minutes. The purpose of this Manual is to assist our Officials in acquiring those attributes and applying them in a consistent manner in the conduct of competitions in the greatest game yet devised. CATEGORIES OF OFFICIALS The Colorado Golf Association recognizes the following categories of on-course officials. Rules Official: This general classification of on-course official ranges from a beginning volunteer to experienced officials who are capable of handling most rules situations without supervision. Chief Rules Official: An official who, by virtue of extensive learning and experience, has demonstrated outstanding ability in tournament administration and a superior knowledge of the Rules. He is a member of the Rules Committee and is a primary advisor to the CGA Director of Rules and Competitions on matters involving on-course officiating and tournament administration. Master Rules Official: An honorary title given to an on-course official who is no longer active, but who, over his career, has demonstrated an exceptional knowledge of the Rules and an exemplary dedication to the Association as a volunteer. In a tournament setting, on-course officials may be assigned to perform functions in the following classifications: Chief Official: An on-course official in charge of coordinating oncourse officiating for a tournament. The Chief Official will usually be a Chief Rules Official but may be a very experienced Rules - 1 -

6 Official. Whenever there is not a staff person available in the role of Tournament Director, the Chief Official serves in that position as well. Referee: An on-course official appointed by the Committee to accompany a group of players and to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. Observer: An on-course official appointed by the Committee to assist the Referee with questions of fact and to report any breach of the Rules to the Referee. Rover: An on-course official assigned to assist and supervise oncourse officials over a particular segment of the course. Scorer: An on-course official assigned to the scoring area. Starter: An on-course official assigned to assist players with the start of their stipulated round. EDUCATION Numerous opportunities are available to assist on-course officials in learning and studying the Rules and improving their proficiency in officiating. The Colorado Golf Association conducts a two-day Rules Seminar each year which includes a comprehensive survey of the Rules and an outdoor session highlighting practical application of the Rules. Check the CGA website - cogolf.org for dates and location. The Association also conducts the OCO Academy each spring, usually in April, which provides training for new officials and a helpful refresher for all officials. The Academy provides opportunities for interaction with the instructors, and an outdoor lab. The CGA Staff produces a periodic column on the website on Rules matters that tends to focus on recent issues that have significance for oncourse officials. For those who are interested in seriously improving their Rules knowledge, a USGA/PGA Rules Workshop is recommended. These four-day Workshops are conducted during winter months at various locations throughout the country. Usually there will be a Workshop in the Denver metropolitan area about every other year. The Workshop includes an in depth discussion of each Rule and an examination which forms a benchmark - 2 -

7 by which you can measure your Rules knowledge against some of the best officials in the country. The USGA website usga.org features Rules issues, articles and Rules quizzes of varying levels of difficulty to help sharpen your skills. The current edition of the publication Decisions on the Rules of Golf will be an essential part of your Rules library. The decisions are readily available on the USGA website and there is an excellent app available for smart phones. The USGA also publishes an excellent volume titled How to Conduct a Competition. The Colorado Rules Advisory Group publishes a volume of Rules Interpretations covering situations presented for the group s consideration which are not already addressed directly by reference to formal decisions. These Interpretations are intended to assist CGA on-course officials in making rulings and in their study of the Rules. Essential reading for the more serious student of the Rules includes The Principles Behind the Rules of Golf by Richard S. Tufts and The Rules of the Green by Kenneth G. Chapman. Both can be ordered from the USGA. TRAINING Beyond the OCO Academy, most training for on-course officials happens on-course, under tournament conditions. Beginning officials will be given the opportunity to ride with an experienced official and assignments will be in keeping with the official s level of experience. Every on-course official is issued a radio and has instant access to all of the other members of the officiating team for any needed assistance. SCHEDULING In early spring, Volunteer Sign-up Forms will be sent to all active on-course officials with a schedule of all tournament including dates and locations and the name of the Chief Official for that event. Each on-course official is asked to indicate the tournament days he wishes to work and return the form to the CGA office. The Chief Official determines how many on-course officials are needed for a particular event. If too many have signed up, he will contact those not needed, and thank them for volunteering. If not enough volunteers have signed up; he will attempt to enlist additional on-course officials

8 Approximately seven days before a tournament, on-course officials will receive an Officials' Assignment Sheet, listing the days they are scheduled, the times they asked to appear and providing directions to the course. If an on-course official has signed up for a tournament day and has not received an Officials' Assignment Sheet, he should call the CGA Rules and Competitions Department. If an on-course official has questions about anything on the Officials' Assignment Sheet or needs to make changes to his schedule, he should call the Chief Official for the event. UNIFORMS The uniform for an on-course official is a navy blue golf shirt with the Colorado Golf Association logo, tan or khaki trousers, a Colorado Golf Association name badge and a cap, hat or visor with the CGA logo. If a jacket, wind shirt or sweater is worn, it should have the Colorado Golf Association logo. Golf footwear is recommended and whatever footwear is worn should be suitable for walking in wet, muddy terrain if the weather requires. Prior to each season the Colorado Golf Association will provide each on-course official with one uniform shirt and hat at no cost. All other uniform items may be purchased through the Association at cost. In extreme weather rain gear, jackets or coats without a logo may be worn. EQUIPMENT There are many readily available items that will make an on-course officials job easier or more pleasant. At a minimum, an on-course official should carry cold weather gear and rain gear sufficient to meet any weather challenges that may occur, a copy of the Rules of Golf, a stopwatch or timer, a watch synchronized with the Starter s official clock and some white or brightly colored tees. A well-equipped on-course official may also carry binoculars; a copy of the Decisions on the Rules of Golf; pencils; a 100 foot string or carpenter s chalk-line; a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, analgesics, insect repellant, sun screen and the like; a Leatherman or similar multi-tool; a rangefinder; a ballmark repair tool; golf balls for testing green surfaces; dry socks; an extra towel; a water bottle and snacks; and any other item that may increase efficiency or contribute to comfort on what can be long tournament days

9 THE RADIO All on-course officials are issued a radio when they arrive at the tournament site. Turn the radio on, check that it is on the correct channel and broadcast a request for a radio check before you go out on the course. If there is a problem with the radio, ask for a replacement. Radios are expensive and easily damaged, please handle them carefully. Using an earpiece with the radio will greatly reduce the likelihood that a transmission will disturb a player. If you do not use an earpiece, you need to take care to balance the need to keep the volume down with the need to hear any message directed at you. This requires skill, practice and constant attention; earpieces are easier. The transmission quality of the radio is affected by wind, distance, topography and occasionally by competing use on the same frequency. If you are having trouble getting through, try moving to higher ground, shielding your mouthpiece from the wind or other such remedies. If you carry the radio on your belt, locate it so that the transmit button is not activated by sitting down in your golf car. Sitting on your radio causes an unpleasant tone to sound continuously on every other radio at the tournament and may result in your being called unflattering names by your fellow officials. When initiating a transmission, make sure that the transmit button is firmly pressed before you begin to speak. At the outset, identify yourself and the person or persons with whom you want to communicate. If you need assistance at your location, identify it with sufficient detail to allow someone to easily reach you. When you have finished speaking, release the transmit button. Please confine your radio transmissions to the business of conducting the tournament and be professional in your commentary. There may very well be an open radio that you don t know about in the pro shop, on a scoring table or near a group of players if an official has his earpiece out of his radio. An off-hand comment that seems just hilarious to you on the spur of the moment can prove very embarrassing to you and to the Association. Be careful to not initiate a transmission or respond to one if doing so might disturb a player. Your radio is your lifeline to a team of well-trained, cheerful, helpful, interested people who are happy to assist you. Every on-course official who ever walked has made a bad ruling because he guessed at something he was not sure of rather than risk embarrassment by asking for - 5 -

10 help on his radio. You will do that too. The fact is players appreciate your recognition that getting their ruling right by asking for help is more important than any embarrassment involved in needing help with a supposedly simple issue. Every one of your fellow officials has gone blank on a simple ruling and has needed help. They will be understanding when it happens to you. Guessing at a ruling is a serious disservice to the people we are there to help. It reflects badly on the your team, the Association and the Game. If you are not confident and certain about how to proceed, call for help. BASIC OFFICIATING An on-course official assists the Committee in charge of the competition in the administration of a tournament and assists the players in performance of their responsibility to play the Game under the Rules of Golf, including occasional intervention to prevent a breach of the Rules. Our role is always supportive and we should take pains to ensure that our presence on the course is as unobtrusive as possible while still doing our job. This requires that we be visible without being too visible and near enough without being too near. It can be a difficult balance to maintain, but there are some basic techniques that can make it a bit easier. Golfers are frequently able to handle relief situations correctly under the Rules. An on-course official should stand by, far enough away to be unobtrusive and close enough to respond to a request for help or to prevent a mishap, until he is asked for assistance or unless he sees that the player is proceeding incorrectly. In the latter event, the on-course official should intervene and suggest to the player the proper way to proceed. The on-course official needs to get involved before the player does something that can t be corrected and it may be necessary to ask the player to stop what he is doing and then talk about procedure. Your approach to a player, whether at the player s request or on your decision to intervene, should always be calm and professional. If you are wearing sunglasses, it helps to remove them so you can make eye contact with the player. When called to assist a player, an opening like How can I help you sets a good foundation for why you are there and what you intend to do while you re there. If you have decided to intervene, an approach like Could we just hold everything here for a minute and make sure we are doing this right? can serve to keep the player from proceeding past the point where a mistake can be corrected and signal that you are really trying help, not just interfering

11 Try to keep the conversation to the task at hand. It is not helpful to the player for an official to commiserate on how hard the game is or what a rotten break the player has gotten. Calling the player Sir tends to maintain a professional atmosphere, even when the player is very much younger than the official. Keep it brief, this is not the time for a rules seminar. Occasionally, when you have made a ruling based upon a little known provision of the Rules, which results in an outcome that was unexpected by the player or his fellow-competitors, you should remain nearby to answer any lingering questions or even ask the player s marker if he has any questions. When discussing a player s options under a Rule, give him all of the options, preferably in the order listed in the Rule, without emphasis on any particular option and certainly without any hint of a recommendation or preference on your part. Sometimes after you have made a ruling, a player will ask you Are you sure? If you are absolutely sure, say so. In most cases you should also add that you will be happy to get a second opinion. If you are less than absolutely sure, you should initiate the call for a second opinion or you could suggest that he play a second ball in stroke play. When the player asks for a second opinion, if help is not close by, outline the problem for your Rover on the radio and remove the earpiece from your radio and let the player hear the answer. If you decide to do this, always let the Rover know, in advance, that you are inviting someone else in on the conversation. It can avoid some very awkward moments. The suggestion that a player play a second ball can be a powerful officiating tool, particularly if the situation is unusual and likely to involve either equity or the exercise of discretion. It allows the player to get back to playing and allows the official time to arrive at the correct ruling. If the player is going to play a second ball, you can remind him of the proper procedure under Rule 3-3. A second ball is not allowed in Match play. There, the official can tell the player what the Rules provide, allow him to proceed as he sees fit and ask the opponent whether he wishes to make any claim based upon the players choice. If no claim is made, the matter is settled, if a claim is made, there is time to sort it out. When relief has been properly taken, you should say to the player something like That ball is in play to signal the end of the ruling and move - 7 -

12 a short distance away. You are not trying to escape, but neither do you want to hover over the player while he makes his stroke. WATER HAZARDS If you know where the player s ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, mark the point with a tee or some other small object. If you are less than certain, just note as much as you can about the flight of the ball relative to the margin of the hazard and wait for the player to arrive in the general vicinity of the crossing. If the point must be estimated, the player has that right and responsibility. There is no need for a ruling unless there is some dispute over the point selected by the player or unless you are convinced that the player is clearly proceeding incorrectly. When dealing with difference of opinion over where a ball last crossed the margin of the hazard or whether the ball crossed the margin of the hazard, gather as much information as you can from as many people who were in a position to observe, factor in the relative self-interests of those people, make a decision and move on. In determining the point where a ball last crossed the margin of the hazard, the player should get the benefit of the doubt. But, in determining whether it is known or virtually certain that the ball is in a hazard, doubt is resolved against the player. When dealing with a situation where a ball to be dropped outside the hazard will almost certainly re-enter the hazard and a caddie or fellowcompetitor is going to try to keep the ball from being lost in the water as a result of the drop, it is a good idea to mention that the person helping should only touch the dropped ball after it has become clear that the ball cannot, and will not, come to rest outside the hazard. It is permissible for an official to assist in avoiding the loss of a ball, but only as a last resort, as it is better that an official never touch a ball. If the ball re-enters and remains in the hazard on the first drop, observe carefully the point that the ball first strikes a part of the course on the re-drop and move promptly to mark that point without actually touching it. This is traditionally done by pointing to the spot with the antenna of your radio, but in a pinch you can point with your finger. If there is any possibility of a problem with a ball remaining at rest after it is placed, because of the slope, watch it carefully for several seconds and if you believe it is at rest, ask the player Do you agree that your ball is at rest? If he agrees, tell him his ball is in play and move away, if he does not, complete the ruling by either waiting to see if it moves or proceeding under Rule 20-3d. There is an odd but persistent phenomenon in which all of the fellow-competitors in a group will be willing to agree that a player s ball is - 8 -

13 in a water hazard, when the standard of known or virtually certain is clearly not met. In this instance, it is proper that your ruling go against all of the popular opinion on the matter. Don t forget that the Rules do not allow relief from Abnormal Ground Conditions, Immovable Obstructions in the hazard, or unplayable lies when the ball is in a water hazard. GROUND UNDER REPAIR When asked to determine whether an area that has not been marked as Ground Under Repair should be declared as such, if the answer is apparent, go ahead and make the ruling. If there is any doubt in your mind about whether relief should be granted or whether you have that authority, call for a Rover, or if a Rover is not readily available, suggest that the player play a second ball. If the player plays a second ball, clearly mark the location of the original ball and ask your Rover for a review of the situation at his earliest convenience. When a second ball situation has been resolved by the Committee, the player should be informed of the decision as soon as possible so that he knows where he stands in that stipulated round. When dealing with difference of opinion over where a ball last crossed the margin of Ground Under Repair or whether the ball is lost in Ground Under Repair, gather as much information as you can from as many people who were in a position to observe, factor in the relative self-interests of those people, make a decision and move on. In determining the point where a ball last crossed the margin of Ground Under Repair, the player should get the benefit of the doubt. But, in determining whether it is known or virtually certain that a ball is lost in Ground Under Repair, doubt is resolved against the player. CASUAL WATER For a ball to be in casual water, the accumulation of water must be visible. The provision in the definition concerning water that becomes visible after the player takes his stance relates only to the area of the stance. In that circumstance, water becomes visible when it can be seen to rise on the sole of the player s shoe when he takes his stance. In determining the nearest point of relief for interference by casual water with his stance, the player should be directed to simulate a stance in various locations, right, left and behind, of graduated distances from the original location of his stance. It is not helpful, except as a preliminary indication, for the official to try various location, since the officials size and weight likely differ from those of the player

14 When the nearest point has been determined and the ball dropped, double check to make sure that complete relief has been taken. MOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS Any movable obstruction may be moved from any place on or off of the course. When a ball is at rest near a movable obstruction, you should recommend that the player mark, but not lift the ball, to aid in replacing the ball in case it moves in the course of moving the movable obstruction. It is important to emphasize that the ball is not to be lifted because players are predisposed to pick up a ball they have marked. IMMOVABLE OBTRUCTIONS When approaching an immovable obstruction ruling or, for that matter, a ruling involving an abnormal ground condition or a temporary immovable obstruction, you should first consider whether anything other than the condition makes the stroke clearly impracticable or whether interference occurs only through the use of a clearly unreasonable stroke or an unnecessarily abnormal stance swing or direction of play. This happens only infrequently, but when it does it settles the question of whether relief is available. When a ball lies on an immovable obstruction, you should suggest that the player leave the ball where it lies while he considers the likely result of taking relief. It may be that after examining his options, he will prefer to play the ball as it lies. The nearest point of relief may be in a bush or even in the middle of a tree, in which case the player will need to estimate the point in measuring his one club-length for a dropping area. There is no relief for that part of an immovable obstruction that is out-of-bounds or in a water hazard. TEMPORARY IMMOVABLE OBSTRUCTIONS Temporary Immovable Obstructions ( TIOs ) are only infrequently encountered in the CGA s tournaments. Whenever the Committee has defined certain obstructions as TIOs, the recommended Local Rule contained in Appendix I of The Rules of Golf will be in effect. Addendum A to this Manual contains a series of diagrams that should assist in your understanding of the Local Rule governing TIOs. Unless you are fully conversant with the intricacies of this Local Rule, you should enlist the aid of your Rover for these rulings

15 BALL UNPLAYABLE When assisting a player with relief under Rule 28, you should remind him that if a dropped ball returns to its original location or another location where it is unplayable, he is not entitled to a re-drop without penalty. SPOTTING Officials are frequently assigned to assist the Starter or players by spotting balls in the vicinity of a landing area. Position yourself so you can best observe the flight of the ball and the result of the stroke in light of any potential difficulty near the landing area. Try to avoid standing directly in the player s line of sight. If you are on a starting hole, coordinate your location and any signals you need to exchange with the Starter. In giving signals about the result of the stroke, e.g,. when a ball may be out-of-bounds, only signal that the ball is out-of-bounds if you have actually seen the ball come to rest in a location that you know is out-of-bounds. Otherwise, signal that you are uncertain about the location of the ball and allow the player an opportunity to play a provisional ball. The following signals are commonly used by spotters: Ball is Out of Bounds -- Swing Arms towards the OB Area Ball is in Play and/or Findable -- Use Baseball Safe Signal Ball is in Water Hazard -- Scoop Arm Downward Repeatedly Ball Location Uncertain -- Shrug of Shoulders Signals to a player are purely informational. It is still the player s responsibility to decide whether or not to play a provisional ball (Rule 27-2)

16 SEARCHING There are occasionally places on a course where the player may not want to find his original ball. This might involve dense knee-high native rough where the options under Rule 28 are limited. If the player has a serviceable provisional ball in the fairway and the natural result of your finding his ball is that he abandons that provisional ball and returns to the tee under stroke and distance for a ball unplayable, you are well advised to wait near the area where the original is likely to be and take the player s lead in whether to search. When searching for a ball the first thing you need to know is whose ball you will be looking for. This tells you when to start the clock on the search. Secondly, you need to know how to identify the ball, if found. You also need to determine whether the search involves more than one ball. If the player informs you that his provisional was hit into the same area, you may determine that one five minute search will apply to both balls. If so, notify the player of the determination as soon as you can. It is possible, but far less likely, that a single five minute search period would apply to two searches for different players. You should only make that determination when it is clear that doing so will not disadvantage one of the players, for instance, when the two searches are concurrently proceeding in different areas on the hole. If you come upon a search already in progress, ask if anyone is timing the search. If not, start your timer and ask the player whose ball is the subject of the search, how long the search had been going on before you arrived. Take the players word for it unless somebody objects to his statement and factor the pre-arrival time into your timing of the search. If the player gives you a narrow range of estimation for the elapsed time, e.g. 30 or 40 seconds use the low number. If he gives a broad range like a minute or two try to get him to be more specific or use an average of the two extremes. If someone other than the player responds, ask the player if he agrees with that person. Getting the player s agreement as to the time of the search will soften the blow for him if the ball is found ten seconds after the time for the search has elapsed. During a search it is usually not helpful to provide information about the amount of time that has elapsed or that remains, except in response to a question. Allow the player to decide when to terminate the search without comment, until the five minutes have elapsed. When the five minutes is up, announce that fact and state the ball is now lost by definition. This will help soften the impact of the ball being found ten seconds later by someone leaving the search area

17 When the ball is located in rough terrain by someone other than the player, you should expect that the player s anxiety over the location of his ball will immediately shift to anxiety over its lie. That anxiety frequently manifests in the form of the question Can I play it? which, of course could be readily construed by an objective observer as a request for advice. Even if you are willing to read behind his words to discern his true inquiry, which is How does it lie?, you may still have to deal with a Rule 8 challenge from a fellow-competitor or a coach who doesn t share your understanding approach. Be alert. Interrupt the player as soon after the word Can as possible and turn the conversation away from a potential Rule 8 violation. SUSPENSION OF PLAY If you are near players when you hear on the radio that a suspension of play is imminent, you should attempt to warn them so they are not surprised by the sound in the middle of a stroke. The penalty for making a stroke after a dangerous situation signal has been given is disqualification. You can remind players that they are to suspend immediately and try to stop any player who appears ready to play after the suspension signal has sounded. When suspension is under consideration, it is important for oncourse officials to stay off the radio except in emergencies. When the Committee has suspended play, players are entitled to mark and lift their ball. Given the circumstances it is advisable for them to use a sturdy method of marking to decrease the likelihood of their mark being washed away or otherwise disturbed during the suspension. It can be helpful for you to note the location of the markings to aid in a proper resumption of play, but the most important task you have in the case of a suspension for a dangerous condition is to evacuate players and caddies from the course. At most Championships the Committee will provide an Evacuation Plan showing the available shelters and recommended evacuation points from teeing grounds, fairways and greens of each hole. If no plan has been provided, you should familiarize yourself with the locations of shelters in the area of your assignment and prepare to assist players in reaching those locations. Our first responsibility is the evacuation of players and caddies. After that, it is appropriate to assist members of the public. If you have a chance, remind players of any provisions in the Notice to Players about practice during a suspension

18 If, during a suspension, players and caddies are evacuated to locations away from the clubhouse, at least one official should remain at each such location to answer questions and relay information about the situation and resumption of play. In preparing for resumption of play, you should assist the players in getting their ball back in play. If the ball was not lifted, the player is entitled to lift and clean it or to substitute a ball. If the player can t find his original ball or the spot that his ball was lifted from, that spot must be estimated and a ball placed on the estimated spot. Getting a ball back into play after a suspension is always by placing it. CHECKING THE COURSE SET-UP One or more on-course officials may be assigned to check the Course Set-up. They will be provided with a Hole Location Sheet, the yardages for each hole in their assigned area and any special instructions. The on-course official will be checking and setting tee markers, checking hole locations, reviewing course markings, checking bunkers and removing bunker rakes and generally looking for potential problems on the course. The following are recommended guidelines for performing these duties. TEEING GROUNDS Having determined the proper teeing platform, locate a suitable position for the tee markers on acceptable turf and the correct distance from the hole. The tee markers should be placed perpendicular to the line of play and as a general rule five to six paces apart on par four and par five holes and six to eight paces apart on par three holes. There should be room to stand on either side of the teeing ground and play a ball teed at the outer limits of the teeing ground on that side. There should be at least a two club-length depth of mowed teeing platform directly behind each tee marker and there should be no limbs, branches or other impediments that would interfere with any swing made at a ball teed anywhere in the teeing ground. Don t place the tee markers so that any thing intervenes on the line of play for a ball teed anywhere within the teeing ground unless otherwise directed by the Tournament Director

19 If any other tee markers on the course are situated or configured so as to create a possibility of confusing players, those tee markers should be set aside. On a par three hole keep the hole location in mind when setting the tee markers in order to maintain the proper distance of the hole and with some care for the shot values and some consideration of the hazards to be negotiated. Don t consistently put the markers on the right of the teeing platform for a right hole location or vice versa. Although it is not required that a player be able to see the hole from his position on the teeing ground, the flagstick should always be visible. Before leaving the teeing ground, look down the hole to see if hazard markings, particularly any transitions from regular to lateral water hazards, and any Out-of-Bounds markings, are visible from the teeing ground. THROUGH THE GREEN AND HAZARDS Moving from the teeing ground toward the green, check that water hazard markings are sufficiently clear and distinct to permit proper relief procedures and report any problems to the Chief Official. Look for any areas that you think should be marked as Ground Under Repair and report any such issues to the Chief Official. If there is out-of-bounds in your area, ensure you can sight along the out-of-bounds stakes to see if a ball is out-ofbounds. Add or relocate stakes as necessary to provide line of sight with a optimum distance of not more than thirty paces between stakes. Bunkers should be free from deep depressions such as footprints, wash-outs or animal tracks that might disadvantage a player. In singular circumstances feel free to rake a bunker yourself. Report more persistent problems to the Chief Official. Remove any significant loose impediments from bunkers. Unless otherwise specified, all bunker rakes are to be removed from bunkers and placed roughly parallel to the line of play, with the head toward the hole, in a position that is least likely to affect the outcome of a shot while remaining accessible to players who need to use them. Try to place a rake near the point where a player would most likely be entering a bunker. Report any shortage of rakes to the Chief Official. THE GREEN Verify that the hole is cut as specified on the Hole Location Sheet. The Hole Location Sheet charts the location of the hole based on an imagined line drawn from where an approach shot will most likely be played

20 through the center of the green (the Approach Axis ). The establishment of the Approach Axis is fairly straight-forward in most cases but can be subject to some differing opinions in some situations, for instance, on a dog-leg hole of an older course that is no longer played as designed due to advancements in equipment and the strength of players. If you are in doubt as to the proper line for the Approach Axis, contact the Tournament Director. The depth of the green is measured from the point where the Approach Axis intersects the front of the green to the point where the Approach Axis intersects the back of the green. All measurements are in yards. The measurement of the distance from the front of the green to the hole begins at a point on a line perpendicular to the Approach Axis at the point where the Approach Axis intersects the front of the green and proceeds along a line parallel to the Approach Axis. Due to the irregular shape of greens, the beginning point for this measurement may be on or off the green. The distance from the hole to one side or the other of the green is measured along a line perpendicular to the Approach Axis. See Figure 1. A hole location designated as 24 C will be 24 paces from the point where the Approach Axis intersects the front of the green and equidistant from both sides of the green at that depth. Figure

21 Because measurement is checked by pacing it off, some variance between your measurement and someone else s is not uncommon and should be viewed in light of the circumstances. A variance of three paces may not be material if the landing area of the green is clearly visible to the player on approach. If you find a substantial variance, between the Hole Location Sheet and the hole as cut, first, make sure you are on the right green, second, double check your Hole Location Sheet and, third, determine whether the hole has been cut for that round. Remember that hole cutters do not always proceed in numerical sequence. If the variance is unresolved, contact the Tournament Director. Check that the hole is cut vertically and that the hole liner is sunk to a depth of one inch or more. Remove the flagstick to make sure that it doesn t stick in the hole liner. Inspect the area in the proximity of the hole for playability issues like turf damage, old hole plugs and the like. Look at the slope of the green around the hole and if you suspect a problem with slope, roll a ball to the hole and drop a ball near the hole to see if it will come to rest in a reasonable manner. Report any condition or slope concerns to the Tournament Director. Look for the hole plug for the last hole location used on the green and see that it has been replaced to grade. Look over the entire green for Abnormal Ground Conditions and potential playability issues. Remember, other than the Superintendent s personnel, you are likely to be the first person on the green that day. Always step lightly on greens, wear less aggressive footwear and don t take any more steps on a green than necessary to do your job. PREPARING FOR A HOLE ASSIGNMENT Rules Officials are frequently assigned to a specific hole or area of the course. When assigned to such an area, you should arrive in the area with time to give it a thorough inspection. Situations requiring correction need to be dealt with before the first players arrive. The following are guidelines for your inspection of your assigned area. TEEING GROUNDS Ensure that tee markers are on the proper teeing platform for the hole and on acceptable turf. The tee markers should be on a line perpendicular to the line of play and as a general rule five to six paces apart on par four and par five holes and six to eight paces apart on par three holes

22 There should be room to stand on either side of the teeing ground and play a ball teed at the outer limits of the teeing ground on that side. There should be at least a two club-length depth of mowed teeing platform directly behind each tee marker and no limbs, branches or other impediments that would interfere with any swing made a at ball teed anywhere in the teeing ground. If there is a problem with the teeing ground, contact the Chief Official or the Tournament director. THROUGH THE GREEN AND HAZARDS Check that water hazard markings are sufficiently clear and distinct to permit proper relief procedures. If stakes alone are used to define the margins of a water hazard, check for line of sight from stake to stake and that a line can be strung from stake to stake without crossing over the natural margin of the hazard. Check any obstructions in your assigned area and determine in advance whether they are movable. Note staked trees, damaged areas along roads and cart paths, sprinkler heads, control boxes, exposed pipelines, construction or maintenance equipment, or any other unusual conditions. Determine whether any piled material is slated for removal. Check for abnormal ground conditions, casual water, animal holes, cultivated flower beds, gardens, nurseries, sod farm areas, bare or deeply rutted areas, French drains, construction areas, and other unusual conditions in your area. If you think that any areas should be marked as Ground Under Repair, contact the Chief Official. Rake any bunkers that have not been (and are not likely to be) properly groomed by the Superintendent s crew. Remove any significant loose impediments from bunkers. Unless otherwise specified, remove all bunker rakes from bunkers and place them roughly parallel to the line of play, with the head of the rake toward the hole in a position that is least likely to affect the outcome of a shot while remaining accessible. Try to place a rake near the point where a player would most likely be entering a bunker. Report any shortage of rakes to the Chief Official. THE GREEN Verify that the hole is cut as specified on the Hole Location Sheet and is cut vertically. Check that the hole liner is sunk to a depth of one inch or more and remove the flagstick to make sure that it doesn t stick in the hole liner

23 Inspect the area roughly ten feet around the hole for playability issues like turf damage, old hole plugs and the like. Look at the slope of the green around the hole and if you suspect a problem with slope, roll a ball to the hole and drop a ball near the hole to see if it will come to rest in a reasonable manner. Report any condition or slope concerns to the Chief Official. Look for the hole plug of the last hole location used on the green and see that it has been replaced to grade. Look over the entire green for Abnormal Ground Conditions and potential playability issues. Remember, other than the Superintendent s personnel, you may be the first person on the green that day. Always step lightly on greens, wear the least aggressive footwear and don t take more steps on a green than necessary to do your job. ANTICIPATION Consider not only the specific reason for your assignment, but also other situations that could arise in your area and potential rulings you may be called upon to make. Review the Rules, Local Rules and Conditions of the Competition which may be involved and, if possible, any applicable Decisions. Try to clear up any questions or concerns you have by consulting with your Rover before the Tournament reaches your area of responsibility. If you need to leave your area for more than a brief time, notify your Rover. STARTING The Starter will likely be the first on-course official a player encounters and may be the only official a player has direct contact with until he turns in his scorecard. A professional attitude and conduct are important to set the proper tone for the tournament, to convey last minute information, and assist players in a proper beginning to their tournament. The following are recommended guidelines for performing the function of Starter. BEFORE THE START You should arrive at your assigned tee well in advance of the first scheduled starting time. Ensure that you have a Starter s List, Scorecards, and a sufficient number of Hole Location and Notice to Competitor sheets for the current round. Make a quick comparison of the Scorecards to the Starter s List and if you see any discrepancies, make a more thorough check and get any problems resolved. Copies of the current List of Conforming Golf Balls and the current List of Conforming Driver Heads should be in the

24 Starter s Kit and there should be an ample number of copies of the applicable Hard Card and Pace of Play Policy for the players. There should also be pencils, sharpies for marking golf balls, Eisenhower-Evans bag tags, tees and copies of The Rules of Golf. Make a list on your Starter s List of the points you need to cover with the players. Check that the tee markers are properly located and aligned in accordance with the Guidelines in the section of this Manual for Checking the Course Set-up. Additionally you should position the tee markers so you have a clear line of sight from the position you will use while announcing the start of play and if possible leave plenty of room between the teeing ground and the Starter s tent. Locate the Atomic Clock so that it is generally as visible as possible and clearly visible to you from the position you will use while announcing the start of play. Confirm that the clock has the correct time - atomic clocks are very accurate, but not infallible. Remember that this is the Official Time for the tournament When players arrive at the tee, make any appropriate introductions and hand each player a scorecard and a copy of the Hole Location and Notice to Competitor sheet. In the first round of a competition, hand each player his own card and ask that he verify that the spelling of his name is correct and that any other pertinent information is correct. Make a note of any discrepancies and report them to the Tournament Director after you finish the start of the round. Ask the players to exchange cards in a particular manner, e.g. pass them in a clockwise direction, so as to satisfy the requirement that the Committee assign markers. In a subsequent round where the pairings haven t changed, ask the player who he marked for in the preceding round and ask him to mark for that same player again. In a subsequent round with different pairings, assign the marker for each player in a repeatable sequence, e. g. Give A s card to C, C s card to B and B s card to A. If you are missing a scorecard for any player, it is acceptable to write his name, the round and the date on a course card and give that to the player or marker, as the case may be. If you are uncertain about the pronunciation of a player s name, ask him for the proper pronunciation and make a phonetic notation on your Starter s List. Ask the players to identify their golf ball to their fellow-competitors and suggest to any player without a distinguishing mark on his ball that he put one on it. Remind players to count their clubs before the start

25 Tell the players which version of Pace Policy is in effect, that copies of that Policy are on the Starter s table and ask if anyone has any questions about the Policy. Advise the players of any course or competition-specific matters as directed by the Tournament Director. Concisely answer any Rules questions a player may have, this is not the time for a seminar. When all required announcements have been made, tell the players about how much time remains until their start and stand quietly aside. During this time players are likely to be anxious or focused or both or worse. It is really not a time for you to engage in small talk. If a player initiates a conversation, feel free to respond but try to confine yourself to pleasantries and generalities and avoid any statement that may be misconstrued as advice or partisan by any listener. THE START Do not start any group prior to the scheduled time. Advise the players when it is about one minute before the scheduled time. At about ten seconds before the scheduled time, look down the hole to ensure that the landing area is clear and quietly advise the players that it is time to go. Begin your starting script for the group so the first player is addressing his ball at the scheduled time. During the start, position yourself so you can see the Clock, are able to determine whether the ball is teed within the teeing ground, and be as unobtrusive as possible. If a player tees a ball outside the teeing ground, suggest that he check to make certain it is properly teed. If you believe a player should play a provisional ball, you may make that suggestion and assure that a proper announcement is made. Keep track on the Starter s list of the time of starting for any group that is unable to start at their scheduled time. At the earliest convenient time, notify the Tournament Director and all Rules Officials, by radio, of the number of minutes each late group teed off after their scheduled time. After the last group has teed off, you may announce over the radio that the tournament is on the course. Stow all equipment and paperwork in the Starter s kit. PLAYERS LATE TO THE TEE If, by three minute prior to a group s scheduled time, one or more players are missing, notify the Tournament Director, by radio, which group

26 is involved and which player is missing. Reasonable attempts may be made to locate the missing player and get him to the tee, but the starter must not leave the first tee. If a player is still missing at one minute before the scheduled time, notify the remaining fellow-competitors that they will start on time and that the missing player may be joining them at some point. Reassign markers, if appropriate, and remind the players to redistribute scorecards if the missing player does join the group. At the scheduled time, first announce that John Doe is late to the tee and then follow the Starter s Script for that group. If the missing player appears at the tee ready to play within five minutes of his scheduled time, direct him to play away. When he has teed off, hand him his scorecard, advise him of the penalty he has incurred and remind him to exchange scorecards with a fellow-competitor as soon as possible. If the missing player has not arrived within five minutes of the scheduled time, notify the Tournament Director by radio. If the missing player subsequently appears at the tee, refer him to the Tournament Director. If the non-appearance of a player or players leaves only one player in the group, consult the Tournament Director for instructions on reconfiguring groups so that the lone player has a marker. THE STARTER S SCRIPTS For a stroke play event, the following scripts are recommended: Before The First Group of Each Round: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the round of the 2013 Championship, conducted by the Colorado Golf Association. For Each Group of the Round: This is the starting time, please welcome from (town or club), (name), please play away from (town or club), (name), from (town or club), (name). For a Match Play event, the following scripts are recommended: Before The First Match of Each Round: