Pace of Play MANUAL GOLF ONTARIO PACE OF PLAY MANUAL

Pace of Play MANUAL GOLF ONTARIO PACE OF PLAY MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS Pace of Play Policies Page 1 Summary Page 1 Allotted Time Page 1 Definition of Out of Position Stroke Play o Review Process for Breach Page 2 o Appeals Page 2 o Example Scenarios Page 3 Definition of Out of Position Match Play o Monitoring of Matches Page 3 o Timing Page 3 o Penalty Page 4 Timing Rules Officials Page 5 Duties and Responsibilities Page 5 Pre- Tournament Page 5 During the Tournament Page 5 Post Tournament Page 6 TRO Script Page 7 Timers Page 8 Duties and Responsibilities Page 8 Timers Script Page 9 Rules Officials Page 10 Pace of Play Duties and Responsibilities Page10 Starters Page 11 Duties and responsibilities Page 11 Scorers Page 12 Duties and Responsibilities Page 12 Appendix 1: Pace of Play Tracking Sheet Page 13 Appendix 2: Written Appeal - Championship Page 14 Appendix 3: Written Appeal for Qualifying Page 15 Appendix 4: Pace of Play Hard Cards Page 16 Appendix 5: Situations affecting Pace of Play Page 17

Pace of Play Policies FOR ALL QUALIFYING ROUNDS AND STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS (other than shotgun starts) ADHERENCE TO THE PACE OF PLAY IS THE PLAYER S RESPONSIBILITY WARNINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO SLOW GROUPS ADVISE RULES OFFICIALS ASAP OF A SLOW PLAYER IN YOUR GROUP ALL APPEALS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING AND RETURNED TO A GO RULES OFFICIAL OR STAFF MEMBER The following Pace of Play Policy is in effect at all Qualifying Rounds and stroke play Championships (other than shotgun starts): Rule 6-7. Undue Delay; Slow Play states: "The player must play without undue delay and in accordance with any pace of play guidelines that the Committee may establish. Between completion of a hole and playing from the next teeing ground, the player must not unduly delay play." Summary When a group is out of position at any check-point, the players in the group are liable to penalty under these guidelines. Players in a group that have been determined to be out of position will be liable to penalty according to the following schedule of penalties pending final determination of whether a breach or breaches of these guidelines have occurred: Check-points for Championships will be on completion (flagstick in the hole) of the groups' 9th and 18th holes. 1st potential breach (during the round) - liable to a one-stroke penalty 2nd potential breach (during the round) - liable to a two-stroke penalty Check-point for Qualifying Rounds will be on completion (flagstick in the hole) of the groups' 18th hole only. Potential breach after completing 18th hole - liable to a one-stroke penalty Allotted Time Each group is allotted a specified time to complete 18 holes at a pace in accordance with the time chart provided in the Local Rules at the group's first hole. When a group falls behind - regardless of the reason - it must regain its position. Time for ball searches, rulings, and walking time between holes is included in the allotted time. 1

FOR STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSIHPS First group The first group is out of position if it takes more than the allotted time to finish a check-point hole (see Local Rule check-point time table). Following groups A following group is out of position if it: 1. takes more than the allotted time to finish a check-point hole and 2. completes play of a check-point hole more than 14 minutes after the preceding group completed play of that hole Group Out of Position When a group is out of position at a check-point, it will be notified by a Check-Point Timing Official that the group is potentially in breach of these pace of play guidelines. When a group has been notified of its first potential breach, that group is expected to regain its position before reaching the next check-point. If that group reaches the next check-point out of position, each player in the group may incur the applicable penalty for a breach of these guidelines. Any group that is out of position is subject to being monitored. A player concerned about a non-responsive fellow-competitor in his group should request a rules official to monitor the group in case the group is or becomes liable to penalty under these guidelines. Final Determination Regarding Breach/Review Process Before returning his score card, a player who was out of position during his round may consult with the Pace of Play Committee to determine if he has incurred a penalty under these guidelines. The Pace of Play Committee will determine that a player who has been found to be out of position is not in breach of these guidelines only if: 1. the player was delayed by the Committee; or 2. the player was delayed by a circumstance beyond control of the player or the group; or 3. the player was delayed by another player in the group A player who was out of position during his round and who elects not to consult with the Pace of Play Committee to determine whether he was in breach of these guidelines is considered to have been in breach of these guidelines and to have incurred a penalty or penalties according to the Local Rule schedule of penalties. If a group is liable to penalty, all penalties will be applied to the check-point hole where the breach occurred. Appeals Slow Play penalties may be appealed to the Pace of Play Appeals Committee. The appeal must be in writing and must be based on facts relevant to the reason Pace of Play was not maintained. The decision of the Pace of Play Appeals Committee will be final. 2

Example scenarios how penalties apply: 1. If a group fails to complete 9 holes in the allotted time, all players in the group are liable to a penalty of one stroke applied to the players' 9th hole (1st potential breach). If thereafter the same group fails to complete 18 holes in the allotted time, all players would be liable to an additional penalty of two strokes applied to the players' 18th hole for a total of three penalty strokes (2nd potential breach) as per Rule 6-7. 2. If a group takes more than the allotted time to complete nine holes and thereafter completes 18 holes in the allotted time, all players in the group are liable to a penalty of one stroke applied to the players' 9th hole (1st potential breach). 3. If a group completes nine holes in the allotted time and fails to complete 18 holes in the allotted time, all players in the group are liable to a penalty of one stroke applied to the players' 18th hole (1st potential breach). FOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS The Rules of Golf require that a player shall, at all times, play without undue delay (Rule 6-7). Rule 6-7 states, in part: For the purpose of preventing slow play, the Committee may, in the conditions of a competition (Rule 33-1), lay down pace of play guidelines including maximum periods of time to complete a stipulated round, a hole or a stroke. In accordance with Rule 6-7, GO has adopted the following pace of play guidelines. Out of position defined Match Play The first match to start will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round it exceeds the time allotted to play, as detailed on the applicable course s Pace of Play Time Chart (Time Par). Subsequent matches will be considered out of position if, at any time during the round, they (a) exceed the allotted time to play and (b) arrive at the teeing ground of a hole that is open and free of play. Monitoring of matches A match that is out of position will be so informed by the Committee. However, the Committee reserves the right to time any match that the Committee deems is out of position, whether or not the match has been informed. Timing The timing of a player s stroke will begin when it is the player s turn to play without interference or distraction. Any time spent determining yardages will count as time taken for the next stroke. On the putting green, timing will begin after a player has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to mark, lift, clean and replace his/her ball, repair the ball mark and other ball marks on his/her line of putt and remove loose impediments on his/her line of putt. Any player in a match which is out of position shall be penalized for undue delay if, during the round, he/she twice takes 40 seconds or more to play a stroke. 3

An extra 10 seconds will be allowed for: 1. the first player to make a stroke on a par-3 hole; 2. the first player to make a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole (when attempting to reach the putting green); 3. the first player to make a third stroke on a par-5 hole; or 4. the first player to make a stroke on the putting green If an out of position match regains its position, timing of players will cease. Timing may recommence if the match subsequently falls out of position, in which case any recorded timing exceeding 40 seconds anytime during the round will be carried over throughout the round. Such matches out of position will not be notified of monitoring and timing unless asked by the player(s). Undue delay can also occur between strokes (such as by walking too slowly) and between the play of two holes. Penalty Any player in a match out of position who exceeds 40 seconds to play a stroke on two occasions will be informed as soon as practicable that the player has lost the hole at which the second excess time was recorded. If the player in question exceeds 40 seconds to play a stroke on two more occasions while the match remains or has again become out of position (a total of four), the player will be informed as soon as practicable that he/she has forfeited the match. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN IMPLEMENTING THIS POLICY AT CHAMPIONSHIPS AND QUALIFIERS. CONSEQUENTLY WHAT FOLLOWS WILL NOT APPLY TO ALL SITUATIONS. 4

Timing Rules Officials (TRO) Duties and Responsibilities (in addition to being a Rules Official) The TRO has the responsibility to ensure the pace of play for the tournament, as established by the GO Tournament Director on site, is adhered to and that any group or player in breach of the pace of play is penalized in accordance with the GO Group Pace of Play Policy. The TRO also serves a Rules Official. The TRO should be available to assist the Timers on the course and be aware of all liable to penalty situations. The TRO must meet all groups that are liable to penalty, prior to submitting their score cards, to determine if a penalty is applicable and to assess penalties. The TRO must gather pertinent information as an appeal may be requested. If he deems it appropriate the TRO is responsible for making a post-tournament report. Pre-Tournament Study Pace of Play Guidelines. Meet Timers, and if possible train or be involved in their training session. Ensure the Timers become familiar with radio s/clocks/timing sheets/script. Make sure you have the schedule of who is working where and when. During Tournament Monitor the instructions given to the players by the Starter(s) on the starting tee(s) to ensure the message is clear and consistent for the Pace of Play expectations established for the tournament. Meet with Timing Officials to review procedures and ensure Timers notify the TRO when a group has missed a check-point (training may be required). Check that all timing sheets are correct; glitches can happen and ensure clocks are synchronized and radio equipment is ready for the Timers. At some championships, the Timing Rules Official and Checkpoint Timers will have their own radio channel. On Day 1, arrange to be at the first check-point hole for the first few groups. Make sure Timers understand and know the procedure. If it is a crossover, try to have another Rules Official do the same. As replacements for Timers arrive at their timing stations, ask the previous Timer to remain for a few groups to help their replacement. Do the same for any new Timer on following days. Once a group has been told it is liable for a penalty, change channels if necessary and relay information to the SRO. Then contact the scorers in the scoring area(s) to ensure groups that 5

have missed checkpoints do not sign their score cards or leave the scoring area until the TRO has met with the group. On two-tee starts, it is possible that scoring areas at 9 and 18 may have a group in a penalty situation at the same time. If this happens, ask the players to wait in the tent until the TRO arrives. Subsequent groups should wait outside the scoring area. All groups which are liable for penalty must be met at the scoring area before they leave the scoring area. Based on the facts gathered from Timer, Rules Officials, and your observations as they pertain to the Pace of Play Guidelines and Decisions, assess the penalty if warranted or explain to the group why it is not going to receive a penalty. If the facts gathered from the Timer, Rules Officials and your observations identify that one player in the group is the sole cause of the group missing a checkpoint, but the players will not point the slow player,the TRO has the right to identify the slow player and apply the appropriate penalty to the slow player. If one of the players in a group that misses a checkpoint elects to take responsibility for the slow play so his fellow competitors aren t penalized ( and the facts gathered from the Timer, Rules Officials and your observations don t indicate that one player is responsible for the slow play, then the TRO should penalize all the players in the group. If a penalty is assessed and the group wishes to appeal, explain to them the only three reasons on which an appeal may be based. If they still wish to appeal, give each player an appeals form to fill out and have them return it to you when complete. Once you have collected the appeals from the whole group, deliver them to the tournament director on site. At any time, if a group or individual is overly aggressive or belligerent, let them know they have the right to appeal to the Pace of Play Committee. Although desirable to speak to players before they enter the scoring area, if reporters, cameras, large galleries are present, it is better to speak to the players inside the scoring area. Post Tournament: The TRO may make a post championship report to the GO Tournament Director if there have been incidents or issues that he believes cannot be ascertained from the Pace of Play documentation. Make sure the GO Tournament Director has a copy of all the timing sheets for the entire championship for future reference. TRO Script The players are often upset when they arrive at the scoring area position yourself to the side so that you are not confronting the players. Caution the group to wait until you have completed what you have to say. 6

Your group was 5 minutes over your time par and 18 minutes behind the group in front at the 9th hole. Each member of the group is assessed a one stroke penalty applied to your score on the 9th hole. There are three reasons for this penalty to be waived, 1. The player was delayed by the Committee-e.g. waited for a ruling. 2. The player was delayed by a circumstance beyond control of the player or the group-e.g. two lost balls on the final hole. 3. The player was delayed by another player in the group-e.g. a player in the group was ill This is your opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that resulted in the penalty. The information you have collected after being informed by the Timing Official that a group has missed a check-point should help to resolve the penalty situation if it matches with the information from the players. There will be times when there is no information from officials. In these cases it is necessary to base your decision on the merits of the information from the players sometimes requiring you to check with officials a second time. Where did the problem holes occur in the round? The scores of the players on the holes in question will sometimes support the information from players. If the situation can be resolved based on the reasons above and the information from the players, inform players that no penalties are assessed. If there is no legitimate reason for waiving the penalty, state the following: Based on all the information under the guidelines established for this tournament all members of your group are assessed a penalty. Instruct the players as to which hole the penalty stroke(s) is included at the (9th and/or 18th) hole. Inform the players of their right to appeal in writing and provide them with the Pace of Play Appeal form if they wish to appeal. The written appeals are to be returned to the TRO as soon as possible if the TRO is busy instruct them to leave them with the scorer at the scoring table. If the players are appealing, ensure that they add the penalty correctly to their score card before signing and before they leave the scoring area. If the appeal is successful, the official score will be adjusted. 7

Timers Duties & Responsibilities of Timers Meet in advance with the Timing Rules Official (TRO) to review policy and procedures. Get radio, clipboard and relevant timing chart(s) from Tournament Office. Go to the timing station about 25 minutes before first group is expected (rules officials on course can provide an up-to-date alert of ETA) You must be in position to record every group s time when the flagstick is replaced in the hole. Be consistent. It is very important to log accurately the time that a group completes the hole since this time could also affect a following group. Make sure clocks are visible to the players when they exit the putting green Approach the players who are out of position as soon as possible after they complete a checkpoint hole and ensure each player is given the appropriate missed checkpoint information. Do not interact with the players unless required to do so within the Pace of Play guidelines or the players initiate the conversation. If players want to know how they are doing on their time, give them the information Report all missed checkpoint breaches of pace of play guidelines to the TRO over the radio. When play is complete for the day, please return your radio, clipboard and clock to the tournament office 8

Pace of Play Timer s Script Missed Check-point Statement to Player Radio Announcement 9th Hole (championships only) 18th Hole (both qualifying and championships) Your group did not complete play of 9 holes in the allotted time. Your group must meet with the Timing Rules Official in the scoring area about a possible penalty before signing your score cards Your group did not complete play of 18 holes in the allotted time. Your group must meet with the Timing Rules Official in the scoring area about a possible penalty before signing your score cards This is (name) at the Hole 9 checkpoint. The (starting time) group off (1 or 10 tee) was notified that they must meet with the Timing Rules Official in the scoring area about a possible penalty before signing their cards. The group was ( ) minutes over their allotted time and ( ) minutes behind the group in front This is (name) at the Hole 18 checkpoint. The (starting time) group off (1 or 10 tee) was notified that they must meet with the Timing Rules Official in the scoring area about a possible penalty before signing their cards. The group was ( ) minutes over their allotted time and ( ) minutes behind the group in front Miscellaneous if a player(s) debates: If you wish to review the penalty, you may do so in the scoring area following your round, but not here on the course. 9

Rules Officials Pace of Play Duties and Responsibilities It is important that all Rules Officials try to provide the TRO with any and all relevant information about any group that may end up being subject to a penalty for slow play. The following will help the TRO: Flag in times Timing of individual players in a group when appropriate. Make notes on a group that has missed a time. Be vigilant as to what is happening, so a later claim of lost ball etc. cannot be made. Note relevant information (searches, rulings, spectator interference or other observations) on the Situations Affecting POP form and let the TRO know as soon as possible that you have information. The TRO may need this information before players arrive at 9th/18th green. Documentation is vital if there is an appeal. Trying to relay this information over the radio is time consuming and confusing especially if other warnings are happening at the same time. 10

Starters Pace of Play Duties & Responsibilities The Starter must remind the players they are competing under the GO group pace of play policy (copies are available on the starting table). For any group that tees off after its designated time, the actual time must be accurately noted and relayed to the TRO, so that they can relay it to the timers. 11

Scorers Pace of Play Duties & Responsibilities Once Scorers are advised of a group being in a possible penalty situation, the scorers must not accept the score cards of that group even if they have been checked for correctness, but rather advise the players to hold their score cards until spoken to by the TRO On two-tee starts, it is possible that scoring areas at 9 and 18 may have a group in a penalty situation at the same time. If this happens, ask the players to wait in the scoring tent until the TRO arrives. Subsequent groups should wait outside the scoring area. As a reminder, Scorers should be especially vigilant that the disruption caused by discussion with the TRO does not result in a score card being submitted without two signatures. 12

Appendix 1: Pace of Play Tracking Sheet Pace of Play Tracking Sheet Ontario Amateur Championship - Round 1 Tee Time Actual Start Players Hole 9 Finish Time Required Finish Adjusted Time Actual Time Time Behind Group Ahead Penalty Assessed (Strokes) 7:00 AM Jacobelli, Howard, Bardswick 9:24 9:15 7:10 AM Cardin, Ko, Kaukonen 9:34 9:28 0:13 7:20 AM Sung, Burke, Flockhart 9:44 9:40 0:12 7:30 AM 7:33 Hyatt, Lindsay, Massel 9:54 9:57 9:56 0:16 7:40 AM 7:42 Wyllie, Wilson, Chan 10:04 10:06 10:08 0:12 7:50 AM 7:51 Borg, Capern, Currier 10:14 10:15 10:23 0:15 1 8:00 AM Dasti, Lwow, Fry 10:24 8:10 AM Lam, Clarke, Demers 10:34 8:20 AM Maue, Arci, Greenaway 10:44 8:30 AM Dunseith, Hunter, McLaren 10:54 8:40 AM 8:42 Lukovic, Ferrier, Hebert 11:04 11:06 8:50 AM Giacomelli, Atwill, Atack 11:14 9:00 AM Banks, Clark, Fell 11:24 9:10 AM Genno, Greenwood, Hough 11:34 9:20 AM Amos, Robertson, Watts Denyes 11:44 9:30 AM Berk, St-Germain, Elliott 11:54 9:40 AM Holba, Nathan, Nedoszytko 12:04 9:50 AM Bamberger, Bigelow, Louth 1214 10:00 AM Garon, Johnson, Kelly 12:24 10:10 AM Nagindas, Nymeyer, Bilodeau 12:34 10:20 AM O'Meara, Turkiewicz, Irving 12:44 10:20 AM Varty, Secord, Bates 12:54 13

Appendix 2: Written Appeal for a Pace of Play-Championships 14

Appendix 3: Written Appeal for a Place of Play Penalty Qualifying 15

Appendix 4: Pace of Play Hard Cards 16

Appendix 5: Situations Affecting Pace of Play 17