WPGA - Junior Code of Conduct

In order to make Junior tournaments enjoyable for everyone, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA), Keystone Public Golf Association (KPGA), and Tri-State Section, PGA of America (TSPGA) require all of its competitors to adhere to a set of guidelines known as the Code of Conduct. Its purpose is to help all participants grow and mature by understanding and accepting the consequences of their actions. The Code of Conduct is to be followed, both on and off the course, in all events sponsored by the WPGA, KPGA and TSPGA.

1. Violations of the Code of Conduct on the golf course include: abusive language, club throwing, cheating, disrespect of volunteers or officials, abuse of the golf course, smoking or chewing tobacco products, use of drugs or alcohol, not adhering to the dress code during any practice round or tournament play, leaving the course during a competitive round without the permission of an official, or any other conduct not becoming of a junior golfer.

2. Actions that are considered violations of the Code of Conduct off the golf course include: any use or association with drugs or alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco products, vandalism, abusive behavior to employees of a host course or its property, or any other conduct not becoming of a junior golfer.

3. Proper attire is required at all times at the golf facility. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. The dress code prohibits short shorts, tank tops, denim shorts and jeans. All hats must be worn properly, collared shirts must be worn and all shirts must be tucked in. PLAYERS SHOULD ALWAYS BE AWARE OF THE DRESS REQUIREMENT OF EACH EVENT IN WHICH THEY COMPETE AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY.

4. The Committee of the Association that is in charge of an event may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity of the Code of Conduct violation:
a. Issue a written letter of warning to the player and his or her parents.
b. Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs.
c. Disqualify the player from the next tournament(s) for which he or she has been accepted.
d. Suspend the player's membership indefinitely.

In the event of a suspension, both the player and a parent will be required to submit a written account of the Code of Conduct violation to the applicable Committee within 30 days of the suspension. The Committee will review all submitted materials and then determine the length of the suspension. Any player whose membership is under suspension will not be eligible for any post-season honors of the association.

An Association may refuse to accept entries in tournaments it sponsors from players who have violated the Code of Conduct at tournaments sponsored by the other Associations.