Dear Junior Golfers and Junior Golf Supporters:

The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA-men) and the National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA-women) have recently been made aware of a growing concern in junior golf regarding tournament withdrawals. Obviously, as there is in any type of golf competition, withdrawal for legitimate illness, injury or personal emergency is understood. However, it has come to our attention that the practice of withdrawing from events in order to protect scoring average and/or national ranking is occurring.

One of the hallmarks of the game of golf is that it is a sport of honesty, integrity and discipline. In no other sport are the participants asked to enforce the rules of the game themselves and behave in a manner beyond reproach. College coaches throughout the country evaluate prospective student-athletes based not only on their success in the classroom and on the course, but also on their integrity. The ability to perform despite adversity is a characteristic that all coaches place a very high premium on during the evaluation and recruiting process. Especially noticeable are those players who "press on" during challenging times in competition and especially those who shoot better scores after a poor round. Equally noticeable to college coaches are those players who choose not to finish a competition. Final decisions on who coaches believe will best measure up to the challenges of college golf are made based on subtle differences. Through the cooperation and assistance of junior golf tournament organizers and the Junior Golf Scoreboard our members are able to see the results of all those who participate throughout the country and around the world.

On behalf of all college coaches, please accept our best wishes as you continue to play the game!

Sincerely, Sincerely,

John Fields, President, GCAA University of Texas

Kelley Heste, President, NGCA  University of Arkansas

Subj: Reporting and publishing of player DQ’s, WD’s, NS’s and NC’s

Over the last two years, all of us have been concerned and have commented about the pattern of unwarranted withdrawals by players after having played poorly or for some other reason. In the spirit of “sunlight is the best disinfectant”, effective January 1, 2007,  for all tournaments commencing play after that date, the Junior Golf Scoreboard  will accept results reported with players who were disqualified, withdrew, were no-shows after having started play, or no-carded themselves. The Scoreboard will then do the following:

1)      Publish the tournament results, listing last, the players who have a DQ, WD, NS or NC.

2)      Maintain that information in a player’s file

3)      Display that information in the “Player Results” pop-up box in the Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings™  under the heading “Other Tournaments”

The player’s actual ranking will not be affected but the information will remain on display for a period of one year after its occurrence. Please take time to review the chart attached. Please also note that your decisions about a player’s status are yours alone and are final. We will forward all questions about a particular player to your organization.

Over the last few months, we have spoken with several junior tours and state junior golf directors about this initiative and have received valuable input and unanimous support. In addition, both college golf coach associations (GCAA and NCGA) have issued a joint letter written to the junior golf community about coaches’ attitude towards junior golf withdrawals.  That letter is provided to you to use as you see fit. You are permitted and encouraged to publish that letter and this one on your website and/or to distribute copies to your players or members in mailings or at tournaments.

Please find attached the coaches’ letter and a chart that outlines the use and guidelines of DQ, WD, NS and NC. These conform with the USGA TPP codes and were designed during the conversations we mentioned. During December, please feel free to call with any questions. Your input is welcome as we approach the announcement in December. (Those organizations using BlueGolf, please call us)                                                            

Overall consideration – do the tournament officials feel that the situation was one in which there was no intention or managed purpose (DQ) or was there intent or a deliberate decision by the player (WD or NC)?

All final decisions rests with tournament officials.  

Examples:

1) Player does not come to tournament at all – handled by tournament organization – do not report

2) Player tees it up, plays a complete or partial stipulated round, walks off without turning in scorecard for any reason -  NC (Deliberate decision by player)

3) Player tees it up, plays, signs card, does not call or speak to an official, fails to show for next round – NS  (Deliberate decision by player by not coming to course, calling or speaking to an official)

4) Player plays, signs card, actually comes to course reports late for tee time or calls to acknowledge being late, – DQ (While this might be deliberate, giving benefit of the doubt)

                4a) Calls to say they are sick – WD (no way to verify unless tournament asks for doctor’s letter)

5) Player tees it up, plays, signs card, notifies official that they will not be playing next round, no justifiable reason – WD (Deliberate decision by player to withdraw)

6) Player unintentionally fails to sign scorecard  – DQ (Unintentional action by player)

7) Player fails to sign card after being given an opportunity to do so – NC (Deliberate decision by player)

8) Player has clear, verifiable physical condition or family emergency reason for not continuing play – Justified WD (do not report)