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OGA Junior Golf: Spectator Code of Conduct Policy
OGA Junior Golf allows spectators at all events and takes pride in maintaining a positive, professional, and enjoyable experience for its players, parents, and spectators. To maintain this experience, it is essential that all spectators adhere to the Spectator Code of Conduct.
- Blue jeans are not allowed!
- Spectators MUST remain in the rough or on the cart path 30 yards away from ALL players.
- Exception: Medical assistance, food, water or clothing exchange and assisting players in searching for a ball
- Spectators may NOT leave the rough or cart path during their time on the course. They may not stand behind the player or walk in the following areas: the fairway, teeing areas, fringe or putting greens and penalty or bunkers. Only two exceptions: To help search for golf balls and if the view of the putting green is obstructed from the 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.
- Spectators may NOT give advice, visually or verbally, to a player during his or her round. Advice (Rule 8) is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining their play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. In addition, make sure to avoid all communication which may be construed by others (competitors, parents, and tournament staff) as advice or coaching. This includes any conversation between player/spectator in their native language. In either instance, penalty for breach of this rule is two-stroke penalty. Players are responsible for the actions of their relatives and spectators regarding this rule.
- Spectators are encouraged to walk one shot ahead of the group they are watching to forecaddie (or spot) for golf balls. This also eliminates the temptation of talking to a player during his or her round.
- Spectators must be aware of their surroundings in order to not lag behind which prevents the group behind from playing their shots.
- Spectators 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.
- Spectators are not to give rulings. Incorrect rulings given by spectators will NOT be remedied in the scoring area, as players are ultimately responsible for knowing the Rules of Golf.
- When an Official is assisting a player, all spectators should stay at least 30 yards away and not get involved in the conversation. Spectators will be brought into a situation only if asked by the Official.
- Spectators are not to assist players with scoring during tournament play. Spectators are not to approach the Scoring Table after the round or assist the player(s) with scoring while they are at the Scoring Table.
- Any cell phone conversations MUST take place off the course as to not distract players. All ringers and alarms should be silenced, and vibrations must not be a distraction to players.
- Spectators must comply with the host golf facility regarding cell phones, indoors, dress code etc.
Spectators in violation of the Spectator Code of Conduct will:
1st Violation: The Spectator and player will receive a verbal warning by the Tournament Director or their representative.
2nd Violation: The player will be issued a two-stroke penalty. The Spectator will be escorted to the Clubhouse for the remainder of the tournament by the Tournament Director.
3rd Violation: The player will be issued a second two-stroke penalty or possible Disqualification. The Spectator will receive an email from the OJG Tournament Committee notifying them they are not allowed to spectate at the next two events.
Checking “YES” during tournament entry indicates an agreement by the Parent/Guardian and Spectators accompanying you to abide by all tournament regulations and the OGA Junior Golf SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT.