TVL GOLF RULES (BOYS)

TVL Boys Golf Rules and Regulations 2022 (updated 2/1/22)
Rules -Regulations, and Policies
1. Participants/Events: Up to six (6) players may play; the best five (5) scores
from each team will be used to determine the winner. Each school will host
one 18 hole tournament at their home course. Start times for dual
matches/tournaments will be determined by the host school and mutually
agreed upon between the coach’s home course and the athletic directors.
[Host schools should make every effort to start after 1:00 pm]

2. The use of “winter” rules (playing the ball up or down) and tees will be
decided by the host team in conjunction with the golf course.

3. Host/tournament director shall:
a. Be the direct contact with the host golf course; oversee and determine if the
event is to be split tee times or tee times off #1 or shotgun.
b. Communicate in advance with all league coaches. Create groups/tee times
for the event; email all coaches by Wednesday afternoon before the event. Tee
times moving forward should be based and prioritized on the overall pace of the
field.
c. Host schools should include all on course-specific local rules. Examples:
root rule, drops from flower beds, dirt roads = cart paths, OB etc. This should be
included with the notification of tee times. There should also be a hard copy that
can be handed out to each coach on the day of the event.
d. Oversee and monitor warmup and range available for all schools.
e. Compile all scores and submit the final results of the event to the TVL
league rep (AD/coach) in charge.

4. Compiling Tournament Results: At the completion of each league
tournament the host team will:
a. Collect all team scores: coaches will complete and record all of their team’s
scores on a document for the host school.
b. Coaches should be present and aware of all scores being posted and recorded
by their team and the team they played with.
c. Email the results to the Athletic Director responsible for tabulating the
results and send the results to the appropriate newspapers or social media.
d. This individual (AD) will compile the tournament results and send out
updates throughout the year.
e. Any attempted protest, alleged breach of rules, and or scoring discrepancies
should be voiced at the golf course, the day of the event, and prior to the signing of
scorecards. Coaches protesting a ruling or score must do so within 24 hours of the
conclusion of the match. Coaches must notify their school’s athletic director and
the league commissioner of the protest.

5. League Championship: League champions will be determined by a point
system based on the team’s point accumulation during regular-season tournaments
and the league championship. Teams will be awarded 1 point for each team they
finish ahead of during the regular season league tournaments. Teams will be
awarded 2 points for each team they finish ahead of during the league
championship. In the event of a team tie (tie in total points) for the league
championship, the results of the league championship golf event will determine the
winner.

6. Tournaments Ending in Ties: In tournaments resulting in a tie, the lowest
score from the school's next player (not counted in the top 5) will be used to break
the tie. If the #6 score does not break the tie, all six team members’ scores will be
added up on the #1 handicapped hole and compared. This process will continue
until there is a winner determined.

7. All-League and MVP Selection: The League will provide 12 All-League
Patches and a Coach of the Year Certificate. Coach of the Year will be voted on by
the coaches. All-league honors will be based on individual players’ point
accumulation throughout the course of the five league tournaments and the end of
the year TVL/league championship event. The player receiving the highest points
will be designated Most Outstanding Player (MOP). Each coach may recommend a
candidate for MVP [the MVP Award determined by an anonymous vote from the
coaches--based on the value a player brings to the team including sportsmanship--
i.e. the player that shakes the coach's hand, the one your kids enjoy playing with
because of attitude, follows the rules and spirit of golf, etc.] The next ten (10)
players with the highest point total will be considered All-League.
a. The low score of a league tournament will be awarded 30 points. 2nd place
will be awarded 29 points. Points will be awarded in descending order; 30-0.
b. The low score of a league championship will be awarded 60 points. 2nd
place will be awarded 58 points. Points will be awarded in descending order; 60-
0.
c. Tied scores will be awarded the same point total. Example- If two golfers tie
for the low score both would be awarded 30 points, the next lowest score would be
awarded 28 points.
d. Regardless of the size of the field, the low score will be awarded 30 points
for a tournament and 60 for the championship.

8. Team and Individual Qualification for the SJS Division V Championship
. Teams will qualify by team points earned in TVL events. If there is a tie for
the final team qualifier, the results and the tiebreak (#6) from the TVL
Championship will be used to break the tie.
a. Individuals will qualify by their individual points earned in TVL events. The
highest 6 (or 3) individuals NOT on a team qualifier will earn entry into the SJS
DV Championship. If there is a tie for the final individual qualifier, the score at the
TVL championship and tiebreak (#6) will determine who advances.
b. The Sac-Joaquin Section determines the number of teams that will qualify
for the Division 5 Championship.
i.8 Team League = 3 Teams qualify plus 6 individuals
ii.7 Team League = 3 Teams qualify plus 6 individuals
iii.6 Team League = 2 Teams qualify plus 6 individuals
iv.5 Team League = 2 Teams qualify plus 3 individuals

9. Rules of Play: All league play will be governed by USGA, NCGA, and
CIF. In order to expedite play, the highest score on a hole will be ten (10). Once
that score is reached by a player, the ball will be picked up, and play on that hole
will end for that player.
. TVL will adhere to the 2019 USGA pace of play perversion pertaining to
balls lost or out of bounds: as an alternative to stroke and distance. The rule will
allow golfers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or
out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty.
[Clearification: If a player is dropping for a ball hit out of bounds, they are
dropping at the “point of entry”, not where the ball ended up. In both OB and lost
ball scenarios, players have the option to play the ball from the previous location
under the normal OB/Lost ball penalty; stroke and distance.]

10. Coaching: A certified coach must accompany the players on the course
during the match.

11. Player Conduct:
a. Flagrant throwing of clubs or damaging the golf course will result in
disqualification.
b. Vulgar or abusive language will result in a one-stroke penalty on the first
offense and disqualification on the second offense.
c. Etiquette Rule: All players must stay with their foursome. Players not
following the proper golf etiquette will be warned on the first offense. On the
second offense, a two-stroke penalty will be assessed. On the third offense, the
player will be disqualified. Before a penalty is assessed or DQ a coach needs to be
notified.
d. Advice CAN be given by a player’s teammate.

11. All spectators following a dual match or tournament are required to be 30
yards off fairways and greens. Coaches are to make this known to all spectators
before each tournament. Spectators should be warned on the first offense and then
asked to leave on the second offense.

12. Cell phones: Participants shall not have or use cell phones in any way.

13. Distance measuring devices will be governed by the prescribed Sac-Joaquin
and CIF State guidelines.
RANGEFINDER RULE: Players may use a device that measures distance only.
Players may not use any cell phone applications as the use of cell phones is
prohibited. The use of devices that gauge or measure other conditions, in addition
to distance, that might affect a player’s play (e.g., wind or gradient) is not
permitted, even if that feature(s) is turned off. The penalty for breach of this rule is
a disqualification. Players are encouraged to share yardage information with all
members of their group if some individuals do not have a measuring device.

14. Electric Golf Carts and Caddies: Players must carry their own clubs or
transport them on a pull cart (caddies and golf carts are not
permitted). PENALTY: First violation is a two-stroke penalty; subsequent
violation will result in disqualification.

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TVL BOYS’ GOLF SPECTATOR RELEASE FORM
For the purpose of this policy, a spectator is considered to be anyone who is at the golf course and who is not a coach or player in the Trans Valley League.
The TVL firmly believes in upholding the traditions golf teaches, including, most importantly, the values of sportsmanship, integrity and honesty. We expect our players, parents and other spectators to act with courtesy and common sense at all of our events and feel very strongly about enforcing our player Code of Conduct and this Spectator Code of Conduct. All parents have the opportunity to watch their child participate in Trans Valley League play. However, in order to maintain this ability, certain guidelines must be followed. All spectators must adhere to this policy, understanding that any breach will result in removal from the golf course and possibly being banned from future events. As a spectator at the golf course you are just that – a spectator. You are not an active participant in the day’s events.
1. Spectators attend TVL events at their own risk. Spectators must observe the same golf etiquette and respect to the golf course, facilities, and policies of the host club as the players.
2. No electronic devices allowed on course during play; refrain from bringing cell phones, yardage measuring devices or radios onto the course.
3. 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. Keep up with or ahead of your group to ensure pace of play and do not interfere with other groups’ play. Be careful to not delay play for following groups by standing in their target or landing area. Remain at least 30 yards from participants.
4. Spectators may NOT assist in looking for lost balls and acting as caddies.
5. Adhere to host facility's dress code. Some facilities may not allow blue jeans, T-shirts, etc. and may require collared shirts.
6. Spectators and spectator carts may NOT carry water, golf equipment, umbrellas, etc. for players.
7. No advice is to be given to competitors during stipulated rounds, especially if the competitor is a relation or friend. Advice (USGA Rule 8) is 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. 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. Keeping the above statement in mind, please keep your conversation with the player to words of encouragement as long as advice is not given. Make sure to avoid all communication, verbal and non‐verbal, which may be construed by others (competitors, parents and Rules Officials) as advice. Spectators are encouraged to be reserved when acknowledging a good shot.
8. USGA Rule 6-1 states "The player is responsible for knowing the Rules." Spectators should not give rulings. Spectators are encouraged not to give information on the Rules to players because frequently the information is incorrect and/or Rule 8 (Advice) is breached. Violation of the Rules will typically lead to a penalty for the player(s) involved.
9. Possession of drugs, alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco products or sunflower seeds by spectators while on the golf course is strictly forbidden.
10. Yelling at or discouraging a golfer, including your own child, will not be tolerated at any event. Insulting, intimidating, or communicating with any TVL golfer in a destructive manner will result in immediate removal from the golf course.
SPECTATOR PRIVILEGES
Watching a TVL event as a spectator is a privilege. Whether you are a parent or a friend of a player, your spectator privileges may be suspended if you fail to follow the spectator guidelines.
Remember that you are at a contest to support your team and to enjoy the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule players, fans, officials, or coaches.
Student/athletes are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun! Encourage the student/athletes to play by the rules. Remember that children learn best by example, so recognize the
good play of both teams.
By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of the participants, all players will benefit. Do not embarrass any athletes by yelling at players, coaches, or officials.
Emphasize sportsmanship through your verbal and physical behavior. Know and study the rules of the sport, and support the coaches and officials on and off the field/court. This approach will
help in the development and support of the game. Recognize a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game.
Understand the importance of coaches. They are important to the development of athletes and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.
Be a positive role model during and after all events. Remember participating in athletics and being a fan in the stands is a privilege, not a right.
Should the Trans Valley League be informed or become aware of misconduct by a parent of spectator in TVL sanctioned events, the league reserves the right to impose its own discipline or sanctions against the parent or spectator, including, but not limited to, a verbal warning, being instructed to leave the sporting event by school personnel and denial of entry or access to TVL sanctioned events.
I have read the above stipulations and will abide by the principles contained therein. I recognize that I must sign this agreement to have access to the course during Trans Valley League events.
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PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE / Date