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CONTENTS
EFFECTIVE—MAY 1, 2011
The following are the Rules of Play for the FSGA
Men’s Interclub Team Matches
CONTENTS
Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played for the most
part, without the supervision of a referee or
umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the
individual to show consideration for other players
and to abide by the Rules. All players should
conduct themselves as gentlemen, demonstrating
courtesy and sportsmanship at all times,
irrespective of how competitive they may play.
Please enjoy the Interclub Matches and be respectful
of your team mates, your opponents and the host golf
facilities.
Player Eligibility
Clubs using the GHIN Handicap System may enter
players meeting the following requirements:
a. Amateurs - All players must be amateurs.
(Exception - one club professional -see below)
b. Playing Ability – All teams should have a
mix of players with handicaps ranging from very low
single digits up to the maximum of 18.4.
c. Professional - Either the current Club
Professional or an Assistant Golf Professional may
participate in the Team Matches. Eligible
professionals must have a current
numeric handicap index that must be included in
the club’s handicap system roster as of the December
15th revision. Only one professional
or assistant professional may participate on the day
of the match.
d. Club Employees - Non-professional
(amateur) employees appearing on the clubs index
report may participate. A non-professional employee
is taking a members spot.
e. Handicap – Maximum low index: 18.4
maximum Low Index [LI] is not the player’s current
index – it is the player’s lowest index of the last
12 revisions up to the registration deadline. All
references to handicap or index in the Interclub
Matches refer to that LI at the registration
deadline.
IMPORTANT: Unlike past
years, players will play all season at the LI they
established at the beginning of the season. A
player’s LI will not change during the course of the
season.
f. Scoring Record – Players must have at
least 10 rounds recorded for 2011 prior to the
December 15th revision. Players who have
been unable to meet this requirement due to injury
or another legitimate reason will be viewed on a
case-by-case basis.
g. Age - All players must be at least 18
years of age prior to the start of a match.
h. Listing on Club’s Handicap Roster – All
players must have a current numeric index and be
listed on the club’s index report as of December 15th.
Members affiliating with the club or establishing an
index after that date are not eligible to compete in
the current season. There are no exceptions to
this rule. Players must stay on the GHIN roster
at their club for the entire season. If players do
not remain on the GHIN roster they will not be
eligible for the competition.
i. One Team Per Player - Players may
represent only one club and one team. Penalty
for playing with two teams: Disqualification
for the 2012 Interclub Match season from both teams.
j. One Team Per Club – Each club may have
only one team, however, some very large golf
communities with multiple golf courses (generally
more than 36 holes) may be allowed to have more than
one team from their community. Please contact the
FSGA if you meet this condition and wish to have
more than one team from your community.
j. Penalty for Playing an Ineligible Player -
Disqualification of the ineligible individual
and the individual’s four-ball team in all matches
in which the player has played.
Definition of a Team
a. Each team may have as many eligible players as
they choose on their team roster and players may
play in as many or as few matches as they wish.
b. Eight (8) players from each team will be used for
each match.
c. Play-offs - Players may only compete in the
play-offs if they competed in at least one regular
season match and continue to meet eligibility
requirements.
Team of Fewer Than 8 Players
a. If a team has fewer than 8 players, they may use
a substitute/alternate in accordance with proper
handicap sequence procedures thus returning to 8
players;
or
b. Play with fewer than 8 players by playing a
one-man team against the opponent’s two-man team.
The one-man team may be placed in any position in
the line-up, as long as he is in proper handicap
sequence, and may play only one opponent
individually in addition to the four-ball match.
Establishing Groups and Regions
Groups and regions will be established by the FSGA
shortly after entries close. Clubs are grouped
primarily by location to minimize travel between
clubs particularly during the playoffs. During the
sign up period, four clubs from the same general
area may mutually agree to form a group and this
group structure will be respected by the FSGA
committee. To meet this condition, all four clubs
must agree to be a group, they must all sign up
prior to the entry deadline and the FSGA must be
informed directly in writing (email) prior to the
entry deadline.
All clubs are encouraged to respect the spirit of
this competition. Other clubs in your group may not
be as exceptionally well designed or maintained as
your home club. However, this competition is about
competing with your friends against a group of
potential new friends from another club. You should
not be playing in these matches solely in the hope
of gaining access to other golf courses in your
area. If you are fortunate enough to be a member of
one of the finest clubs in your area, please be a
gracious host and enjoy the experience of playing
other courses that you might not otherwise play. The
best players typically prevail in a competition
regardless of the course’s design or condition.
Refunds
If you withdraw before the close of
entries all refunds will be a full $50. There
will generally be no refunds after the close of
entries except for in exceptional circumstances.
For example you are in a 3 team group and 1 team
drops out leaving you unable to participate.
Associate Clubs (Not Owning a Golf Course)
Clubs that are established on the GHIN handicap
system but are not directly associated with a club
may compete but they must select and make
arrangements at a home GHIN club that they
designate. This home club will be the host site for
their home matches.
Match Format and Scoring
a. Generally – Each team match will consist
of four foursomes of four players. In each group
there will be two players from each team. The lowest
two handicap players from club “A” will play with
the lowest two handicap players from club “B”. Same
method of parings for subsequent groups.
b. Individual Matches – Each player will play
an 18-hole individual match against an opponent from
the other team with the winner earning 2 points.
(Ties – points are split 1-1) The number one player
(lowest handicap) from Team “A” will compete against
the number one player from Team “B”. The number two
players from each team (second lowest handicaps)
will also compete. Same for the number 3 players and
so forth…
c. Four-Ball (Best Ball of Two) - The two
players from Team “A” in the first foursome will
also simultaneously compete against the two players
from Team “B” in an 18-hole four-ball match. The
winning four-ball team will win 2 points with ties
being split 1-1. Same method and matches for all
four foursomes.
d. Thursday Afternoon Matches – Typically
matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon. Team
captains can mutually agree to play their match on a
different day and they may also switch their home
and away matches to avoid other club competitions.
Captains who can agree are given great leeway in the
scheduling of their matches. However, if captains
cannot agree on scheduling, the match is to be
played at the course and day scheduled.
e. Match Points – Accordingly, each
competition will result in:
i. 8 – Individual matches for 16 total points
ii. 4 – Four-ball matches for 8 total points
iii. 24 - Total Points per Match
f. Winning Team – Determined by Match Points,
tied matches are not broken except for during the
post-season play-offs.
g. Overall Points (The Most Important) – At
the completion of the match, teams are awarded
points on the following basis: Winning Team = 3
points, Team Ties = 1.5 Points Each; Loss = 0 Points
Note: Overall points reflect your teams
win-loss record and these points are used to
determine your group’s winner. Example:
Overall points are similar to games won in baseball
or hockey. In baseball, it does not matter how many
“runs” a team wins by-each win counts as one
game. Similarly, if you win your match 24-0 you
have still only won one match and you earn 3 overall
points for winning. (Match points only come into
effect at the end of the regular season and only as
part of the tie-breaking procedure for determining
group winners and home-field advantage for the
playoffs).
Group Winners
a. Groups – Each “group” will ideally contain
four teams which will compete against one another
during the regular season. Over six weeks, each team
will play each of the other three teams in the group
two times – once at home and once away. The group
winner will be the team with the most Overall Points
(win-loss points) at the end of the season. In the
event of a tie, there is an established tie-breaking
method described under “Tie Breaking Procedures”.
b. Groups with Three Teams – In the event
that a group has only three teams, each team will
play the other two teams in the group twice – once
home and once away over the six week regular season.
Accordingly, teams from groups of three will play
only four matches and team will have two weeks on
the schedule where they will not have a match. The
group winner will be the team with the most Overall
Points (win-loss points) at the end of the season.
In the event of a tie, see Tie Breaking Procedures
for Groups.
c. Region Full and Alternate Teams – Once an
area has 16 teams (four groups with four teams each)
the region will be full. Additional “regions” may be
added to accommodate more teams, but this may not
always be possible. Teams will be accepted on a
first-come, first-serve basis.
Tie-Breaking Procedures for Groups
(To Determine Group Winners and Wildcard Teams)
a. Group winners will be determined by the team with
the highest Overall Points:
(3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points
for a loss)
b. In the event of a tie between two or more teams
with identical Overall Points, the group winner will
be determined by:
i. First - the total Overall Points won in matches
between the tied teams
ii. Second – the total Match Points earned between
the tied teams
iii. Third - the total four-ball points won in
matches between the tied teams
iv. Fourth – Total Match Points won in all matches
against all teams
v. Then total Match Points earned in, their last
three matches; then their last two matches; then
last match; then by coin flip
c. Wildcard Teams – (Three Group Regions
Only) Since wild card teams do not compete directly
against one another during the regular season, any
ties by Overall Points will be determined by:
i. First - the total Match Points won in all matches
by the tied teams
ii. Second – the total four-ball points won in
matches by both teams
iii. Third - Total Match Points won in the last 3
matches
iv. Then Match Points earned in, the last two
matches; then last match; then by coin flip
v. Groups with only three teams – Points
Adjustment – For determining home field
advantage and tie breakers, teams from groups of
three teams will have their overall and match points
grossed up by 150% so that they will be on a
comparable basis with groups of four teams.
Playoffs and Regional Champions
a. After the regular season, four Group Champion
Teams will compete over two rounds of playoffs to
determine the Regional Champion. (Teams will be
paired by the FSGA Committee for the play-offs.
Three group regions will include a wild-card team)
b. Teams will be “seeded” based on each team’s
overall record from regular season play. The seeds
will be used to determine who receives the home
course advantage for the second match of the
playoff. Overall points will be used for this test,
and if overall points are tied, then total match
points will be compared. If the teams are still
tied, then the tie will be broken by comparing
four-ball match points. If the teams are still
tied, then the tie will be broken by a coin flip.
(Teams from groups of only 3 teams will have their
overall and match points grossed-up by 150% for
purposes of determining home field analysis).
c. The playoff matches will be conducted on the
courses of the competing teams, according to all
regular Interclub rules.
d. For each round of the playoffs, each team will
play two matches against their opposing team on a
home-and-away basis, conducted over two weeks. The
winner will be determined by the Overall Points
earned in the two matches (Each Match - Winning
Team = 3 points, Teams Tie = 1.5 Point Each; Loss =
0 Points)
e. Ties – If the teams remain tied after the
completion of both matches, a sudden death playoff
will be held to determine the winner. (See
tie-breaking procedure in next section)
f. Eligibility - Only players who have played
in at least one team match during the regular season
shall be eligible to participate in the playoffs.
Any infraction of this rule shall result in
forfeiture of all individual and/or four-ball points
won during the play-off match by the ineligible
player(s).
Players who were scheduled to play in a match that
was cancelled are not eligible to play in the
playoffs unless they have played in another match
during the season.
g. Regions with Three Groups (Wild Card Team)
– In some cases a region will only have three
groups. After the regular season, each of the group
winners will advance to the playoffs. Additionally,
the highest ranking second place team, the “Wild
Card Team”, based upon Overall Points (awarded for
wins and ties), will advance to the playoffs. If
there is a tie based on Overall Points, then the
team with the highest number of total “Match Points”
from all their matches will advance. See Tiebreaking
Procedures for Groups in a section listed above.
Tie-Breaking Procedure for Playoffs
a. If the teams remain tied after the completion of
both matches, a sudden death stroke-play playoff
will be held to determine the winner. The
sudden-death playoff should involve the 1, 3, 5, and
7 lowest index players from each team and should
begin on hole #1 unless another hole is
mutually agreed upon.
b. The combined net score (with full
handicaps) of the four players from each team will
be used to determine the winner. The playoff will
continue until the tie is broken. (Unlike the
regular matches, you will not be playing
match play against an opponent). The two players
from each group that are from the same team are
partners for purposes of the rules; they may give
each other advice and both of their net scores will
count. Only the total net score for all
four players will count. Stroke play rules
apply and all putts must be holed.
c. Order of Play – For the playoffs, the first
foursome to play should include the #5 and #7
players from each team. The second group to play
should include the #1 and #3 players from each team.
d. After completing the 1st playoff hole, each
foursome would need to wait beside the green until
the other group has completed the hole to determine
if a winning team has been identified. If the teams
are still tied after completion of the 1st
playoff hole, the playoff continues sequentially
until a winner is determined.
e. In the event that the 1, 3, 5, or 7 player cannot
participate in the playoff, a higher handicap
teammate may take his spot. However, the substituted
player must play to the absent players handicap
index. Example: If the #3 player leaves, the #4, 6,
or 8 player may play in his spot, but must play to
#3’s handicap index. The #2 player WOULD NOT be
allowed to substitute for #3. If there is not a
teammate to fulfill the absent players spot, the
team must forfeit.
f. Players in the playoff will each receive their
full handicap and strokes will be allocated
according to the club scorecard.
State Championship
a. 36-holes, Stroke play at Grand Cypress Resort
in Orlando
b. FSGA pays for both competitive rounds
c. Dates – March 31-April 1, 2012 (Saturday
P.M. and Sunday A.M.)
d. Practice Rounds available through club at
standard rates
e. Eligibility – Each Regional Championship
Team will advance to the State Championship. Eight
(8) team members from each team will compete and all
eight players must have competed in a minimum of two
matches. The two matches can be played at any time
in the season and do not have to be one regular
season match and one playoff match (i.e. it is okay
to play in two regular season matches and no playoff
matches).
f. Roster – All players on the State
Championship roster must have competed in a minimum
of two matches. The two matches can be played at any
time in the season and do not have to be one regular
season match and one playoff match (i.e. it is okay
to play in two regular season matches and no playoff
matches). You may bring as many players on your
team that fulfill the requirement. You may play
each round with any combination of eight (8) players
each round.
g. Format – Unlike the regular season and
playoffs which are conducted using match play, the
State Championship will be conducted using
Stableford stroke play. Each team’s daily score will
be the sum of:
i. Their six (6) lowest individual net scores
(highest Stableford points) and;
ii. Their three (3) lowest four-ball net scores
(highest Stableford points)
iii. Players whose scores are not used on day one
can have their scores for the second round count.
iv. Players who are disqualified under a Rule of
Golf during the first round will remain eligible for
the second round.
h. Championship – The championship team will
be determined by the team with the lowest two-round
total.
i. Play-Off – In the event of a tie, a sudden
death, hole-by-hole playoff will be conducted.
i. The sudden-death playoff will involve the 1, 3,
5, and 7 lowest index players from each team
involved.
ii. The combined Stableford net score of the four
players from each team will be used to determine the
winner. The playoff will continue until the tie is
broken.
j. Awards – All teams that advance to the
Championship will receive trophies to display at
their club.
Handicaps and Low Indexes (LI’s)
a. Indexes - All
players must play to 100% of their lowest index (LI)
on record as of December 15th, players
will play to that LI for the entire season. The LI
for each player may be found on the Interclub Team
Rosters. Team Captains should plan to have a copy of
this information available at every match.
b. Maximum Low Index (LI): Those individuals
who’s LI is greater than 18.4 will not be able to
participate in Interclub Matches. A player may
not play down to a lower index to become eligible
for this program.
Handicap Strokes Allocation
a. Individual Matches - In each individual
match, the player with the lowest handicap will play
at scratch and the higher handicap player will
receive the full difference between the course
handicaps of the two players.
b. Four-Ball Matches - In each of the
four-ball matches, the lowest-handicap player will
play at scratch and each of the other three players
in the group will receive the full difference in
stroke between their course handicap and that of the
lowest-handicapped player.
c. Stroke Allocations – Regardless of the
starting tee, in all cases the allocation of
handicap strokes will remain as listed on the
scorecard
d. Player’s Responsibility for Handicaps - In
accordance with Rule 6-2 of the Rules of Golf,
before the start of each match it is the
responsibility of each individual player to ensure
that his correct handicap is being used for the
competition and to know the holes at which handicap
strokes are to be given or received.
HANDICAP CORRECTIONS:
If at any time during the Interclub Match season,
the FSGA Handicap department makes a correction for
any reason (i.e. wrong score posted, etc), that
player must obtain, in writing, confirmation of this
change from the FSGA Interclub Match Committee. This
confirmation will allow that player to use the
adjusted index for the applicable month’s Interclub
matches.
Schedule
Regular Season
·
Week 1: January 5th
·
Week 2: January 12th
·
Week 3: January 19th
·
Week 4: January 26th
·
Week 5: February 2nd
·
Week 6: February 9th
·
Week 7: February 16th (Make-Up Week)
Post Season Playoffs
·
Week 8: February 23rd (Rd. 1 Playoffs)
·
Week 9: March 1st (Rd. 1 Playoffs)
·
Week 10: March 8th (Rd. 2 Playoffs)
·
Week 11: March 15th (Round 2 Playoffs)
·
Week 12: March 22nd (Make-Up Week for Playoffs)
·
Week 13: Championship, March 31 – April
1, 2011
Day and Time of Matches
a. Thursday Afternoon Matches – Typically
matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon. Team
captains may mutually agree to play their match on a
different day and they may also switch their home
and away matches to avoid other club competitions or
conflicts. Captains who agree are given great leeway
in the scheduling of their matches. However, if the
captains cannot agree on alternative scheduling, the
match is to be played at the course and day
originally scheduled by the FSGA.
b. Tee Times – Tee times are to be determined
by the host team; preferably a mid-day start
on Thursdays with adequate time for all groups to
complete play prior to darkness.
Pairings
a. During all Team matches (including the play-offs
and Championship), players for each club must be
paired in Lowest Handicap sequence from low to high,
including the two-man teams, with the
lowest-handicapped player listed first. (Example:
the two lowest-handicapped players must be paired
together and play as Team #1, the next two and Team
#2, etc.)
b. Order of Play – The first group to tee off should
include the two lowest handicap players from each
team. However, if both captains agree, the order of
groups can be revised to accommodate players that
are delayed in arriving. In all cases, each group of
four players must be grouped according to the
correct handicap sequence. If the captains cannot
agree on a revised order-of-play, the matches shall
be played with the lowest-handicapped players teeing
off first. The FSGA strongly encourages captains to
work together to revise the order of groups when
necessary to accommodate players with travel delays.
c. In the event that a last minute substitution
would result in an improper sequence, the substitute
player must play with a handicap that is in proper
sequence. (Example: A substitute with a handicap of
10 cannot be placed between players with handicaps
of 6 and 8. The substitute would be required to play
with a handicap of 7 in this instance.) However, if
time permits, the pairings should be adjusted. A
player with a lower handicap may not be substituted
without adjusting the pairings.
d. If players are not paired in lowest handicap
sequence according to the procedures outlined above,
or, if a player should play with an improper
handicap, the team violation shall forfeit all
individual and/or team four-ball match points won
during the match by the player(s).
Tee Selection – Different Foursomes May Use
Different Tees
a. The tees to be used for Interclub Matches should
be the set of tees typically used by the Men’s club
in daily play at the host club. However, captains
are encouraged to have groups play from the distance
that they are most comfortable (see playing
different tees below.
b. Minimum Yardage - The minimum yardage for
Interclub Matches is 5,800. Each match must be
competed from tees that measure at least 5,800 yards
(a shorter white tee). Courses measuring less than
5,800 yards are not eligible to compete in
Interclub.
c. Recommended Yardage –The recommended
yardage for Interclub Matches is 6,200 yards, plus
or minus 200 yards. If a host club wishes to play
from a yardage that is more than 6400 yards,
it must be mutually agreed upon by both captains
prior to the start of the match.
d. Playing Different Tees - Based on a
Captains’ agreement, whole groups may
play from different sets of tees. If the captains
cannot agree on playing a tee other than the
“recommended tee” than the recommended yardage
should be played.
e. Posting Scores - If Team Captains agree
that their players play different tees, they must
insure that the player’s scores are being posted to
the correct course rating and slope for that set of
tees. (i.e., Teams 1 and 2 play the back tees and
teams 3 and 4 play the middle tees). (The website
provides this option). If a combination of tees is
used, captains must find the correct rating and
slope. The FSGA can assist in finding these
numbers.
Course Selection
a. Clubs with more than 18 holes at their facility
may schedule matches on any Slope-rated regulation
length course at their club. These clubs may use
more than one course at their facility during the
Interclub Match season. Such clubs should inform
opponents of which course will be used well in
advance of the scheduled match.
b. Captains are responsible for knowing the Slope
rating for the set of tees they will play at their
club and this information will be displayed on the
Interclub Website. If the Slope rating changes
during Interclub Match season, it is the
responsibility of the host captain to verify that
the revised course and slope rating are accurately
reflected in the Interclub Website. The FSGA office
should be contacted immediately if discrepancy
exists.
Home Team Arrangements
a. No Green Fees – During the regular season
and playoff matches, the home team is required to
host green fees. (Neither club should charge any
green fees).
b. Cart Fees – Clubs may charge a “typical”
cart fee which may not exceed $30 in
any case.
c. Practice Rounds – Clubs are encouraged to
provide the visiting team a practice round
opportunity at a cart-fee rate. However, clubs are
not required to provide practice rounds and they are
not required to host them for only a cart fee. Teams
should not expect practice rounds and they should
not take more than 8 players to any practice round
unless encouraged by the host club.
d. Complimentary Items - Participating clubs
may provide complimentary services such as practice
rounds, golf carts, range balls food and/or
beverages as part of they host functions; however,
they are under no obligation to do so. Normally the
extent to which a club exercises these options
depends on the ability to reciprocate and is
mutually agreed upon by all clubs competing against
each other during the regular season. During
play-off rounds, these same options are available to
competing clubs; however the FSGA recommends that
unless both clubs involved can reciprocate, neither
should expect it.
e. Published Arrangements – All information
about the scheduled match including tee times, cart
fees, practice round availability, dress code,
etc.., should be posted to the match page on the
Interclub Website by the host team’s captain no
later than one week prior to the match.
Please be a good captain and set up your home
matches and enter the arrangements in the website as
soon as possible – this information will greatly
assist the visiting teams traveling to your matches.
Playing at a Neutral Site
If both the home and away course cannot host the
match at any point during the scheduled match week,
or they cannot play the match during the scheduled
make-up week, a match can be played at a neutral
site if it’s agreeable by both team Captains during
the week the match is scheduled to be played.
CAPTAINS TIP: Since you cannot select the
appropriate tees on your match results for a neutral
site of the Captain’s Management portion of the
website, you will need to contact the FSGA by fax or
email with the match results and the course and tees
the match was played at. The FSGA will enter in your
match results. Please note, this is the only time
the FSGA will post match results. It is the
Captain’s responsibilities otherwise for posting all
match results.
Policy for Course Usage
It is required that any team electing to participate
in Interclub Match play shall make available its
home course for all scheduled regular season
matches, make-up of all postponed or suspended
matches, and playoff matches. If the course cannot
be made available on the dates stipulated by the
Interclub Match Play Committee, and there are no
arrangements by the host team to play the match at
an alternate site or play the match at the opposing
team’s course, the host team shall be deemed to have
forfeited that match in accordance with the
procedures (Forfeitures). The circumstances
pertaining to such forfeiture shall be reviewed by
the Committee and may result in disqualification
from future Interclub Match play competition.
Whenever possible, make-up matches should take place
on the day the teams normally played matches during
the regular season. If this cannot be accomplished
due to conflicts by one or both teams, the Captains
must strive to reschedule the match on
another day.
Practice on the Day of the Match
Practice will not be allowed on the host course on
the day of a match prior to the beginning of the
round during the regular season as well as during
playoffs and the championship match. Penalty for
violation of this rule will be disqualification of
the player, if a valid claim is made by the opposing
Team Captain; however, another player may be
substituted in his place.
Team Captain’s Duties
The Interclub Match website will provide each
captain with the names, telephone numbers and email
addresses of the other team captains in the group in
order to facilitate arrangements and scheduling
throughout the season. It is the Captain’s
responsibility to contact the other captains in his
group. A Head or Assistant Golf Professional can be
a captain. However, if a Golf Professional is a
captain of a team, a non-golf professional member of
that club must serve as a co-captain. Golf
professionals are often very busy and may not be the
best person to handle the administrative functions
of the captain. Teams may have as many co-captains
as they wish and captains can be added through the
website by any other captains at anytime
a. PRE-SEASON MEETING – Once groups are
formed, the captains from each group should get
together and meet prior to the beginning of the
season. Perhaps one captain could host the three
other captains from his group for a round of golf at
his club, or the captains could meet at lunch or
some other convenient time. Captains that have met
in advance of the season will be much more
successful coordinating team matches and resolving
any conflicts once the season begins. The success of
the Interclub Team Matches relies heavily on the
good nature and common sense of the captains.
c. CAPTAIN’S MATCH PRINT-OUT – The Interclub
Website will allow each captain to print out a
complete match set-up page, including players
competing and the complete team roster for both
teams. This information should be taken to the match
and can be used for recording the match results for
later entry into the website by the host captain.
The complete team rosters are included which may be
needed in the case of any substitutions. If this
information is not available at the time of the
match, captains can obtain the required information
from the club’s handicap computer or by using a club
computer to access the Interclub Website.
d. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS – The host Team
Captain, in coordination with the visiting Team
Captain should arrange for matches to be played by
the date scheduled by the FSGA. If the host club
cannot make the course available, arrangements must
be made for an alternate date within the allowable
schedule.
CAPTAINS TIP: The FSGA recognizes that previously
scheduled club events can impact on scheduled
Interclub Matches. However, the policy of permitting
teams to play on other days of the week provides
sufficient flexibility to accommodate all clubs and
Team Captains are expected to cooperate with each
other.
Results of Matches
Results should be entered on the FSGA Interclub
website as soon as possible following play –
ideally on the evening of the match. The host
team captain is responsible for posting results, but
by agreement the visiting captain may post results.
All results should be posted no later than 12:00
Noon – the day after the match occurs.
Any problems with the FSGA Interclub website should
be sent to the FSGA Interclub Match email address:
interclub@fsga.org.
Posting Individual Scores
Each player who participates in Interclub Matches
must record a score for the round played.
Reminder: When posting adjusted scores, players are
to have these scores posted to their current index.
ONLY playoff and State Championship scores
will be recorded as TOURNAMENT SCORES. If a
player is found not to have posted his individual
scores to his handicap he will be subject to having
his handicap adjustments or disqualification if the
problem persists. The FSGA reserves the right to
penalize a player if it is determined that he has
not posted his scores purposely or for any reason on
a consistent basis and has gained a significant
advantage.
a. Par Plus – In the event the match has been
“closed out” before 18 holes have been played, the
stipulated round is deemed to be completed. The
players involved in this match may discontinue play
and return to the clubhouse if they choose to not
complete the round. “Par plus” must be taken for any
hole remaining to be played. “Par plus” is the
assigned par for a hole, plus any handicap strokes
which the player would be entitled to receive on
that particular hole (based on current index)
b. “SCORE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE MADE” – If a
player starts a hole but does not complete the hole,
or is conceded a stroke, he shall record for
handicap purposes “the score he most likely would
have made.” This score shall not exceed his
Equitable Stroke Control limit (based on current
index).
Postponed Matches Due to Rain and Darkness
a. All Interclub matches are to be played as
scheduled unless the course is officially closed to
all play because of inclement weather. However, Team
Captains can mutually agree to postpone the match in
advance of the start of play or during the course of
the match due to actual or predicted unfavorable
weather conditions.
b. Inclement Weather: In the event the course
is officially closed to all play because of
inclement weather or play is suspended due to
darkness during the progress of a Match, the
following procedures will apply:
i. The decision to officially close the course to
all play shall be at the discretion of course
management.
ii. The Team Captains are in turn to notify their
respective players and remove their teams from the
course. All team members shall proceed to the
clubhouse and remain until the decision to close the
course is final.
iii. Team Captains are to verify the results of each
match up to the point when play has been suspended
and record and attest the scores prior to leaving
the course.
iv. If the course is closed only to the use of golf
carts, matches will continue with the players
walking.
v. If the course is officially closed or play is
suspended due to darkness or weather conditions, the
following procedures will apply:
1. If all matches have not completed 9 holes,
and the course has been officially closed to all
play or captains mutually agree to postpone the
match due to inclement weather, the entire match
must be replayed. It is not required that the same
players participate in the make-up match.
2. If the match is postponed and all players have
completed 9 holes, the match stands as completed at
the time of play is halted, and Team Captains will
verify the results of each match through the number
of holes completed and record and attest the results
prior to leaving the course.
c. RESCHEDULING: Match postponements must be
rescheduled by the first available Thursday
following the conclusion of regular season play, or
at the earliest available date which is mutually
agreeable to both teams, on the course where
originally scheduled unless Team captains agree
otherwise.
i. The FSGA Office should be notified of the make-up
date for any postponed match.
ii. All matches must be completed by the date
specified - one week after the last regular season
match unless authorized by the FSGA.
iii. Any match not completed by that date will be
treated as “no match” for both teams in determining
the final group standings.
CAPTAINS TIP:
Due to time constraints involved with playoff
matches, there may be occasions when teams must
reschedule a postponed playoff match on a day other
than Thursday to allow for the continuation of the
playoff schedule. Team Captains will have to
mutually agree to reschedule on an alternate date.
If such an agreement cannot be met, the FSGA
Interclub Match Play Committee will serve as final
arbitrator.
Postponed Matches within 48 Hours of a Scheduled
Match (matches postponed for reasons other than
weather)
a.
All matches should be played on the scheduled day.
b. If a team postpones a match within 48 hours of a
scheduled match, each team is allowed one “free
pass” for the season. If a team postpones a match
within 48 hours for a second time during the season
the canceling team will be automatically
disqualified for the season—no exceptions!
c. The postponing team has no right to request a
make-up match, however, if both captains agree, the
teams may play the postponed match at a later date.
If captains cannot agree, then the canceling team
will be disqualified for the season.
d. If a team is disqualified for the season their
previous matches stand. All future matches will be
scored as 18-6 victories for team(s) that had
remaining matches against the disqualified team.
Golf Carts and Caddies
a. Golf carts will be used subject to the host
club’s rules and regulations governing the use of
these carts.
b. In the event caddies are made available by the
host club, an equal number of caddies must be made
available for each team. Customary caddies’ fees are
to be paid even though they will often exceed cart
fees.
Advice and Concessions
a. A concession of a stroke is deemed to be conceded
for the individual match and four-ball match.
b. A concession of a hole or match is deemed to only
apply to the individual match unless otherwise
specifically stated.
c. Four-Ball partners may give each other advice at
all times, even after their four-ball match is
concluded and individual matches are still being
contested.
d. Playing After Match Completed – Players may
complete their 18-hole round even though their match
is complete, however, they are not required to do
so.
Match Play Claims
Players competing in Interclub Matches are reminded
of Rule 2-5 of The USGA Rules of Golf which states
that “In match play, if a dispute or doubt arises
between the players on any point, a claim may be
made. In order for a claim to be considered it
must be made before any player in the match plays
from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the
last hole of the match, before all players in the
match leave the putting green. No later claim
shall be considered unless it is based on fact(s)
previously unknown to the player making the claim
and the player making the claim had been given wrong
information by an opponent. In any case, no later
claim shall be considered after the result of the
match has been officially announced, unless the
Committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was
giving wrong information.” Please Note: Once
a valid and timely claim is made, players are to
continue their match without delay. DO NOT WAIT FOR
A DECISION!
Protests
All protests must be emailed to the FSGA by the Team
Captains within one business day of the conclusion
of the match. The protest must be sent to
interclub@fsga.org. Protests should deal with
Interclub policy issues (i.e. course was set at
yardage under 5800 yards.) If any rules issues
arise, players must make a timely claim (see
paragraph above.) To file a protest, both team
captains must be aware that the match is in protest
beforehand.
Forfeitures
A forfeiture is highly discouraged. All previous
matches played by a team that withdraws will stand
and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6
victory to team(s) that had any remaining matches
against the forfeited team. Teams who forfeit the
season will have to donate $250 to the FSGA’s Future
of Golf Foundation in order to participate in the
following season. If the forfeiting team fails to
donate $250, they will not be allowed to participate
in following season.
USGA Rules of Play
a. Current USGA Rules of Golf will govern all
matches. Understanding Rule 2 (Match Play) and Rule
30 (Four-Ball Match Play) is essential in
comprehending the format of Interclub Matches.
The Rules of Golf may NOT be waived at any time.
The penalty for waiving the Rules of Golf is
disqualification for the player or team who is in
violation of this rule. Example: agreeing to waive
the rules includes allowing a local rule which
permits a player to repair spike marks on the
player’s line of putt (Decision 1-3/3).
b. There is no time limit on applying the penalty
for agreeing to waive the rules (Decision 1-3/8).
Results of matches of teams will be adjusted if such
a violation is brought to the attention of the FSGA
Interclub Match Play Committee.
c. Local Rules – Local rules must conform
with the USGA Rules of Golf. Any local rules which
are to be in effect during Interclub Matches must
appear printed on the club scorecard, or be
published and distributed to all players in advance
of the start of the match.
d. Winter Rules – “Winter rules” or
“preferred lies” are strongly discouraged in
Interclub Matches. If it becomes absolutely
necessary to use “preferred lies”, the procedure
shall be determined by the host club in advance of
the start of the match. It is strongly recommended
by the Interclub Match Play Committee to adopt the
policy listed in Appendix 1 of the USGA Rules of
Golf (“Preferred Lies” and “Winter Rules”).
e. Distance-Measuring Devices and GPS Systems
Allowed - The Local Rule allowing players to
use devices that measure distance and golf cart GPS
Systems is in effect. However, the use of devices
that gauge or measure other conditions that might
affect a player’s play (e.g. wind or gradient) is
not permitted. Penalty for breach of Local Rule:
Disqualification.
Balls and Implements
a. Only golf balls in the USGA’s latest book of
conforming golf balls may be used. Penalty for use
of brand not on the list: Disqualification.
b. The One-Ball Rule will not be in effect for any
phase of Interclub Matches.
c. A player’s clubs shall conform under the Rules of
Golf. See Rule 4-1 and Appendix II of the USGA Rules
of Golf for specification and interpretations.
d. A maximum of 14 golf clubs may be carried during
the stipulated round.
Withdrawal from Interclub Matches
The withdrawal of a team at any time after the
pairings have been announced may result in
ineligibility for Interclub Matches until the second
year following the year of withdrawal. All previous
matches played by a team that withdraws will stand
and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6
victory to the team(s) that had any remaining
matches against the forfeited team.
Pace
of Play
Slow play is a recurring problem in Interclub.
Unfortunately playing out of turn is not permitted
in match play, thus eliminating many opportunities
for ready golf. Nevertheless, each player should
manage his time efficiently between shots and be
ready to play when it is his turn. All groups should
keep pace with the group in front of them. If they
fall off that pace, players should make every effort
to regain position behind the group in front of
them.
Team Captains and all team members should be aware
of USGA Rule 6-7 which states that all players shall
play without undue delay. Moreover, players should
be reminded of concessions and that if it becomes
obvious that they are not going to win a hole that
they should tell their opponent to pick it up and
move on! Golf is much more enjoyable when you’re
not waiting on every shot.
Conclusion
If the players follow the guidelines in this manual,
it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
If a player consistently disregards these guidelines
during a round or over a period of time to the
detriment of others, it is recommended that the
Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary
action against the offending player. Such action
may, for example, include prohibiting play for a
limited time on the course or in certain number of
competitions. This is considered to be justifiable
in terms on protecting the interest of the majority
of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these
guidelines. In the case of serious breach of
Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player
under Rule 33-7.
Sandbagging
Everyone in golf has experienced problems with
players who have handicaps that are “less than
representative of that player’s true playing
ability”. An occasional exceptional round is not out
of the ordinary. However, a series of sustained
exceptional performances by an individual not only
defies the odds of handicapping statistics but, more
significantly, defeats the very purpose of net
competitions.
Accordingly, if a player scores significantly better
than his handicap index, his course handicap may be
subject to reduction in future matches and the
playoffs. If the Committee has to review the same
player a second time, that player may be refused
entry into FSGA events for a period of up to two
years. When a player’s course handicap is reduced,
the Team’s Captain will be notified. The reduction
process is subject to revision without notification
by the FSGA Committee. The FSGA staff members have
met with the certified handicap chairpersons at
various clubs. One topic being discussed is the
importance of each local handicap committee making
certain that individuals whose indexes do not
properly match their playing potential are dealt
with at the club level before the FSGA has to get
involved. All clubs are reminded that it is within
the purview of the club handicap committee to adjust
or freeze the index of a player who fails to turn in
proper scores or consistently scores better in
tournaments than normal play.
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