Atlanta's home for
  junior golf since 1974

Spectator Code of Conduct

The Atlanta Junior Golf Association 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 policy.

All parents have the right to watch their child participate in Atlanta Junior Golf tournaments. However, in order to maintain this right, there are certain guidelines that must be followed. We expect all spectators to follow 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.

• Spectators are encouraged to walk one shot ahead of the group they are watching in order to spot for golf balls. This also eliminates the temptation of talking to a junior golfer during his or her round.
• Where provided, spectators MUST stay on the cart path. The only two exceptions to this are:

1. To help search for a golf ball
2. If view of the 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.

• Encouragement such as “Good shot” and “Nice putt” is allowed. Anything that could possibly be construed as advice is not allowed. If you are unsure, don’t say it.
• USGA Definition of “advice”: Advice is 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.
• DO NOT walk beside your child and talk. AJG Staff will assume you are giving advice and an automatic 2 stroke penalty will be applied to your child’s score for that hole, regardless of what you were talking about. If you need to give him or her a drink, a towel, an umbrella, food, or any other item, either do so and walk away, or leave it beside the cart path/teeing ground for them to pick up.
• Spectators may carry cell phones so long as they are on silent or vibrate. If you need to make a call please make sure you are as far away from any group of golfers as you can get. Some golf courses do not allow the use of cell phones on their property. In these cases we defer to the club’s policy.
• 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 any junior golfer, including your own child, will not be tolerated at any of our events. Should you violate this portion of the policy, you will be immediately escorted to the club house where you can wait for your child.
• Spectators should not give rulings on the golf course. Locate an AJG staff member where possible or have the junior proceed under Rule 3-3 and play two balls. Incorrect rulings given by parents will not be remedied in the scoring area, as players are ultimately responsible for knowing the Rules.

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 and also gives our Staff the authority to remove any spectator who is not abiding by the policy (no warnings will be issued). 

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Spectator Cart Policy

Spectator carts are permitted ONLY for those individuals who are PERMANENTLY DISABLED and can provide proof that they possess a permanent handicap decal issued by a state government agency.

In order to be considered for use of a spectator cart at any Atlanta Junior Golf event, an applicant must submit the following documentation to the Atlanta Junior Golf office at least 48 hours prior to the event for which the cart is being requested:

1. A completed Spectator Cart Request Form
2. A copy of a state-issued permanent handicap decal that includes the applicant’s name

All spectator cart requests are subject to approval by the Executive Director. If approved, the spectator cart is available ONLY to the person whose name appears on the permanent handicap decal. If this person is unable to drive the cart, that must be stated on the request form.

Spectator cart requests will NOT be considered, accepted or approved on-site during any event.

If approved to use a spectator cart, the cart must be rented from the golf shop at the rate determined by each specific club.

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