THE COURSE
Out of Bounds: Where white stakes or fence posts are used, the nearest inside
points at ground level define out of bounds. When out of bounds is defined by a white
line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. A ball coming to rest on or crossing
any public road is considered out of bounds, even if it comes to rest on another part of
the golf course. Any additional methods to designate OB will be listed on a local rules
sheet.
Penalty Areas: Penalty Areas are either red or yellow. Penalty Areas are defined by
red/yellow lines or designated by red/yellow stakes. Stakes are movable obstructions. In
the absence of lines, stakes define the Penalty Area. If a body of water is not marked,
the edge of the Penalty Area is where the ground begins to slope down to the water’s
edge.
Dropping Zone: A dropping zone is an optional relief area enclosed by a white line
having the words “drop zone” or “DZ” printed inside it. A dropping zone is not ground
under repair. The line itself is in the dropping zone. A ball that is dropped within the
dropping zone must remain within the dropping zone to be in play.
Ground Under Repair: Enclosed white-lined areas define ground under repair. The
white lines are considered to be in the ground under repair. Other areas of ground under
repair, even though not so marked include: French drains (trenches filled with stones or
like), fire ant beds and mounds caused by burrowing animals.
Sod Seams; Relief for Lie of Ball Only: Sod seams are ground under repair in the
General Area and all seams in a given area are deemed to be the same seam. However,
relief is available for lie of ball only and not for stance or swing.
No Play Zones: The committee may designate areas such as flower beds as No
Play Zones. Relief from these areas is mandatory. Penalty for playing from a No Play
Zone is the General Stroke Play penalty of 2 strokes.
TOURNAMENT ROUNDS
Stipulated Rounds: When necessary to shorten an event, the round for all players
will consist of two stipulated rounds. 9-hole competitors’ rounds will consist of one 5-hole
and one 4-hole stipulated round and 18-hole competitors’ rounds will consist of two 9-
hole stipulated rounds. If an age group utilizes split tees and the final round is reduced,
the age group will be split into A and B flights. Only the players in the A flight will be
eligible to win the championship. Rankings information for Junior Golf Scoreboard and AJGA
PBE will be submitted based on each of their respective stipulated round policies.
Result of the Competition: When all the scores have been posted on the official
scoreboard and approved by U.S. Kids Golf, the result of the competition is deemed to
have been officially announced.
How to Decide Ties: Ties for 1st place will be broken with a sudden death playoff.
If weather or darkness prevents a sudden death playoff, the winner will be decided by a
scorecard playoff using the score on the final round of competition.
If the tie is not broken, the winner is determined on the basis of the last nine holes, last
six holes, last three holes and finally the last hole. If the players are still tied, continue
backwards from the last hole until a winner is determined. For 18-hole players, the “last
nine holes, last six holes, etc.” is considered to be holes 10-18, 13-18, etc. Ties for all
other awards will not be broken.
Rankings: U.S. Kids Golf Regional Championships are recognized by Junior Golf
Scoreboard and the AJGA Performance-Based Entry program. Eligible age groups vary
by event based on field size and yardage requirements. Any players in eligible age
groups that receive a DQP penalty may still compete in the event and be eligible for Priority Status,
but will not be eligible to win a trophy, be submitted to rankings, or qualify for a Cup team.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Players, caddies, and spectators are expected to display proper etiquette and behavior
at all USKG events. USKG aims to provide a positive experience for everyone involved
and reserves the right to dismiss any player, caddie or spectator at any time for any reason during the event.
Code of Conduct violations include, but are not limited to: abusive language, club throwing, cheating,
or any other conduct unbecoming of a player or caddie. Penalty for such
violations may include any of the following: Warning, Two stroke penalty, DQP penalty,
actual disqualification of the player, or removal of caddie.
Tobacco & Alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol use by players or caddies, including the
use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted during the event. First offense: Warning;
Subsequent offenses: Code of Conduct penalty.
Dress Code: Only acceptable golf attire is permitted. PLAYERS AND CADDIES are
prohibited from wearing shoes with metal spikes, short shorts, swimwear, denim of any
kind, t-shirts, or tank tops. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Those not appropriately
attired will not be permitted to participate.
CADDIES & SPECTATORS
Caddies: Players eight years old and younger must be accompanied by a caddie.
Caddies must be at least 15 years of age or older, unless otherwise authorized by the
Committee.
Marking & Replacing: Caddies have authorization to mark and replace the player’s
ball, where the Rules permit the ball to be lifted.
Caddie Use of Carts: All players and caddies must walk for the duration of the
event. Caddie use of golf carts is prohibited.
Penalty: Two Strokes per hole at which any breach occurred; maximum penalty per
round: Four strokes. In the event of a breach between the play of two holes, the penalty
applies to the next hole.
Cart Policy: Golf carts are prohibited at all International Championships.
Pull Carts: Pull carts are allowed for use unless prohibited by the golf course.
Spectator Policy: Spectator carts are prohibited. Spectators may not give players
advice during the round. Spectators are not permitted to walk in the fairway or on the
greens. First offense: Warning, Second offense: Removal from the golf course.
Caddie Bibs: As a condition of competition, official U.S. Kids Golf caddie bibs
must be worn by all caddies to properly distinguish caddies and spectators. Failure to
wear a caddie bib will be considered a code of conduct violation.
STOPPAGE OF PLAY
ONE LONG SIREN OR HORN BLAST OR VERBAL DIRECTION BY A COMMITTEE MEMBER
MEANS STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY AND SEEK SHELTER because of a dangerous
condition. All practice areas are closed and all practice is suspended. Penalty for breach of
this rule is the DQP penalty and applies to the hole being played when the player stopped
play or the last hole completed.
TWO SHORT SIREN OR HORN BLASTS REPEATED MEANS PLAY IS RESUMED. It is
the player’s responsibility to be in position and ready when play resumes. All players failing to
start play on time after a suspension will receive a DQP penalty on that and any subsequent
holes on which their group has started play.
THREE SHORT SIREN OR HORN BLASTS MEANS PLAY MUST STOP DUE TO A
NONDANGEROUS CONDITION SUCH AS DARKNESS OR FOG.
Players in the group may
decide whether to finish the hole they are playing, but they may not start another hole.
Safety Announcement: Participation during tournament play can be dangerous.
Players, caddies, and spectators are advised to seek shelter or medical help when conditions
warrant. Please be aware of others near you on the course and practice areas. It is possible
that you may get struck by a club or ball hit by someone else. When riding in a golf cart,
please read and follow the manufacturer’s safety notices at all times. Riding in a cart or being
struck with a club or ball can cause serious injury or death. Pulling a pull cart behind a cart is
not advised and is done so at the player/caddie/spectator’s own risk.
When attending event-related functions such as opening ceremonies, awards presentations,
pool parties, etc., please use extreme caution and be mindful of how you or your children’s
actions may affect others in close proximity. While necessary precautions are taken to ensure
everyone’s safety, it is critical that we all work together to provide a safe and fun environment
for all in attendance. You may use a cell phone to call for medical help at any time during the
event.
POSITIVE COACHING
PCA Policy: All players are encouraged to have caddies. Each caddie starts with
GREEN CARD status. If a caddie disrupts others during play and a WRITTEN COMPLAINT
is filed, a YELLOW CARD warning will be given to the caddie. If a second WRITTEN COMPLAINT
is filed against the same caddie by a different person, the caddie will receive a RED
CARD and caddie privileges will be revoked. Caddies may only be reissued GREEN CARD
status if approved by the USKG Tournament Players Association. (See website for details)
It is recommended that caddies complete the Second-Goal Parent online course at the
reduced rate of $15.00. A $25.00 coupon code towards any future U.S. Kids Golf
tournament will be sent upon successful completion. (See website for details)
U.S. Kids Golf reserves the right to change the Rules & Regulations prior to or
during any event.
RULES OF PLAY
Play is governed by the Rules of Golf and its Interpretations and, where applicable, by the
following Local Rules and Conditions, subject to changes or amendments by the U.S. Kids
Golf (USKG) Rules Committee.
Disqualification Modification: The USKG Disqualification Policy (DQP) is that in the
case a player incurs a breach of the Rules of Golf that would result in disqualification, the
player will receive the maximum score of 10 on any hole where the breach occurs.
In situations where the round or hole has been completed, the Rules Committee will determine
where to apply the score of 10 penalty.
Maximum Strokes (9-hole age groups only): In 9-hole age groups, a player shall take no
more than 10 strokes on a hole. Once a 10 is reached, a player must pick up their ball and
wait for the other players in the group to complete the hole. The maximum score of 10 includes
any penalties a player may incur on a hole. All 18-hole competitors must complete
each hole and record his/her score.
Time of Starting/Late to Tee: A player must start at his or her starting time, Rule 5.3a.
If a player arrives at the tee more than five minutes after his or her starting time, a DQP
penalty applies to that hole and all other holes missed. Players may not join a group during
play of a hole; they must join them on the next tee.
Practice Between Holes: Practice between holes is NOT authorized in stroke play competitions.
Reference Rule 5.5b (Committee Procedures). Penalty: Two strokes per hole at
which any breach occurred. Penalty is applied to the next hole played following the unauthorized practice.
Pace of Play: Each player must play without undue delay, which is defined as taking
no more than 40 seconds to play a shot. Players who are first to play from a given area
(tee, fairway, green, etc.) will have 10 extra seconds to play their shot. Caddies are asked
to please refrain from over-coaching the player. It is the caddie’s duty to help the player hit
each shot without undue delay.
The pace of play card system may be implemented to determine when groups are behind
time or out of position. Please refer to www.uskidsgolf.com for information.
Distance Measuring Device: A player may obtain distance information by use of a
distance-measuring device. If, during a stipulated round, a player uses a distancemeasuring
device to gauge or measure other conditions that might affect his/her play (e.g.,
slope, elevation change, wind speed, etc.), the player is in breach of Rule 4.3. First breach:
Two-stroke penalty; Each subsequent breach: DQP Penalty.
Cell Phones & Electronic Devices: Cell phones may only be used to obtain rules information
from the Committee, in emergency situations, or to seek medical help. Tablets,
headphones, cameras, and the like may not be used during play. First offense: Warning;
Subsequent Offenses: Code of Conduct breach penalty.
Golf Balls: It is a condition of the competition that players must use a brand of ball on the
current USGA List of Conforming Golf Balls. Penalty: DQP penalty on each hole where the
breach occurred.
