1.3 Responsibilities of Player, Handicap Committee and Authorized Association

Players, Handicap Committees and Authorized Associations all play an important role in ensuring the Rules of Handicapping are being implemented and administered appropriately.

The main areas of responsibility for each key stakeholder are:

(i)

Player A player is expected to: Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain from using, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage, Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole, Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time, Submit acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of their demonstrated ability, Play by the Rules of Golf, and Certify the scores of fellow players.

(ii)

Golf Club/Handicap Committee A golf club is affiliated to its Authorized Association and is responsible for ensuring the Handicap Index of those members who have designated it to be their home club is administered in accordance with the requirements of the Rules of Handicapping. A Handicap Committee is established by a golf club and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the golf club’s specified obligations and responsibilities under the Rules of Handicapping. Where a National Association administers and manages a player’s Handicap Index directly, the National Association assumes the responsibilities of a golf club.

(iii)

Regional Golf Association A Regional Golf Association is affiliated to its National Association and comprised of golf clubs and/or golfers within a defined area.  A Regional Golf Association has specific responsibilities within the World Handicap System and may be delegated additional obligations by its National Association.

(iv)

National Association An authorized National Association has the exclusive rights to implement and administer the World Handicap System within its jurisdiction, including the issuance of a Handicap Index. A National Association has specific responsibilities within the World Handicap System and may be delegated additional obligations by a Multi-National Association. An authorized National Association may delegate some of its responsibilities to a Regional Golf Association or a golf club.

(v)

Multi-National Association Where a Multi-National Association is the Authorized Handicapping Body, the Multi-National Association has the exclusive rights to implement and administer the World Handicap System within its jurisdiction on behalf of all member National Associations. An authorized Multi-National Association may delegate certain rights or responsibilities to a National Association within its jurisdiction to implement and fulfil the obligations of the World Handicap System on behalf of the Multi-National Association.

(vi)

The USGA and The R&A Together, the USGA and The R&A are responsible for writing and interpreting the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System. The USGA and The R&A are the joint governing authorities of the World Handicap System and are responsible for authorizing the use of the World Handicap System.

The full rights and responsibilities of each key stakeholder are outlined in Appendix A: Rights and Responsibilities.