The Rules of Amateur Status
as Approved by the
Royal Canadian Golf Association
Effective January 1, 2004
Rule 6. Use of Golf Skill of Golf Reputation
Rule 7. Other Conduct Incompatible with Amateurism
Rule 8. Procedure for Enforcement
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.
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.
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.
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 professionals 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 ones 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
10-1 Committees Decision
The Committees decision is final, subject to an Appeal as provided in Rules 8-4 and 9-4.
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