SSGS RULES AND REGULATIONS
COMPETITION ARRANGEMENTS AND CONDITIONS
Competition is the glue that binds the Society. We are very proud of the way that clubs, members and the golfing press have responded to our competition programme. Many members have expressed delight in that, having felt as if they had been consigned to the grazing pastures, suddenly discovered that the competitive flame is still burning, particularly when offered the chance to measure themselves against others of similar ability and vintage.
We are fortunate to currently have a thriving membership but that brings challenges, particularly in allowing the maximum number to play in some of our more popular events.
Securing a place should be considered a privilege since other may not have succeeded in doing so, so please don't take it for granted. Going forward we will be much more insistent that trivial withdrawals before and during events will have consequences so please take careful note of condition 6 below.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE LOCATED ON THE WEBSITE AND THE PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS :-
1. Closing dates for entry mean precisely that and will be 28 days before each event. Over-subscribed entries will be subject to ballot on the basis of handicap at closing date.. For ballot rules and process click here to open.
2. In any case where there is not a full field we shall report that fact on the website and, exceptionally, take further entries on a first come, first served basis with priority given to paid up members.
3. We do not accept requests for changed times on the second day to meet players' other commitments. This causes resentment when a two-ball is left and members are asked to bear this in mind when requesting a particular time slot.
4.Lateness for tee times will be subject to the penalties laid out in the R & A rules.
5. The Championship Committee for each event has final discretion in applying these conditions.
6. If for any reason you have to withdraw from an event at a late stage it is essential that you telephone the clubhouse of the host club and attempt to make contact or at least leave a message for the SSGS tournament officials on duty on 07765 560715, explaining the circumstances. In addition, as soon as practicable you should send an email to comps@scottishseniorsgolf.com confirming the telephone call and the reasons for non-appearance.
As well as causing administrative difficulties an unexplained absence deprives another member of a place in the field, particularly as there are often players on standby pending spaces becoming available.
Players are expected to complete all 36 holes of the competition, and should enter on that basis.
If for any reason you require to withdraw after the first round of an event you are required to report the circumstances to the SSGS tournament officials on duty. Failure to comply with these obligations and to provide satisfactory explanations for withdrawal may, in the case of second offenses, result in a period of suspension from future events.
SUSPENSION OF PLAY DURING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
Rule of Golf 6-8b applies and briefly, where a group is between holes when play is suspended they must not resume until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play. Where a hole has been started they may elect to stop immediately or complete that hole. They must then discontinue play until resumption is ordered.
Players have the option of lifting their balls having marked the position and taking shelter in the clubhouse or other safe refuge.
Methodology of sounding warnings vary from Club to Club, but will be advised at each event.
CODE OF CONDUCT
All SSGS members have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
The SSGS Committee recognises this responsibility and the Committee, on behalf of the Society will ensure that members behave appropriately and correctly. Any conduct that appears to endanger the character, interests or good order of the Society is not acceptable.
It is expected that the SSGS Committee members will positively and continually support this Code of Conduct in all contexts, including meetings, competitions and in dealing with Administrative Staff and members.
The Scottish Seniors Golfing Society deplores all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour towards members and staff of Golf Clubs which are being used to hold our competitions. In particular, we do not condone nor accept any form of bullying or harassment and particularly on account of gender, religion, race, age, sexual orientation or disability.
It is the responsibility of members of the Society and Administrative Staff to report immediately any improper conduct or offensive behaviour during a competition (including practice days) to the Society Secretary, or to a member of the Committee.
Any member with an informal complaint involving the Society should first approach his Area Representative who in turn would contact the Secretary. Should the matter not be resolved by negotiation at this stage, then it would be presented to the Committee to be dealt with.
The Scottish Seniors Golfing Society will investigate any such allegation promptly and take appropriate action based on the findings of that investigation. “The actions that are available to the Society include suspension or termination of membership, depending on the conclusion of the investigatory process”.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
While not anticipating problems among our friendly and well disciplined group of members we have decided to adopt a customised version of the procedures adopted by Scottish Golf Limited in the event of any difficulties arising. Golf is a competitive sport and there is always the possibility of disharmony, however rare.
THE PROCEDURES MAY BE SUMMARISED BRIEFLY AS FOLLOWS AND DEAL WITH HEARINGS IN RESPECT OF :-
-breaches of SSGS rules, etiquette and standards of conduct;
-any complaint about a member; and
-complaints about anyone competing in SSGS events.
Disciplinary procedures may be formal or informal. Informal disciplinary action will involve discussing the problem with the member and/or the complainer through one or more of the SSGS Office bearers with a view to resolving the issue. Formal disciplinary action may follow in accordance with the procedures.
The Society has a Disciplinary Committee which has the power to act in the name of the Society and determine disciplinary issues coming before it.The Committee shall consist of four members, normally the Secretary, Competitions Secretary and two committee members. Individual committee members may ask to be excused on grounds of friendship with a member or complainer or any other relevant reason, e.g. bias, previous incidents.
The Society has appointed an Appeals Committee to consider any competent appeal. This committee will number three, namely Ronnie Clark (Chairman), William Erskine and David J Miller. No member of the Appeals Committee can be involved in the relevant disciplinary committee.
Both Committees shall appoint a chairman.
The Appeals Committee will have the power to amend imposed penalties given sufficient valid grounds. Decisions will be reached by vote with the chairman having the casting vote and, if necessary, Appeals will require the lodgement of the sum of £50 which shall be refunded to the member if the appeal succeeds.
INITIAL COMPLAINT HANDLING
Any complaint about a member must be made in writing by the complainer and sent or handed to the Secretary or Chairman, and it must be signed and dated. It should specify details of the alleged incident and, if appropriate, the code of behaviour breached.
The person who is the subject of the complaint has, in all cases, the right to know the identity of the complainer and the full text of the complaint. A copy shall be forwarded to the member with the request for a response within 7 days. The Secretary shall undertake any further investigations and copy in the Disciplinary Committee together with any relevant material.
Once referred, the Secretary shall convene a hearing of the Disciplinary Committee at which the member shall be supplied with all material relevant to the case. The Member will also be given details of the formal process for conduct of the hearing, any subsequent appeal, and possible penalties.
Disciplinary and appeals meeting shall be fully minuted by the Secretary or other nominated person.
Record of the proceedings should be retained by the Secretary in a secure and confidential manner. Copies should be released on request to any person affected by the outcomes.
Any notices or correspondence issued under the procedures to the member and the complainer should be sent by first class recorded delivery or electronic mail. Delivery should be deemed as two days for recorded delivery and one day for electronic mail.