JUNIOR HANDBOOK 2016

Transcription

1 BAWBURGH GOLF CLUB BAWBURGH GOLF CLUB JUNIOR HANDBOOK 2016 Inc. Child Protection Details Junior Organiser Andrew Cullington Junior Welfare Officer Jamie Goose Junior Handbook Page 1

2 Contents All about Bawburgh Golf Club Page 3 Welcome Page 3 The Clubs Mission and Aims Page 3 Your Safety and Protection Page 4 The Golfing Support Team Page 4 Club Facilities and Social Environment Page 5 Notice Boards, Web-Site & Communications Page 5 Tee-off Times & Practice Facilities Page 5 Coaching & Development / Club Professionals Page 6 All about golfing Page 7 Safety on the Course Page 7 Golfing Etiquette & Rules Page 7 Preparation before Playing Page 7 All about the Junior section Page 8 Junior Section & Membership Page 8 Junior Organisers Page 8 Parental Consent, Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Juniors Page 8-11 What to do if you are dissatisfied Page 12 Playing rights & which tees to use Page 12 Course Experience & Coaching Page 12 CONGU and Club handicaps Page 13 Competitions and Fixtures - Junior & Adult Page 13 Junior Handbook Page 2

3 All about Bawburgh Golf Club Welcome A very warm welcome to all new and existing junior members. We hope you enjoy your golf at Bawburgh for many years to come and become involved in the social life here at Glen Lodge. Our Mission and Aims Our Mission is to provide a social environment and playing facilities that allow golfers of all ability levels equal access and support, to maximise their enjoyment of the game, and to support members talent development at a pace they are comfortable with. To achieve this we strive to encourage Junior and Intermediate members at Bawburgh Golf Club by offering a fantastic level of teaching, practicing and playing facilities combined with a social environment and family atmosphere. We very are proud of the playing abilities of our Junior members whose golfing feats are recognised throughout the County and beyond. Our Facilities and Social Environment We are equally very proud of the way our course has developed over the last 17 years, proving a good test of golf with the maturing trees and small water features. Areas of long rough are kept well away from the fairways as this can be very off-putting to those learning the game and increases the time spent per round. The 18 hole course is a par 72 with a traditional 4 par 3 s and 4 par 5s equally split on each 9 holes. A further 9 holes have been opened to support the developing golfer and provide playing access when the 18 hole course is busy, as well as a new driving range and extensive practice facilities which were opened in December Bawburgh is proud to be known as the Sociable Club of Norfolk with both golfing and non golfing events for members and a tradition of friendliness. There is a fine clubhouse which includes various lounge areas, good dining and changing facilities together with multi channel TV s to which all members have access. We welcome golfers of all abilities and ages. A partnership with Easton College has seen us support the National Certificate in Performance and Excellence qualification sponsored by the English Golf Union. Bawburgh achieved GolfMark accreditation in October 2007, showing that we had achieved the highest level of external examination from the English Golf Union and English Womens Golf Association in how we manage the club. We were re-assessed in 2010 and Bawburgh became the first club in Norfolk to be awarded the High Achiever accreditation. We were also nominated and won GolfMark Club of the year in 2011/12. We hope Junior & Intermediate members remain loyal to Bawburgh and stay with us as senior members. The 19 to 40 year old golfers are the life blood of golf s future and receive special management attention to ensure their enjoyment and development is maximised. Junior Handbook Page 3

4 Your Safety and Protection We want you to enjoy our facilities without restriction, and we understand that the welfare, safety and protection of Junior Members is of paramount importance. In this handbook you will find details of The Junior Welfare Officer, Gary Stangoe, to whom any concerns should be raised Our Child Protection Policy and the Code of Conduct that operates across the Club. Safety on the course Arrangements for playing golf and access to club facilities Support available to help you improve your game What our Junior Section offers to Junior Members If you have any questions, or need any clarification the Golfing Support Team will be pleased to assist you. The Golfing Support Team The following club members are here to support you in enjoying and developing your golf in a safe environment and will provide help when asked. Andrew Cullington- Junior Organiser Sonya Brooks-Morgan- Junior Girls Representative Jamie Goose - Operations Manager & Junior Wefare Officer Jack Cullington - Junior Captain Teaching Professionals: Rob Wilkinson Alex Beckett Mark Spooner Peter Bower Tony Varney Peter Field Andrew Marshall If you or your parents have any concerns about your safety and well-being at the Club please contact Gary Stangoe, the Junior Welfare Officer. Junior Handbook Page 4

5 Club Facilities Available to Junior Members Junior members enjoy unrestricted access to club facilities on a par with other categories of our membership. The clubhouse has changing rooms with shower facilities, discounted drinks and food menu and a programme of social events throughout the year. You are welcome to use the facilities providing you are well behaved and respectably dressed. With good draining soil, our course availability for play far exceeds surrounding clubs Notice Boards, Web Site and Communications Around the reception area and in the changing rooms there are notice boards for each section of the Club Men, Veterans, Ladies, Mixed and Junior. Make sure you check these regularly to keep up to date on forthcoming events. The Junior section is trying to use as its primary communication tool so please provide Andrew Cullington (ajcully@btinternet.com) with your address or that of your parents or guardian. Tee Off Times and Practice Facilities Tee times on the 18 hole course are available from 7.00am Saturdays and Sundays till dusk, and 07.32am midweek, whilst the 9 hole course is available from 7.00am all week. Obviously during winter months lack of light reduces playing time. On Monday mornings, generally our ladies play their competitions on the 18 hole course, so limited tee times are available on Mondays for general play. To book a time, register on-line via the club web-site, in person or by telephone to the reception staff. You will need your club membership number. If you book a time and can not subsequently use it, it is important you change your booking. Failure to do this prevents others using the course. Juniors with CONGU handicaps (see later) have the same playing rights as adult members. Other junior members are requested to avoid the 18 hole course at peak times and utilise the 9 hole course to develop their skills. Under 12 s will need to be accompanied by a player of 12 years or more. There are putting and chipping greens in front of the clubhouse by the first tee, together with practice nets. These can be used at anytime but care must be taken not to distract players teeing off. Please also ensure that whilst you are preparing for your round general chat and banter does not distract those on the first tee. Junior Handbook Page 5

6 Coaching and Development / Club Professionals We strive to help our Junior members enjoy their golf and develop at a pace they are comfortable with - that could be playing with your parents, in competitions, or getting expert advice from professionals. The club organises a range of competitions for those that want to test themselves. We have a number of Norfolk s leading teaching professionals based at the Norwich Family Golf Centre where there are full driving range and tuition facilities available. Rob Wilkinson and Tony Varney run a number of junior sessions throughout the year where a small fee is payable but all of the Professionals are available for individual tuition and a list of charges can be viewed on our web-site. Their golf coaching follows a structured learning and skills path which is fully approved by the English Golf Union (EGU) and English Womens Golf Association (EGWA) and GolfMark. They have up to date coaching and child protection accreditation and will provide advice on the most appropriate equipment to meet juniors individual needs. Junior Handbook Page 6

7 All About Golfing Safety on the Course Golf, like all sports, can be dangerous if safety procedures are ignored. Most golfing injuries occur through contact with a golf club, especially on practice strokes so stand well clear. Keep a careful watch out for others balls your playing partners and those on nearby holes. Shout FORE loudly if your ball is heading towards other players, and take evasive/protective action if it is shouted in your direction. If you are standing in front of play always beware of the potential for a fellow player to shank the ball to the right, or left handers to the left. If you have never played with a left hander before, take extra care. When conditions are too dangerous for play (e.g. lightning or fog) a horn will be sounded by the officials to call players off the course although if lightning is in the area you should return to the clubhouse. Bawburgh has a few hills and frequently wet grass. Golfing footwear must be worn to try to prevent slippage, and for the protection of the course. Golf Etiquette and The Rules All sports have rules and codes of conduct to ensure fairness and enjoyment for all participants. Golf is no different other than there are quite a few rules to cover lots of different circumstances that can arise where your ball does not go where you expect it to! A rule book is available in the club house fellow players will expect you to learn, and follow the rules of golf. In the event of uncertainty any of the club officials will assist or provide rulings, and your playing partners will be pleased to share their knowledge. At the front of the rule book is a section on etiquette the code of conduct for golfers. This covers safety, behaviour on the course, pace of play, care of the course and dress code (smart trousers and collared shirt, no jeans, joggers or hoodies are expected on the 18 hole course/in the clubhouse, whilst a relaxed approach to dress exists at the driving range and on the 9 hole course). Spend some time checking out both the rules and the etiquette, apply them as you play and you ll soon become a popular, respected member of the club that everyone will be happy to have a round with. Preparation before Playing Good preparation will help you get the most from your game. Practice before your round, rather than during play, to avoid course damage and irritation to other players. Suggested pre-round preparation is: Check your equipment before leaving home to ensure you have everything you need (plus spares), it s all clean and dry and you are able to take it round 18 holes Take adequate clothing and shoes, rain / sun protection, a drink and a snack Make sure your parents know where you are, who you are with and when to collect you Sign in at reception desk so we know where you are Stretch and warm up well so your muscles are loose Hit a few balls in the practice net and on the putting green Junior Handbook Page 7

8 Junior Section and Membership All About the Junior Section We are pleased to cater for a wide range of junior members from single figure handicappers entering adult competitions through to beginners who like to play with their family and friends. Anyone under the age of 18 on 1st January is deemed to be a Junior for the following calendar year. Please note that this is slightly out of alignment with subscriptions which fall due in August each year. If you are 18 before August you will need to pay intermediate subscriptions which are still very attractive. Junior Organisers Andrew Cullington is the Junior Organiser with many years golfing experience. Contact Andrew if you are a beginner needing help, interested in the Club Handicap scheme or have any issue that you would like to discuss. He will be pleased to hear from you wherever you have questions, concerns or suggestions you d like to raise. Gary Stangoe, General Manager is the Club Welfare Officer who is available to discuss anything that parents or juniors may not wish to raise with the Junior Officers. Amy Taylor is the Captain for 2014 and can also be approached for help. Parental Consent, Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Juniors We aim for junior members to be safe and happy whilst golfing. Bawburgh has a Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct embedded in its Partnering Scheme. Details of this are available below, or from the Club Reception, the Junior Noticeboard, the Club website (Junior Members Section) or Junior Organiser, Andrew Cullington (by ). We require all junior members and their parents to sign up to this arrangement, and via parental consent forms to provide up to date emergency contact details, medical information and photography confirmation before playing on the course or participating in Club activities. Club representatives are suitably DBS checked and have attended Child Protection awareness programmes. Parental Consent Forms Player Profiles and Photography Permission New parental consent forms (Player Profiles and Photography Permission) should be completed annually, and any change of details notified to the club immediately. These forms are also available from reception or from the Bawburgh Club Website (Junior Members Section) in download format and will form part of the renewal subscription process. Safeguarding Juniors Whilst we endeavour to ensure that at all times juniors are safe and cared for we do not act as loco parentis and can not be held accountable for their every action. Parents are expected to transport and pick up their children at appropriate times. Junior Handbook Page 8

9 Juniors entering adult competitions should make their parents aware that, especially in knockout competitions, they are likely to play golf in the unsupervised company of another male adult member. Please check your domestic insurance arrangements to ensure this provides protection against theft of clubs, and liability cover in the unlikely event of injury being caused to another player. Code of Conduct The Club operates the following Code of Conduct. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY, CODE OF CONDUCT AND PARTNERING SCHEME Bawburgh Golf Club recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children participating in club activities and therefore has a child protection policy and comprehensive child protection procedures to contribute towards the aim of ensuring that all children at Bawburgh Golf Club have an enjoyable and safe experience of golf. To comply with legislation requirements and the EGU and EGWA recommendations, Bawburgh Golf Club has a Partnering Scheme in place. This scheme is the best way to get juniors, parents and the Club working together in partnership to provide a safe, enjoyable and caring environment for its young members. Each partner to the scheme agrees to abide by certain rules and regulations, so they are aware of what is expected of them, and what is expected of the other partners in the scheme. A summary of this document is below, a full copy of the CHILD PROTECTION POLICY, CODE OF CONDUCT AND PARTNERING SCHEME will be sent to each junior and their parents on joining Bawburgh Golf Club. BAWBURGH GOLF CLUB agrees to: Adopt the Safeguarding and Protecting Children: A guide for sportspeople recommendations and have a defined Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct made available to all Junior Members, their parents and all Bawburgh Golf Club members and staff of Glen Lodge Ensure that junior members welfare and safety is paramount at all times through activities that follow safe and correct practice and are in an environment where children are free from fear or harassment Treat all children and young persons as individuals, with respect, and champion their right to participate in golfing activities Build relationships with partners based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect and through regular two way communications Listen, and respond to concerns and allegations appropriately Appoint a Child Welfare Officer and sufficient Junior Organisers for effective supervision, ensuring that these and other appropriate Club Officials have attended child protection courses, are CRB checked, and demonstrate proper personal behaviour at all times Carefully recruit and select all adults volunteering to help with junior activities (paid or voluntary) Ensure all staff (paid and voluntary) are aware of the Club s Child Protection Policy and that a copy of this policy is available to all Club Members Junior Handbook Page 9

10 GUIDANCE FOR PARENTS Take an interest in your child s activity and progress and be supportive Praise the effort as well as the results of your child s participation Introduce yourself to the Junior Organiser, coaches and Child Welfare Officer Find out what the club has to offer in terms of coaching and junior competitions, and become familiar with the rules of the club, including any playing restrictions for children. This is all contained in the Junior Hand Book Become familiar with Bawburgh Golf Club s Child Protection Policy and Procedures Read the Junior Code of Conduct and discuss this with your child Be punctual when dropping off and picking up your children for/ from coaching and competitions- volunteers can not leave your child alone at the venue and must stay at the club until the last child leaves. If you are likely to be late, please contact the Junior Organiser to discuss what to do Take an interest in who your son/ daughter is playing with, introduce yourself if it is an adult you do not know If leaving your son/ daughter at the club please make sure they have some spending money, appropriate clothing (e.g. a hat and sun protection cream to protect them from the sun or waterproofs), a drink to take in their bag, dehydration occurs even if it is not that warm Complete the Parent Consent forms (Player Profile and Photographic permission) promptly, and notify the club of any amendments so that we may care for your child as efficiently as possible Discuss any particular requirements your child has that may effect the ability of your child to enjoy the sessions or the ability of coaches and volunteers to meet their needs effectively Have clear lines of communication to keep up with your child s progress Ensure that the club has an emergency contact number for you when you are away from the club, a mobile would be preferable and that you leave your mobile switched on so that you can be contacted in an emergency Raise any concerns you have about the coaching, club procedures, or care that your child receives with either the Child Welfare Officer or the Junior Organiser so that we may address them appropriately and promptly Make sure that your child knows what time they will be collected, where they are being met, and by whom Check your household insurance policy to ensure that your child has adequate and appropriate cover, particularly public liability insurance The transporting of children to and from the club for matches, competitions, and coaching is the responsibility of parents. The club will only become involved in these arrangements in exceptional circumstances. Parents are welcome to contact the parents of other junior members and make private arrangements to share transport, but this does not fall within the responsibility of the club Junior Handbook Page 10

11 THE JUNIOR agrees to: Treat all other golfers, whether adult or junior with the same respect and fairness you would like them to show you All golfers should be able to participate in golf without fear of ridicule, harassment or restriction. Uphold this value in all that you do. Demonstrate fair play on and off the course. Respect differences in gender, disability, culture, race, ethnicity and religious beliefs between your self and others Challenge discrimination and prejudice Look out for yourself and the welfare of others Do not engage in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate or illegal behaviour Challenge behaviour that falls below the expected standards of the club Speak out if you are concerned about anything, your own needs or the needs of others Be organised and on time Do not leave the club following a coaching session, match or competition without the knowledge and permission of the Junior Organiser or person in charge Follow the club rules and dress codes Listen to the junior organiser and other representatives of the club and comply with their requests. They have your best interests and those of the whole group in mind. Demonstrate the highest standards of behavior at all times Advise the junior organiser or coach of any medical conditions which may affect your standard of play You must not: Consume alcohol or illegal/performance enhancing drugs Smoke Use foul language Engage in sexual behavior Gamble (e,g. on gaming machines) Junior Handbook Page 11

12 IN THE EVENT OF DISSATISFACTION In the event of dissatisfaction with any aspect of junior golfing activity the Junior is asked to discuss the situation with their parents in the first instance. Following this any ongoing concerns should be discussed (by either or both parent and junior) with the Junior Organiser. Further escalation is available to the Welfare Officer, and in the final instance the Club Committee and management. Should there be any issues regarding the Junior Organiser please follow the above steps going directly to the Welfare Officer as the first point of escalation into the Club Where the Club has any concerns regarding Junior members they will be addressed initially and informally with the Junior member. If this does not resolve the issue the Club will then contact the parent directly. Playing Rights and Which Tees to use Juniors aged 11 or under will need to be accompanied on the course by a member age 12 years or older. Other than this Juniors are extended generous playing rights with no restrictions. Those with Club Handicaps and beginners are requested to avoid peak playing times on the 18 hole course as their ability is likely to hold up other golfers. The 9 hole course has been specifically built to assist those developing their playing ability and is a great learning facility. It is recommended the red tees are used by juniors with developing ability on the 18 hole course. On the 9 hole course specific blue junior tees are set up for the beginner. CONGU handicap junior members receive the same playing privileges as adults and should play off yellow tees. Course Experience and Coaching New junior members without CONGU handicaps may be asked to undertake a course experience session with one of the organisers before playing regular rounds. During the summer months course experience sessions can be held on Friday evenings for beginners (subject to request). Experienced juniors play with newer members to share experiences. Junior Organisers are on hand to provide advice / validate scores for handicap purposes (if desired) The Norwich Family Golf Centre has junior coaching sessions during the summer holidays (places are limited so applications are required). These are provided by the PGA Professionals. We also have good access to County Junior Golf coaches, Junior Handbook Page 12

13 CONGU and Club Handicaps There are two levels of handicaps Club Handicaps of 29 to 54 for beginners, and CONGU Handicaps of 28 and under for more experienced players. The handicap system allows players of differing abilities to compete equally. As your standard of play improves your handicap will be adjusted accordingly. Knowing the Rules It is the duty of each player to learn and apply the Rules of Golf, however there is plenty of support in the club where you need assistance or clarification.. Free Rules booklets are available from reception and there are plenty of internet sites that are useful. To obtain a Club Handicap contact Andrew Cullington for advice. Three signed cards will be required clearly marked to show whether they have been completed on the red or yellow tees. Cards must be scored to the Rules of Golf with scores over 18 holes of 131 or less (yellow tees), 134 or less (red tees) will be considered as the Club handicap range is 29 to 54. It is possible to accept cards over 6 or 9 holes rather than 18. If you have difficulty in finding anyone to mark a card for you please contact the Golfing Support Team. Club Handicap (not CONGU Handicap) cards can be submitted from playing the new 9 hole course. Cards are acceptable from blue, red or yellow tees on this course please indicate on your cards which tees have been used. To get a CONGU Handicap you need to submit 3 cards, played from the yellow tees, for consideration. These need to be signed by another handicap holding player. The Handicap Range is 28 and below. You will need to resubmit cards in order to progress from a Club Handicap to a CONGU handicap. For more information speak to one of the Club Reception staff Competitions Junior and Adult The club participate in the County interclub junior league competition, host its own Bawburgh Junior Open, and has a Junior Club Championship where CONGU, Club and non handicap members are welcomed. There is also a Junior Knockout competition for CONGU handicappers throughout the summer. Details of the above, and Junior events held by other clubs around East Anglia are available on the Junior notice board in the Club house, and will be ed to junior members as well. Junior members with CONGU handicaps have no restrictions in participating in any adult competitions held within the club - other than those arranged by the Veterans Section. All juniors, both boys and girls, can enter all relevant competitions. Junior Handbook Page 13