2008 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Colorado Junior Golf Association

 

Golf is best experienced in a controlled, fun environment of competition with an emphasis on building character.  The Colorado Junior Golf Association offers a series of one- and two-day tournaments from June through the second week of August. There are three age divisions for girls (10 & under, 11-13 and 14-18) and five age divisions for boys (10 & under, 11-13, 14-15, 16-18 and 14-18 Championship).  All tournaments are stroke play events.  

 

COLORADO JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION

 

“Represent and promote the best interests and true spirit of amateur golf to the junior golfers of Colorado through education, competition, and development.”

Established in 1985, the Colorado Junior Golf Association (CJGA), is the youth tournament program of the Colorado Golf Association, an organization that leads, promotes and supports junior golf activities in Colorado for boys and girls, ages 18 and under. The CJGA conducts junior competitions, organizes rules and etiquette clinics and serves as a clearinghouse for statewide junior golf happenings. The CJGA teaches the USGA Rules of Golf, and provides volunteer work opportunities. The CJGA also oversees a number of Developmental Youth Programs that foster and promote the exposure of the game of golf and it’s inherent values of integrity, sportsmanship and self-discipline to young people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the game. We work with groups such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Open Fairways along with other organizations and local schools.

 

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CJGA?

 

CJGA membership is open to boys and girls age 7 up to their 19th birthday or the day they enter college, whichever comes first. The CJGA does not recommend membership to those under the age of seven, but membership may be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Membership dues are $40.00 annually and are non-refundable. Your membership is valid for the calendar year. No pro-rated fees for partial year memberships are available.

The CJGA requires ALL tournament participants of any age to complete the online Rules & Etiquette test each season. Any junior may register to become a member of the CJGA, but may not register to compete in any event until they have completed their Rules & Etiquette test.

Players in the 11-13 and 14-18 division must also have an active handicap and verifiable GHIN number.

 

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN CJGA JUNIOR SERIES?

 

-  Must be a member of the CJGA

-  Complete the Rules and Etiquette requirements

-  Have an active and verifiable GHIN Number (11-13 & 14-18 divisions)

 

Players with inactive GHIN numbers will not be allowed to play and will be added to the waitlist for all events they have entered.

 

WHAT ARE THE RULES AND ETIQUETTE REQUIREMENTS?

 

The CJGA requires ALL tournament participants of any age to complete the online Rules & Etiquette test each season. Any junior may register to become a member of the CJGA, but may not register to compete in any event until they have completed their Rules & Etiquette test.

CJGA members must score a minimum of 20 out of 25 on the test. The test can be taken as many times as needed until the minimum score has been attained.

Click here for the Rules & Etiquette Quizzes

The CJGA will continue to offer a limited number of Rules and Etiquette Clinics as a part of our Off-Season Educational Series. These clinics will not be mandatory but are a great refresher. Contact the CJGA for the upcoming dates of events.

In order to play the game of golf, you must know the rules. Many of the rules are very complicated and the more you become familiar with them, the more they can help you.

 

AGE DIVISIONS

Age groups for all CJGA tournaments will be determined by the age of the competitor on the final day of the tournament. (If a player turns 14 on the second day of an 11-13 event he/she will not be eligible to compete in that event.)

10 AND UNDER AGE DIVISION
- One-day tournaments
- Par-3 golf courses
- 9-holes
- Players are accompanied by a marker that serves as the official scorer
- Entry fees range from $20.00 - $30.00 per event

11-13 AGE DIVISION
- One and two-day tournaments
- Executive and regulation length courses from the forward tees
- Play is generally over 9-holes unless specifically indicated on the schedule as an 18-hole event (Usually two or three 18-hole events per season)
- An active and verifiable GHIN Number is required to play in this age division
- Entry fees range from $25.00 - $50.00 per event

14-18 AGE DIVISION
- One and two-day tournaments
- Four divisions of play: Boys’ 14-15, Boys’ 16-18, Girls’ 14-18 and Boys’ Championship (Handicap Index of 5.0 or lower on the registration deadline)
- Yardages:       Girls’ 14-18:                5750 yards to 6500 yards
                        Boys’ 14-15:                6250 yards to 6750 yards
                        Boys’ 16-18:                6750 yards to 7250 yards
                        Boys’ Championship: 6750 yards to 7250 yards
- 18 holes per day
- An active and verifiable GHIN Number is required to play in this age division
-
Entry fees range from $40.00 - $75.00 per event

NOTE: Players may move up one age division with permission of the CJGA’s Director of Youth Programs. Once a player competes in a higher age division, he or she is not permitted to return to a lower age division during that calendar year.

TOURNAMENT ELIGIBILITY


All Colorado Junior Golf Tournament players in the 11-13 and 14-18 divisions must have an active and verifiable GHIN number before CJGA tournament entries will be accepted.  It is the players responsibility to maintain his/her handicap, including making sure that it remains active.  CJGA will not notify you if your handicap becomes inactive during the season.  A USGA Handicap Index is not required for the 10 & under division.

 

The CJGA will require all tournament participants ages 13 and under to attend a Rules & Etiquette Clinic or complete the online version each year until the player reaches their 14th birthday. These requirements will also include any new members in the 14-18 divisions.  Membership is conditional until the completion of the proper Rules and Etiquette requirements.

 

*Age as of June 1 will be used to determine mandatory Rules and Etiquette requirements.

 

In order to play the game of golf, you must know the rules. Many of the rules are very complicated and the more you become familiar with them, the more they can help you. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS TO FULLFILLING THESE REQUIREMENTS.

 

WHY MUST I HAVE A GHIN NUMBER/HANDICAP?

 

A handicap is an important aspect to the game of golf. First, it allows you to track your progress as your skills improve and your scores lower. Second, players of different skill can fairly compete against one another in net tournaments and informal games. Finally, it is a requirement for entry into almost all competitive golf events in Colorado and across the country.

We require members have an active GHIN number for pairing purposes. During tournament play we pair members with similar Handicap Indexes with the intention of having them play with someone on or near their same playing ability. Players that have not posted a minimum of five 18 hole rounds to their GHIN number will show up as an "NH". Players with an "NH" will all be paired together. There is a chance then that the player will be paired with someone of either a higher or lower playing ability.

Players in the Boys' 14-18 division with a Handicap Index of 5.0 or lower will play in the "Championship" division. If a player is listed as an "NH" he will play in either the 14-15 or 16-18 age divisions.

The CJGA will post ALL tournament rounds to our members GHIN numbers in the 11-13 and 14-18 age divisions.

 

WHERE DO I GET A GHIN NUMBER/HANDICAP?

 

A public golf course player can sign up for a GHIN number and USGA Handicap Index with the pro shop at any public golf course. If your family belongs to a private club, sign up through the Handicap Committee. You are not required to have five attested 18-hole scores to get your GHIN number, but you will not have a handicap until you post a minimum of five 18-hole attested scores.

A public or private course official will assign you a GHIN number that you will retain for the rest of your golfing career. You will post scores and pick up your handicap revision labels at that course, referred to as your home course. You are charged a fee for this service.

If you have a previously issued GHIN number, you need only to pay the renewal fee at your home course and request that your number be activated for the new season, or you may transfer your present GHIN number to a different home course.

 

RULES OF TOURNAMENTS & EVENTS REGISTRATION

Entries for CJGA tournaments will only be accepted during the tournament entry window (see below for entry dates). Entries will not be accepted until 9:00 a.m. the day the entry window opens and they must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on the day of the entry window deadline indicated.

Oversubscribed tournament fields will be determined by a random draw lottery system. Players must register for events during the entry windows listed below, no exceptions will be made to those times. If you do not get into one of the events you have entered, the CJGA will do its best to make sure you are not locked out of your next entered event. Due to the number of players in some events, this is not a guarantee. Please notify the CJGA Director if you do not get into consecutive events so we may review your situation. Players who are placed on a waitlist will NOT be charged.  If a position in the field becomes available you will be notified at that time.  You have the ability to accept or decline your position in the field at that time.  If you chose to participate in the event your card will be billed at that time.

Entry Windows:

-  May 1, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – May 15, 2008, 11:59 p.m. ---- All June Events
-  June 1, 2008, 9:00 a.m. – June 16, 2008, 11:59 p.m. ---- All July Events
-  July 1 2008, 9:00 a.m. – July 15, 2008, 11:59 p.m. ----- All August Events

- Have an active and verifiable GHIN Number (11-13 & 14-18 divisions)

Entries by e-mail or fax are not acceptable. The CJGA will only accept entries through on-line registration at www.COgolf.org. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call or stop by our office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and we will enter in the information for you.  

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M ON A WAITLIST?

Due to the large number of players entering some of the CJGA events, a player is not guaranteed into the event at time of registration. Oversubscribed tournament fields will be determined by a random draw lottery system.

If you do not get into one of the events you have entered, the CJGA will do its best to make sure you are not locked out again. After you are added to a waitlist you will go on a list and not be taken out of the event until we have gone through all the members in your respective age division. Due to the number of players in some events, we cannot guarantee you will be not be waitlisted. Please notify the CJGA Director if you are waitlisted multiple times so we may review your situation. If you sign up on the wait list, your credit card will NOT be charged. If you get into the event, you will be notified by phone and your credit card will be charged at that time.

For events with waitlists, players are welcome to wait at a site for entered players who may cancel the day of the tournament or who are no shows. Only players that are CJGA members will be allowed into the events. Prior to the event players who have entered, but were waitlisted, will be assigned a position on the list and entered into the event based on that number. (If three players arrive at the site and are waitlisted as #5, #17 and a third CJGA member that is not on the wait list they will be added into the field in the order of the #5 then the #17 and finally the player who was not on the waitlist.)

TOURNAMENT CONFIRMATION AND TEE TIMES

The CJGA does NOT confirm acceptance in tournaments by mail or by phone (we do not call you). A PAIRINGS / WAIT list is published for each tournament five business days following the deadline and it is updated weekly on the CJGA website at www.COgolf.org. Those on the wait list will be contacted if a position in the field comes available.

WHAT IS THE CANCELATION OR WITHDRAW POLICY?

The following outlines the refund policy:

-  There are no refunds for cancellations within two business days of the tournament.
-  Withdraw during the entry window, player will receive a refund of the entry minus a $10.00 administrative fee (10 & Under) or $15.00 administrative fee (11-13 and 14-18).
-  Withdraw after the entry window closed, but prior to two business days before the event, CJGA will keep 50% or $10.00, whichever is greater.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I MUST CANCEL OR WITHDRAW?

To cancel or withdraw from an event please call the CJGA offices and leave a message with a staff member.

Dustin Jensen – Director of Youth Programs
303-974-2110

Grace Filiss – P.J. Boatwright Intern
303-974-2108

If you are canceling or withdrawing on the day of an event please leave a message at one of the numbers above. As a courtesy, call the course at which the event is being played that day and ask that a message be given to the CJGA Staff so we may add a waitlisted player into the field.

            WHAT HAPPENS IF I NO-SHOW FOR AN EVENT?

Failure to withdraw (No Show/No Card), player will forfeit entry fee for that event and will result in suspension from all remaining tournaments and events for the remainder of the season. Players may appeal the suspension by writing a letter to the CGA's Youth Programs Committee.

Colorado Golf Association
Attn: Director of Youth Programs
5990 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Suite 130
Greenwood Village, CO  80111

~or~

Email:  Dustin@cogolf.org

The CJGA will publish on its website a list of no shows for all CJGA events.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE DAY OF AN EVENT?

It will be at the discretion of the Tournament Director or Tournament Committee to cancel play. An event will not be canceled due to rain. In the event of lightning or other dangerous situations, play will be suspended until conditions are safe.

Please check your email prior to the event in the case of inclement weather. The CJGA staff will update our voicemails, contact the host course and email all players if there is a change or cancellation of an event.

Dustin Jensen – Director of Youth Programs
303-974-2110

Grace Filiss – P.J. Boatwright Intern
303-974-2108

You may also contact the golf course for information the morning of the event
.

RULES OF PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES

All players are to protect the field at a tournament. A player or player's scorekeeper ("marker") must not sign a scorecard that he or she believes is incorrect.

A player shall not permit any score to be posted that he or she has evidence is incorrect. Players shall not leave the scoring area until, as a group, they reconcile, sign and attest all scorecards.

Penalty for breach: both the player and the marker are subject to disqualification.

If you have difficulty confronting your fellow-competitor directly, please talk to a Rules Official or Tournament Director prior to signing scorecards!

RULES OF SCORE LIMITS

For the 10 & Under division, a ten-stroke limit per hole is in effect for all players. On any hole, players are allowed six strokes (including any penalty strokes) to advance their ball from the tee to the green. If the green is not reached, the ball must be picked up, carried to the front of the green and placed. Players then must putt out in four strokes or less. The score limits for the 10 & Under age division for all players is 75. If the score limit is exceeded twice, the player will not be allowed to play in CJGA events for the remainder of the season. Any entries for subsequent events are returned in full.

CADDIES


Caddies are not permitted in any CJGA Junior Series Events.  At the discretion of the host club, caddies may be allowed for the Tournament of Champions.

GOLF CARTS

 

Motorized carts are not allowed at any CJGA event for use by participants. Participants may accept a ride from a Rules Official when necessary. Depending upon host course policy, pull carts may be used by participants.

 

RULES AND CONDITIONS OF COMPETITIONS

Play in tournaments and events conducted by the CJGA are governed by the USGA Rules of Golf, and supplemented by the CJGA Tournament Rules and Conditions of Competitions, commonly referred to as the "Tournament Hard Card". Its Rules apply to all CJGA stroke play tournaments and events. (The CGA and CWGA distribute other similar cards with special supplemental Rules for the CGA Boys' Stroke and Match Play Championships and the CWGA Girls' Stroke and Match Play championships.)

Every member can pick up current copies of the Rules of Golf and CJGA Tournament Rules and Conditions of Competitions on the first tee of CJGA events. It is each player's responsibility to be familiar with and carry both in his or her golf bag.

DECIDING TIES FOR AWARDING TROPHIES

In the event of a tie in a stroke play competition (for 11-13 & 14-18/Championship divisions only), 1st place ties will be decided by sudden death playoff on the course, time and weather permitting. If a play-off is not feasible, the tie will be broken by using a scorecard play-off. The winner will be determined on the basis of the best score for the last nine holes. For events with shotgun starts, the last nine will be holes 10-18. If the tying players have the same score on the last nine, the winner will be determined on the basis of the last six. If the tie still exists, the winner will be determined on the basis of the last three holes. If a tie still exists, the winner will be determined on the basis of the last hole. If a tie still exists, the same procedure will be applied to the front nine until a winner is determined. Ties for 2nd, 3rd, etc. will be played off by scorecard play-off, unless otherwise specified by the tournament committee.

In the event of a tie in the 10 & Under division, all ties will be decided by scorecard play-off. The score on the last hole will be used to break the tie. If the tie still exists, the second to last hole will be used and so on until the tie has been broken and the winner decided.

CODES OF CONDUCT

The CJGA provides worthwhile golf activities which can be pursued throughout life and which helps to develop character, sportsmanship, and the life values of integrity, honesty, self-discipline and competitive spirit. The following is a Code of Conduct, which is a guideline for junior golfers to follow throughout the tournament season, both on and off the course. It is not intended to scare players, but to help CJGA participants understand the consequences of their actions.

WE REQUIRE GOOD CONDUCT AND PROPER SPORTSMANSHIP BY PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS AT ALL TOURNAMENTS AND EVENTS.
 

Any of the below behavior will result in a warning for the first offense. Flagrant and subsequent violations will result in automatic disqualification. Repeated infractions will result in suspension of membership.

  • Cheating is not tolerated.
  • Lack of respect for others. Always use decent language, display a good attitude, and show proper behavior.
  • Improper attire (see dress code)
  • Use of all electronic devices is strictly prohibited by players or spectators. This includes radios range finders, walkmans, cell phones, pagers, video cameras, radios etc.


The following violations are always considered flagrant and will result in automatic disqualification.

  • Lack of respect for volunteers, officials, and staff
  • Damage to golf course, course property, and other people and their property.
  • Use of any type of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs (unless by written medical authorization).
  • Throwing clubs
  • Obscene, abusive or vulgar language

 

DRESS CODE
 

Proper attire for all CJGA members includes:

  • Neat and clean clothing
  • Shoes must be worn at all times
  • Sleeves and collars on boys' shirts
  • Sleeves or sleeveless collared shirts on girls
  • Mid-thigh length tailored shorts or long pants
  • "Spikeless" golf shoes or tennis shoes only
  • Shirts must stay tucked in
  • Hats worn properly (bills forward) for the entire time at the facility.

Improper attire includes:

  • Tank tops, halter tops, or tee shirts
  • Short shorts
  • Denim jeans
  • Cut-offs
  • Excessively baggy shorts
  • Sweats
  • Bathing suits
  • Spandex
  • Untucked shirts
  • Caps worn backwards

The Tournament Director has the right to deem other attire improper, which does not specifically appear on this list. Please be aware that the dress code will be enforced and that failure to adhere to it will result in appropriate action by the Tournament Director. Improper attire will result in the player conforming with the dress code before play commences or continues or disqualification

CODE OF COURTESY and ETIQUETTE

Always...

  • …be respectful and courteous to all people at the host course.
  • …stand still and be quiet when someone is playing.
  • …be ready to play when it is your turn.
  • …replace your divots.
  • …watch everyone's ball, and help search for it.

Never...

  • …throw your clubs or any other equipment.
  • …use profanity.

On the tee...

  • …know the ball you are playing, and identify it with a special marking.

In the sand...

  • …enter and leave bunkers from a low side.
  • …rake smooth when you are finished playing from them.

On the green...

  • …place your clubs on the side of the green nearest the next tee.
  • …repair your ball mark.
  • …place a ball marker directly behind your ball.
  • …walk to your ball and putt without stepping or standing on anyone else's line of putt.

 

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed at all CJGA events. Duties include helping with registration, starting, scoring, marshalling, checking scorecards, and posting scores. Parents are encouraged to volunteer for events. Please contact the CJGA Director if you are interested in volunteering. 

 

SPECTATORS/PARENTS/GUARDIANS

We realize that it is enjoyable for friends and family members to watch junior golfers, but in order to protect the competition and the junior golfers, and in keeping with the traditional role of a spectator, so as not to interfere with any player on the course, all spectators are required to adhere to the following guidelines while watching a CJGA Junior Series Event.

  • Spectators and parents, except those volunteers acting in an official capacity, are not allowed in the SCORING OR REGISTRATION AREA.
  • Walk only on the cart paths or in the rough where cart paths are not available. Always be aware of other groups on the course. (i.e. Don't hold up the group behind you.)
  • Golf carts will only be allowed on an exception basis at the discretion of the host facility and tournament director, when warranted by health, disability or age.
  • All spectators shall stay a reasonable distance away from the junior golfers at all times.
  • DO NOT walk along side the junior golfers while walking down the fairway or to the next teeing ground.
  • Do NOT talk with the players, as this will be construed as giving advice, resulting in a penalty for the player.
  • Please do NOT attempt to give rulings or advice. There are several rules officials on the course to provide the players with assistance if they need it.
  • Spectators may help the participants look for balls. This should be done with no other interaction with the player.
  • Obscene, abusive or vulgar language will not be tolerated.
  • Disrespect to tournament officials, volunteers and other players will not be tolerated. Interfering with discussions on rulings and scores will not be permitted.
  • Distracting play by loud talking with other spectators and use of camera, cellular phones, radios, or beepers during competition is strictly prohibited. Cameras and/or video cameras may be used if they do not cause a distraction to the players.
  • Spectators are asked to encourage all participants with polite clapping.

Parental or spectator interference will result in your being asked to leave the course and possibly a loss of future spectating privileges.