Rules of Amateur Status
| Preamble |
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The United States Golf Association (USGA) 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 |
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The Definitions are listed alphabetically and, in the Rules themselves, defined terms are in italics.
Amateur Golfer
An "amateur golfer " is one who plays the game as a non-
remunerative and non-profit-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 .
Committee
The "Committee " is the Amateur Status Committee of the USGA.
Golf Skill or Reputation
It is a matter for the USGA to decide whether a particular amateur golfer has golf skill or reputation .
Generally, an amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill if he:
(a) has had competitive success at a local or national level or has been selected to represent his national, state or regional golf association; or
(b) competes at an elite 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.
Instruction
"Instruction " covers teaching 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 teaching the psychological aspects of the game or the Etiquette or Rules of Golf.
Junior Golfer
A "junior golfer " is an amateur golfer who has not reached (i) the September 1 following graduation from secondary school or (ii) his 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
Prize Voucher
A "prize voucher " is a voucher or gift certificate issued by the Committee in charge of a competition for the purchase of goods from a professional's shop or other retail source.
Retail Value
The "retail value " of a prize is the price at which the prize is generally available from a retail source 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 permanently and distinctively engraved.
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 |
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.
The purpose and spirit of the Rules is to maintain the distinction between amateur golf and professional golf and to keep the amateur game as free as possible from the abuses that may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive. It is considered necessary to safeguard amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating with regard to the Rules of play and handicapping, so that it can be fully enjoyed by all amateur golfers .
A person who wishes to be an amateur golfer and who is in doubt as to whether taking a proposed course of action is permitted under the Rules should consult the USGA.
An organizer or sponsor of an amateur golf competition or a competition involving amateur golfers who is in doubt as to whether a proposal is in accordance with the Rules should consult the USGA.
| Rule 2. Professionalism |
Except as provided in the Rules , 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 1: Actions by an amateur golfer for the purpose of becoming a professional golfer include, but are not limited to:
(a) accepting the position of a professional golfer;
(b) receiving services or payment, directly or indirectly, from a professional agent;
(c) entering into a written or oral agreement, directly or indirectly, with a professional agent or sponsor; and
(d) agreeing to accept payment or compensation, directly or indirectly, for allowing his name or likeness as a player of golf skill or reputation to be used for any commercial purpose.
Note 2: An amateur golfer may inquire as to his likely prospects as a professional golfer, including applying unsuccessfully for the position of a professional golfer, and he may work in a professional's shop and receive payment or compensation, provided he does not infringe the Rules in any other way.
a. Professional Golfers' Association An amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership in any Professional Golfers' Association.
b. Professional Tours An amateur golfer must not hold or retain membership in a Professional Tour limited exclusively to professional golfers.
Note: If an amateur golfer must compete in one or more qualifying competitions in order to be eligible for membership in a Professional Tour, he may enter and play in such qualifying competitions without forfeiting his Amateur Status, provided that, in advance of play and in writing, he waives his right to any prize money in the competition.
| Rule 3. Prizes |
An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match, competition or exhibition.
Note: An amateur golfer may participate in an event where prize money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation he waives his right to accept prize money in that event.
(Conduct contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules - see Rule 7-2.)
(Policy on gambling - see Appendix.)
a. General An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the USGA. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions.
Exception: A prize, including a cash prize, for a hole-in-one made while playing golf may exceed the above prize limit.
b. Exchanging Prizes An amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for cash.
Exception: An amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to a state or regional golf association and thereafter be reimbursed from the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating in a golf competition, provided the reimbursement of such expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2.
Note 1: The responsibility to prove the retail value of a particular prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.
Note 2: It is recommended that the total value of prizes in a gross competition, or each division of a handicap competition, should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition, three times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-hole competition and six times in a 72-hole competition.
a. General An amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of retail value in excess of the limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a.
b. Multiple Awards An amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial award from different donors, even though their total retail value exceeds the prescribed limit, 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.
An amateur golfer may receive reasonable 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.
b. Junior Golfers A junior golfer may receive expenses when competing in a competition limited exclusively to junior golfers .
Note: The acceptance of expenses may violate the eligibility rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
c. Individual Events An amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in individual events, provided he complies with the following provisions:
(i) Where the competition is to take place in the United States, the expenses must be approved by and paid through the player's state or regional golf association.
(ii) Where the competition is to take place in another country, the expenses must be approved by both the USGA and the national union or association in the country in which the competition is to be staged. The expenses must be paid through the player's state or regional golf association, or, subject to the approval of the USGA, by the body controlling golf in the territory he is visiting.
The USGA may limit the receipt of expenses to a specific number of competitive days in any one calendar year, and an amateur golfer must not exceed any such limit. In such a case, the expenses are deemed to include reasonable travel time and practice days in connection with the competitive days.
Exception: An amateur golfer must not receive expenses, directly or indirectly, from a professional agent (see Rule 2-1) or any other similar source as may be determined by the USGA.
Note 1: The acceptance of expenses may violate the eligibility rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Note 2: An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not promote or advertise the source of any expenses received (see Rule 6-2).
d. Team Events An amateur golfer, may receive expenses when he is representing:
· his country,
· his state or regional golf association,
· his golf club,
· his business or industry, or
· a similar body
in a team competition, practice session or training camp.
Note 1: A "similar body" includes a recognized educational institution or military service.
Note 2: Unless otherwise stated, the expenses must be paid by the body that the amateur golfer is representing or the body controlling golf in the country he is visiting.
e. 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) to take part in a golf event may receive expenses.
f. Exhibitions An amateur golfer who is participating in an exhibition in aid of a recognized charity may receive expenses, provided that the exhibition is not run in connection with another golfing event in which the player is competing.
g. Sponsored Handicap Competitions An amateur golfer may receive expenses when competing in a sponsored handicap competition, provided the competition has been approved as follows:
(i) Where the competition is to take place in the United States, the annual approval of the USGA must first be obtained in advance by the sponsor; and
(ii) Where the competition is to take place in more than one country or involves golfers from another country, the approval of the USGA and the national union of the other country must first be obtained in advance by the sponsor. The application for this approval should be sent to the national union in the country where the competition commences when it does not commence in the United States.
| Rule 5. Instruction |
Except as provided in the Rules , an amateur golfer must not receive payment or compensation, directly or indirectly, for giving instruction in playing golf.
a. Schools, Colleges, Camps, etc. An amateur golfer who is (i) an employee of an educational institution or system or (ii) a counselor at a camp or other similar organized program may receive payment or compensation for golf instruction to students in the institution, system or camp, provided that 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 or counselor.
b. Approved Programs An amateur golfer may receive expenses, payment or compensation for giving golf instruction as part of a program that has been approved in advance by the USGA.
An amateur golfer may receive payment or compensation for golf 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 |
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.
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 allowing his name or likeness to be used for the advertisement or sale of anything.
Exception: An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation may allow his name or likeness to be used to promote:
(a) his national, regional, state or county union or association; or
(b) (i) any golf competition or other event that is considered to be in the best interests of, or would contribute to the development of, the game or(ii) a recognized charity (or similar good cause).
The amateur golfer must not obtain any payment, compensation or financial gain, directly or indirectly, for doing so.
Note: An amateur golfer may accept golf equipment from anyone dealing in such equipment, provided no advertising is involved.
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.
Exception: An amateur golfer may receive actual expenses in connection with a personal appearance, provided no golf competition or exhibition is involved.
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation may receive payment, compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain from broadcasting or writing, provided:
(a) the broadcasting or writing is part of his primary occupation or career and golf instruction is not included (Rule 5); or
(b) the broadcasting or writing is on a part-time basis, the player is actually the author of the commentary, articles or books and instruction in playing golf is not included.
Note: An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not promote or advertise anything within the commentary, articles or books and must not lend his name or likeness to the promotion or sale of the commentary, article or books (see Rule 6-2).
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept the benefits of a grant or scholarship, except one whose terms and conditions have been approved by the USGA.
Note: The terms and conditions of grants and scholarships provided by schools that are members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics, the National Junior College Athletic Association or other similar organizations governing athletes at academic institutions are approved by the USGA.
An amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept an offer of membership in a golf club or privileges at a golf course, without full payment for the class of membership or privilege, if such an offer is made as an inducement to play for that club or course.
| Rule 7. Other Conduct Incompatible with Amateurism |
An amateur golfer must not act in a manner that is detrimental to the best interests of the amateur game.
An amateur golfer must not take any action, including actions relating to golf gambling, that is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules .
(Policy on gambling - see Appendix.)
| Rule 8. Procedure for Enforcement of the Rules |
If a possible breach of the Rules by a person claiming to be an amateur golfer comes to the attention of the Committee, it is a matter for the Committee to decide whether a breach has occurred. Each case will be investigated to the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee and considered on its merits. The decision of the Committee is final, subject to an appeal as provided in these Rules.
Upon a decision that a person has breached the Rules , the Committee may declare the Amateur Status of the person forfeited or require the person to refrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of retaining his Amateur Status.
The Committee should notify the person and may notify any interested golf association of any action taken under Rule 8-2.
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 USGA 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 Committee, in which case he must be given reasonable notice of the Committee's next meeting at which the matter may be heard and must be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. In such cases the staff must submit to the Committee all information provided by the player together with staff's findings and recommendation, and the Committee must issue a decision on the matter. If dissatisfied with the 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 must be given reasonable notice of the next meeting of the Executive Committee at which the matter may be heard and must be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. The decision of the Executive Committee is final.
| Rule 9. Reinstatement of Amateur Status |
The Committee has the sole authority to reinstate a person to Amateur Status, prescribe a waiting period necessary for reinstatement or to deny reinstatement, subject to an appeal as provided in the Rules .
Each application for reinstatement will be considered on its merits, with consideration normally being given to the following principles:
a. Awaiting Reinstatement The professional golfer is considered to hold an advantage over the amateur golfer by reason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession; other persons infringing the Rules also obtain advantages not available to the amateur golfer. They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to cease infringing the Rules. Therefore, an applicant for reinstatement to Amateur Status must undergo a period awaiting reinstatement as prescribed by the Committee .
The period awaiting reinstatement generally starts from the date of the person's last breach of the Rules unless the Committee decides that it starts from either (a) the date when the person's last breach became known to the Committee , or (b) such other date determined by the Committee .
b. Period Awaiting Reinstatement (i) Professionalism
Generally, the period awaiting reinstatement is related to the period the person was in breach of the Rules. However, no applicant is normally eligible for reinstatement until he has conducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least one year.
It is recommended that the following guidelines on periods awaiting reinstatement be applied by the Committee:
Period of Breach: Period Awaiting Reinstatement: under 5 years 1 year 5 years or more 2 years However, the period may be extended if the applicant has played extensively for prize money, regardless of performance. In all cases, the Committee reserves the right to extend or to shorten the period awaiting reinstatement.
(ii) Other Breaches of the Rules
A period awaiting reinstatement of one year will normally be required. However, the period may be extended if the breach is considered serious.
c. Number of Reinstatements A person is not normally eligible to be reinstated more than twice.
d. Players of National Prominence A player of national prominence who has been in breach of the Rules for more than five years is not normally eligible for reinstatement.
e. Status While Awaiting Reinstatement An applicant for reinstatement must comply with these Rules, as they apply to an amateur golfer , during his period awaiting reinstatement.
An applicant for reinstatement is not eligible to enter competitions as an amateur golfer . However, he may enter competitions and win a prize solely among members of a club where he is a member, subject to the approval of the club. He must not represent such club against other clubs unless with the approval of the clubs in the competition and / or the organizing Committee.
An applicant for reinstatement may enter competitions that are not limited to amateur golfers , subject to the conditions of competition, without prejudicing his application, provided he does so as an applicant for reinstatement. He must waive his right to any prize money offered in the competition and must not accept any prize reserved for an amateur golfer (Rule 3-1).
Each application for reinstatement must be submitted to the Committee, in accordance with such procedures as may be laid down and including such information as the Committee may require.
See Rule 8-3.
| Rule 10. Committee Decision |
The Committee's decision is final, subject to an Appeal as provided in Rules 8-3 and 9-4.