Handbook

 

 

The Junior Golf Association of Broward County, Inc. (A Non-Profit Corporation), and referred to as the “JGA”, incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida, is an organization exempt from Federal tax under section 501(c)(3), for the purpose of providing educational and suitable environment for young golfers of both sexes between the ages of 8 through 18 so as to prepare them to become better citizens of our community; to promote and to provide properly officiated seminars and tournaments where the rules and etiquette of golf shall be taught to and promulgated by these youths; to promote an educational program to youth providing an outlet of healthy activities and training under good leadership and an attitude of wholesome community participation; to educate boys and girls to become good and decent citizens and to inspire them with a goal in life, and through education and instruction, to enrich their lives for the day when they must take their place in society; to instill in them through education and instruction, the rudiments of teamwork and fair play.

The JGA is dedicated to providing a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free competitive golf environment for all junior golfers living in Broward County, Florida.  Through the JGA program, boys and girls learn the rules and etiquette of golf, compete with other junior golfers having similar abilities, and learn to exercise good sportsmanship, make lasting friendships, and grow with the community.  The JGA is especially proud of the many juniors who have attended college on golf scholarships and those who have gone on to play at the professional level

Over the years many dedicated people have contributed to the success of this program. Without these dedicated volunteers the program could not continue.  Eleven people are elected to serve on the Board of Directors and manage the organization. From those members, a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected as the officers of the organization.

With the help of approximately sixty volunteers each week, the JGA conducts seven, one day, stroke-play tournaments and one, three-day, stroke-play Championship. Each tournament day is played on a different course. Tournaments are held at public courses, resorts, and private clubs throughout Broward County each Monday during June, and July. Depending on a players golfing ability, they participate in one of twelve divisions and play rounds of 3, 5, 9 or 18 holes. Trophies are presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each flight. See Moving Up in Division for player division advancement.

MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURE:

Click on MEMBERSHIP in the site menu on the home page. Follow the instructions.

Membership registration closes July 11th.

TOURNAMENT ENTRY PROCEDURE:

You must pass the Rules Quiz prior to registering for a tournament. When you click on a tournament register link you will automatically be directed to the Rules Quiz. After you have passed the Rules Quiz you may click on the register link for a tournament and register for that tournament.

Click on SCHEDULE in the menu bar on the JGA home page. This will take you to the schedule powered by BlueGolf. Click on Register for the tournament you want to play. Complete the registration and payment information; submit your entry. You must register for each individual tournament. You may register for one or two days only of the Championship if you are unable to play all the rounds. There is a $15, NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee for each of the first 7 tournaments and a $45 fee for all three days of the JGA Championship or $15.00 per day when selecting only one or two days.

JGA Members must play in at least TWO (2) of the first SEVEN (7) tournaments to be eligible to play in the JGA Championship AND their parents must have completed the assist requirement for the first seven tournaments or be exempt from the requirement. (See Sponsors).

TOURNAMENT ENTRIES FOR EACH TOURNAMENT CLOSE AT 9:00 PM ON THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT.

Late entries will be accepted until 6:00 PM Sunday before the tournament by calling Ken Tate at 954-258-3675.

Late Entry Fee is $25.00 and must be paid by CHECK prior to play on Monday. CASH IS NOT ACCEPTED.

TOURNAMENT CANCELLATION PROCEDURE

Send an email to jgacancelme@yahoo.com  Give your First name, Last name, Division , and the tournament you are canceling for. Tournament registration fees will not be refunded.

A player who is registered to play in a tournament and unable to do so, must cancel before 7:00 A.M. the day of the tournament. Failure to cancel will result in the player not being allowed to play the following week.

GOLF EQUIPMENT

Junior golfers are responsible for their golf equipment. Never leave your clubs unattended. If you have to go into the clubhouse, have a friend watch your clubs until you return. If you think someone is not part of the JGA, tell a JGA official. Be extra careful around the scoreboard and during rain delays where there are a lot of people in one area. Be aware of your surroundings.

LOST & FOUND

If you find a club left on the course, please turn it in at the scoreboard.

A list of found equipment will be posted at the scoreboard.

TROPHIES

The trophies are what each player should be playing for. Their cost represents a substantial dollar investment by the JGA. All trophies must be claimed the day of the tournament. We hope you will stay until your flight has completed play and the trophies presented to each winner. If you are unable to stay, make arrangements with a friend to accept the trophy on your behalf. Trophies will not be held over to claim at a later date.

PLAY FOR EACH DIVISION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFENSES THAT CONSTITUTE SUSPENSION

OR REMOVAL FROM THE JGA PROGRAM

Swearing or use of profane language

Throwing or tossing of golf equipment

Damaging golf course property; such as willfully taking a divot on a putting surface

Cheating of any kind

Hitting of golf balls in any area not designated for play

Deliberate hitting of golf balls into the preceding group

Unauthorized riding in a golf car

Gambling

Consumption of alcoholic beverages, use of illegal drugs and any type of tobacco products is prohibited

Playing Cards

Intentional violation of the USGA Rules of Golf or any JGA Rule, disobeying any order or failure to follow instructions from any JGA Official, or conduct, which in the estimation of the JGA Rules Committee, is construed to be detrimental to the best interest of the JGA Program.

Respect for Facilities and Golf Courses

Golfers and spectators are expected to treat the golf course and facilities with respect. Players are expected to rake bunkers, repair ball marks, replace divots, dispose of and pick up trash, etc. Any abuse of the facilities or course will result in the immediate disqualification and removal from the course and could be grounds for suspension from the JGA program. All players and spectators are encouraged to send letters to the course thanking them for their support.

MOVING UP IN DIVISION RULE

Boys Divisions:

Players returning for the 2011 season will begin play in the same division in which they finished playing in 2010, except for players moving up in division because of their finish in the JGA Championship. The tournament committee will assign new members to a division. New members will not be assigned to Boys Championship. New members' play will be monitored and division adjustments will be made accordingly.

The tournament winner, second place, and all second place ties will move up to the next division level. A playoff between players tied for 1st Place will be conducted to determine the first place winner. Ties for the second or third place trophy will be decided by a match of cards beginning with the last hole the division played, going back until a winner is determined.

Any player eligible to move up after the last weekly tournament of the season will have the option of staying in their current division for the JGA Championship or moving up. If they stay in their current division for the JGA Championship they will move up the following season to the division they obtained in the last weekly tournament of the season, regardless of their finish in the JGA Championship.

Players in the Boys Championship division must score 90 or below to remain in the Championship Division. All players must be competitive in their division to remain in that division. The Executive Director will make the decision on a player's ability to remain in their current division.

PLAYERS REQUESTING TO REMAIN IN A DIVISION, OR THOSE MOVED BACK TO A LOWER DIVISION FOR ANY REASON, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO WIN TROPHIES AND MUST WIN THEIR WAY BACK TO THE NEXT DIVISION LEVEL.

Girls Divisions:

Players returning for the 2011 season will begin play in the same division in which they finished playing in 2010, except for players moving up in division because of their finish in the JGA Championship. The tournament committee will assign new members to a division. New members will not be assigned to Girls Championship. New members' play will be monitored and division adjustments will be made accordingly.

A player must win in the same division two times before they can move up to the next division level. A playoff between players tied for 1st Place will be conducted to determine the first place winner. Ties for the second or third place trophy will be decided by a match of cards beginning with the last hole the division played, going back until a winner is determined. A player, who ties for first place but finishes second or third as the result of a playoff or match of cards, will be considered to have finished second or third for the purpose of moving up in division.

Any player eligible to move up after the last weekly tournament of the season will have the option of staying in their current division for the JGA Championship or moving up. If they stay in their current division for the JGA Championship they will move up next season to the division they obtained in the last weekly tournament of the season, regardless of their finish in the JGA Championship.

All players must be competitive in their division to remain in that division. Players must shoot 99 or better to remain in the Girls Championship Division. The Board of Directors will make the decision on a player's ability to remain in their current division. PLAYERS REQUESTING TO REMAIN IN A DIVISION OR THOSE MOVED BACK FOR ANY REASON ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO WIN TROPHIES BUT MAY WIN THEIR WAY BACK TO THE NEXT DIVISION LEVEL.

PLAYING & SPECTATOR RULES

1.  JGA events are played under USGA Rules of Golf and local rules specified in the JGA            Handbook or at the tournament.

2.  Spectators may rent golf carts at the discretion of the host facility. Cart rental and price         are controlled by the host facility, not by the JGA.

     The following rules govern the use of carts and are in addition to those of the host      facility:

   a. No player shall sit or ride in a golf cart unless authorized to do so by a JGA Official         except during a course evacuation.

   b. Carts must be operated in a safe manner at all times and must remain on the cart paths         and approved areas at ALL times.

   c. Carts may only move forward (from tee to green) except in the case of a course        evacuation.

        Avoid situations where the cart must be placed in reverse.    

   d. Carts must not move while competitors are playing a stroke.

    e. Carts are not to be driven near or onto the banks of the greens.

    f.  Only two (2) people are allowed to ride in a cart except during a course evacuation.         Under no circumstance is ANYONE to stand or ride on the back of a cart.

   g. Carts are to be returned to the cart area immediately upon returning to the clubhouse         area. They are not to be parked around the scoring area or left at the scoring area.

       People leaving carts outside of the cart return area will not be permitted to rent carts in         the future.

    h. Spectator carts will be used to assist with a course evacuation of all players and         spectators.

        If necessary, carts may leave the cart paths during a course evacuation.

    i. Spectators violating any of the above will be asked to leave the course immediately and         will not be allowed to rent carts at future events. Violators will not receive any form of         refund or credit on the cart rental.

 3.   The JGA Board of Directors want the tournaments to be enjoyable experiences for the         junior golfers and spectators, alike, so we ask that you help by adhering to the following         rules:

   a. Spectators must remain on the cart paths or in the rough (when cart paths are not

        available) at all times.

    b. Spectators are not permitted on the fairways with the players AND must keep at least         30 yards from all players, once play has begun.

   c. Spectators are expected to adhere to the JGA Code of Conduct, including the Dress         Code.

   d. Spectators are “observers” only and may not communicate in any manner with the         players during competition; interfere with any JGA Official performing their duties; or         interfere with the assigned scorekeepers.

   e. Spectators may assist in the search for a player’s ball in order to help speed play.

    f.  Positively no coaching or caddying is permitted.

    g. The penalty for a player receiving advice from a spectator is two (2) strokes and the         penalty is added to the score of the hole where the violation occurred [USGA Rules of         Golf:

        Rule 8.1]. A second violation of this rule will result in the player receiving an additional         two (2)-stroke penalty and the spectator being asked to leave the course.

    h. Spectators that violate any JGA Rule, such as the “30-yard rule”, subject the player to a         “non-golf” breach of the rules penalty. Players in violation of a JGA Rule (non-golf rule)         will be suspended and the player and spectators must leave the course [USGA 2010-11         Decisions on the Rules of Golf: Decision US 33-8/101]. Players suspended or         disqualified from a tournament for any reason are not eligible for the following         tournament. The offending spectators will not be allowed to attend another tournament         the remainder of the season.

NOTE: Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of both the spectator and the player, though it is the player who will receive the penalty.

A good rule of thumb is “ no conversations with the players once play has started other than words of encouragement”. This will help to avoid any appearance of providing assistance.

PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM SMOKING OR USING CELL PHONES ON THE GOLF COURSE DURING THE COMPETITION

4.  If a competitor is doubtful of his rights or the correct procedure during the play of a hole he may, without penalty, complete the hole with two balls. The competitor must announce his intentions to his marker (scorekeeper) or fellow-competitor that he intends to play two balls and which ball he wishes to count if the Rules permit. If he fails to do so, the provisions of Rule 3-3 (ii) apply. The competitor must report the facts of the situation to a JGA Rules Official at the scoreboard  prior to signing and submitting the scorecard. If he fails to do so, he is disqualified. (USGA Rules of Golf 3-3)

5.  The player whose ball is closest to the hole shall tend the flag stick for the other players. The first player to chip or putt the ball inside of the ball belonging to the person attending the flag stick, shall mark his or her ball, and will the tend the flag stick for the rest of the players. Continuous putting is optional, providing the player will not be standing in the line of a putt of a playing partner. Note: The flag stick may be placed just off the putting surface when all players do not require it. The first player to hole their ball shall pick up the flag stick and replace it carefully in the hole as soon as the last player has holed out. All players, scorekeepers and spectators are to leave the green immediately so as not to delay play.

6.  Players are to place their golf bag in a position towards the tee of the next hole of play, taking care as to not placing it on the putting surface of the green.

7.  On the putting green, the ball should be marked with a ball marker or small coin by placing behind the ball in a line to the pin. Do not use other objects such as a tee (USGA Rule # 20).

8.  Each player is responsible for placing an identifying mark on their ball in a way that allows it to be identified as theirs. If you cannot identify your ball as yours, it is considered a lost ball. (USGA Rule # 27)

9.   Players MUST confirm their score after each hole with the player keeping their scorecard. All the players in the playing group (and the scorekeeper if applicable) must be present when submitting the scorecards to the scoring table.

If you do not agree with your score, consult a JGA Official BEFORE signing and submitting your scorecard.

10. Parents are REQUIRED to assist the JGA, in a capacity to be determined by the JGA, two  times during the first seven tournaments, and one time during the Championship if you have  a child in the Championship. Parents assigned to score keeping are permitted to score for  their own children. Every effort will be made to assign parents completing the assisting  requirement on the date they selected on the signup form. Failure to assist the JGA as  required will result in the junior not being allowed to participate in the JGA Championship and  the 2011 program. Note: It may be necessary to ask you to assist more than twice and hope  you will be understanding.

11. All junior golfers must carry their own equipment, however, use of your own pull cart is  permitted if allowed by the host facility. Players using a pull cart agree, that in the event of  a course evacuation, to remove their bag from the cart and that the cart will be left on the  course. The cart may be retrieved by the player once it is safe to do so.

The JGA, its Officers, and Directors cannot be held responsible for missing or broken carts  left on the course.

NOTE: A notice will be placed in the "NOTES" section of the tournament Info on the BlueGolf  tournament page if a host facility will not allow pull carts.

12. Local Rule for every tournament: Practice of any stroke between holes is prohibited for reasons of safety and speed of play. Stones may be removed from bunkers (sand traps) if they present a safety hazard.

13. Local Rule for 3 & 5 hole divisions:

      a. A penalty of one stroke will be added to the score for a ball hit “out of bounds” or for a           “lost ball”. In both situations, a ball is to be dropped closest to where the ball crossed           the boundary line or where the ball is believed to be lost.

      b. The maximum number of strokes for a bunker (sand trap) is three strokes. After the           third attempt to get out of a bunker, the ball is to be placed to the left or right of the           bunker, whichever gives the player a clear shot. A one-stroke penalty is to be added to           the score on the hole for placing the ball.

     c.  The maximum number of balls hit into a water hazard by a player is three. After the           third ball is hit into the water, a ball is to be placed to the left or right side of the           hazard; whichever gives the player a clear shot. A one-stroke penalty is to be added to           the score on the hole for placing the ball.

     d. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STROKES PER HOLE for 3-Hole division is eight (8). This includes          penalty strokes.  

  14. LOCAL RULE for Girls 9 hole division: The MAXIMUM number of strokes to be taken on a         hole is twice par. The player MUST pick up their ball when they reach "twice par" and         their score is to be recorded as 6 x, 8 x, or 10 x.

  15. DISTANCE-MEASURING DEVICES: Local Rule for every tournament: For all play in a JGA         sponsored and conducted tournament, a player may obtain distance information by         using a device that measures distance only. However, if, during a stipulated round, a         player uses a distance-measuring device that is designed to gauge or measure other         conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient, wind-speed, temperature, etc.) the         player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification, regardless of         whether any such additional functions are actually used.The use of a distance-measuring         device that is capable of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play,         even if such a function is not used, is prohibited. For example, if a golfer uses a         distance-measuring device that also has a compass and factors in changes in elevation,         that golfer would be disqualified even if he or she uses the device solely for distance         information and does not use the compass or elevation-change information.

  16. LATE FOR STARTING TIME: Any player who is late reporting to the Starter of his or her         division will be penalized two strokes. The two-stroke penalty will be added to the         player’s score on the first hole. If the entire division has completed teeing off, the         player will be disqualified from the tournament.

 17. Note: Players disqualified from a tournament for any reason are not eligible for the         following tournament.

PACE OF PLAY

1. UNDUE DELAY: A player shall be subject to penalty if he/she unduly delays play. A standard rate of time for an eighteen hole round is 4 hours & 30 minutes (15 minutes per hole). The time you are to complete the play of a hole is marked on each scorecard. Any group that is out of position (more than 15 minutes behind the group ahead, and over the time allowed for their position on the course will receive a one-stroke penalty. There will not be any warning prior to the penalty. You are automatically on the clock when you tee off. Players must catch up and regain their proper position on the course. Players will not be transported to catch up.

SLOW PLAY TIMING PROCEDURES: Players will have 40 seconds to play their shot. It is reasonable for a player to have a few extra seconds for trouble shots. The player with the honor on the tee has an additional 10 seconds for preparation. Timing commences for the next player when the previous player has struck the ball. On the putting green, the 40 seconds commences when the player who putted either marks or holes his ball.

FIRST VIOLATION - Any player who exceeds 40 seconds when it is clearly their turn to play (50 seconds for the player with the honor) will be given a warning. 

SECOND VIOLATION -  One Stroke Penalty

THIRD VIOLATION - Disqualification

USE OF iPOD, MP3, CELL PHONE, ETC.  The use of the above items during play will result in the player being DISQUALIFIED.

DRESS CODE

Junior golfers and spectators are required to wear proper attire at all JGA tournaments.

Shirts with collars or golf designed mock turtle-neck shirts, provided they are allowed by the host course, are required to be worn by everyone at the tournament site and the shirttail must be tucked into the pant, short, or skirt. Exception: Ladies may wear a top that does not have a collar providing it is part of a coordinated golf outfit.

Note: Mock turtle neck shirts with the JGA logo conform to the type of mock turtle neck shirts permitted.

GARMENTS THAT ARE NOT PERMISSIBLE

●    Short Shorts and Running Shorts

●    Bicycle Shorts and Exercise Shorts

●    Jeans and Denim Products

●    See-through clothing without proper undergarments

●    Tube Tops, Tank Tops, and Crop Tops

●    Clothing with words, phrases, symbols, pictures, which are obscene, profane, drug or       alcohol related

●    Playing members must wear proper golf footwear. Flat sole sneakers are permitted. Golf       shoes must have non- metal spikes

●    Hats must be worn with the bill facing forward

FOOD

All food and beverages are to be purchased from the host club. Food purchased outside the club is not to be consumed at the host club.

Any Member, Parent, or Spectator who does not abide by these rules will be asked to leave the golf course property immediately.

Continued violations will result in dismissal from the JGA program and subject to the review of the Board of Directors. No refunds will be given for anyone dismissed from the program.

EMERGENCY WEATHER PROCEDURE

When potentially dangerous weather is in the area a horn will sound one long blast. All players are required to immediately mark the position of their ball [it is suggested a golf tee be used] and seek the nearest shelter from the threatening conditions.

When it is determined the conditions no longer exist and play is to resume, a horn will sound two short blasts.  Players are to proceed to the previously marked ball position, replace their ball, and continue play.

The JGA uses a lightning detection service to monitor dangerous weather conditions. There are times when lightning is in the area but may not be visible to the eye. Once play has been suspended, seek shelter immediately; JGA volunteers and spectators will then be transported as possible.

Once play has been suspended, ALL PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS ARE TO REMAIN INSIDE THE SHELTERED AREAS.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE PLAYERS TO USE ANY OF THE PRACTICE FACILITIES.  [DRIVING RANGE OR PUTTING GREEN]

Violation of this rule: Disqualification

Note: Players disqualified from a tournament for any reason are not eligible for the following tournament.

If an event cannot be completed, the Committee will decide the number of holes played in each flight that will determine finishes and awards.

PLAY IT SAFE !

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Diamond Scholarship Awards are presented to graduating senior players and are based on their high school grade point average. The McKinney Scholarship is a 4-year scholarship. Junior golfers desiring to be a candidate for a scholarship must be a graduating senior from high school in the current year and submit the following documentation to the Executive Director by July 1, 2011.

●   Letter requesting a scholarship

●   Copy of final High School report card

●   Copy of letter of acceptance as a full time student from a college or university

●   Record of community service hours performed

●   A one-page letter describing how being a member of the JGA has affected your life.

●   Applicant must have played in three (3) tournaments each year during high school years.

   Grades (9-12) Exceptions must be approved by the Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors in determining the amount of each individual scholarship may also     consider the following.

●   Number of years as a JGA member

●   Number of tournaments played during high school years

●   Assistance offered to the JGA

●   Number of “Thank you” notes written to the courses

●   Class graduating rank

●   Compliance with the rules of the JGA

To be eligible for a scholarship the individual must be an active member of the Junior Golf Association of Broward County, Inc. during the current program year.

Note: The JGA scholarships are awarded in compliance with the NCAA Division I and Division II Guidelines. Checks are mailed directly to the college or university for credit to the recipient’s account.

Tri-County Jr. Golf Associations Championship

A competition among the Junior Golf Associations of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach Counties will be conducted in July with an awards banquet following the completion of play. Thirty players, six players in each age group except for three players in the 11 & under, will represent their Association. Play is in threesomes with one player from each Association. The player with the lowest score in the threesome wins 3 points; the second lowest score wins 2 points, and the third player wins 1 point. In case of ties, the points are divided. The Association with the most points is the Tri-County Champion.

Boys 16 – 18                           Boys 14 – 15               Boys 12 – 13

Girls 12 – 18                            Boys 11 & Under         Girls 11 & Under

The team to represent the JGA of Broward County will be by invitation. Since age groups used for this event and not the divisions used by the JGA, consideration will be given to the scores of players in the above age groups, regardless of their JGA division. In the event a player who is extended an invitation is unable to compete, another player will be extended an invitation to play. The Board of Directors will make the determination of player invitations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARLIE PIFER TRI-COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP