GAP Code of Conduct Policy

PLAYER CONDUCT:

Players may be warned, penalized or disqualified for violations of the Code of Conduct (Including violations by their caddies or family members). Further, GAP may reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the tournament and/or suspend a player from future tournaments if the player, their caddie or family members engage in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf and/or public confidence in GAP. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to:

• Disorderly behavior, including:
  • Excessive use of profanity
  • Club throwing
  • Verbal or physical abuse, or threats of abuse, to GAP officials, GAP volunteers, fellow competitors or host club staff
  • Damage/theft to host club, GAP or fellow competitors’ property
  • Other conduct deemed unbecoming

• Failure to care for the course, including, but not limited to the failure to:
  • Fill or step down on divots (reasonable effort to repair/fill divots)
  • Repair ball marks
  • Rake bunkers
  • Follow all cart rules
  • Disposing of trash into trash receptacles

• Failure to abide by the host facilities rules
• Failure to adhere the USGA Rules of Golf and local rules
• Failure to return a player’s scorecard upon completion of a competitive round
• Any and all dress code violations

PLAYER’S RESPONSIBILTY FOR CADDIES & FAMILY:

Players in GAP competitions are guests of the host facility and accordingly, players are responsible for the behavior and attire of their caddies and family members present. Players may face withdrawal of their entry, and possible future suspension for the inappropriate behavior of their caddies or family members. Players, caddies or family members who repeatedly violate the code of conduct, or who are abusive to officials, volunteers or club staff, may be suspended from attending future events.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS:

The illegal use of drugs or alcohol by players, caddies or family is prohibited.  All food & beverage policies of the club should be followed.

DRESS CODE:

• Male Golfers – Required to oberve good taste and fress appropriately for the golf course. Items of clothing such as cargo pants and shorts (baggy clothing with large pockets in the knee area), blue jeans, short-shorts (bottom of shorts may be not higher than two inches from the top of the knee), tank tops, etc. are considered inappropriate. Anyone attired in such a manner will not be allowed to participate in an Association event.
• Female Golfers – Appropriate Attire: Bermuda shorts, skirts, Capri pants, slacks and skorts. Length of shorts, skirts and skorts may be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee. Sleeveless shirts must have a collar, or a collarless shirt must have sleeves. Inappropriate Attire: denim, tee shirts or tank tops, gym shorts, sweat pants, cargo shorts. Anyone attired in such a manner will not be allowed to participate in an Association event.

DRESS CODE – SPECTATORS (FAMILY MEMBERS):

• Spectators are guests of the club and should avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, short shorts, and similarly casual attire. Generally, golf attire is preferred. We hope that you will attend our events and be comfortable, but ask that you respect the host facilities policies

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT:

Penalties may be assessed based on each individual situation including the severity of the breach and the factors that contributed to the breach occurring.

• 1st Offense: Warning
• 2nd Offense: One Stroke Penalty
• 3rd Offense: General Penalty (Loss of hole in match play or two-stroke penalty in stroke play)
• 4th Offense: Disqualification
• Immediate Disqualification: A player is subject to immediate disqualification for a serious breach of any code of conduct without warning.

SUSPENSION:

PROCEDURE FOR INVESTIGATION OF PERCEIVED BREACH OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Any breach of the Code of Conduct at any GAP administered event observed by a Committee Member or any perceived breach of the Code of Conduct reported to a Committee Member shall be promptly investigated. The player subject to the investigation shall have an opportunity to be heard by the Committee.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, the Committee may (1) take no disciplinary action; (2) give the player a verbal warning; or (3) disqualify the player from the competition or match.

Depending upon the severity of the breach, the Committee may refer the matter to the Championship Committee for further action. The Committee shall provide the Championship Committee with all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation. If the Championship Committee finds that additional sanctions are warranted, the Chairman of the Championship Committee shall notify the player in writing of the additional disciplinary action(s) taken. The Championship Committee shall document, record and retain all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the violation(s) and sanction(s).

PLAYER’S RIGHT TO APPEAL DISCIPLINARY DECISION

Disqualification of a player by the Committee during a competitive round or match may not be appealed. Additional disciplinary action taken by Championship Committee may be appealed to the Championship Committee. In the event a player wishes to appeal the Championship Committee’s decision, the player shall file a written appeal to the Championship Committee within 15 days of the date of the decision. Such written appeal shall include a written account as to why the disciplinary action should not be taken. All written appeals shall be forwarded to the Championship Committee, c/o GAP, 1974 Sproul Road, Suite 400, Broomall, Pa. 19008, or by facsimile transmission to (610) 687-2082.