All WPGA Championships are played by the USGA Rules of Golf, and all decisions will be made in accordance with the Rules.  In no way does this publication contradict Rule 6, which states that . . .  “The player is responsible for knowing the Rules and the conditions under which the competition is to be played.”  The following items are a list of guidelines and suggestions for those who compete in our championships. 

Championship Reminders in Alphabetical Order

Behavior

The following are examples of player behavior or actions that could result in the rejection of entries in accordance with the WPGA’s definition of unbecoming conduct.   

    1—Falsification of entry information
    2—Failure to compete without properly informing the Association—i.e.—no shows
    3—Failure to complete a round without notifying an Association official—i.e.—no cards
    4—Disqualifications in which a player knowingly returns a score on any hole lower than actually taken, whether or not intentional.

The Association’s Championship Committee reserves the right to define additionally what constitutes unbecoming conduct.

Carts                                                

Motorized carts are permitted in most WPGA competitions, and this regulation will be posted on entry forms.  Pull carts may also be allowed in WPGA events, and will be allowed in USGA Qualifying Rounds.  Spectator carts are prohibited.  All cart drivers must be at least sixteen years of age.  Walking is required in the West Penn Amateur, the West Penn Open, and all USGA Qualifying Rounds except the Senior Amateur. 

Players are encouraged to operate carts with consideration for partners, when applicable, and for fellow-competitors.  Proceed with carts in such a way that others will not question their actions in accordance with the Rules of Golf or with strokes taken. 

Cell Phones

The use of cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices during individual competitions is prohibited during any round of the competition.  Such use is strongly discouraged in any form of competition as a point of etiquette.

The committee reserves the right to deal with such players and devices as it sees fit.

Claims

*Note Rule 34-1b—Stroke Play.  Claims will be handled within the provisions of this and other applicable Rules. 

Conditions of Play

The Association makes every effort to complete championships as stated on entry forms, including returning to finish the following day.  The WPGA reserves the right to shorten a competition.  All USGA qualifying rounds will be completed as stated on the entry form, unless the USGA approves another procedure, a rare occurrence. 

Courtesy*

In addition to safety, consideration for other players, and pace of play that can be found in the Rules of Golf booklet, players should note the following:
    1—When carts are permitted especially, but at all other times, players should not be so far ahead of their fellow competitors that players cannot view a player near his ball or observe shots being played.
    2—If a competitor is about to break a Rule or may be using an improper procedure, such actions should be questioned in a
sportsmanlike manner prior to a stroke being played.  If any questionable actions take place, they should be referred to the Committee upon the return of scorecards.
    3—A player should put an identifying mark on his ball, and fellow-competitors should be aware of the ball types and identifying marks of
all players in the group.
    4—Whenever a player lifts a ball for relief without penalty, he should inform a fellow competitor or marker of his intentions.  If any player doubts the procedure, he should refer the matter to the Committee for a final decision.
    5—For scorecards, note the “marker” section. 

Dress Code*

Players and their caddies are required to dress appropriately for competitive golf.  Shorts are permitted provided they are Bermuda length.  Tank tops and similar shirts are prohibited.  The Association will determine whether a player is appropriately attired, and players will not be permitted to compete unless they change to acceptable clothing.   

Entry Acceptance

All properly completed entries, completed form and fee, will be accepted until the deadline date.  Paper entries must arrive by 5:00 p.m. at the WPGA office on the deadline date. In the case of overbooked fields, all on time entries will be considered in developing the starting field.  THE ASSOCIATION DOES NOT CLOSE FIELDS PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE DATE.  

Entry Acknowledgment

Accepted applicants will be notified by post card, fax, or e-mail on the next business day after acceptance.  Entrants who do not receive verification should contact the WPGA office—412—826-2180.  Entrants are solely responsible for determining the status of their applications. 

Entries—Electronic

Players who wish to enter electronically with a credit card can do so through the Association’s web-site, www.wpga.org. 

Entry Forms

WPGA forms can be downloaded from the Association’s web site, www.wpga.org, or can be received by mail if a player requests the office to send them.  THE PLAYER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING ENTRY FORMS.

Pennsylvania Golf Association entry forms are available by contacting the WPGA office or contacting the Pennsylvania GA directly—PO Box 808, Southeastern, PA 19399-0808.  Their telephone is 610-687-2340.  Their web site is www.pagolf.org

Tri-State PGA forms are available at the WPGA office or by contacting the Tri-State Section, PGA of America, directly—221 Sherwood Ave., Monaca, PA 15061.  Telephone—724-774-2224. 

USGA entry forms are available at the WPGA office or on the USGA web site at www.usga.org.  The USGA strongly encourages entering their championships on the USGA web site.  Players who enter on the USGA web-site will be informed if the site selected is overbooked, thereby enabling the player to enter another site immediately.

Entries—Late

May or may not be accepted at the Association’s discretion.  In the case of a full field, late entries will be placed on a wait list to fill spots that become available.  LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED INTO COMPETITIONS WILL BE CHARGED A LATE FEE, NOT TO EXCEED 20% OF THE ORIGINAL FEE.  The entrant is solely responsible for arrivals of entry to the WPGA.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED EARLY TO ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR DELAY OR ERROR IN TRANSMISSION.  THE RISK OF DELAY OR ERROR IN TRANSMISSION LIES SOLELY WITH THE ENTRANT AND THE WPGA SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH DELAY OR ERROR AND THE CONSEQUENCES THEREFROM, INCLUDING REJECTION OF ENTRY.

Footwear*

Players and caddies will not be allowed to wear shoes with traditionally designed spikes in any WPGA competition or USGA Qualifying Round UNLESS OTHERWISE INFORMED.  The penalty for breach of the footwear rule is DISQUALIFICATION. 

Groupings/Pairings

Arranged by WPGA staff. Player requests will not be considered for groupings for individual competitions, but starting time considerations may be accommodated if they are submitted prior to the entry deadline. Groupings will not be changed once the information is distributed. 

Honor Roll

The formula and standings are on the web site in the Championship link.  Players may seek verification of their standings via fax, e-mail, or mail.

Local Rules

Local Rules on the Association’s “hard card” will be in effect for all championships, plus any Rules unique to a course.  Such Rules will be distributed on paper to all contestants or sides.  These Rules, plus the USGA Rules of Golf, will be the rules of play.  The USGA’s “hard card” will be in effect for USGA Qualifying Rounds. 

Marker’s responsibilities

In addition to those in the Rules of Golf, the committee strongly suggests that ALL COMPETITORS STAY IN THE SCORING AREA UNTIL ALL CARDS IN THE GROUP ARE APPROVED AND FINALIZED.

Everyone in stroke play has a responsibility to the field to ensure that all cards kept in that group are accurate.  This duty is in addition to each player verifying the accuracy of his own card.  Markers aware of violations who fail to bring doubtful points to the Committee run the risk of being disqualified for agreeing to waive the Rules of Golf.   

Over Subscription

In the event a WPGA competition is overbooked, the Association reserves the right to select the most representative field.  ALL ENTRIES PROPERLY RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE DATE WILL BE CONSIDERED.  Entries may be withdrawn from the field for the following reasons.

    1—Playing records--those who finish in the bottom 25% of the field in the previous year of that event, players with higher
handicaps absent competitive records, and players with consistently high scores in competitions may have entries withdrawn. 
    2—Club affiliation—players not affiliated with WPGA Member Clubs, unless their playing records are reasonably good. 
    3—Time of entry receipt—on-time entries of top players who
arrive after the field has been overbooked may be accepted into the field.  Others who enter close to the deadline date do so at their own risk. 

All players withdrawn will be placed on a waiting list in case space becomes available. 

All players who do not compete will receive full refunds.

Players not accepted one year usually will have entries accepted the following year.

The committee’s decisions are final in determining the most representative field.

Pace of Play

Contestants will be advised at the starting tees of the expected pace of play for the stipulated round, such as four hours, ten minutes.  Groups not playing at an acceptable pace will be advised of the circumstances.  At that point, the steps are
            1—If an official monitors a group, all players will be timed.
            2—Any player with a bad time (in excess of 40 seconds) will be warned.
            3—Next bad time for that player—one stroke penalty
            4—Second bad time—two stroke penalty
            5—Subsequent bad time—disqualification
The details of the policy are available at the competition site.

Photography/Video

By submitting an application to a WPGA conducted competition, the player agrees to allow the Association use of the player’s image for any WPGA media related purpose.

Player Information

Information about WPGA competitions can be accessed on the Association’s web site, www.wpga.org.  Players who do not have internet access are encouraged to contact the WPGA office to receive these materials via mail or fax.  Players can expect to receive such information about ten days in advance of the competition.   

Practice Rounds

The Association makes its best efforts to secure practice rounds, and information about them will be provided after deadline dates.  These rounds may or may not be complimentary.  This service is for contestants only unless otherwise approved by the host sight ahead of time. 

Refunds

Players must request refunds in writing (fax or e-mail are acceptable), prior to the day of the competition, including qualifying rounds, in order to receive them.  Each competition will have a service charge for refunds that will be stated on the entry form. 

Refunds regardless of reason will be granted for all requests prior to the entry deadline.

After entries close, refunds will be issued for injury, illness, or personal emergency, provided requests are in writing.

For refunds from USGA qualifying rounds, players must contact the USGA. 

Time of Starting

In all competitions, we use the USGA’s Local Rule, the note to Rule 6-3—If a player arrives at his starting point, ready to play—(with a club and ball), within five minutes of his starting time (the starter’s time is the official time), the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes.

WPGA Teams

Selection of the Frank Fuhrer, Jr. Association teams for matches with other golf associations is at the sole discretion of the WPGA Championship Committee.  The committee uses the WPGA Honor Roll as a guide, but is not bound to any specific procedures.  It is the intention of the Championship Committee to offer the team experience in a season to as many competitive players as possible. 

Team captains, if used, will be selected by the Championship Committee.

Withdrawals

Players are expected to inform the Committee in the event they cannot compete.  Out of fairness to alternates or players on the waiting list, players are expected to contact an Association official.  Leaving a message on an answering machine, unless otherwise noted, may be insufficient notice.  During weekdays, contact the office.

If a withdrawal takes place on a weekend, for a tournament on a Monday, either contact the pro shop of the host site, or call 412-780-3087.

Players who fail to cooperate on withdrawals are subject to disciplinary actions, especially in events for which a replacement can be entered into the competition.