HINCKLEY GOLF CLUB BUGGY POLICY (Revised Feb 2016 Medical form updated on advise from NGCAA) The purpose of this document is to set out a policy for use of ride-on buggies on the Hinckley Golf Club course in all circumstances and by members and visitors who are disabled within the meaning of Equality Legislation. It consists of the following sections: 1. Safety policy 2. Suspension of use of buggies 3. Safe working practice 4. Buggy owners acknowledgement form 5. Use of buggies by disabled persons 6. Medical Certificate for disabled persons only 7. Use of buggies in competitions 1. Safety Policy To assist the safe deployment of ride-on buggies all users, employees and officials of Hinckley Golf Club shall comply with the following conditions: Ride-on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-ofway at all times. The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas, or areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about danger, or the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times. Ride-on buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps or pavements. A ride-on buggy will be operated at a safe speed at all times. Ride-on buggies shall be used only between dawn and dusk. Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common` rules of the road regardless of whether ride-on buggies are operated on pavements or roadways. Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections and proceed with caution. Ride-on buggies must not be operated when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs The Course Manager (or in his absence his Deputy or another member of the Council) has the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a buggy. The Hinckley Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club car-parks other than those operated by their servants or agents. The Club will accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any property other than that arising from the negligent use of a ride-on buggy by their servants or agents. Ride-on Buggy use is subject to prevailing weather and course conditions and they must be driven at all times in accordance with the guidelines issued which may vary from day to day. As necessary the Course Manager or Deputy Course Manager will carry out an inspection of the course against documented Buggy Risk Assessment. This will be recorded and filed for inspection on request, and a designated Green, Blue or Red Route will be applied. All Buggy users, before playing must check with the Pro-shop before which of these routes is applicable and get written details showing the route. 1
2. Suspension of use of buggies The Course Manager (or in his absence his Deputy or any competent person authorized by the Greens Committee) will have the right to determine by means of the Documented Buggy Risk Assessment that the state of the course is such that safety on the course is compromised if a ride-on buggy is used. Additionally, the course maybe unacceptably compromised if a ride-on buggy is used. They will therefore suspend the use of buggies. This may apply to the whole or just part of the course or part of a hole. The Risk Assessment shall provide alternative routes where reasonably practicable on individual holes where play is possible. The Risk Assessment shall be filed and available on request. Potentially unsuitable conditions include water logging, frost, etc. Where such conditions arise the club will review the situation on the day. All buggy users must report to the Pro-shop before playing to confirm the route to take on the course or an individual hole. 3. Safe Working Practice Children under the age of 18 are forbidden to drive the ride-on buggy and must have a driver over 18 years of age Buggy owners must NOT allow others to use/drive their Buggies unless the KNOW they have insurance AND have signed the HGC Buggy Policy BEFORE USE All owners of ride-on buggies must sign a Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to drive the buggy A ride-on buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people who are authorised to use one. All buggy owners must report to the Pro-shop before play and sign the Buggy in use book and check which buggy route is applicable DURING USE Ride-on buggies must only be used for the purpose they are intended and are not to be used for towing pull trolleys Do not move off until the occupants are seated Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion Ride-on buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas The vehicle must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, e.g., when looking for golf balls The vehicle must not be used on tees, greens or the slopes leading up to them The vehicle must not be used within 2 metres of any bunkers, between any greenside bunker and the green, ditches or ponds or slopes leading to them except when using the designated bridges Check the area behind the vehicle before reversing Set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle safely Drive the vehicle only at speeds as the terrain and safety considerations allow 2
To avoid tipping over, drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes Slow down before corners. All turns must be executed at reduced speeds Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction that may result in loss of control AFTER USE When the vehicle is left unattended, turn the operating key to the off position, remove the key and engage the parking brake. Return the vehicle to either the Buggy compound or Pro-shop as applicable. 3
4. Buggy Owners Acknowledgement Form All Buggy owners must complete this form and lodge it with the Club Office Any person who owns and operates a Ride-on buggy on The Hinckley Golf Club premises is deemed, by so doing, to have the knowledge and skills to safely operate the vehicle and shall be fully accountable for their actions and consequences thereof. The safe operation of Ride-on buggies requires conscientious application and adherence to the minimum standard of care prescribed by this policy. By signing below I acknowledge that: I have read and understand the Hinckley Golf Club Buggy Policy I have been given the opportunity to ask questions related to this Policy I am aware of the areas where I am unable to take a ride-on buggy and I will find out about problems on the course from the Professional or his staff before going out on the course on every occasion before playing. I will ensure that the buggy will be maintained and operated in accordance with The Hinckley Golf Club Golf Buggy Safety Policy I accept that it is my duty alone to ensure that I have insurance to cover liability for risks to third parties of a minimum of 2 million and I have lodged with the Club Office staff a copy of my valid insurance policy or reasonable proof This courtesy is offered to the signatory below only and not to other members of the golfing group or when the buggy is loaned to another member or visitor. I agree to indemnify The Hinckley Golf Club against all claims costs and demands made against The Hinckley Golf Club, arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the golf buggy. Hinckley Golf Club accepts no liability for accidents to, damage to, or theft of, buggies stored at the golf club. Name of User: Address: Signature of User Dated... 4
5. Acknowledgement Form for disabled persons only When buggies are banned from the course the use of buggies for disabled persons will be allowed under certain rules and caveats as detailed below. With the production of:- A signed, current, and relevant medical certificate. (Please see the required medical certificate in Section 6 of this document). Reasonable proof of insurance cover which must include a minimum of 2 million third party liability. Certain conditions must be agreed by you, namely:- I will remain on surfaced paths where they exist I will comply at all times with the designated route in place on the day This courtesy is offered to the signatory below only and not to other members of the golfing group or when the buggy is loaned to another member or visitor. I will obey any restrictions placed on buggy travel routes, given to me by the Pro-shop on the day of use. I accept these rules and will abide by any other instructions given to me. Signed: Print Name: Date: 5
6. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE HINCKLEY GOLF CLUB (TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT S MEDICAL PRACTITIONER ONLY IF CLAIMING A DISABILITY) I, Dry of.... Certify that I have examined... Of... I can confirm that my patient is suffering from a long term ** mental/ physical impairment which substantially affects their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. As a result of this disability my patient is unable to play golf without the use of a ** buggy/motorised trolley. ** Delete as appropriate Signed Dated The Club reserves the right to withdraw authorisation if the medical condition or disability necessitating the use of a ride-on buggy ceases, or the conditions for its use are not fully complied with. 6
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7. Use of buggies in competitions Disabled User Where the player is disabled in accordance with the notes above then he or she is eligible to play in any competition using a buggy. NOTE playing partners may NOT share the buggy unless they are bona-fide disabled as described above Should there be restrictions on the use of buggies on the course for any reason then these will apply in the competition and in certain eventualities may prevent the user from participating in the competition Other Users Buggies may be used in all competitions where there are no restrictions on their use imposed by the Greens Committee. The only two exceptions to this are the men s Club Championship and the ladies Championship Bowl where their use is strictly prohibited. 8