The Rules of Amateur Status

 

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT ANY ACTION THEY ARE PROPOSING TO TAKE MIGHT ENDANGER THEIR AMATEUR STATUS SHOULD SUBMIT PARTICULARS TO THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION FOR AN ADVISORY OPINION (SEE RULE 8-1)

Preamble
THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE RULES, AND TO MAKE AND CHANGE THE INTERPRETATIONS RELATING TO AMATEUR STATUS, AT ANY TIME.

IN THE RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS, THE GENDER USED IN RELATION TO ANY PERSON IS UNDERSTOOD TO INCLUDE BOTH GENDERS. THE ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS APPLIES TO ALL GOLFERS IN CANADA. THROUGHOUT THE RULES, WHEREVER THE WORDS “ROYAL CANADIAN GOLF ASSOCIATION” APPEARS, THE WORDS “CANADIAN LADIES’ GOLF ASSOCIATION” ALSO APPLIES.

Definitions
The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules themselves, defined terms are in italics.

Amateur Golfer
An “amateur golfer” is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative or non-profit making sport and who does not receive remuneration for teaching golf or for other activities because of golf skill or reputation, except as provided in the Rules.

Committee
The Amateur Status Committee of the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Golf Skill or Reputation
Generally, an amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill if he has had competitive success at the local level or competes at the national level. Golf reputation can only be gained through golf skill and does not include prominence for service to the game of golf as an administrator. It is a matter for the RCGA to decide whether a particular amateur golfer has golf skill or reputation.

Instruction
“Instruction” covers teaching the physical aspects of playing golf, i.e., the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a golf ball.

Junior Golfer
An amateur golfer who has not reached their 19th birthday prior to the last day of an event.

Prize Voucher
A “prize voucher” is a certificate issued by the committee in charge of a competition for the purchase of goods from a Professional's shop or other retail source.

Professional
A golfer who has taken any action for the purpose of becoming a professional golfer except as provided for in the Rules.

Retail Value
The “ retail value” of a prize is the normal recommended selling price at which merchandise is available to anyone at a retail source.

Rule or Rules
The term “Rule” or “Rules” refers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Symbolic Prize
A “symbolic prize” is an item such as a bowl, plate, pitcher, watch, ring or similar trophy provided that the symbolic nature is evidenced by distinctive permanent marking.

Testimonial Award
A “testimonial award” relates to notable performances or contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes. A testimonial award may not be a monetary award.
 

Rule 1. Amateurism

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

1-1. General
An amateur golfer must play the game and conduct himself in accordance with the Rules.

1-2. Amateur Status
Amateur Status is a universal condition of eligibility for playing in golf competitions as an amateur golfer. A person who acts contrary to the Rules may forfeit his status as an amateur golfer and as a result will be ineligible to play in amateur competitions (Rule 9-2d).

Any organizer or sponsor of an amateur competition or a golf competition involving amateur golfers who permits, encourages, or condones actions contrary to the Rules bears the responsibility for which an amateur golfer may be penalized.

1-3. Purpose and Spirit of the Rules
The purpose and the spirit of the Rules is to maintain the distinction between amateur golf and professional golf and keep the amateur game as free as possible from the abuses which may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive. It is considered necessary to safeguard amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating with regard to the Rules of play and handicapping, so that it may be fully enjoyed by all amateur golfers.

1-4. Doubt as to Rules
Any person who wishes to be an amateur golfer and who is in doubt as to whether taking a proposed course of action is permitted under the Rules should consult the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Any organizer or sponsor of an amateur golf competition or a competition involving amateur golfers who is in doubt as to whether a proposal is in accordance with the Rules should consult the Royal Canadian Golf Association.
 

Rule 2. Professionalism

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

2-1. General
An amateur golfer must not take any action for the purpose of becoming a professional golfer and must not identify himself as a professional golfer.

Note: Such actions include applying for a professional’s position; directly or indirectly receiving services or payment from a professional agent or sponsor, commercial or otherwise; directly or indirectly entering into a written or oral agreement with a professional agent or sponsor, commercial or otherwise; and agreeing to accept payment or compensation for allowing one’s name or likeness as a player of golf skill or reputation to be used for any commercial purpose.

Exceptions:
(a) applying unsuccessfully for the position of an assistant professional and/or resigning from a professional golf association before one year of membership has been completed, provided this occurs one time only. In order to qualify for this exception the amateur golfer must advise the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

(b) entering and playing in any stage of a competition to qualify for a professional tour, and if prize money is awarded the player prior to participation must irrevocably waive in writing his right to any prize money in that event.

(c) enquiring as to likely prospects as a professional and he may work in a professional's shop and receive a salary, provided he does not infringe the Rules in any other way.

2-2. Professional Golfers Association

An amateur golfer must not apply for, hold or retain membership in any organization of professional golfers.

Rule 3. Prizes

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

3-1. Playing for Prize Money
An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match, tournament or exhibition.

Note: A player may participate in an event in which prize money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation he irrevocably waives in writing his right to accept prize money in that event. (See RCGA Policy on Gambling for explanation of playing for prize money.)

3-2. Prize Limits
An amateur golfer must not:

a.Accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of a retail value greater than $1,000. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received in any one tournament or exhibition for any one event, or series of events, in which golf skill is a factor.

Exception: Hole-In-One Prizes

The limit prescribed in Rule 3-2a applies to a prize for a hole-in-one. However, such a prize may be accepted in addition to any other prize won in the same competition.

b.Accept a prize of money or the equivalent of money;

c.Convert a prize into money;

d.Accept expenses in any amount to a golf competition (except as provided in Rule 4); or

e.Because of golf skill or reputation, accept in connection with any golfing event:
(i) money, or
(ii) anything else, other than merchandise of nominal value provided to all players

3-3. Testimonial Awards

a. General
An amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of a retail value greater than $1,000.

b. Multiple Awards
An amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial award from different donors, even though their total retail value exceeds $1,000, provided they are not presented so as to evade the limit for a single award.

Rule 4. Expenses

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

4-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an amateur golfer must not accept expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source to play in a golf competition or exhibition.

4-2. Receipt of Expenses

An amateur golfer may receive expenses, not exceeding the actual expenses incurred, to play in a golf competition or exhibition as follows:
a. Family support

An amateur golfer may receive expenses from a member of his family or a legal guardian.
b. Junior

A junior golfer may accept expenses to play in an amateur competition or exhibition or to improve golf skill.
c. Team Events

(i) An amateur golfer, who is representing his country, province or club (or similar body) in a team competition or at a training camp may receive expenses; and

(ii) An amateur golfer, who is representing his country by taking part in a national championship in another country immediately before or after an international team competition may receive expenses.

The expenses must be paid only by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, province, club or similar body approved by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, and subject to the body controlling golf in the territory visited.

d. Individual Events/Training Camps

An amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in individual events provided he complies with the following provisions:

(i) the player must be nominated to play in the competition or training camp by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, his province, club or similar body;

(ii) where the competition or training camp is to take place in Canada, the nomination must be made by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, province, club or similar body;

(iii) where the competition or training camp is to take place in another country, the approval of the national union of the country in which the competition or training camp is to be staged has been granted, and if the nominating body is not the Royal Canadian Golf Association, the approval of the Royal Canadian Golf Association must first be obtained by the nominating body;

(iv) the expenses must be paid only by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, province, club or similar body responsible in the area from which the nomination is made or, subject to the approval of the nominating body, by the body controlling golf in the territory he is visiting.

(v) the expenses must be limited to a specific number of days in any one calendar year as may be determined by the Royal Canadian Golf Association. The expenses are deemed to include reasonable traveling time and practice days in connection with the competition or training camp days.

e. Celebrities, Business Associates, etc.

An amateur golfer who is invited to take part in a competition for reasons unrelated to golf skill or reputation may receive expenses.

f. Exhibitions

An amateur golfer who is participating in an exhibition in aid of a recognized charity may receive expenses, provided the exhibition is not run in connection with another golfing event.

g. Sponsored Handicap Competitions

An amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in a sponsored handicap competition, provided the competition has been approved as follows:

(i) where the competition is to take place in Canada, the annual approval of the Royal Canadian Golf Association must be first obtained in advance by the sponsor; and

(ii) where the competition is to take place outside of Canada and involves amateur golfers from another country or countries, the approval of the Royal Canadian Golf Association and the country where the competition is held shall first be obtained in advance by the sponsor.

Rule 5. Instruction

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

5-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an amateur golfer must not receive payment or compensation for giving instruction in playing golf.

5-2. Where Payment Permitted
a. Schools, Colleges, etc.

An amateur golfer, who is an employee of an educational institution or system, may receive payment or compensation for golf instruction to students of the institution or system, provided that during a year the total time devoted to golf instruction comprises less than 50 percent of the time spent in the performance of all duties as such an employee.

b. Camps

An amateur golfer who is a counselor at a camp or other similar organized program may receive payment or compensation for giving instruction to those in his charge, provided that during a year the total time devoted to golf instruction comprises less than 50 percent of the time spent in the performance of all duties as such a counselor.

c. Instruction to Junior Golfers

An amateur golfer may receive expenses, not exceeding the actual expenses incurred, for giving golf instruction to junior golfers as part of a program that has been approved by the Royal Canadian Golf association.

5-3. Instruction in Writing
An amateur golfer may receive payment or compensation for instruction in writing, provided his ability or reputation as a golfer was not a major factor in his employment or in the commission or sale of his work.

Note: Instruction does not cover the many psychological aspects of the game or the Rules or Etiquette of Golf.

Rule 6. Use of Golf Skill or Golf Reputation

 
Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

6-1. General
Except as provided in the Rules, an amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to promote, advertise or sell anything or for any financial gain.

6-2. Lending Name or Likeness
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, for allowing his name or likeness to be used for the advertisement or sale of anything.

Note: An amateur golfer may accept equipment from anyone dealing in such equipment provided no advertising is involved.

6-3. Personal Appearance
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, for a personal appearance.

Exception:
An amateur golfer may receive actual expenses in connection with a personal appearance provided no golf competition or exhibition is involved.

6-4. Broadcasting and Writing
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to obtain payment, compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain, directly or indirectly, for broadcasting concerning golf, a golf event or golf events, writing golf articles or books, or allowing his name to be advertised or published as the author of golf articles or books of which he is not actually the author.

Exceptions:
1. An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation may receive payment or compensation for broadcasting or writing as part of his primary occupation or career, provided golf instruction is not included (Rule 5-1).

2. An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation may receive payment or compensation for part-time broadcasting or writing, provided:
(a) the player is actually the author of the commentary, articles or books;
(b) instruction is not included, and
(c) the payment or compensation does not have the purpose or effect, directly or indirectly, of financing participation in a golf competition.

6-5. Grants, Scholarships and Bursaries
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept the benefits of a grant, scholarship or bursary, except one whose terms and conditions thereof have been approved by the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

6-6. Membership
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept membership or privileges in a golf club or at a course without full payment for the class of membership when such membership or privileges are offered because of the player’s golf skill or reputation.

Exception:
Membership or privileges may be accepted by an amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation when they have been awarded (1) as purely and deservedly honourary, (2) in recognition of an outstanding performance, (3) without any time limit and (4) at no charge to anyone.

Rule 7. Other Conduct Incompatible with Amateurism

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definition section.

7-1. Conduct Detrimental to Amateurism
An amateur golfer must not act in a manner that is considered detrimental to the best interests of the amateur game.

7-2. Conduct Contrary to the Purpose and Spirit of the Rules
An amateur golfer, organizer, or sponsor must not take any action, including actions relating to golf gambling, which is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules.

Rule 8. Procedure for Enforcement

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

8-1. Advisory Opinions
Any amateur golfer, organizer, or sponsor who considers that any action they are proposing to take might endanger their amateur status may, in writing, submit particulars to the Director of Amateur Status of the Royal Canadian Golf Association for advice. If dissatisfied with that advice, the amateur golfer, organizer, or sponsor may request that the matter be referred to the Committee for decision.

8-2. Decision on a Breach
Whenever information of a possible act contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status by a player claiming to be an amateur shall come to the attention of the Royal Canadian Golf Association, the Director of Amateur Status, or other designated official, shall investigate to the extent it believes to be appropriate. If ample precedent exists, the Director of Amateur Status is authorized by the Committee to make decisions on acts contrary to the Definition of an amateur golfer. If ample precedent does not exist, the Director of Amateur Status shall complete its investigation of the relevant facts and submit the results of its investigation, with or without a recommended resolution, to the Committee.

Each case will be investigated to the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee and considered on its merits. The decision of the Committee shall be final, subject to an Appeal as provided in these Rules.

8-3. Enforcement
Upon a final decision of the Committee that a person has breached the Rules, the Committee may declare the amateur status of the person forfeited or require the person to refrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of retaining amateur status.

The Committee shall use its best endeavors to ensure that the person is notified and may notify any interested golf association and golf club of its decision.

8-4. Appeals Committee
If dissatisfied with the decision of the Committee, the person may, by written notice to the Royal Canadian Golf Association within thirty (30) days after being notified of the decision, appeal to an Appeals Committee designated by the Royal Canadian Golf Association for that purpose. The person shall be given reasonable notice of the date of the appeal hearing as determined by the Appeals Committee and shall be entitled to present the case for the appeal in person or by representation or in writing. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. Pending the hearing of the appeal, the status of the person shall be in accordance with the terms as prescribed by the Committee and these Rules.

Rule 9. Reinstatement

Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.

9-1. General
The Committee has the sole power to reinstate a person to amateur status or to deny reinstatement, subject to an Appeal as provided in these Rules. Each application for reinstatement shall be considered on its merits.

9-2. Applications for Reinstatement
In considering an application for reinstatement, the Committee shall normally be guided by the following principles:

a. Awaiting Reinstatement

The Professional holds an advantage over the amateur golfer by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession. Other persons infringing the Rules also obtain advantages not available to the amateur golfer. They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to cease infringing the Rules. Therefore, an applicant for reinstatement to amateur status shall undergo a period awaiting reinstatement as prescribed by the Committee.

b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement

(i) The period awaiting reinstatement is normally related to the period the applicant was in breach. However, no applicant is normally eligible for reinstatement until he has conducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least one year.

(ii) The Committee reserves the right to extend or to shorten such a period. Longer periods will normally be required of applicants who have been in breach more than five years. Players of national golf skill or reputation who have been in breach for more than five years will not normally be eligible for reinstatement.

(iii) The period awaiting reinstatement shall start from the first day of the next full month following the date of application or such earlier date as the Committee may determine.

c. One Reinstatement
A person shall not normally be reinstated more than once.


d. Status While Awaiting Reinstatement
During the period awaiting reinstatement an applicant for reinstatement shall conform to the Definition of an amateur golfer.

He shall not be eligible to enter competitions limited to amateurs except that he may enter competitions solely among members of a club of which he is a member, subject to the approval of the club; but he may not represent such club against other clubs. He may also, without prejudicing his application, enter, as an applicant for reinstatement, competitions that are not limited to amateurs but shall not accept any prize reserved for an amateur.

9-3. Procedure for Applicants
Each application for reinstatement must be submitted on the form prescribed by the Committee and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee set by the Committee from time to time. In all cases the application must be approved by an officer of the provincial golf association having jurisdiction in the area that the applicant resides, as well as by an official at the head office of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association.

9-4. Appeals Procedure

A person affected by a decision made by the Committee of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in respect of reinstatement of Amateur Status, may raise an appeal of that decision. He may, by written notice to the Royal Canadian Golf Association within thirty (30) days after being notified of the decision, appeal to an Appeals Committee designated by the Royal Canadian Golf Association for that purpose. The person shall be given reasonable notice of the date of the appeal hearing as determined by the Appeals Committee and shall be entitled to present the case for the appeal in person or by representation in writing. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. Pending the hearing of the appeal, the status of the person shall be in accordance with the terms as prescribed by the Committee and these Rules.

Rule 10. Committee Decision

10-1. Committee’s Decision
The Committee’s decision is final, subject to an Appeal as provided in Rules 8-4 and 9-4.