WVGA CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

The goal of the West Virginia Golf Association is to ensure that all WVGA tournaments and events are pleasurable and rewarding for all participants, spectators, club staff and volunteers who assist in organizing the events. In keeping with the tradition and spirit of the game of golf, the West Virginia Golf Association requires all participants at its events to adhere to the West Virginia Golf Association Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is a policy that players are expected to follow while participating in our Tournaments and events. Conduct requires that, while participating in WVGA tournaments or events, all players must:

  • Strictly adhere to The Rules of Golf, Local Rules and Code of Conduct.
  • Refrain from withdrawing from tournament/competitions without cause or prior notification unless exigent circumstances exist.
  • Wear appropriate golf clothing during practice and competitive rounds.
  • Provide true and complete information on all entry forms and applications.
  • Report to the appropriate tee prior to the player’s starting time or notify a WVGA staff member one (1) hour prior to the player’s starting time if the player is unable to participate in the tournament.
  • Return a scorecard at the end of the player’s competitive round to the designated location identified by the Committee.
  • Be respectful and courteous to all people including competitors, volunteers, spectators, tournament officials, the host course and staff, and be cooperative with tournament officials.
  • Refrain from using abusive or profane language while engaged in tournament play and while on the premises of the host course.
  • Refrain from displaying bad behavior, extreme behavior, extreme rudeness, ridicule, or intimidation toward fellow golfers; and
  • Refrain from any conduct unbecoming of a WVGA member or which adversely reflects on the image and reputation of the WVGA and its membership.

CONDUCT BY A PLAYER THAT VIOLATES THE CODE OF CONDUCT MAY BE CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Depending upon the severity of a violation of the Code of Conduct, a player may be assessed varying types of disciplinary action within the discretion of the Championship Committee, the Tournament Committee or from a Tournament Committee Member within the provisions set forth below.
If By Senior WVGA Staff Official in Charge disciplinary actions may include one or more of the following:

  • Verbal warning to the player, with subsequent written record of such warning provided to the player and placed in WVGA records.
  • Disqualification of the player from the event.
  • Other penalty specifically prescribed by the Rules of Golf for an infraction of such rules.
  • Disqualification from the competition or match in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Golf Under Rule 1.2

If disqualification is by the West Virginia Golf Association Staff Official in Charge for a violation of Rule 1.2 ; or in instances regarding Conduct Unbecoming that is determined to be violative of acceptable behavior consistent with respect of others, respect of the private property of others, and acts of incivility inconsistent with the values of the West Virginia Golf Association, which may warrant suspension of the player from future events, upon reference it shall be the purview of the Championship Committee of the WVGA to consider any such suspension after notice to the player of the allegation(s) of violation and a hearing upon procedures as specified below as follows:

  • Written notice to the player from the Chairman of the Championship Committee or President of the WVGA outlining the facts and circumstances of the Conduct allegedly unbecoming, within 15 days following the alleged acts; and a statement of the right of the player to request a hearing before the Championship Committee. Said request must be made by the player within 15 days following receipt of said notice. The Chairman of the Championship Committee shall convene such hearing at a mutually acceptable time to all parties but, in no event, shall said hearing be conducted more than 45 days following the date the alleged conduct occurred, unless agreed to in writing by the accused player and the Chairman of the Championship Committee, which agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld by either party.
  • Should there be a hearing, the Championship Committee may present witness testimony or other evidence forming the basis for the allegation(s) and the player shall likewise be entitled to provide his or her defense to the allegations through the presentation of testimony or other evidence.
  • Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, on in event the player does not request a hearing, the Championship Committee shall provide a written statement of its findings and its order in relationship to the allegations. The order of the Championship Committee shall be final. The Championship Committee shall issue a report of its actions to the Executive Committee.
  • The Championship Committee may impose penalties or sanctions including but not limited to those set forth below.
    o Provide a verbal warning to the player, with subsequent written record of such warning provided to the player and placed in WVGA records.
    o Forfeiture of eligibility from teams that represent West Virginia or the WVGA.
    o Make eligibility in future competitions conditional on future behavior prescribed by the Championship Committee, which may include service to the WVGA and its many components of service to the golfing community in West Virginia.
    o Forfeiture of eligibility from one or more future WVGA tournaments or Championships for which the player is otherwise eligible, including team competitions involving WVGA or State of West Virginia representation via the WVGA.
    o Suspension or revocation of the player’s membership in the WVGA for a defined period or permanently.

THE DECISION OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE UPON A MAJORITY VOTE IS FINAL AND BINDING ON THE PLAYER. THERE IS NO RIGHT OF APPEAL FROM THE DECISION OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE.
UPDATED: 4/20/22