SPECTATOR POLICIES

PARENT AND SPECTATOR GUIDELINES


Parents, relatives, friends, and other spectators are welcomed and encouraged to come out to the golf course to watch the exciting competition. CHAMPIONS Junior Golf Tour staff has worked hard to ensure that the best tournament be put forth.

Below are some guidelines that will be enforced at each event as to ensure everyone's safety and to ensure a level playing field for all contestants. If any spectators are seen abusing the guidelines they will have their spectator privileges revoked.

Spectators must observe the same golf etiquette and respect to the golf course, facilities, and policies of the host club as the players.

DRESS CODE

All spectators must dress in appropriate golf attire or clothing of a similar nature. Blue denim jeans, round neck t-shirts, tank tops, short-shorts, flip-flops and other overly casual attire should NOT be worn. All attire must also meet club guidelines.

CELL PHONES

Please use discretion when utilizing cell phones on the golf course. Turn off all electronic devices or set them to silent. Calls may be returned at the clubhouse by cell phone at a later time (if the club permits). Some host clubs do not allow cell phones on their property.

COMMUNICATING WITH PLAYERS

Spectators who need to talk with a player (for health reasons and handing them sunscreen, food or beverages, etc.) should do so in front of other spectators and/or players.

ADVICE

"Advice is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke."
(Please refer to R&A Rule 8-1 for definition)
General Penalty for a breach of Rule 8 is: loss of hole in Match Play; or two strokes in Stoke Play.
Please be aware of this rule and avoid talking to players as much as possible as it may be perceived as giving the player advice.

RULES OFFICIALS

Rules Officials are stationed on the course to assist players when they are unsure how they should proceed, to monitor pace of play, and for emergency situations. Players and spectators should notify an Official when someone needs assistance.

When an Official is assisting a player all spectators should stay at least 50 yards away and should not get involved in the conversation. Spectators will be brought into a situation only if asked by the Official.

Spectators should not confront Officials. If a spectator has a question, or information, for an Official it should be done away from the players and in a calm manner.,br>
Spectators are not permitted to give rulings to competitors – only Champions Junior Golf Tour Rules officials are authorized to give rulings to competitors.

TIPS FOR WATCHING GOLF

Spectators need to stay clear of the playing areas (tee boxes, fairways, greens) and should walk only on the cart paths or in the rough areas. DO NOT walk on the fairway / green.
Stay on cart paths at all times (if cart paths aren't available stay 50-100 yards out of the range of play)
Please remain quiet during play
Do not speak to a player during the competition. A player can be penalized or disqualified during an event because of improper communication.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
To ensure your safety at all times, walk carefully and never run. Parents and spectators cannot walk with players during tournament play and are encouraged to remain one shot ahead of the group.
Wear appropriate footwear such as sneakers.

SPECTATOR CART POLICY

In many cases carts may be rented by spectators based on availability - the daily fee is determined by each individual club and will be posted in the player's information on the website.

Spectator carts must stay on the cart path at ALL times. If the course doesn't have cart paths then the cart must stay in the rough at all times.
Only 3 carts will be allowed per group.

Carts may only move forward on the golf course (from tee to green) except in case of a weather evacuation. Carts may not move while competitors are playing a stroke.
Only 2 people per cart are allowed except during evacuation.

Spectator carts will NOT be used for shuttling of players from green to tee unless stated on the Notice to Players (local rules sheet) that is given to each player.

Spectator’s carts will be used to assist with evacuation of players and spectators and may leave the cart path as necessary during an evacuation.

When driving in carts, please be courteous to other players by ceasing to drive while others are preparing to hit.
Spectator carts may not carry equipment (as defined in Rules of Golf). Carts may carry any other spectator's items such as umbrellas, etc.

Under no circumstance will pets of any kind be allowed on the course.
All related inquiries and communications should be directed to the Tour Director.

RULES OF PLAY: PLAY BY THE RULES – PLAY FAIR:

THE TOURNAMENT REFEREE WILL CONDUCT A MANDATORY RULES CLINIC FOR EVERY AGE DIVISION PRIOR TO TEE OFF.
R&A Rules of Golf shall govern all play, including local rules on the Notice to Competitors (Local Rules), which is distributed to all players at their starting tee.
The following are CJGT Rules of Play (unless otherwise stated):
  • Play the ball as it lies.
  • Participants must walk and can carry their own equipment. Caddies are permitted.
  • The Champions Junior Golf Tour permits pull carts, however they will be allowed only at the discretion of the host facility. It is the players’ responsibility to obtain course policy.
  • Participants must exchange scorecards with other players in the group.
  • Participants must return their scorecard to the official scoring area IMMEDIATELY following the conclusion of play.
  • Penalty for breach of Rule 6-6b: Disqualification.
  • Participants are responsible for the correct hole-by-hole score and two signatures on the score card.
  • Participants are responsible for knowing the Rules of Play listed on the Notice to Competitors.
  • Pace of Play: Participants must keep up with the group in front of them. Any group falling out of position (defined as a hole open) may be warned and timed. Subsequent violations may result in penalties and/or disqualification. (See “Pace of Play Policy” below for full details.)
  • The player may use distance measuring equipment (range finder) for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play.
  • Parents and spectators are forbidden to give any player advice (any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke) during play. Any breach of Rule 8-1 (Advice) may result in a penalty and/or disqualification. (See “Spectator Guidelines” below for full details.)
  • Please allow CJGT staff and officials to administer rulings. Spectators will be brought into a situation ONLY if the staff member or official asks for assistance.
  • When on the course, spectators and players must turn off cell phones or turn ringers to the silent or vibrate mode. Please respect the host facility’s policy on cell phone usage.