Policies

The following are the policies and procedures have been established by the Illinois Junior Golf Association [Mid-American Junior Golf Tour], which will be referred to as the “Association” for the purpose of these policies, and apply to all Association members and spectators. Be aware that a policy may indicate exceptions between membership category, division or event format.

SHORTCUTS:

The following are the policies and procedures have been established by the Illinois Junior Golf Association [Mid-American Junior Golf Tour], which will be referred to as the “Association” for the purpose of these policies, and apply to all Association members and spectators. Be aware that a policy may indicate exceptions between membership category, division or event format.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Violations of Code of Conduct
Any of the following actions by an Association member at an Association event (sanctioned or unsanctioned), or toward another member anywhere, constitutes a violations of the Association Code of Conduct.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language, cheating, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers, officials or fellow competitors, or abuse of golf course property
• Not adhering to the dress code or host facility dress code
• Use or association with drugs or alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco products
• Conduct not becoming of an Association player, such as acting in anger or creating other distractions
• Physical abuse, threat of physical abuse or verbal abuse, slander or libel toward other players, parents, coaches, sponsors, host golf course staff or members, Association staff or volunteers in any medium

Reporting Violations
Code of Conduct violations must be either witnessed first-hand by a member of the Association Staff, or reported by a member of an event’s active field in a timely manner for the alleged violation to be investigated by staff.

The Association recommends that all Code of Conduct violations be addressed in the scoring area immediately following play, with all members of the participating group present. This allows staff to gather facts surrounding the potential violation immediately and makes it possible for the on-site staff to address all concerned parties to expedite the disciplinary process, if warranted.

Violations witnessed by parents or spectators may be reported to the Division Director (YDP, Playing Member, or MAJGT) in person, via phone or e-mail.

Code of Conduct violation reports provided by parents or spectators will be weighed and the member’s future actions tracked by staff, however, only those infractions witnessed first-hand by an on-site staff member reported by a member of the active field will be cause for immediate disciplinary action.

Code of Conduct Violation Penalties
Competitors taking any action listed as prohibited in the Code of Conduct are subject to any or all of the following*:

• One or more verbal or written warnings
• Disqualification and/or immediate removal from the event and facility as deemed appropriate by staff
• Suspension from Association participation.

*Please note that the aforementioned list is NOT presented as a progressive discipline model. Major breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in immediate disqualification or suspension without a preceding warning or penalty.

Warnings, penalties, disqualification and removal from event are disciplinary actions that may be imposed by on-site staff due to a breach of the Code of Conduct at any Association activity.

If further disciplinary action is warranted:

• A written report of the violation will be created by the Manager/Director of the division in which the alleged violation took place and forwarded to the Association Executive Director and Executive Committee for review. The report will include an account of the violation, any other violations to date, all other pertinent information, along with a recommendation from the Director to the Committee on that member’s future status.
• The Executive Committee will have ten (10) days from the date of the report to decide on the status of that member. The member will then receive a copy of the Director’s report, along with written notice of the Committee’s decision.
• In the event of a suspension, the player will have the option to submit a written appeal of the Code of Conduct violation to the Association Executive Committee. This appeal must be received by the Association within ten (10) days of notification of suspension.
• Membership will remain suspended until the member completes all steps outlined within the reinstatement policy.

In order for a suspended member to be reinstated that individual must submit a written request for reinstatement and/or appeal to the Association Executive Director and Executive Committee within ten (10) days of notification of suspension. At that time:

• The Executive Committee will have ten (10) days from the date of the submission to consider any additional information provided by the member as it relates to their potential reinstatement. The member will receive written notice of the Committee’s decision.
• All decisions made by the Executive Committee shall be final. A player may only request reinstatement once during the calendar year of the suspension. Additional requests may be considered in conjunction with future year’s application for Association membership.
• A reinstated player committing any additional violation of the Code of Conduct will be automatically suspended for the duration of the current Association season and may be suspended indefinitely.
• Violation of the Association Code of Conduct may affect a player’s eligibility for championships and postseason honors.

COMMUNICATION & COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Association staff receives hundreds of calls and emails every week from our 2000+ members and family members. The Association requests that personal cell phone numbers of staff members never be used when staff contact is necessary.

Each Association staff member has an individual voicemail box that can be accessed in the Association offices or when the staff is on-site at an event. For a list of direct lines of staff members, CLICK HERE or call the main line at (630) 257-9806.

Any communication (phone calls, voicemail message or text message) to a personal cell phone of an Association staff member will not be considered. All messages/emails left for Association staff at the office will be returned. Because of the volume of calls and emails the Association receives daily, please allow up to 24 business hours to receive a response to emails or voicemail messages.

If you should require immediate assistance, please dial the Association offices at (630) 257-9806 between the normal business hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
The use of mobile telephones, personal music systems and the like are prohibited for use by participants in Association sanctioned event, except when calling the phone number on the scorecard for a ruling. Smart phones containing applications needed for medical purposes ONLY are permitted for use if a player or their parent notifies Association staff prior to the start of an event, and the use of the device is approved. Smart phones must also be silenced or put on vibrate for the duration of a player’s round. Watches with communications capabilities, such as the iWatch, are not permitted during play. ANY participant found using prohibited devices during their stipulated round, without prior Association consent, will be DISQUALIFIED.

DISCONTINUANCE OF PLAY

Players have the right to stop play if they think lightning threatens them, even though the Committee may not have specifically authorized it by a signal. The attention of all competitors in Association events is called to Rule 5.7 (Stopping Play; Resuming Play).

• Immediate Suspension (Such as When there is Imminent Danger): If the Committee declares an immediate suspension of play, all players must stop play at once and must not make another stroke until the Committee resumes play. (Rule 5.7b(1))
• Normal Suspension (Such as for Darkness or Unplayable Course): If all players in the group are between two holes, they must stop play and must not make a stroke to begin another hole until the Committee resumes play. If any player in the group has started a hole, the players may choose either to stop play or to play out the hole. If they choose to play out the hole, players must not make a stroke to begin another hole until the Committee resumes play. (Rule 5.7b(2))

Penalty for breaches of the Rule stated above: DISQUALIFICATION

Once play is suspended, players should mark their ball and seek the nearest shelter area! All practice areas (putting green, practice range, etc.) shall be closed during suspension for a dangerous situation until the Committee has declared them open for use.

The following signals will be used:

• Discontinue play for a dangerous situation: One prolonged note of siren/horn.
• All other types of suspensions: Three consecutive notes of siren/horn, repeated.
• Resume play: Three short notes of siren/horn, repeated.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES

For all Association competitions, a player may obtain distance information by use of a distance-measuring device (Rangefinder, GPS device, Skycaddie, Garmin Watch, etc.) If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distance-measuring device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., elevation changes, wind speed, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 4.3. Penalty for first breach of Rules is two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play, and any subsequent breach would result in a disqualification.

EXCEPTION: The use of a communication device (phone) that is prohibited by the Association Electronic Device policy. These devices will remain prohibited in all competitions.

DRESS CODE POLICY

Proper attire is required at all times at Association events. Failure to comply may result in penalty or disqualification. Each host facility may have additional rules and dress code requirements that must be adhered to by all members and spectators. Proper attire MAY include collared shirts, mock turtlenecks (host golf course permitting) or other select tops made by major golf brand manufacturers, slacks, shorts, golf or tennis shoes, caps and visors. Should a golf course have a stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence.

The dress code prohibits denim, short shorts, cut-offs, swimsuits, sandals, clothing containing offensive slogans, language or pictures, clothing describing or advertising alcohol, tobacco, or other drug references. The Association suggests participants present themselves in a positive manner while participating in events by wearing hats with the brim forward and tucking in all shirts.

The Association has discretion to deem attire inappropriate at any time while administering events. If participants or spectators arrive at the course and have questions regarding their attire, please find a member of the Association staff to determine if your attire is acceptable.

ELIGIBILITY

Playing Member Division
Playing Member Division event entries are open to amateur golfers ages 14 to 18. For events taking place between April 1 – August 15, the member’s age as of August 15 of the current year will determine which division they compete in. For events taking place between August 16 – October 31, the member’s age as of the final day of the event date will determine which division they compete in.

An 18 year old who turn 19 during the summer may apply for membership and compete in events up to their 19th birthday.

Please reference the event specific tournament information page for exact eligibility requirements.

YDP Division
YDP Division event entries are open to amateur golfers ages 8 to 13. For events taking place between April 1 – August 15, the member’s age as of August 15 of the current year will determine which division they compete in. For events taking place between August 16 – October 31, the member’s age as of the final day of the event date will determine which division they compete in.

A 13 year old who will be a freshman in High School has the option to move up from the Youth Development Program to the Playing Member Division. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you must contact the IJGA office at (630) 257-9806. Once you decide to play up into the Playing Member division, you must stay in that division for the entire season and you forfeit your qualification into any future YDP regular season events or the end of the year Player of the Year Championship. You will not be permitted to be a member of both the YDP and Playing Member divisions in the same regular season, however you will still be permitted to play in the Junior Elite events.

Please reference the event specific tournament information page for exact eligibility requirements.

MAJGT
MAJGT event entries are open to amateur junior golfers, ages 12 to 18 as of August 15 of the current year.

An 18 year old who turns 19 during the season may apply for membership and compete in events up to their 19th birthday. This policy applies as long as that birthday is after the final round of the event in question. Membership is not required to participate in MAJGT events, however non-members may only compete in one (1) event before membership is require­­d.

Please reference the event specific tournament information page for exact eligibility requirements.

COLLEGE DIVISION
MAJGT Women’s College Division is open to female golfers ages 19 to 22. Players who have graduated from High School and are still 18 will have the choice to compete in either the College Division or Junior Division, however they must remain in the division for the entire season. Field sizes will be based on the primary field – the junior tournament field size – and may fluctuate on an individual tournament basis. All College Division tournament registrations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Upon signing up for a tournament, all players will be placed in a ‘Player Pending Eligibility Approval’ queue.

**Field sizes may change prior to tournament, if additional space becomes available. **

NON-MEMBER POLICY

A player who has not registered for Basic Plus Membership or Elite Membership and desires to participate in any MAJGT event is considered a non-member. Please note that as a Basic Plus member, you have access to one (1) event at the member price and then you will be considered a non-member of the MAJGT. Non-members are subject to an additional $50 fee for one (1) tournament. If a player wants to play as a non-member they may do so through the Tournament Information Page.

Players may only play in one (1) event as a non-member.

If a player wishes to play in subsequent events, the additional non-member tournament fee will be applied to membership costs.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial Assistance is available and requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Association offices for more information and fill out THIS FORM.

ON-SITE CHECK-IN

CHECKING IN

• As a courtesy to fellow competitors, and to assure that events run as smoothly as possible, all players are requested to check-in at the Driving Range upon arrival to the course. If no Driving Range is available, please check-in at the Practice Putting Green.

WARMING UP PRIOR TO ROUND

• Players will be allowed to begin warming up one hour prior to their tee time.
• Players shall make every reasonable effort to arrive no more than 1 hour before their scheduled tee time.
  • Players are allowed on the driving range from 1 hour to 20 minutes before their scheduled tee time.
  • Players are allowed on the practice putting green from 20 minutes to 10 minutes before their scheduled tee time.

PACE OF PLAY

Rule 5.6 of the Rules of Golf states: “You must not unreasonably delay play, either when playing a hole or between two holes.” A penalty may be assessed for unreasonably delaying play at any point during the round.

The Association does not wish to apply penalties for undue delay. However, we insist that, in the interest of all, the pace of play be reasonable. We believe that it would be unreasonable for a group of four (4) players to take more than 15 minutes, on average, per hole (4 hours and 30 minutes for the round, maximum) to play.

The first group to start will be subject to being timed (SBT) if, at any point in the round, the group is taking more than:

• 13 minutes to complete a par 3
• 15 minutes to complete a par 4
• 17 minutes to complete a par 5

Any following group will be SBT if it falls out of position AND is behind time par. Time par is the cumulative total time it should take to complete a hole, or any number of holes. For example, a group starting on a par-4 hole at 8:00 should complete that hole by 8:15. If that group finishes at 8:13, they are ahead of time par. If they finish at 8:16, they are SBT.

A group is deemed out of position when they arrive to the teeing area and the group in front of them:

• Par 3 – Has cleared the teeing area of the next hole
• Par 4 – Has cleared the putting green of the hole being played
• Par 5 – Is on the putting green of the hole being played

Any group that falls out of position and behind time par will be alerted to the fact and requested to play at a faster pace. At that point they will be SBT. Timing will begin immediately. Once a player has been given a fair amount of time to reach his/her ball and select a club, and it his his/her turn to play without interference from another person or ball, he/she is allowed 40 seconds to execute the next stroke. This includes any time taken in determining yardage, club selection or the method of making a stroke.

Note: On the putting green, the timing will begin after the competitor has been allowed a reasonable amount of time to lift and clean his ball, repair his ball mark and remove loose impediments on the line of putt.

Note: An extra 10 seconds will be allowed for:

• The first player to play a stroke on a hole
• The first player to play a second stroke on a par-4 or par-5
• The first player to play a third stroke on a par-5 hole (provided it is not played from on or around the putting green)
• The first player to play on or around the putting green

After a group has been alerted that they are SBT, these penalties will apply for subsequent offenses:

• First Offense – Warning;
• Second Offense – One Stroke Penalty;
• Third Offense – Two Stroke Penalty;
• For subsequent offense – Disqualification

The group will remain SBT until it is under the allotted time par, is no longer out of position, or is informed by a rules official that it is no longer SBT. The group is expected to play at a pace that will either regain its position OR bring the group under the allotted time to play. In stroke play only, players are encouraged to play ready golf.

Note: Unreasonable delay may occur between strokes. Accordingly, a competitor will be subject to penalty under Rule 5.6, even if he plays each of his strokes in less than the time allowed.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS

YDP Division
CLICK HERE to view the YDP Player of the Year Points Tables

YDP Player of the Year points are only awarded to the Boys and Girls 10-13 year old divisions for the regular season. The regular season points structure is designed to award points relative to the field size of the event. Points will be awarded for Junior Elite events, YDP Season Opener, YDP Sizzler, 18-hole events and 9-hole events throughout the regular season. These points will follow the same scaled system based on the number of competitors signed up in each division. Players must participate in a minimum of three (3) point awarding events to be eligible to qualify for the Player of the Year Championship (Excludes DCJC, Parent/Juniors, and ISJA and CEJA Qualifiers).

The top 45 boys 12-13, top 24 girls 12-13, top 12 boys 10-11, and top 9 girls 10-11 from the season long points race will be invited to the IJGA YDP Player of the Year Championship.

Events will be counted for minimum requirements and/or point races for both the 12-13 and 10-11 POY Championships through the last event prior to the Player of the Year Championship.

**Special exemptions will be made to these criteria if the IJGA staff and/or YDP Tournament Committee deem it necessary to increase the quantity or quality of the field**

Playing Member Division
CLICK HERE to view the Playing Member Player of the Year Points Table

The Player of the Year Championship is an invitation only event and is based upon the current year’s Player of the Year Point Lists. Please see the Tournament Information Page for the points deadline.

The top 12 Senior Boys, top 12 Junior Boys, top 9 Senior Girls and the top 6 Junior Girls from the season long points race will be invited to the IJGA Playing Member Player of the Year Championship.

The regular season points structure is designed to award points relative to the field size of the event. The amount of points allocated for each event will vary based on a number of factors, including the number of competitors that are signed up in a division, the number of event days and the strength of the anticipated field.

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible for the Player of the Year (POY) Championship, players must play in three (3) sanctioned point awarding events prior to the POY Championship. (Qualifiers, Medinah Country Shrine Jr Invitational and DuPage County Junior Classic events are not POY point awarding events.)

Mid-American Junior Golf Tour
Points awarded for the MAJGT events will be added to the YDP and PM Player of the Year Points Race. Please check the points table for the Division your points would be awarded to.

POWERED GOLF CARTS, CADDIES, POWERED PUSH CARTS, & MOTORIZED CARTS (PARTICIPANTS ONLY)

Players shall not use powered golf carts during Association events. No caddies will be allowed; pull carts are permissible, if not prohibited by the host course. Motorized or electric powered push carts will not be allowed at any Association sanctioned event.

The Association will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any request to use a cart in Association sanctioned events due to a member’s or player’s claimed disability. For the Association to properly evaluate such requests, it is necessary to submit medical documentation setting forth the exact nature of the disability and how that disability prevents such player from walking during a stipulated round. In addition, players will have to submit information sufficient to enable the Association to determine that providing a cart would not provide a player with an advantage over other players. Each person seeking to use a golf cart due to a disability under the ADA must complete and submit to the Association the form entitled IJGA/MAJGT Player ADA Cart Request Form.

Applicants seeking to use a golf cart in more than one Association event over the course of the season must submit each request individually in writing prior to the Closing Date of each event. The Association will evaluate the medical information previously submitted on the person’s behalf during the current Season, provided it is current as of the relevant submission and was otherwise submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined above.

Please note that requests due to “temporary” injuries or impairments that do not qualify as a “disability” under the ADA will not be granted. A disability protected by the ADA is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual.” 42 U.S.C.S. §12102 (2001).

See Spectator Policy and Guidelines section of these policies for rules on spectator cart use.

PRACTICE ROUNDS

Practice rounds must be arranged with the host facility before the day of the event and are NOT included in any entry fees. All practice rounds are at the player’s expense and the discretion of the host facility. Information regarding practice rounds will be available in the online Tournament Information Pages.

PRIVACY

The Association collects personal information from its members, parents, alumni and visitors to our website through membership applications, tournament entries and online applications for information that allow us to communicate with each of these groups.

The Association encourages parents to monitor and take an active role in their children’s online activity. No information should be submitted, posted or provided to the Association by guests under the age of 18 without the consent of their parent or guardian.

It is the policy of the Association to NEVER PROVIDE any personal, financial or identifying information collected by the Association to any third-party, with the exception of the Chicago District Golf Association, only for purposes of acquiring and maintaining a complimentary USGA Handicap Index, receiving bi-monthly e-revision email updates and a complimentary digital subscription to the Chicago District Golfer Magazine for our junior members that reside in Illinois.

PUBLICITY, BROADCASTING & MEDIA COVERAGE

The Association may arrange for media coverage and publicity for all of our sanctioned tournaments. By their application, each entrant consents to references to themselves and their play in such publicity. The cooperation of ALL players with authorized representatives of the media is required.

REFUND POLICY

Membership
All IJGA/MAJGT membership levels are non-refundable.

Event Cancellations & Refunds – Before Closing Date
ALL tournament cancellations, whether processed by staff over the phone or online by the member family, if processed prior to the event’s closing date, will be processed as future Tournament CREDITS minus a 15% administration fee.

The closing date for MOST events is one week (7 days) prior to the day of the event. There are some exceptions. Please see the specific Tournament Information Page for each individual event’s registration deadline.

We do not allow transferring of tournament registrations. If you wish to play in a different event, you must first cancel the event you are currently registered for to receive credit, minus the 15% administration fee, and then register for the event you wish to be in.

Event Cancellations & Refunds – After Closing Date
No entry fees will be considered for or eligible for a credit OR refund after the closing date unless a refund request form with supporting documentation (i.e. medical or family emergency, family hardship, scheduling conflict, player has qualified for a higher-level junior golf event, etc.) has been submitted to the Association within seven (7) business days following the event date that the refund is being requested for.

Again, cancellations processed after an event’s closing date, if approved, will be processed as future IJGA/MAJGT Tournament CREDITS with a 15% administration fee.

Unused credits at the end of the current season will roll over to the following and may only be refunded (via check) in the following scenarios. (In both scenarios, the member MUST REQUEST a refund check be issued)

• The member will reach their 19th birthday prior to August 15 of the current year.
• The IJGA member family will move out of the state of Illinois prior to August 15 of the current year.

Refund (via check) requests, if approved, are still subject to the 15% administration fee. If a refund request is approved, the refund will be remitted by check to the member family after August 15 of the current year but prior to October 31 of the current year.

PLEASE NOTE: Once a player has begun play of a tournament, the player is not eligible for a refund regardless of circumstances.

Should severe weather, frost, or other circumstances beyond the control of the Association or a host facility result in closure of the facility before or during a tournament; the following procedure will be used:

• The Association will remit a credit to event participants in the case that an event cannot be completed due to severe weather. The amount of the credit remitted shall be based on the associated costs of the administration of the event in question.
• The Association defines an event as completed when the same 50% of the holes of golf have been completed by all participants in a particular age/gender division (The same 5 holes of a 9 hole event; 9 holes of an 18-hole event; 18 holes of a 36-hole event; and 27 holes of a 54 hole event).

Individuals representing the host facility and/or the Association have the authority to cancel or delay events due to weather conditions prior to the completion of the event by all participants.

The safety of our members is our number one priority!

Credit eligibility will be determined by the Tournament Committee.

Credit Donations
For members who have been an inactive IJGA and/or MAJGT member for one full tournament season or more, any remaining credit on their Player’s Club account will be donated to the Association. If you are too old to participate in Association sanctioned events or are planning on not continuing as a member the following tournament season, you must request a check for the remaining credit in your Player’s Club account by emailing Debbie Jacobson (djacobson@ijga.org) by the end of the following season. For example, if you were a member in 2021, but don’t plan to join any level of membership in 2022, you need to request a check be issued with your remaining credit balance by October 31, 2022.

RULES

Play will be governed by the Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association, R&A and the Rules and Regulations of the Association as detailed in the Policies section on the Association website. All questions shall be settled by the onsite Tournament Committee, whose decision is final.

Each year members will receive a complimentary copy of the current Rules of Golf as part of the membership packet; members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Rules and carry the Rules booklet in their golf bags at all times. Ignorance of the Rules is no excuse for breaking them. If you have any questions on the Rules, contact the USGA, your local PGA Golf Professional, or the Association office for assistance.

SCORING

The following procedures must be adhered to in all Association competitions conducted:

• The Starter will distribute an official tournament scorecard to all competitors
• Competitors will exchange scorecards with fellow competitors in the pairing
• Begin keeping score on the hole where you begin play
• Keep up with the number of strokes of the player whose score you are keeping, as well as your own on the tear off section of the scorecard
• Verify his/her score verbally at the completion of each hole before it is written down
• Record his/her score, and your own score, in the proper places on the official IJGA scorecard
• The Association recommends that each participant records scores for every fellow competitor in his/her group, even if you are not the official marker for that competitor, as it helps with questions and confusion in the scoring area
• Make sure all scores are correct, legible, and the card has been signed by both the player and the scorer
• In stroke play, scorecards must be signed and attested in the official scoring area immediately and witnessed by a Tournament Official.

When all scores have been posted on the official scoreboard and approved by the Committee, the results of the competition shall be deemed to have been announced and the competition officially closed. Scores are official when a player leaves the designated scoring area of each individual event.

Awards
If a player, for any reason, leaves an award on-site, it is the player’s responsibility to pick up the award from the Association Offices at the end of the season. No awards will be brought to future tournaments.

Deciding Ties
In the event of a tie for first place in any multi-round Association event, a hole-by-hole, sudden death playoff will be conducted until one player wins. Ties other than for first place will be broken by matching scorecards*, as recommended by the USGA Rules of Golf.

In the event of a tie for first place in any single-round Association event (see below for exceptions), the tie will be broken by matching scorecards*, as recommended by the USGA Rules of Golf.

Player of the Year points for all ties broken (other than for first place) will be shared and split evenly, regardless of who wins the scorecard playoff. In the event that a player tied for first place is not present at/before the on-course playoff, matching scorecards* will be the method used to determine the finishing positions, for trophy awarding purposes only. If this is the case, Player of the Year points will be shared and split evenly and all players will be displayed as T1 on the leaderboard.

Exceptions

Championship Qualifiers (ISJA & CEJA): Ties for qualifying spots and alternate positions will be decided by an ON-COURSE PLAYOFF. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE FACILITY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE IN A TIE FOR ONE OF THESE POSITIONS. If you leave, your spot in the playoff will be forfeited.

Other Qualifiers (Illinois Jr.PGA Championship & Notah Begay III): Ties for qualifying spots and alternate positions will be decided by an ON-COURSE PLAYOFF. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE FACILITY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE IN A TIE FOR ONE OF THESE POSITIONS. If you leave, your spot in the playoff will be forfeited.

*Matching Scorecards:

For 18-hole Events: This procedure will first consider the best score for the back nine holes (this nine will be holes 10-18 of the course played). If the tying players have the same score for the last nine, the winner will be determined on the basis of the last six holes (13-18), the last three holes (16-18), and finally the 18th hole. Should the tie still remain undecided thereafter, a hole-by hole count-back from the 18th hole shall be used to determine the winner. If all 18-hole scores are identical then duplicate prizes will be awarded.

For 9-hole Events: The matching of scorecards will begin on the last 6 holes and will be continued from there with the last 3 holes followed by the 9^th hole and so on.

For multi-round events (36 or 54 Holes): The final round 18-hole total will be used to break a tie for second or third place. If the final round totals are the same, then the procedure for breaking ties in 18-hole events will be used, applying that method to the final round of the event.

IN ALL cases of breaking ties by matching scorecards, ALL points will be split evenly and ties will remain on the scoreboards. Breaking the tie is only for the purpose of awarding the trophies.

Score Spot Checking
Spot checking may occur throughout each and every event in the association, subject to staff availability. It is the goal of the tournament staff to record the score of each individual player in randomly selected groups for one or more holes. If a dispute over a participant’s score arises either on the golf course or in the scoring area and the group cannot come to an agreement, the staff member that observed that group on that hole, will go over his/her shot-by-shot recording of the hole(s) in question. This information will be used only when a score is brought into question and decisions on enforcement of this policy and subsequent penalties will be left up to the USGA Rules of Golf and Association staff.

Spot checking will also be implemented when a staff member is suspicious or has been alerted of a suspected incident of cheating. The player in question will be spot checked at the next possible opportunity, whether it takes place during that event or the player’s next registered event.

The Association staff, both full-time and seasonal, will be solely responsible for enforcing this policy.

The Association does not guarantee the ability to have every hole of every player recorded. Spot checking is just one of the many responsibilities assigned to on-site staff and on-site tournament coordinators. The safety of Association members is the highest priority of the staff and will always be addressed before any other matter on the golf course. This policy is intended to make our members and their parents aware that we are addressing the concerns of the integrity of the game as practically as we can.

SOLICITATION POLICY

Association events are intended to provide an atmosphere conducive to education, camaraderie and competition. The Association maintains a policy that prohibits active or passive solicitation of its host facility employees, spectators, staff and/or participants before, during, or after events. From time to time, Association sponsors and partners will be identified that may provide attendees with information regarding a particular product or service. These provisions are approved only for the intended events the sponsor/partner has contractually been given access to.

SPECTATORS

In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as the Rules that govern play. It is appropriate for parents and spectators to applaud successful strokes, but in order to secure the spirit of the game, we ask parents, coaches and ALL spectators to please adhere to the following guidelines. The Association requires all 8-9 year olds to have a chaperone in order to participate in Association events.

If any of the following guidelines are perceived as broken by a tournament official, the player may be subject to penalty.

The USGA deems Advice (Rule 10.2) as any verbal counsel or action that is intended to influence a player in choosing a club, making a stroke, or deciding how to play during a hole or round. In addition, any conversation between player/spectator may be construed as advice. This includes any conversation between player/spectator in their native language. In either instance, penalty for breach of this rule is two strokes. Players are responsible for the actions of their relatives and spectators in regards to this rule.

In addition to the USGA definition of Advice, for which a player may be penalized, the Association has a set of activities that spectators may not participate in. Breach of the following by a spectator may result in the spectator being immediately removed from an event, and prohibited from spectating in the future:

• Spectators attend Association events at their own risk.
• Spectators should stay on cart paths. In the absence of cart paths, we ask that spectators stay in the rough. Please stay off fairways, tees and greens.
• Spectators should stay one shot ahead of the group they are following. This allows spectators to follow errant shots and help identify where the ball comes to rest. Spectators are allowed to assist in the search for lost golf balls.
• Spectators may not give rulings. Please seek an Association rules official if the need arises. If a rules official is not nearby and a player is in doubt to a rules situation or has doubt as to procedure, the player may play a second ball under USGA Rule 20.c(3).
• Spectators are allowed to carry medicine, drinks, food, umbrellas, etc.
• Please turn off all cell phones while on the course at an event. Spectators should proceed to the clubhouse area to conduct any personal phone call.
• The tournament staff may assess a penalty on the parent or player based on the severity of the violation of spectator guidelines and/or if advice is deemed to have been given. If a serious breach has occurred, the spectator may be asked to leave the facility or the spectator may not be permitted to attend another Association event.
• For your personal safety, we ask spectators to exercise caution at all times. When inclement weather moves into the area, the tournament staff will suspend play by sounding air horns/sirens. Accordingly, you should seek permanent shelter immediately. The tournament staff will evacuate players from the course first, and then spectators.
• Spectators must adhere to the Association’s, as well as the host facility’s, Dress Code Policy.

Please remember that spectating is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT.

Enforcement of the Spectator Policy will be implemented as follows:

• 1st warning – A verbal warning will be given to any spectator deemed to have violated the Spectator Policy.
• 2nd Warning – A Spectator Guidelines Warning Card will be issued to any spectator deemed to have violated the Spectator Policy.
• Final Warning – The spectator will be asked to leave the golf course.

For a serious breach of the spectator policy, decisions on immediate removal of the spectator and future suspension will be left to the discretion of the Association staff.

Chaperone Required for 8-9 Year Olds
The IJGA requires ALL 8-9 year old participants to have a chaperone accompany them at all times throughout their rounds in both 9 and 18 hole competitions.

In each group, one chaperone will be a designated “marker” and will be responsible for keeping hole-by-hole scores for each competitor in the assigned group. While there will be one official, assigned marker, all other chaperones in the group to be involved in the scoring process, and facilitating the junior golfers’ navigation of the golf course.

Chaperones must…

• Be over 14 years of age.
• Be able to be with the competitor for the entire length of the round.
• Check in with the competitor and arrive to the tee box with the competitor 10 minutes before their assigned tee time.
• Be willing to be the assigned “marker” in each group.
• Encourage proper pace of play and help with pace of play throughout round.

Chaperones Will Also Be Encouraged To…

• Stay one (1) shot ahead of the group to help with pace of play
• Search for golf balls
• Assist players with general responsibilities around the green such as raking a bunker, tending the flagstick, and help with the re-positioning of a player’s bag to be put in line with the upcoming teeing ground.

Chaperones will be prohibited from giving advice. The USGA deems Advice (Rule 8) as any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining his/her play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke.

Spectator Carts
In order to avoid unnecessary distractions to all competitors and to ensure that every tournament is conducted with strict adherence to the Rules of Golf, spectator carts are prohibited during all Association tournaments and events. Spectators must walk at all times while observing play.

However, individuals who are able to demonstrate a physical disability through proper documentation may request the use of a cart upon arrival at each tournament site. This request must be directed to the on-site tournament director and must be accompanied by a letter from a licensed physician stating the existence of a physical disability and the need for reasonable accommodation for the individual, a handicap placard, etc.

Requests for use of a spectator cart for those with a valid driver’s license will be considered by the Association staff only when accompanied by information detailed above. If approved for use of a cart, the on-site staff will issue the spectator an ‘IJGA Spectator Cart Card’ that they may display at events. The on-site staff will then recommend that the host facility provide reasonable accommodation, in the form of an automated golf cart, to the applicant. Those approved must stay on the cart paths and designated areas and not give players any assistance. A fee for rental of a cart may be required and will vary at each tournament site.

In limited cases, on-site tournament staff may approve spectator carts at their own discretion.

For spectators that attend multiple Association events, the documentation listed above may be submitted with a FULL-SEASON SPECTATOR CART APPLICATION FORM to the Association offices prior to arriving onsite. Once received and approved, a ‘Full-Season Spectator Cart’ Placard will be ready for pickup at the first event the spectator will be attending. Approved multi-use placards must be brought to all Association events in order to receive an Approved Spectator Cart.

Players, parents/legal guardians are responsible for making sure all spectators who anticipate requesting a Spectator Cart are aware of the policy.

Please note that requests for spectator carts may be limited in some circumstances (e.g. poor weather conditions, lack of available carts at host site, etc.) and use of a cart is subject to final approval by the host facility. In certain cases, carts may not be available for spectator use. In this case, or if you are physically disabled and are unable to present the required documentation, our staff will make a reasonable effort to accommodate your access to the tournament as a spectator.

Please note, requests to follow a particular group or player cannot be honored.

If approved to use a cart, failure to abide by the agreed upon terms will render an individual ineligible for use of a spectator cart at future events and the ‘Approved Spectator Cart’ Card will be revoked.

STARTING TIMES (TEE TIMES)

Contestants will be notified of their acceptance and tee time(s) VIA EMAIL, after the closing date of the event. Tee times will also be posted on the Tournament Information page for each event 5-7 days before the event. The Association reserves the right to alter any of the schedules and conditions herein. The decision of the Association Staff and/or on-site Committee, in any matter, shall be final.

USGA Rule 5.3(a) provides: “The player shall start at the time established by the Committee.” The penalty for Breach of Rule 5.3(a) is DISQUALIFICATION, with three exception:

1. Player arrives at starting point, ready to play, no more than 5 minutes late: 2-stroke penalty
2. Player starts no more than 5 minutes early: 2-stroke penalty
3. Committee decides that exceptional circumstances* prevented player from starting on time: No penalty

*Exceptional circumstances as noted in Interpretation 5.3a/1 include, but are not limited to, the following examples: providing medical help at the scene of an accident, a fire alarm at a player’s hotel room. Exceptional circumstances do not include heavy traffic, a car breaking down, or getting lost on the way to the course.

If a player arrives five minutes after his/her starting time, that player will NOT be permitted to play in that tournament and must leave the facility.

Pairing by Ability

YDP & PLAYING MEMBER DIVISIONS
In IJGA Playing Member Division and Youth Development Program events, members are first placed in divisions by age and gender divisions so that players are paired with juniors of like age and gender. Within each of these divisions, the IJGA attempts to pair players by ability using a combination of the player’s active USGA Handicap Index and scoring history within the Association. The order of play based on player’s abilities will be determined by event type.

All IJGA and MAJGT tournament rounds will be posted to your Handicap Index for you by the Association staff. For the most accurate Handicap Index, you should post all of your practice rounds and outside event rounds (non-IJGA or MAJGT) to your CDGA account (if applicable).

It is difficult for the IJGA to determine where a player should be paired if he/she does not have an established Handicap Index. If you believe the IJGA has your Handicap Index recorded incorrectly, please call the IJGA office at (630) 257-9806.

Players may always make tee times requests; however, the IJGA has full discretion on accommodating these requests. Depending on the type of request and the USGA Handicap Index of the players involved, the request may or may not be granted. The IJGA’s inability to accommodate pairings requests does not constitute cause for tournament entry refunds.

** Please be advised these guidelines may be altered by the Committee at any time. **

MAJGT
Tee Times for the First round of an event will be determined by Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings. Players with higher rankings will have earlier tee times and players will follow sequentially. For example, if Player A is ranked 245 and player B is ranked 678, Player A will have a tee time earlier than Player B. Competitors with similar rankings will be paired with each other, regardless of age.

Players without a JGS ranking will be paired after those who are ranked. These players will be paired by similar age and graduation year. Siblings will also be paired as close to each other as possible for the First Round ONLY.

Second round tee times will be according to the player’s first round score with the higher scoring players teeing off first. A number of factors will be used to determine division teeing order. Weather, scores and Pace of Play will all be used to determining tee times for the Second Round.

Tee Time Requests

Tee time requests may be made by calling the Association offices at (630) 257-9806 up until the event registration closes, usually 5 to 7 days before the event — check the specific event information page for the closing date. Once pairings have been published they cannot be changed. Requests can be done by phone or by emailing Debbie Jacobson (djacobson@ijga.org). When setting pairings, the Association will try to accommodate all requests but they cannot be guaranteed.

***NOTE: Tee time requests cannot be made for the second or final round pairings.***

WAITING LISTS (ONLINE)

Online Waiting List
During tournament registration, if there are no spots available in your age or gender division, you will be sent to the On-Line Waiting List. Should a spot become available, you will automatically be entered into the event in order of your registration date and time. Your credit card will be charged when entered into the event.

You may cancel your registration from the online Waiting list at any time by logging into your Player’s Club Account (aka BlueGolf), clicking the ‘Tournaments’ tab and clicking ‘Cancel’ next to the event.

We will not add any player on the online Waiting List to any event after 12:00 PM the day before the event date.

The IJGA will not in any case refund your entry fee if you are entered into the field after the event Closing Date (typically seven (7) days prior to the event). This is why it is important to cancel your online Waiting List registration if you are unable to play in the event.

On-Site Waiting List
On the day of a tournament, players will have the option to be added to the On-Site Waiting List. Players should check in with a staff member at the driving range or practice putting green when applicable, or on the starting tee. The staff member will take the player’s phone number to call if a spot becomes available. Your credit card will be charged when entered into the event. On-site waiting lists are treated on a first-come-first-serve basis.

WITHDRAWING DURING A TOURNAMENT

All registered players for an event who do not complete a stipulated round during the event will be classified in one of the following categories:

• No Card – Player began stipulated round and failed to turn in scorecard to appropriate tournament staff. A No Card player will appear on the on-site and online scoreboard as a “NC”.
• No Show – Player failed to withdraw from event and failed to show up onsite. A No Show player will appear on the on-site and online scoreboard as a “NS”.
• Withdrawal – Player began stipulated round and speaks to a tournament staff member informing them of their intention to withdraw for any reason. A Withdraw player will appear on the on-site and online scoreboard as “WD”.

*Results from events that are reported to the Junior Golf Scoreboard will be posted with the following classifications: DQ – Disqualification, NC – No Card, NS – No Show, WD – Withdrawal.*