Local Rules

newport2

Hi folks

I heard from a fellow golfer recently that local rules must be published to be enforced. Is this true?

We've a few rules at our club that I can't find written anywhere, one of them being a man can mark a woman's card in a competition, but a woman can't mark a man's. Nowhere on the website or in the list of local rules is this stated, but I got pulled up on it once, that's the only reason I know it exists.
Another is that the only rule listed about the Captain's Prize is that in order to win it, you must have entered 3 comps that year. However, by word of mouth I've heard that member's in their first year are not allowed come first in it.

Are rules like this in clubs listed somewhere else other than in the normal local rules? I know it's the golfer's responsibility to be aware of all local rules, but how do you do this if they are not published?

realgolfgeek

newport2 wrote: »

Hi folks

I heard from a fellow golfer recently that local rules must be published to be enforced. Is this true?

We've a few rules at our club that I can't find written anywhere, one of them being a man can mark a woman's card in a competition, but a woman can't mark a man's. Nowhere on the website or in the list of local rules is this stated, but I got pulled up on it once, that's the only reason I know it exists.
Another is that the only rule listed about the Captain's Prize is that in order to win it, you must have entered 3 comps that year. However, by word of mouth I've heard that member's in their first year are not allowed come first in it.

Are rules like this in clubs listed somewhere else other than in the normal local rules? I know it's the golfer's responsibility to be aware of all local rules, but how do you do this if they are not published?

If a local rule, is not documented anywhere. It's not a rule.

newport2

realgolfgeek wrote: »

If a local rule, is not documented anywhere. It's not a rule.

Thanks for that. Do you know what official rule states this? I'd like to pull them up on it, but only if it's correct and if I've something to back it up.

realgolfgeek

newport2 wrote: »

Thanks for that. Do you know what official rule states this? I'd like to pull them up on it, but only if it's correct and if I've something to back it up.

That's exactly the point, you don't need something to back it up.

I am assuming your other local rules are documented, be it in the club house, website, back of the score card, pro shop etc ?
If this is the case, I would absolutely pull them up on it. Ridiculous having a local rule which is only to be known as "word of mouth".

newport2

realgolfgeek wrote: »

That's exactly the point, you don't need something to back it up.

I am assuming your other local rules are documented, be it in the club house, website, back of the score card, pro shop etc ?
If this is the case, I would absolutely pull them up on it. Ridiculous having a local rule which is only to be known as "word of mouth".

Thanks. But if someone there says that it was agreed at some meeting or other or the AGM and that's all it needs, where do I go from there? It would be nice to be able to refer them to rule 21.2.7.18.4 in the official rules that states clearly that all rules must be published in a certain way to be valid. But I can't find a rule that states this (I agree fully that it's ridiculous btw)

realgolfgeek

newport2 wrote: »

Thanks. But if someone there says that it was agreed at some meeting or other or the AGM and that's all it needs, where do I go from there? It would be nice to be able to refer them to rule 21.2.7.18.4 in the official rules that states clearly that all rules must be published in a certain way to be valid. But I can't find a rule that states this (I agree fully that it's ridiculous btw)

Not sure if there is an official ruling.

but they can't get away with that, even if they did agree it at soms meeting or AGM.
Did every member attend these meetings ? Of course not.
Did they send around an email confirming the new rule(s), by the sounds of things no. They've no leg to stand on so I wouldn't worry about not having an official rule to refer them to.

realgolfgeek

some talk here of documentation. from randa.org.

Generally, Local Rules are introduced to clarify the course marking (e.g. clarifying the boundaries of the course, ground under repair, etc.) or to provide relief from local abnormal conditions that are not covered by the Rules themselves. Appendix I to the Rules of Golf suggest specific matters for which Local Rules may be advisable. In addition, “Decisions on the Rules of Golf” provides detailed information regarding acceptable and prohibited Local Rules under Rule 33-8.
It is the duty of Committees to interpret their own Local Rules and, if a doubt arises about the applicability or interpretation of a Local Rule, it is the responsibility of the Committee to give a decision. The R&A’s Rules of Golf Committee, while giving advice on the drafting of Local Rules and considering cases where a modification of a Rule of Golf is requested, does not interpret Local Rules other than those covered by Appendix I in the Rules of Golf.
The R&A and the USGA Rule books contain identical versions of Appendix I. Consequently, it is possible for a Committee wishing to adopt the recommended wording for a Local Rule provided in Appendix I to simply refer to the Rule book. For example, if the Committee is adopting the standard wording for a Local Rule for immovable obstructions close to the putting green, the Local Rule could read:
“Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green
The specimen Local Rule in the Rules of Golf is in effect – see page 134-135.”
It is important to note that Local Rules may not be introduced or altered after a stroke play round has started. All competitors in a given round must play under uniform Rules. However, it is permissible to alter the Local Rules for different rounds in an event consisting of more than one round, although this should be avoided if at all possible.

PARlance

newport2 wrote: »

Thanks. But if someone there says that it was agreed at some meeting or other or the AGM and that's all it needs, where do I go from there? It would be nice to be able to refer them to rule 21.2.7.18.4 in the official rules that states clearly that all rules must be published in a certain way to be valid. But I can't find a rule that states this (I agree fully that it's ridiculous btw)

I don't think it's in the rules as such!

But there are guidelines (which are just common sense) stating that if the local rule is not on the scorecard then it should be somewhere were all golfers should be able to see.

GUI guidelines on local rules here
http://www.gui.ie/munster/resources/local-rules

Maybe have a good look at your noticeboard before you say anything. Just to save embarrassment. It may be hidden away on that.

I had a query about a ruling during one round (re a lateral OOB) and when I asked in the Pro Shop to clarify the situation afterwards, he gave me the ruling and also pointed it out on the noticeboard...the noticeboard is right in front of the sign in computer, and I have "looked" at it loads of times without "seeing" that particular notice.

Almaviva

If it is not on the card, a notice board, or 'notices for the day' somewhere prominent as you go to the first tee then the supposed local rule does not exist. You and others should play according to it not existing.
'But that was passed at a meeting years ago' etc is no excuse - if it is not prominently published then it is not in force.



The question about eligibility to win the captains is not a 'local' rules as such and is not covered by the above. Not making people aware of it is lax, but it should still be applied.

Senecio

It sounds to me like the kind of rules you are referring to, aren't really local rules at all. Local rules usually refer to condition of play and are often, but not always temporary in their nature.

What you are talking about, eligibility for certain comps, who can mark who's card etc.. Should be covered in the clubs constitution.

newport2

Senecio wrote: »

It sounds to me like the kind of rules you are referring to, aren't really local rules at all. Local rules usually refer to condition of play and are often, but not always temporary in their nature.

What you are talking about, eligibility for certain comps, who can mark who's card etc.. Should be covered in the clubs constitution.

Thanks, I thought that might be the case, certainly with the latter of the two examples.

Who marks your card should be published clearly as a local rule IMO, it's not normal. Hardly fair you find out after winning a comp that you're disqualified because of the gender of the person who marked your card.