Cheshire Golf Limited

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards of behaviour expected when participating in any Cheshire Golf Ltd. (CGL) event, and players must ensure they are familiar with and understand the details set out below and always meet these minimum standards.

1. Code of Conduct

Breaches of the Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Foul and abusive language

(b) Abuse of clubs or the course or clubhouse such as:

       (i) throwing and/or breaking clubs

       (ii) damaging course equipment, tee markers, flagsticks, rakes, etc.

       (iii) inappropriate damage to the greens or teeing grounds

       (iv) defacing or damaging on-course signage or clubhouse fittings

(c) Being disrespectful of other players, referees, spectators or members / representatives of the host club

(d) Failing to care for the course, for example

       (i) not repairing pitch marks, not raking bunkers and/or not replacing divots

       (ii) pulling trolleys onto or across teeing grounds or greens

(e) Acting in a manner contrary to the spirit of the game of golf that may bring the game or CGL into disrepute

(f) Misuse of Social Media/smartphones such as

(i) excessive use of social media/smartphones during a round – this excludes use to report live on course scoring

(ii) using critical or disrespectful language in any public forum towards CGL or any parties mentioned in (c) above

(g) Failing to adhere to the rules and regulations relating to the host club e.g. dress code and the use of mobile phones.

2. Enforcement

Some breaches may be noticed personally by referees as they occur, and the referees would be expected to take the appropriate action at that time. Otherwise, breaches may be reported to the Championships & Competitions (C&C) Committee (or its representatives) by other parties and some enquiries may need to be conducted before action can be taken.

However, the following penalties have been authorised by the C&C Committee to apply when any breaches as set out above have been confirmed:

First Breach – an official warning

Second Breach - General Penalty

Third Breach - Disqualification

Note that (a) any penalties imposed during a round will be carried forward to future rounds until such time that the event is concluded and (b) any breaches by the player’s caddie will result in penalties being imposed on the player.

3. C&C Committee Decisions

Any decision of the C&C Committee in relation to breaches of the Code of Conduct is final.

In addition, if any breaches are considered to amount to serious misconduct (or worse) because of : - their severity - their impact upon others, or - an extended period over which many breaches have occurred (perhaps over more than one CGL event) any of which may have an impact upon the reputation of the game of golf or of the CGL, the C&C Committee reserves the right to take further action to address such situations.

This could include referring the matter for review under the County Disciplinary Procedure but in either case, it could result in further and more serious penalties.