KGA Code of Conduct (Rule 1.2b)

The Spirit of the Game: Golf is played, for the most part, without the immediate supervision of a referee or umpire.  The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. All players are to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.  

 

Golf is a sport that is about family.  The atmosphere surrounding the competition must be such that it is comfortable, safe, and inoffensive to the host club, all competitors, and spectators of all ages.

 

Warning: The authority of the Tournament Committee (Committee) to disqualify a player is not limited to the list of misconducts identified in this code. In the event of an egregious violation of any provision of this code, the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification upon a first offense. Violation of this code should be reported to the Committee either through the rules telephone hotline or by directly communicating with a rules official. A player witnessing a potential violation should not attempt to deal with that potential violation individually.

 

1. Language – The use of profanity is not in the spirit of the game and is not acceptable.                                                                                                                
2. Damage to Course or Equipment - Willful and unnecessary damage to the course or course equipment, whether out of anger or not.

           The Committee reserves the right to either implement the general penalty or to DQ the player based on their review of the offense.

 

3. Club Throwing - Throwing clubs (not an underhand toss back to the bag or out of a bunker) or other objects out of anger. 
     1st offense - WARNING, 1st offense after warning – 1 penalty stroke,

              2rd offense – general penalty, 3rd offense – DQ        
            If however, the club/object thrown out of anger injures anyone or if it was intentionally thrown at anyone, even if they were missed, the penalty is DQ. 

 

4. Player Interaction - If a player continues to willfully distract other players after they have been told their actions are distracting and were requested to stop the activity. Any verbal outburst at another player or person is a violation of this code.                                            
     1st offense – WARNING, 1st offense after warning - 1 penalty stroke,
     2nd offense – general penalty, 3rd offense – DQ

 

5. Interference - If a player willfully interferes with another player’s rights under the rules. 

             1st offense – WARNING, 1st offense after warning - 1 penalty stroke,

             2nd offense – general penalty, 3rd offense – DQ

 

6. Player Behavior - If a player’s behavior appears to be a risk to themselves or others on the course, or if it appears his or her abilities are diminished such that their play will detract from the quality of the competition, the Committee may  request the player withdraw from the competition, or the Committee may disqualify the player. 

 

More examples of misconduct may be found under the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 1.2a/1 Interpretations.  These lists are not all inclusive of misconduct for which the Committee can disqualify a player.

 

The Kentucky Golf Association reserves the right to refuse entry into any number of future competitions by any player that has been disqualified for violation of this Code of Conduct.