DISTANCE-MEASURING DEVICES: Rule 4.3
A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance during all play in Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation tournaments. A player may use a distance-measuring device that is designed to include other functions providing they are not used and are turned off if possible. (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.) A player that used a device for more than measuring distance is in breach of Rule 4.3, for which the first offense is a general penalty, and the second offense is disqualification. 

GOLD TOUR TOURNAMENTS:
Ties for 1st Place will be decided by a play-off, chip-off, or putt-off if possible and depending on availability of the course. Ties for 2nd Place and/or 3rd Place will be by a match of cards, starting with the last hole the division played and going back. The winning player is the first one to have a lower score.

Parents and Spectators are not to ask players their score or scores at any time during the round.

See USGA Rules of Golf, Rule 10.2.

SAFETY:
Use of iPods, Earbuds, Cell Phones is prohibited except to call a GCJGF Official, keep a scorecard, check weather conditions, or obtain yardages.

Players are not to remove clubs from their golf bag until it is time for their group to tee off; or when on the driving range practicing; or when using the putter on the practice putting green. Players are to make sure no other person is within range of being struck by the club or ball when a swing is made. Players waiting to tee off with their playing group are to hold the club by the club head until it is their turn to hit. Practice swings are not to be made until it is your turn to hit and never swing where the club path is towards another person.

NOTE: Parents or Guardians should carry a golfer’s liability endorsement on their homeowner or renter’s insurance policy, if available.

SPECTATORS:
SMOKING OR USING E-CIGARETTES AT GCJGF TOURNAMENTS IS PROHIBITED. Please set a positive example for the kids.

Spectators will be permitted walk and follow the junior players when the course allows spectators. The use of golf carts will be permitted providing the course is willing to rent carts to spectators, and they will be rented, based on availability and at a fee set by the course. Carts must be kept on cart paths where they are available and in the rough if cart paths are not available. Spectators, whether in a cart or walking, must keep 30 yards from all the junior players and are not to be in the teeing area, fairways, or on the greens. Words of encouragement may be given but golf advice and instructions are prohibited. The player will receive a warning for the first violation. Subsequent violations will result in the player receiving a two (2) stroke penalty added to the hole score where the violation occurred. The player may be disqualified for any additional violations.  See USGA Rules of Golf concerning advice. Parents are not to ask players their score or scores at any time during the round.

Spectators must not interfere with GCJGF Officials when they are performing their duties.

Spectators may assist in the search for a player’s ball to help speed up play. However, golf carts must remain on the cart path while the search is conducted on foot. Once the player’s ball is found the spectators must leave the area immediately.

Spectators must be aware of all playing groups in the immediate area, so they do not delay play or are injured by a golf shot.

Carts are to be returned to the cart area immediately upon returning to the clubhouse.

They are not to be parked around the scoring area or left at the scoring area.

EMERGENCY WEATHER PROCEDURE:
A horn will sound one long blast when potentially dangerous weather is in the area. All players are required to immediately mark the position of their ball [it is suggested 3 golf tees be used] and seek the nearest shelter from the threatening conditions. Playing a stroke after the signal for a dangerous situation is Disqualification. All practice locations are CLOSED. When it is determined that the threatening conditions no longer exist, players are to return to their marked ball location and resume when a horn sounds two short blast. 

GCJGF uses a special weather service to assist in detecting dangerous weather conditions. Officials receive a text message when lightning is detected at 20 miles, 15 miles and 10 miles. The 10-mile range is when play is suspended, and the course is evacuated. Volunteers will transport the junior golfers to the clubhouse as soon as possible and then the spectators will be transported. Spectators with golf cars are to assist with evacuating players. Play will resume when an All-Clear text is received, which is 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within the 10-mile range. There are times when lightning is in the area but may not be visible, don’t stand around outside or go to the practice areas. Remember, this is a lightning delay, not a rain delay.

Again, Players are not to use any of the practice facilities or be outside during the suspension of play and must remain in a safe area.

RESPECT THE GOLF COURSE:
Players are required to respect the course by following the instructions on all signs, from course personnel, and from tournament committee members. Each player is to replace or fill in their divots, repair ball marks on the greens, and rake bunkers (sand traps). A player should never take a divot during a practice swing. All trash is to be placed in the proper receptacles.

CODE OF CONDUCT:
Each player, parent, and spectator following a player are to conduct themselves with dignity and abide by all rules, which includes USGA and GCJGF rules. The following are actions that can result in a penalty.

• Conduct that is detrimental to GCJGF
• Failure to follow the instructions of a GCJGF Official

Abuse to a Volunteer or Official:

• Abuse to the host course facilities and properties. Damage to course, equipment or littering;
• Hitting of golf balls in any area not designated for play;
• Deliberate hitting of golf balls into the preceding golf group;
• The use of Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs, or any type of Tobacco or Nicotine Products (including tobacco or nicotine products delivered via electronic delivery systems such as vaping or e-cigarettes);
• Abusive Language or Profanity;
• Throwing of golf equipment;
• Unauthorized use or riding in a golf cart. Juniors under the age of 16 and/or do not have a driver’s license may not drive a golf cart;
• Gambling;
• Cheating;
• Playing Cards;
• Shooting Pool.

The penalties for violating any of the following are:

1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: General Penalty (Two Strokes applied to the hole score where the violation occurred).
3rd Offense: Disqualification

The following actions will be grounds for disqualification and immediate removal from the course, GCJGF program, or both: These are considered a major violation of our rules. In addition to the above penalties, the player will not be eligible to represent GCJGF in special events or receive a Player of the Year Award.

A player’s action that might endanger any person or persons, such as throwing a club or hitting into the group ahead when they are in range.

Damage to a host course, such as slamming a putter on a green after a missed putt; tossing a flagstick when removing it from the hole, jamming a flagstick into the hole when finishing a hole; taking excessive divots with practice swings.

Any physical confrontation with others.