TOURNAMENT REFEREE - TERMS OF REFERENCE

Introduction

1. SGA will appoint a Tournament Referee (TR) for all its tournaments.  The number of referees appointed will depend on the size of the field.  The minimum is one and for major tournaments like the Singapore Open Amateur Championship, the minimum may be up to four referees. 

Eligibility

2. Before a person can be appointed a Tournament Referee, he must have passed the R&A Rules School.  He must also have registered with the SGA as a TR.  A newly qualified TR must go through a tournament with a seasoned TR at least once before he can officiate on his own. 

3. When more than one TR is appointed for a tournament, a Chief Referee will be nominated.  The Chief Referee will deploy his TR as appropriate.

4. An allowance of S$100 per day will be provided to each TR.  This is to cover any expenses that may be incurred including transport and meals. 

Primary Responsibilities

5. The primary responsibilities of a TR are to:
   1. Decide questions of fact and apply the Rules of Golf;
   2. Act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is reported to him;
   3. Prevent a breach of the Rules by advising players, whenever possible; and
   4. Monitor pace of play.

Equipment of a Tournament Referee

6. A TR should be suitably dressed in a collared T-shirt, tailored long pants and shoes.  He should carry the following:

1. Rules of Golf booklet;
2. Latest edition of the Decisions on the Rules of Golf;
3. Tournament Draw sheet;
4. Tournament Rules and Conditions of Play;
5. Course score card;
6. Club Local rules;
7. Stop watch;
8. Walkie talkie, if provided;
9. Measuring tape.

Preparation Prior to Tournament

7. Prior to officiating at a tournament, the TR should undertake a “course marking” visit.  This will consist of a review of the peculiar features of the course and an assessment of the suitability of the Local Rules on the scorecard for tournament play.  If assigned specific holes, he should examine these holes in greater detail and find the ideal place to position himself and the nearest route to the assigned holes. 

8. He should be prepared to amend the Local Rules if necessary and familiarize himself with the Conditions of Competition for the tournament.  He should also pay particular attention to the Pace of Play condition so that he may be able to act in accordance with the prescribed procedure, should he be faced with slow play.  

9. On completion of his duty, the TR should fill up the Tournament Referee’s Report and submit it to the Tournament Director. 

General Duties of a Tournament Referee

10. To do a good job as a Tournament Referee is like being a good waiter, that is, polite and on hand to serve but not hovering around.  The job has also been described as one filled with hours of boredom and interrupted by moments of terror. 

11. The following tips should serve as a good basis when undertaking the duties of a referee:

1. Allow players to concentrate on their game.

2. Never talk to players unless they talk to you.

3. Position yourself so that you can see the ball being struck.  If at the tee-box, look out for players who are playing a provisional ball.

4. Go to a ball where there is a chance of a ruling being required, eg, when a ball is off the fairway.

5. Stay focused and pay attention to the game in progress.

6. Maintain a constant level of concentration at all times.  Try to prevent a breach of rules by players.

Guidelines on Making Rulings

12.   A Tournament Referee will be expected to be called upon to give rulings. An accurate ruling is essential and the following guidelines may help:

1. Take your time.  Collect your thoughts and walk to the location.  Leave your buggy a distance away from the player.

2. You may ask “How can I assist you?” or “How can I be of help to you?”

3. Ascertain the facts from the player.  If there are doubts, you may get witnesses around the area.
4. Use the Rule Book.  It is not a sign of weakness.  Let the player see the applicable Rule, if he doubts your decision.  As such, you should always carry the book at the back pocket of your pants.  It may seem a trivial advice, but it would be embarrassing if you were to find out that you have left the Rule Book at the buggy. 

5. Advise the player of all his options and leave it to him to choose.  Explain the Rules in simple terms and step by step. 

6. In a situation where a player wishes to take relief, advise him not to touch the ball until he has decided his best course of action.  Instruct him to establish and mark his nearest point of relief and the prescribed dropping area.  Remain in position to assist player if re-dropping is required. 

7. Be aware of other players on the course and let the group behind play on, if required.  Do not get into the way of others, especially, other fairways or holes. 

8. DO NOT GUESS, if unsure ask for assistance from another TR and a second opinion.  Do not leave until the ruling is over.

Suggested Actions that a Tournament Referee may take to Prevent a Breach of the Rules

13.  The referee is not responsible for a player’s willful breach of the Rules, but he is obliged to advise players about the Rules.  Some examples to take to prevent a breach of the Rules would be:

1. If a player plays a provisional ball or puts a second ball into play, ensure that he can identify both balls;

2. If a player tees his ball ahead of the markers, draw his attention to it before he drives;

3. If a player is about to lift a loose impediment in a bunker or water hazard, remind him that his ball is in a hazard;

4. If a player Is about to adopt or adopts a wrong dropping procedure, call his attention to it and point out the correct procedure; and

5. If a player is about to play another ball because the original ball may be lost or out of bounds, ask him whether it is a provisional ball. 

14.   At the first tee, the Tournament Referee should advise players to ensure that they can identify their own ball and that they count the number of clubs they are carrying.  They should also remind players their role is to assist players in interpreting the Rules and the correct procedure to use in a situation.

15.   On the putting green, a problem most likely to arise is when a player has had to move his ball-marker to one side so that it does not interfere with others.  The Tournament Referee should take note of this action and ensure that the marker is put back in the right place before the ball is replaced.  

Guidelines on Monitoring Pace of Play

Time allowed

16. The maximum time allotted for the completion of 18 holes in a tournament will be established by the Committee.  It takes into consideration the maximum completion time of each hole based on its length and difficulty.  The “Maximum Times Allowed” Chart will be published and posted on the notice board and made available to players.

Pace of Play Systems

17.  The TR should check with the Tournament Director and the Conditions of Competition to determine whether the Individual Shot Timing or Group Pace of Play system will be used for the tournament.  When there are at least 4 referees available at a tournament, the Individual Shot Timing will normally be used.  Where only one or two referees are appointed the Group Pace of Play will be more effective and preferred system.  The systems have different requirements for a referee.

Individual Shot Timing System

18.   The first group to start will be considered “out of position” if, at any time during the round, the group’s cumulative time exceeds the time allowed for the number of holes played.

19.   Any following group will be considered “out of position” if it is more than the starting interval behind the group in front and has exceeded the time allowed for the number of holes played.   

20.   The TR will monitor pace of play and decide whether a group that is “out of position” should be timed.  In making this decision, he will take into account of any recent mitigating circumstances, eg, a lengthy ruling or lost ball; unplayable ball; wrong ball, etc, and how far the group is out of position. 

21.   If a decision is taken to time the players, each player in the group will be subjected to individual timing by the TR who will advise each player that they are “out of position” and they are being timed. 

22.   The maximum time allocated per shot is 40 seconds.  10 extra seconds are allowed for the first player to play:

1. On a par three hole;
2. His approach shot; and
3. A chip or putt.

23.   For tee shots and through the green, the time will start when the player has had sufficient time to reach his ball and had a few seconds to select his club and is able to play without distraction.  Sufficient time is the time taken to walk at normal pace to the ball or tee i.e. if a player walks quickly to his ball, he may have additional time to prepare, whereas a player who strolls slowly to his ball may have less time as the stopwatch has already started!

24.   Should a player be distracted by his fellow-competitors, caddies or an outside agency during the preparation for his stroke, the stopwatch will be stopped and will not restart until the player has again reached the point in his preparation when he was previously distracted.  Weather conditions such as wind or rain would not be regarded as an allowable distraction and the stopwatch will continue to run. 

25.   On the putting green, timing will commence after the player has had a chance to repair ball marks, clear loose impediments on his line of putt and replace his ball.   

26.   If a player in a group that is being timed exceeds the time permitted he shall have a “Bad Time”. Except on the putting green, the TR will advise him as soon as practicable that he has had a “Bad Time” and told that that if he has a further bad time, he will be penalized.  If the bad time is on a putt or short chip, the player should be so advised on the way to the next tee.  A player will not be penalized if he has a second bad time before being advised of his earlier bad time.

27.   Timing ceases when a group is back in position and players will be advised accordingly.

28.  The penalties for breach of condition are:

• 1 bad time – Player will be warned and told that if he has a further bad time be will be penalized.
• 2 bad times – Penalty of one stroke.
• 3 bad times – Further penalty of two strokes.
• 4 bad times – Disqualification.

29.   If a group is “out of position” more than once during a round, the above procedure will apply on each occasion.  Bad times and the application of penalties in the same round will be carried forward until the round is completed. 

Group Pace of Play System

30.  The maximum time allowed for a round to be completed will be advised in a notice to players.  Any group which is out of position and behind time will be warned and liable to be penalized.  Times are noted at checkpoints on holes #4, #9, #13, and #18 and groups will be informed of their status at each point.

31.  The penalties for breach of condition are:

• 1^st missed checkpoint (# 4 or #13) – warning and the group is now liable to be penalised.
• 2^nd missed checkpoint (# 9 or #18) – 1 stroke penalty.
• 3^rd missed checkpoint (#4 or #13) – second warning.
• 4^th missed checkpoint - additional 2 stroke penalty.

32.  If the group played the first nine in time and was not subject to penalty,  the following will apply to their back nine play:

• 1^st missed checkpoint (#4 or #13) – warning and the group is now liable to be penalised.
• 2^nd missed checkpoint (#9 or #18) – 1 stroke penalty.

33.  If a group has incurred penalties, a player(s) may request a review before signing their cards.  If scorecards are returned and no review is requested, any penalties will be automatically applied. 

34.  A review will be successful if there is evidence that the player was delayed:

1. By the committee (due to an unusually long ruling or waiting for a TR to attend);
2. Because of circumstances beyond the control of the players; or
3. Because of another player in the group.

35.  The TR should note that the review and application of the penalty will only occur in the scoring area and not during the stipulated round.  Discussion of the situation with the checkpoint official will only cause further delays to the round and will not be allowed for. 

36.  A player concerned about a non responsive (slow) player in his group who is delaying play should inform a checkpoint official or TR.  The TR should monitor play of the group and take it into consideration should a review be requested following the stipulated round.

37.  All golfers should be ready to play when it is their turn and also to play out of turn in exceptional cases if it will assist in a ball search or whilst waiting for a TR to attend.  When in doubt players should always play a provisional ball.  This will be taken into account in cases where lost balls have caused undue delay and a provisional ball may result in a successful review.

Conclusion

38.   Golf, for the most part, is played without a referee being present.  However, when appointed, a Tournament Referee plays an important role to help ensure that it will be played fairly under sporting conditions.  The responsibilities, duties and guidelines that have been outlined will assist the Tournament Referee in carrying out his task. 

SGA Secretariat

5 Feb 08

Source:                    R&A Guidance on Running a Competition.

                                 USGA Group Pace of Play procedures