AJGA

For the purpose of this policy, a spectator is considered to be anyone who is at the golf course and who is not a caddie for a player in the Beginner or 9-Hole Club Division.

Atlanta Junior Golf 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. This policy serves to create an environment where junior golfers can develop their skills and independence as players without interference or interaction from parents or spectators.

All parents have the opportunity to watch their child participate in Atlanta Junior Golf tournaments. 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.

Minimum Distances: Where provided, spectators MUST stay on the cart path. A minimum distance of 30 yards must be maintained between the player and spectators in all circumstances. Exceptions:

• To help search for a golf ball

• If view of the putting green is obstructed from cart path

In each of these circumstances, spectators must return to the cart path as soon as the ball is located or the group has putted out, respectively. These are not opportunities to speak with players contrary to the Spectator Policy. Spectators are encouraged to walk one shot ahead of the group they are watching in order to spot for golf balls.

Prohibited Areas: Spectators are prohibited from the following areas:

Tees, fairways, hazards, bunkers and greens
Scoring and starting areas
Rules Situations

Communication: All communication must be spoken in English and done so in the presence of other spectators. Encouragement is always allowed. Anything that could possibly be construed as advice is not allowed. The USGA defines advice as any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke.

You should not walk beside a junior golfer and talk. Spectators may provide players with drinks, towels, umbrellas, food, or other similar items during a stipulated round. However, spectators must deliver the item to the player without providing advice, guidance or having conversation.

Rulings: Spectators should not give rulings on the golf course. Locate an AJG staff member or contact the AJG office by phone at (770) 850-9040. Incorrect rulings given by parents will not be remedied in the scoring area, as players are ultimately responsible for knowing the Rules.

Disputes and Disruptions: If you have an issue with another spectator, please inform an AJG staff member. DO NOT attempt to solve the issue on your own. Yelling at or discouraging a junior golfer, including your own child, will not be tolerated at any event. Insulting, intimidating, or communicating with any junior golfer in a destructive manner will result in immediate removal from the golf course.

Cell Phones: Spectators may carry cell phones so long as they are on silent or vibrate. When making a call, spectators must ensure that no player is distracted. Some golf courses do not allow the use of cell phones on their property. In these cases we defer to the club’s policy.

All spectators are required to check-in with the Staff at EVERY event to sign a spectator contract before proceeding onto the course. This contract represents your receipt and understanding of our Spectator Code of Conduct. AJG Staff Members have the authority to remove any spectator who is not abiding by this policy.

While not guaranteed, spectators carts may be rented by spectators based on availability, the daily fee is determined by each individual host facility. Please note that requests for spectator carts may be limited or denied in some circumstances (e.g. poor weather conditions, lack of available carts at host site, ect.) and use of a cart is subject to final approval by the host facility. In order to avoid unnecessary distractions to play, all riders in the spectator cart must adhere to the following:

• Observe all golf course and golf cart policies
• Remain on the cart path at all times, in the absence of paths, carts must remain in the rough.
• Carts may only move forward on the golf course (from tee to green) except in case of a weather evacuation. Carts may not move while competitors are playing a stroke (Be mindful of groups in front of and behind)
• A maximum of three (3) carts per group is allowed
• A maximum of two (2) riders are allowed per cart
• Spectator carts must not shuttle players or carry their clubs during a stipulated round

• *In the case of inclement weather and a course evacuation, spectator carts may be used to shuttle golfers to safety, at no time should anyone stand on the back or sides of the cart. All riders must be properly seated in the cart at all times.

Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in a forfeiture of the cart without refund and may also impact the ability to rent spectator carts as subsequent events.

Where spectator carts rental are not available for general use, individuals who are able to demonstrate a physical disability through proper documentation may request the use of a cart upon arrival at each tournament site. This request must be directed to the Atlanta Junior Golf tournament director on-site and must be accompanied by the following items. Please note that requests for spectator carts may be limited or denied in some circumstances (e.g. poor weather conditions, lack of available carts at host site, ect.) and use of a cart is subject to final approval by the host facility.

A valid state-issued drivers license or photo ID, AND

 a. A state- or government-issued handicap parking permit matching the name that appears on item #1 above,

OR

b. A letter from a licensed physician stating the existence of a physical disability and the need for reasonable accommodation for the individual whose name appears on item #1 above.

Requests for use of a spectator cart will be considered by the Atlanta Junior Golf staff only when accompanied by information detailed above. If approved for use of a cart, the Atlanta Junior Golf staff will recommend that the host facility provide reasonable accommodation, in the form of an automated golf cart, to the applicant. The spectator must sign and acknowledge the Spectator Cart Agreement form (available on-site) before acquiring a cart from the host golf course. A fee for rental of a cart may be required and will vary at each tournament site. Unless he or she is unable to drive the cart, only the approved individual is allowed in the cart.

Please note that requests for spectator carts may be limited in some circumstances (e.g. poor weather conditions, lack of available carts at host site, ect.) and use of a cart is subject to final approval by the host facility. In certain cases, despite a physical disability carts may not be available for spectators use. In this case, or if you are physically disabled and unable to present the required documentation, our staff will make a reasonable effort to accommodate your access to the tournament as a spectator. Please note, however, that requests to follow a particular group or player cannot be honored.

If approved to use a cart, failure to abide by the agreed upon terms will render an individual ineligible for use of a spectator cart at future events.

*Atlanta Junior Golf reserves the right to amend this policy without notice should local conditions necessitate such a change. The ability to spectate and rent spectator carts may not be available at every event.