RULES AND CONDITIONS OF PLAY GOVERNING ALL COUNTY COMPETITIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                            Paragraphs

General                                                                                                1 to 20

County Championship                                                                                                   21 to 27

Johnstone Cup                                                                                      28 to 33

Silver Spring Challenge                                                                          34 to 38

Prize Giving – County Championship, Johnstone                                    39 to 40

Cup & Silver Spring Challenge

Bronze Spring Meeting                                                                         41 to 47

Inter Club Foursomes                                                                           48 to 51

Autumn Meeting                                                                                   52 to 56

Scratch Knockout Competitions                                                           57 to 71

Inter Club Competition                                                                         72 to 85

County Trophies                                                                                                             Appendix 1

General

1.      Throughout these Rules and Conditions:

1. the Dorset Ladies County Golf Association (DLCGA) is referred to as the County;

2. the Executive Committee of the DLCGA is referred to as the Committee.

2.      To qualify for entry to the County Championship players must be full members of the County.  For all other County competitions players must be either full or affiliated members of the County.

3.      Players must play for one club in any one competition during the year.  For annual club trophies the club who holds the handicap records (home club) will be used.

4.      Competitors are required to use the entry forms provided in this folder when entering for events and to conform strictly to the required entry dates.

5.      The requisite entry fee must accompany each entry.  No entry fees can be refunded once the closing date for the competition is reached, unless a change of handicap eliminates the player from that competition.

6.      All players participating in County competitions must hold a valid CONGU handicap. Handicap Certificates dated the previous year or earlier are deemed to be invalid for all County competitions.  Players must produce a current year CONGU Handicap Certificate on the first day of a competition.  If not produced players may only go out as markers.

7.      Any changes of handicap after entering any competition should be notified to the County Secretary immediately. All players must play on the correct day for their handicap division.

8.      Ties in 18 hole stroke play competitions will be decided on the last 9, 6, 3 or 1 holes.  The case of further ties will be decided by the Committee.

9.      Any driver the player carries must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, that is named on the current list of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the R&A.  (R&A Rule 4-1)

10.  The ball the competitor plays must be named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the R&A.  (R&A Rule 5-1)

11.  Starting times will be sent to all participating Clubs for all County events.

12.  Competitors not on the tee at their appointed start time may be disqualified at the discretion of the Committee, who also has the power to delay the start time if they consider the circumstances render it advisable.

13.  A competitor is prohibited from having a Professional golfer to serve as her caddie during any stipulated round.

14.  Competitors shall walk at all times during a stipulated round unless prior permission has been granted from the Committee in accordance with the EWGA Transportation Policy.  It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to:

a.       Liaise with the club for permission.

b.      Have 3rd party and personal liability insurances.

The County shall in no way be liable for the use of motorised carts during County competitions.

15.  Global Positioning Systems and other distance measuring devices are not allowed to be used during any County competition.  This applies even if there is a Local Rule permitting their use at the course where the competition or match is taking place.

16.  Adverse Weather Conditions

a. Strokeplay Competitions:  The Committee reserves the right to alter the format of the competition in order to achieve a result.

      b. Matchplay:  Guidelines for the Humphreys Bowl, Parkin Cup and Interclub Cup competitions are as follows:

i)                    Results of matches finished – result stands.

ii)                   Matches which have to be suspended.  The position of the ball must be marked and play resumed from that spot. When play is resumed if the spot where the ball is to be placed is impossible to determine it must be estimated and the ball placed on the estimated spot. (R&A Rule 6-8d).

17.  Any disputes or disciplinary issues arising shall be settled by the County Executive Committee whose decision shall be final.

18.  Competitors may take more than one trophy.  Only one prize can be taken, except when aggregate prizes are won.

19.  Winners of all cups and trophies hold them for one year.  The engraving of all trophies shall be undertaken by the winner’s home club but will be paid for by the County as will the insurance.

20.  Insurance Cover.  Players and their caddies are reminded that it is their individual responsibility to insure their personal golfing equipment and belongings against loss or damage.  Players should also ensure that they hold an insurance policy which covers them or another player in the eventuality that their struck balls injure somebody or property.  The County does not undertake to cover loss or damage of personal items or injury of any individual whatsoever.

COUNTYCHAMPIONSHIP

21.  The upper handicap is 12.  If the entry is over subscribed, those with the highest handicaps will be balloted out.

22.  36 holes of stroke play qualifying for the Championship. The best gross 16 scores will qualify for a Knock-out Match Play Tournament over the next two days to decide the Championship. The Automatic Draw will operate. All players entering must be prepared to participate in the Championship Match Play stages which are played off scratch.  Entries for the Qualifying rounds only are not allowed.

23.  There will be a banded draw for partners in twos or threes depending on the number of competitors.  If appropriate, there may be a two tee start.

24.  Ties will be decided on the last 18, 9, 6, or 3 holes.  The case of further ties will be decided by the Committee.

25.  Each match, including the final, will consist of 18 holes and, in the event of a match being all square after 18 holes, competitors will continue to play until one or other shall have gained a hole, when the match shall be considered over.

26.  Gross and nett trophies and prizes will be awarded on 36 holes.

27.  Gross and nett scores from the first round go forward to the Autumn Meeting for the Aggregate and Club Trophies.

JOHNSTONE CUP

28.  The handicap range is 13 to 20.  If the entry is over subscribed, those with the highest handicaps will be balloted out.

29.  18 holes of stroke play qualifying for the Johnstone Cup. The best gross 16 scores will qualify for a Knock-out Match Play Tournament by Automatic Draw. All players entering must be prepared to participate in the Johnstone Cup Match Play stages which are played off scratch.  Entries for the Qualifying round only are not allowed.

30.  There will be a banded draw for partners in twos or threes depending on the number of competitors.  If appropriate, there may be a two tee start.

31.  Each match, including the final, will consist of 18 holes and, in the event of a match being all square after 18 holes, competitors will continue to play until one or other shall have gained a hole, when the match shall be considered over.

32.  Gross and nett trophies and prizes will be awarded.

33.  Gross and nett scores go forward to the Autumn Meeting for the Aggregate and Club Trophies.

SILVER SPRING CHALLENGE

34.  The upper handicap is 20.  If the entry is over subscribed, those with the highest handicaps will be balloted out.

35.  There will be an 18 hole stroke play round at the end of the Johnstone Cup qualifying round for members not wishing to play in either the County Championship or Johnstone Cup competitions.

36.  There will be a banded draw for partners in twos or threes depending on the number of competitors.  If appropriate, there may be a two tee start.

37.  Gross and nett prizes will be awarded.

38.  Gross and nett scores go forward to the Autumn Meeting for the Aggregate and Club Trophies.

PRIZE GIVING – COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP, JOHNSTONE CUP, & SILVER SPRING CHALLENGE

39.  The prize giving for the County Championship and Johnstone Cup meetings will be after the finals of the Championship and the Johnstone Cup. 

40.  The prize giving for the Silver Spring Challenge will be on completion of play.

BRONZE SPRING MEETING

41.  If the entry is over subscribed, those with the highest handicaps will be balloted out.

42.  There will be a banded draw for partners in twos or threes depending on the number of competitors.  If appropriate, there may be a two tee start.

43.  Gross and nett trophies and prizes will be awarded, in order of 1st gross, 1st nett, 2nd gross etc.

44.  All scores go forward to the Autumn Meeting for the Aggregate Trophies.  Only the stroke play scores from players in the Low Bronze Section go towards the Club Trophies.

45.  Prize giving will be held on each day.

46.  Handicaps 21 – 28.  One day, 18 holes stroke play.

47.  Handicaps 29 - 36.  One day, 18 holes stableford.

INTER-CLUB FOURSOMES.

48.  Played in three divisions - Scratch, Silver Handicap and Bronze Handicap. Clubs may enter a pair in each Division. Entry forms for each Division will be sent to all affiliated Clubs. 

49.  Day 1. 18 holes of foursomes stroke play.

a.    Scratch.  The 4 best gross scores qualify for the Knock-out Match Play Tournament on Day 2.  The automatic draw will operate.

b.    Silver and Bronze Handicap Divisions. Handicap allowance will be ½ combined. The 4 best nett scores qualify for the Knock-out Match Play Tournament on Day 2.  The automatic draw will operate.

50.  Day 2.  Each match, including the final, will consist of 18 holes and, in the event of a match being all square after 18 holes, competitors will continue to play until one or other shall have gained a hole, when the match shall be considered over.

1. Scratch.  No handicap allowance.

2. Silver and Bronze Handicap Divisions.  Handicap allowance will be ½ the difference of combined handicaps.

51.  Prize giving will be held on completion of the finals with trophies and prizes being presented to each Division.

AUTUMN MEETING

52.  Silver Division - one day 18 holes stroke play.

      Low Bronze Division - 21 to 28 Handicaps - one day 18 holes stroke play.

      High Bronze Division – 29 to 36 Handicaps - one day 18 holes stableford.

53.  There will be a draw for partners in twos or threes depending on the number of competitors.  If appropriate, there may be a two tee start.

54.  If the entry in any Division is over subscribed, those with the highest handicaps will be balloted out, provided they are not in contention for the Aggregate Trophies.

55.  Players moving between handicap divisions (silver, low bronze and high bronze) will play on the day of their revised handicap provided they originally showed intent to play.

56.  All trophies and prizes won at the Autumn Meeting will be presented at the County Annual General Meeting.

SCRATCH KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

57.  The competition will be run in two divisions, the silver and the bronze and will be known as the Humphreys Bowl and the Parkin Cup respectively. The competition in each division will be run off scratch.

58.  All team members playing in the Humphreys Bowl must hold a silver division handicap.

59.  Clubs may enter as many teams as they wish. An entry charge per team will be made.

60.  Clubs must be affiliated members of the County. 

61.  A player who has played for one team may not play in any other for that year.  All finalists must have played in a previous round.

62.  The knockout draw for the first two rounds will be done at the beginning and drawn thereafter.  There will be no seeding.  If byes are necessary they will be included in the format of the knockout.  They will be split as near as possible between the top and bottom of the draw. The club drawn on top of each match is the home team.

63.  Each round comprises 3 singles matches played to a win or loss conclusion with no draws.

64.  The date by which rounds have to be completed will be set by the County.  No extensions will be given.  The teams will fix a mutually acceptable date to play within the pre-set dates. 

65.  Both teams are responsible for making initial contact. The home team initially offering 4 dates (of which one must be a weekend) and not including the last day of the round.  This must be kept free in case of course closures.  Proposed dates should not include the opposition’s Ladies’ day.

66.  Players must be prepared to play at weekends to accommodate a team that includes working ladies.  Such that in discussion teams must consider a weekend date.  Conversely a team with all working ladies cannot expect to play all games at the weekend.

67.  If teams are unable to arrange a date of play the County will impose a date.

68.  If a course is unavailable on the day in question for a home draw then the match reverts to the opposition’s course.

69.  The results are to be notified to the Assistant County Secretary within 2 days of th e completion of the match.  The Home Team Captain is responsible for sending the match sheet signed by both Team Captains to the Assistant County Secretary.

70.   The host clubs for the semi finals will be:

a.       Top Half of Draw.  The club drawn top of the bottom half of the draw.

b.      Bottom Half of Draw.  The club drawn top of the top half of the draw.

71.  The neutral venue for the finals will be determined by rota, drawn annually.  All clubs that enter the scratch knockout competitions will be entered in the draw, with the following excluded in any one year:

a.       Host clubs for Inter Club semi finals and final.

b.      Venues for National, SW Regional and County Meetings (County Championships, Bronze Spring, InterClub Foursomes, Autumn Meeting).

c.       Not due by rota.

INTER-CLUB CUP   

72.    Definitions:  Whenever one of the following definitions is used within the inter club section of the rules, the word is printed in italics.

a.       Match.  A match consists of 7 singles, each over the same 18 holes to be played on the same day.

b.      Game.   A singles match played over 18 holes.

73.  The Inter-Club Cup is an annual competition between affiliated Clubs in the County and is played on a round robin format in 4 divisions.  Matches will be played on 18 hole courses only.

74.  A team consists of seven players.  The maximum playing handicap is 20.  Any Bronze Division players selected for a team must play off the maximum permitted handicap 20.  Matches will be played under handicap, full difference, and in order of playing handicap in the form of a tournament under the Rules of Golf.

75.  If a Club withdraws from Divisions B,C,or D before 1 April of the playing year it will be replaced by the Club drawn in position A5 on the draw sheet.

76.  Matches will be played between 1 April and 15 August. The dates of the matches, once fixed, should be adhered to and any club defaulting (unless the two Captains agree to a postponement within the allotted time) will concede 1 point.

77.  No extensions will be allowed beyond the closing date for each round.

78.  The host clubs for the semi finals and final are determined by rote.  The semi finals and final will be played between the 4 divisional winners at neutral courses determined by the annual draw. 

79.  Should any player fail to be on the Tee within 5 minutes after the last game the PENALTY is loss of the first hole.

80.  Scoring.  One point shall be scored for each individual win or walkover.  Individual games all square after 18 holes shall score half a point, except in the semi finals and final when all games must be played to a conclusion.

81.  Points.  Each Club shall score one point for a win and half a point for a match halved with another Club.  The Club which has scored the most points in each division is the winner.

82.  Ties.  In the event of two or more Clubs scoring an equal number of points the tie shall be decided on the individual games won.  A further tie will be decided on the number of holes up.

83.  Committee Decisions:

1. If a team plays in the wrong handicap order all the affected individual games are forfeited.

2. If a team member plays off a higher handicap her individual game is forfeited.  If the order of play is affected, then ‘a’ above also applies.

3. If any members of a team fail to appear on the day of a match, the opposing team will be awarded a walkover for any individual game not played.  Captains are therefore advised to take reserves. If a reserve has to be substituted for an absent player, it must be done before lists have been exchanged as failure to do this may incur the penalty at ‘a’ above.

4. Individual games which are forfeited or awarded a walkover should be recorded on the scoresheet as 10 holes up i.e.10/8.

84.  Provided both Team Captains agree, once team sheets have been exchanged the playing order of games may be changed.

85.  The ‘Home’ Club is to send the match result sheet, clearly indicating handicaps and individual game results, duly agreed and signed by both Team Captains to the Assistant County Secretary on the day of the match. Any query concerning any aspect of the match must be referred to the Assistant County Secretary before the match sheet is signed.

Appendix 1 to Rules &

Conditions governing all

County Competitions

COUNTYTROPHIES

TROPHY	MEETING/ EVENT	AWARDED TO	PRESENTED AT
Huleatt Cup	County Championship	The Winner of the Match Play event (County Champion)	County Championship
Eleanor Morris Dish	County Championship	The Runner Up of the Match Play event	County Championship
Ivy Carrol Cup	County Championship	The best 36 hole gross score	County Championship
Carter Bowl	County Championship	The best 36 hole nett score	County Championship
Johnstone Cup	Johnstone Cup	The Winner of the Match Play event	Johnstone Cup
Dees Salver	Johnstone Cup	The Runn