Rules of Amateur Status

Preamble

The United States Golf Association reserves the right to change the Rules of Amateur Status and to make and change the interpretations of the Rules of 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.

Definitions;

Amateur Golfer

An “amateur golfer” is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative and nonprofit-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.

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 USGA to decide whether a particular amateur golfer has golf skill or reputation.

Instruction

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

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

A “junior golfer” is an amateur golfer who has not yet reached (i) the September 1 following graduation from secondary school or (ii) his 19th birthday, whichever shall come first.

The “retail value” of a prize is the price at which it is generally available at the time of the award.

Rule or Rules

The term “Rule” or “Rules” refers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the USGA.

Symbolic Prize

A “symbolic prize” is a trophy made of gold, silver, ceramic, glass or the like that is intended for display purposes only and has no significant utilitarian value.

Testimonial Award

A “testimonial award” is an award for notable performances or contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes. A testimonial award may not be a monetary award.

Rule 1. Amateurism

1-1. General

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

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.

Any person who considers that any action he is proposing to take might endanger his amateur status may submit particulars to the staff of the United States Golf Association for an advisory opinion. If dissatisfied with the staff’s advisory opinion, he may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days after being notified of the advisory opinion, appeal to the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee, in which case he shall be given reasonable notice of that Committee’s next meeting at which the matter may be heard and shall be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. In such cases the staff shall submit to the Committee all information provided by the player together with staff’s findings and recommendation, and the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee shall issue a decision on the matter. If dissatisfied with the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee’s decision, the player may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days after being notified of the decision, appeal to the Executive Committee, in which case he shall be given reasonable notice of the next meeting of the Executive committee at which the matter may be heard and shall be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.

Rule 2. Professionalism

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.

Exception 1: Applying unsuccessfully for the position of assistant professional.

Exception 2: Entering and playing in any stage of a competition to qualify for a professional tour, provided the player first waives his right to any prize money.

2-2. Professional Golfers Organization

An amateur golfer must not apply for or receive benefit from membership in any organization of professional golfers.

Rule 3. Prizes

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 his right to accept prize money in that event. (See USGA Policy on Gambling for explanation of playing for prize money.)

3-2. Prize Limits

An amateur golfer must not:

a. Accept a prize (including all prizes received in any one tournament or exhibition for any event, or series of events, in which   
   golf skill is a factor) of a retail value greater than $750 (except for symbolic 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

3-3. Testimonial Awards

  a. General

An amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of a retail value greater than $750.

An amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial award from different donors, even if their total retail value exceeds $750, provided they are not presented so as to evade the limit for a single award.

Rule 4. Expenses

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 or to improve golf skill.

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 from their own resources (see Note to Rule 2-1).

  
  b. Junior Golfers

A junior golfer may accept expenses to play in an amateur golf competition or exhibition or to improve golf skill (see Note to Rule 2-1).

  
  c. Golf Club and Golf Association Team Competitions

An amateur golfer representing a golf club or golf association in a team practice session (within limits fixed by the USGA) and/or team competition between or among golf clubs or golf associations may accept expenses through one or more of the golf clubs or golf associations involved. Additionally, a member of a visiting team in such a team competition between or among golf associations may accept expenses to the national Amateur Championship of the host association when the championship immediately precedes or follows the team competition.

  
  d. Team Competition Conducted by an Athletic Organization

Subject to the approval of the USGA, an amateur golfer in a team competition conducted by an athletic organization may accept expenses.

  e. School, College or Military Teams

An amateur golfer representing a recognized educational institution or military service may accept expenses from an educational or military authority to (1) team events or (2) other events that are limited to representatives of recognized educational institutions or military services.

  f. Business or Industrial Teams

An amateur golfer representing a business or industrial golf team in business or industrial golf team competitions may accept expenses within limits fixed by the USGA. (A statement of such limits may be obtained on request from the USGA.)

  
  g. Invitation Unrelated to Golf Skill

An amateur golfer who is invited for reasons unrelated to golf skill (e.g., a celebrity, a business associate or customer, a guest in a club-sponsored competition, a winner of a random drawing, etc.) to take part in a golf event or to improve golf skill may accept expenses.

Note 1: Except as otherwise provided in Rule 4-2, acceptance of expenses from an employer or other vocational source is not permissible.

Note 2: Business Expenses — It is permissible to play in a golf competition while on a business trip with expenses paid, provided that the golf part of the expenses is borne personally and is not charged to business. Further, the business involved must be substantial, and not merely a subterfuge for legitimizing expenses when the primary purpose is golf competition.

Note 3: Private Transport — Acceptance of private transport furnished or arranged by a tournament sponsor, directly or indirectly, as an inducement for a player to engage in a golf competition or exhibition shall be considered accepting expenses under Rule 4.

Rule 5. Instruction

5-1. General

Except as provided in the Rules, an amateur golfer must not receive payment or compensation, directly or indirectly, 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, etc.

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 USGA.

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.

Rule 6. Use of Golf Skill or Reputation

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 m u st 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, except that reasonable expenses actually incurred may be received if 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 instruction is not included (Rule 5).

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 articipation in a     
         golf competition.

6-5. Membership and Privileges

An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept membership or privileges in a club or at a course without full payment for the class of membership invo lved 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 honorary

   (2) in recognition of an outstanding performance

   (3) without any time limit and (4) at no charge to anyone.

6-6. Scholarships

An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or reputation to gain the benefits of a scholarship or grant-in-aid other than in accord with the regulations of the National collegiate Athletic Association, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, the National Association for Inter collegiate Athletics, the National Junior College Athletic Association or other similar organizations gove rning athletes at academic institutions.

Rule 7. Conduct Detrimental to Golf

An amateur golfer must not take any action, including an action relating to golf gambling, which is considered detrimental to the best interests of the game.

8-1. Decision of a Breach

Whenever information of a possible act contrary to the Definition of an amateur golfer by a player claiming to be an amateur shall come to the attention of the United States Golf Association, the staff shall investigate to the extent it believes to be appropriate. If ample precedent exists, the staff is authorized by the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee to make decisions on acts contrary to the Definition of an amateur golfer. If ample precedent does not exist, the staff shall complete its investigation of the relevant facts and submit the results of its investigation, with or without a recommended resolution, to the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee. A player dissatisfied with a decision with respect to his amateur status may follow the procedures set forth in Rule 1-3. During the appeal process to either the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee or the Executive Committee, the player must abide by the terms of the last decision made.

8-2. Enforcement

Upon a final decision of the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee or the Executive Committee that a player has acted contrary to the Definition of an amateur golfer, the Committee may require the player to refrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of retaining his amateur status or declare the amateur status of the player forfeited. The USGA must notify the player, if possible, and may notify any interested golf association of any action taken under this paragraph.

Rule 9. Reinstatement

9-1. Authority and Principles

Either the Executive Committee or its Amateur Status and Conduct Committee may reinstate a player to amateur status and prescribe the waiting period necessary for reinstatement or may deny reinstatement. In addition, the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee may authorize the staff of the USGA to reinstate a player to amateur status and prescribe the waiting period necessary for reinstatement in situations where the acts contrary to the Definition of an amateur golfer are covered by ample precedent. Each application for reinstatement shall be decided on its merits, with consideration normally being given to the following principles:

  a. Awaiting Reinstatement

A professional has an advantage over the amateur golfer by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession; other persons acting contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status also obtain advantages not available to the amateur. They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to cease acting contrary to the Rules. Therefore, an applicant for reinstatement to amateur status shall undergo a period awaiting reinstatement as prescribed. The period awaiting reinstatement shall start from the date of the player’s last act contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status unless it is decided that it shall start from the date of the player’s last act known by the player to be contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status.

  b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement

A period awaiting reinstatement of two years normally will be required. However, that period may be extended or shortened. Longer periods will normally be required when applicants have played extensively for prize money, regardless of performance, or have been previously reinstated; shorter periods often will be permitted when applicants have acted contrary to the Rules for one year or less. A probationary period of one year will normally be required when the applicant’s only act contrary to the Rules was to accept a prize of retail value exceeding $750.

  c. Players of National Prominence

Players of national prominence who have acted contrary to the Rules of Amateur Status for more than five years normally will not be eligible for reinstatement.

  d. Status During Period Awaiting Reinstatement

During the period awaiting reinstatement an applicant for reinstatement shall conform with 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. He may also, without prejudicing his application, enter, as an applicant for reinstatement, competitions which are not limited to amateurs but shall not accept any prize reserved for an amateur.

9-2. Form of Application

Each application for reinstatement shall be prepared, in duplicate, on forms provided by the USGA.The application must be filed through a recognized amateur golf association in whose district the applicant resides. The association’s recommendation, if any, will be considered. If the applicant is unknown to the association, this should be noted and the application forwarded to the USGA without recommendation.

9-3. Objection by Applicant

A person dissatisfied with a decision made with respect to his application for  reinstatement to amateur status may follow the procedures set forth in Rule 1- 3. During the appeal process to either the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee or the Executive Committee, the applicant must abide by the terms of the last decision made.

USGA POLICY ON GAMBLING

The Definition of an amateur golfer provides that an amateur golfer is one who plays the game as a non-remunerative and non-profit-making sport. When gambling motives are introduced, problems can arise which threaten the integrity of the game.

The distinction between playing for prize money, which violates the Rules of Amateur Status, and gambling, which does not, is essential to the Rules of Amateur Status. The USGA urges amateur golfers to seek USGA guidance whenever it is unclear whether the prize format constitutes playing for prize money or gambling and, in the absence of such guidance, not to play for cash prizes. Such a course of action would ensure that no one jeopardizes his amateur status.

The USGA does not object to informal wagering among individual golfers or teams of golfers when the players in general know each other, participation in the wagering is optional and is limited to the players, the sole source of all money won by the players is advanced by the players on themselves or their own teams and the amount of money involved is such that the primary purpose is the playing of the game for enjoyment.

On the other hand, organized events open to the general public or designed and promoted to create cash prizes are not approved by the USGA. Golfers participating in such events without first irrevocably waiving their right to cash prizes are deemed by the USGA to be playing for prize money.

The USGA is opposed to and urges its Member Clubs, all golf associations and all other sponsors of golf competitions to prohibit types of gambling such as: (1) Calcutta’s, (2) other auction pools, (3) pari-mutuels and (4) any other forms of gambling organized for general participation or permitting participants to bet on someone other than themselves or their teams. The USGA may deny amateur status, entry in USGA Championships and membership on USGA teams for international competitions to players whose activities in connection with golf gambling, whether organized or individual, are considered by the USGA to be contrary to the best interests of golf.

REMEMBER: ALWALYS PLAY SAFE

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