Player Guidelines
All WPGA Championships are played by the USGA Rules of Golf, and all decisions will be made in accordance with the Rules. This publication does not contradict Rule 6, which states that . . . “The player is responsible for knowing the Rules and the conditions under which the competition is to be played.” The following items are a list of guidelines and suggestions for those who compete in our championships.

Behavior
The following are examples of player behavior or actions that could result in the rejection of entries in accordance with the WPGA’s definition of unbecoming conduct.

1. Falsification of entry information
2. Failure to compete without properly informing the Association (i.e. no shows)
3. Failure to complete a round without notifying an Association official (i.e. no cards)
4. Disqualifications in which a player intentionally returns a score on any hole lower than actually taken.

By submitting an entry or by competing in any WPGA championship, the player understands that his participation is at the sole discretion of the Association. The player’s entry may be rejected for any reason, at the discretion of a designated Association official, at any time before the close of the competition as defined in the Rules of Golf, Rule 34-1b. Unbecoming conduct or actions at any WPGA event, or state, national, regional, or international event, or conduct deemed detrimental to the Association, the spirit of the game, or to the host facilities are grounds for such rejections. A serious breach in etiquette may result in disqualification according to Rule 33-7. A serious breach of etiquette may include, but is not limited to:

1. Cheating
2. Willful destruction of golf course or Association property
3. Written or verbal abusive language or conduct towards Association’s and/or host facility’s staff, volunteers, members or other contestants: such behavior includes social media platforms
4. Theft or the attempted theft of golf course or Association property
5. Club throwing and/or physical endangerment of others
6. Offensive or excessively loud behavior
7. Alcohol and/or substance impaired behavior
8. Inappropriate golf attire
9. Other conduct deemed unbecoming

Should such an incident occur, a report will be submitted to the Championship Committee. Future sanctions may range from suspension from future Association events to being ineligible for Association team competitions with other organizations and/or the denial of player awards based on performance. Losing exempt status in Association competitions with qualifying rounds may also be implemented. The decision to reject an entry during an event by the Association is final. Suspensions imposed by the Championship Committee may be appealed to a committee appointed by the Executive Committee.

The Association’s Championship Committee reserves the right to define additionally what constitutes unbecoming conduct.

Carts
Motorized carts are permitted in most WPGA competitions, and this regulation will be posted on entry forms. Pull carts may also be allowed, at the discretion of the host site, in WPGA events, and will be allowed in USGA Qualifying Rounds. Spectator carts will be permitted as necessary to conform with American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA) if available, otherwise all spectators are required to walk. All cart drivers must be at least sixteen years of age. Walking is required in the Amateur, C.R. Miller, Junior and Open championships, with rare exceptions that will be listed in the applicable entry form, and all USGA Qualifying Rounds except the U.S. Senior Amateur and Senior Women’s Amateur. Players are encouraged to operate carts with consideration for partners, when applicable, and for fellow-competitors. Proceed with carts in such a way that others will not question their actions in accordance with the Rules of Golf or with strokes taken.

Players are encouraged to operate carts with consideration for partners, when applicable, and for fellow-competitors. Proceed with carts in such a way that others will not question their actions in accordance with the Rules of Golf or with strokes taken.

Regulations at competitions where carts are permitted can vary. Players should review them prior to completing. For example, in USGA qualifying rounds, only the player can operate a cart, not a caddie or other person.

Cell Phones
The use of cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices during individual competitions is discouraged during any round of the competition. The discouraged use in any form of competition is a point of etiquette.

The committee reserves the right to deal with such players and devices as it sees fit.

Claims
Note Rule 34-1b - Stroke Play. Claims will be handled within the provisions of this and other applicable Rules.

Conditions of Play
The Association makes every effort to complete championships as stated on entry forms, including returning to finish the following day. The WPGA reserves the right to shorten a competition and a make a stroke play cut at any time the Committee deems necessary. All USGA qualifying rounds will be completed as stated on the entry form, unless the USGA approves another procedure, a rare occurrence.

Courtesy
In addition to safety, consideration for other players, and pace of play that can be found in the Rules of Golf booklet, players should note the following:

1. When carts are permitted especially, but at all other times, players should not be so far ahead of their fellow competitors that players cannot view a player near his ball or observe shots being played.
2. If a competitor is about to break a Rule or may be using an improper procedure, such actions should be questioned in a sportsmanlike manner prior to a stroke being played. If any questionable actions take place, they should be referred to the Committee upon the return of scorecards or as soon as practicable.
3. A player should put an identifying mark on his ball, and fellow-competitors should be aware of the ball types and identifying marks of all players in the group.
4. Whenever a player lifts a ball for relief without penalty, he should inform a fellow competitor or marker of his intentions. If any player doubts the procedure, he should refer the matter to the Committee for a final decision
5. For scorecards, note the “marker” section.

Dress Code
Players and their caddies are required to dress appropriately for competitive golf. Shorts are permitted provided they are Bermuda length. Tank tops and similar shirts are prohibited. The Association will determine whether a player is appropriately attired, and players will not be permitted to compete unless they change to acceptable clothing.

Eligibility
Eligibility for each competition/event is listed on the appropriate form. For all competitions/events where a Handicap Index® is required for entry, the following applies: A Handicap Index issued by a WPGA Member Club is required for entry. Players without a Handicap Index issued by a club licensed by the WPGA will be directed to an existing WPGA Member Club or an Association-sponsored Type 3 Golf Club.

Entry Acceptance
All properly completed entries, completed form and fee, will be accepted until the entry deadline. Entries must arrive by 5:00 p.m. on the designated date. In the case of oversubscribed fields, all on time entries will be considered in developing the starting field. The association does not close fields prior to the deadline date. The Committee reserves the right to select the most representative field at all times.

Entry Acknowledgment
Accepted applicants will be notified by e-mail. Entrants who do not receive verification should contact the WPGA office 412-826-2180. Entrants are solely responsible for determining the status of their applications.

Entry Forms
WPGA forms will only be distributed and accepted in-person at the WPGA Office.

Entries Late
Late entries are not accepted for any competition or event.

Entries - Online
Players are encouraged to enter electronically with a credit card can do so through the Association’s web-site. Entries will also be accepted, in-person at the WPGA Office. Entries will not be accepted via mail or telephone. The USGA requires electronic entries via use of the USGA web-site.

Footwear
Players and caddies will not be allowed to wear shoes with traditionally designed spikes in any WPGA competition or USGA Qualifying Round UNLESS OTHERWISE INFORMED. The penalty for breach of the footwear rule is DISQUALIFICATION.

Groupings/Pairings
Arranged by the WPGA staff. Player requests will not be considered for groupings for individual competitions, but starting time considerations may be accommodated if they are submitted prior to the entry deadline. Groups will not be changed once the information is distributed unless a withdrawal results in its being convenient for the player involved and the committee to do so.

Honor Roll
The formula and standings are on the WPGA web site. Players may seek verification of their standings via phone or e-mail, or visit the WPGA Honor Roll Center.

Local Rules
The Association’s “Hard Card” or Conditions of Competition will be in effect for all championships, plus any Rules unique to a course. Such Rules will be distributed on paper to all contestants or sides. These Rules, plus the USGA Rules of Golf, will be the rules of play. The USGA’s “hard card” will be in effect for USGA Qualifying Rounds.

Marker’s Responsibilities
In addition to those in the Rules of Golf, the committee suggests that all competitors stay in the scoring area until all cards in the group are approved and finalized. Everyone in stroke play has a responsibility to the field to ensure that all cards kept in that group are accurate. This duty is in addition to each player verifying the accuracy of his own card. Markers aware of violations who fail to bring doubtful points to the Committee run the risk of being disqualified for agreeing to waive the Rules of Golf.

Oversubscribed Events
In the event a WPGA competition is oversubscribed, the Association reserves the right to select the most representative field. All entries properly received by the deadline date will be considered. Entries may be withdrawn from the field for the following reasons.

1. Playing Records - Those who finish in the bottom 25% of the field in the previous year’s event, players with higher handicaps absent competitive records, and players with consistently high scores in competitions may have entries moved to the wait list..
2. Club Affiliation - Players not affiliated with WPGA Member Clubs, unless playing records justify acceptance.
3. Time of Entry Receipt - Late entries of top players who arrive after the field has been overbooked may be accepted into the field

All players withdrawn will be placed on a waiting list in case space becomes available.

All players who are not accepted into the field will receive full refunds.

The committee’s decisions are final in determining the most representative field.

Pace of Play
Players will be provided the Pace of Play Policy on their starting tee, and are expected to adhere to the time limits as indicated on the Official Scorecard.

Time limits may be adjusted based on factors specific to the golf course being played. Any adjustments will be reflected on the Official Score Card or Local Rules sheet.

The WPGA Pace of Play Policy when a FOUR checkpoint system is place.

• Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.
• Checkpoints will be on #4 green, #9 green, #13 green and #18 green, unless otherwise indicated.
• To avoid penalty, groups must complete each checkpoint hole:
• 1. Under the allotted time
• 2. Within 14 minutes of the group ahead.
• First Group(s) off Either Tee – The first group(s) will be in breach of the pace of play policy if they take more than the allotted time to finish a checkpoint hole until they reach (within 14 minutes, meaning 14:59) of any group ahead. After they reach a group ahead, both conditions must be met to be in breach of the pace of play policy.
• All players in a group in breach of the pace of play policy at any checkpoint are subject to penalty.
• Players are responsible for knowing their position on the course relative to their Time Limit. Players should monitor and speak to individuals causing slow play. Players may ask that the group be monitored by an Official without identifying an individual causing slow play. Information obtained by that Official will be considered in applying penalties under this Rule.

The WPGA Pace of Play Policy when a TWO checkpoint system is place.

• Each group is responsible for monitoring their own pace.
• Checkpoints will be on #9 green and #18 green, unless otherwise indicated.
  1. Under the allotted time
  2. Within 14 minutes of the group ahead.
• First Group(s) off Either Tee – The first group(s) will be in breach of the pace of play policy if they take more than the allotted time to finish a checkpoint hole until they reach (within 14 minutes, meaning 14:59) of any group ahead. After they reach a group ahead, both conditions must be met to be in breach of the pace of play policy.
• All players in a group in breach of the pace of play policy at any checkpoint are subject to penalty.
• Players are responsible for knowing their position on the course relative to their Time Limit. Players should monitor and speak to individuals causing slow play. Players may ask that the group be monitored by an Official without identifying an individual causing slow play. Information obtained by that Official will be considered in applying penalties under this Rule.

The full WPGA Pace of Play Policy can be found HERE.

Photography/Video
By submitting an application to a WPGA conducted competition, the player agrees to allow the Association use of the player’s image for any WPGA media related purpose.

Player Information
Information about WPGA competitions can be accessed on the Association’s web site. Players who do not have internet access are encouraged to contact the WPGA office to receive these materials via mail or fax. Players can expect to receive such information about ten days in advance of the competition.

Practice Rounds
The Association makes its best efforts to secure practice rounds, and information about them will be provided after deadline dates. This service is for contestants only unless otherwise approved by the host sight ahead of time.

Refunds
Entry fee will be refunded with a $15.00 service charge for withdrawals before the close of entries. Withdrawals after the close of entries will be subject to a $25.00 service charge. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals taking place after 5:00 PM two days prior to the championship proper. Players not accepted into the starting field will receive a full refund of entry fees.

After entries close, refunds will be issued for injury, illness, or personal emergency, provided requests are in writing.

For refunds from USGA qualifying rounds, players must contact the USGA.

WPGA Teams
Selection of the Frank Fuhrer, Jr. Association teams for matches with other golf associations is at the sole discretion of the WPGA Championship Committee. The committee is not bound to any specific procedures. It is the intention of the Championship Committee to offer the team experience in a season to as many competitive players as possible.

The WPGA reserves the right to forgo a player invitation, even if the meets the invitation criteria, if the player engages in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in the WPGA. Such conduct may include but is not limited to, damage to the golf course or the players’ equipment, verbal, written or physical abuse of spectators, officials, the host site, volunteers or staff, blatant and excessive profanity, disorderly behavior, failure to abide by club/course rules or any other unbecoming conduct.

Withdrawals
Players are expected to inform the Committee in the event they cannot compete. Out of fairness to alternates or players on the waiting list, players are expected to contact an Association official. The most efficient way to withdrawal is by emailing the Director of Competitions. Leaving a message on an answering machine, unless otherwise noted, may be insufficient notice. If a withdrawal takes place within 24 hours of the competition, the pro shop of the host site should be dually notified to inform WPGA officials on-site.

Players who fail to cooperate on withdrawals are subject to disciplinary actions, especially in events for which a replacement can be entered into the competition.