Newcastle & District Golf League

Constitution

Rule 1: The latest Rules of Golf & Etiquette, as published by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews shall apply at all times.

Rule 2: Teams of six will play singles match play off level from the medal tees on Thursdays, or other days, as per the fixture list.

Rule 3: Each individual win scores two points and each halved match one point. Holes up and match wins will be used to deal with ties as specified elsewhere in these Rules.

Rule 4: It is expected that Club Captains will ensure that their team play in handicap order, with the exception of the club champion who at some clubs has the option to play No 1.

Rule 5: Each team can bring up to two reserves that are permitted to play in friendly matches.

Rule 6: Matches to be played between 17.30 and 18.30. An earlier start is permitted if lack of daylight may interfere with play. Matches do not need to go out in team order and should commence as soon as pairings are available.

Rule 7: Failing a reasonable explanation, a player not ready to play by 18.30 may incur a penalty of loss of match, deemed by one hole, with two points being allotted to his opponent.

Rule 8: In the event of a match having started, should a player fail to complete that match for any reason, then the penalty as in Rule 7 will apply.

Rule 9: The home Club must confirm the match arrangements with the visiting club no less than seven days before the fixture date.

Rule 10: A match may only be postponed, before or during play, due to the course being unplayable and declared closed by the home Captain. That match must then be played before the next fixture date and the League Secretary notified immediately. All other circumstances must be referred to the League Secretary and/or the Chairman without delay.

Rule 11: Match score cards must be posted to the League Secretary by the home Club Captain no later than the day after the match. Match results to be phoned into the Newcastle Journal, as soon as the match has finished, on 0500 590 711.

Rule 12: Other than as a reserve, a player can only represent one club in League matches during the same season.

Rule 13: Should there be a tie for the League Team Championship between two teams, this will be decided by a play-off on a neutral course during the two weeks after the end of the season. The format will be a seven-man team with all matches being played to a conclusion. If the tie is between three teams or more, arrangements will be made for those teams to play each other to decide the Championship during the four weeks after the end of the season.

Rule 14: Ties for any other League positions will be decided on the highest total of holes won during the season. Should there still be a tie; holes down will then be used. Individual player awards are covered in Rule 20

Rule 15: It is expected that the home Club will provide a meal for all players and officials after the match. All players and officials are expected to attend the meal unless they have a genuine reason not to.

Rule 16: On the course, players must follow the dress code of the Club where they are playing. In the clubhouse, after the match, players must wear jackets and ties.

Rule 17: Both on and off the course, in League or League representative matches, the League insists on the highest standards of behaviour from the players at all times. The League may suspend or permanently ban any player in breach of those standards.

Rule 18: The governing body of Past Chairmen can only be allowed one vote at an AGM or EGM. Equally, each Club which is a member of the League is allowed one vote.

Rule 19: Changes in this Constitution can only be made at an AGM or EGM and must be carried by a majority of at least 75%.

Rule 20: League & Team Player of the Year Awards

• The overall League Player of The Year trophy will be awarded to the player who has won more League points than any other player
• The trophy, to be retained for one year, will be awarded at the Annual Dinner together with a replica to keep
• Team Player of The Year awards will also be presented at the Annual Dinner to the leading players from each Club
• Ties for any of these awards will be decided on by the number of holes up and, if still tied, on the best match win percentage

Rule 21: League Players’ Individual & Team Championships

• The Championships will consist of three man team and individual events
• The individual trophy for the Players of the Year Championship can only be won by the player of the year and runners up from each club, and where appropriate, the previous years defending champions who are always invited back to defend their title. The individual net trophy can be won by any of the competitors.
• Two of the players in each team should therefore, where possible, comprise of each Club's League team player of the year and runner up. The third player must have played for the League team during the season
• The Team Championship will be played over 18 holes of medal play, off scratch, with all three scores counting
• The Individual Championship will be played over 18 holes of medal play, off scratch for the Silver Claret Jug. The best net score will receive the Silver Quiche
• Ties for all trophies will be decided on the best back nine holes and so on in the usual way
• All trophies will be presented on the day but returned for engraving and presentation at the Annual Dinner
• The order of play will be drawn by the League and players will play in three balls
• The Championship will usually take place in September and the League respectfully requests Clubs to grant course courtesy to members of the Club hosting the Championship
• There will be no entry fee but there will be an optional sweep
• The League will provide replica trophies for the winners to keep

Rule 22: Most Improved Team of the Year Trophy

• To be awarded to the Club with the biggest increase in League position compared to the previous season
• Ties will be decided on holes up. If still tied, holes down will also be used

Rule 23: Thompson Shield

• A competition for teams comprising of the Captains and Vice Captains from each League Club
• The format will be better ball Silloth off handicap. There will also be a gross prize
• Ties will be decided on the back nine holes and so on in the usual way
• In March or April of each year, the event will be hosted by the Club who won the Shield the previous year
• All Clubs are expected to attend and Captains may nominate substitutes, drawn from Past Captains should they and/or their Vice Captain be unable to attend
• The Shield will be presented at the Annual Dinner and be retained by the winning Club for one year

Rule 24: With the exception of the Thompson Shield, players and/or their caddies are not permitted to use ride-on vehicles in any events organised by the League

Rule 25: Any disputes or other matters relating to these Rules must be referred to the League Secretary or Chairman immediately and preferably in writing. All decisions taken by the League’s officials, in relation to such matters, will be final.

Newcastle & District Golf League – 20 February 2008