Competitions Rules – Disqualification when score card is unsigned
Over the last few months we have had a number of issues around members being disqualified from the competition for not signing their score card. The basis for why disqualification occurs, the treatment for handicapping purposes and our process behind disqualification for this error is outlined below:
Rules:
The relevant Rules and Decisions are outlined below. For full details refer to the Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf books.
Handicapping:
We handicap these cards as per the guidelines contained in the “GA Handicap System” booklet available from the Golf Australia website.
As per Section 10 (iv) Golf Australia recommend the score should still be counted for handicap purposes. As such the score will count as per normal, with the only variation being that the online golflink score will be shown with a red box around it, which represents being “disqualified with a score”.
Our process:
Although Decision 6-6c/1 does have an option which states that if a player remains within the scoring area they can make alterations to the card we use the second option within this decision which does not provide this ability to the player as we feel this is the fairest option for all players.
Generally unsigned cards are not found until the cards are sorted at the end of the day and as such anyone who plays later in the day and may still be in the clubroom when the error is found should not be able to alter their card after play as anyone who plays earlier in the day, and is not in the clubroom when cards are being checked, is not afforded this luxury.
Match Committee
Echunga Golf Club
Over the last few months we have had a number of issues around members being disqualified from the competition for not signing their score card. The basis for why disqualification occurs, the treatment for handicapping purposes and our process behind disqualification for this error is outlined below:
Rules:
The relevant Rules and Decisions are outlined below. For full details refer to the Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rules of Golf books.
- Rule 6-6b: The player must ensure their marker has signed the card and then sign the card themselves.
- Rule 6-6c: Alterations to the card are not allowed once the card has been returned.
- Decision 6-6c/1: Defines when a card is considered to be returned.
Handicapping:
We handicap these cards as per the guidelines contained in the “GA Handicap System” booklet available from the Golf Australia website.
As per Section 10 (iv) Golf Australia recommend the score should still be counted for handicap purposes. As such the score will count as per normal, with the only variation being that the online golflink score will be shown with a red box around it, which represents being “disqualified with a score”.
Our process:
- Any player not signing their scorecard will be disqualified (Rule 6-6b).
- Alterations to the card are not allowed once it has been returned (Rule 6-6c).
- A card is considered returned as soon as it is placed in the box (Decision 6-6c/1).
- Any player being disqualified under these Rules and Decisions will be ineligible to win any competition prize with that score.
Although Decision 6-6c/1 does have an option which states that if a player remains within the scoring area they can make alterations to the card we use the second option within this decision which does not provide this ability to the player as we feel this is the fairest option for all players.
Generally unsigned cards are not found until the cards are sorted at the end of the day and as such anyone who plays later in the day and may still be in the clubroom when the error is found should not be able to alter their card after play as anyone who plays earlier in the day, and is not in the clubroom when cards are being checked, is not afforded this luxury.
Match Committee
Echunga Golf Club