Microsoft Word - 2008 Rules PDF.doc
1 EFFECTIVE—AUGUST 1, 2008 The following are the Rules of Play for the FSGA Men's Interclub Team Matches CONTENTS • Spirit of the Game • Player Eligibility • Definition of a Team • Team of Less Than 8 Players • Associate Clubs (Not Owning a Golf Course) • Match Format and Scoring • Group Winners • Tie-Breaking Procedures for Groups • Playoffs and Regional Champions • Tie-Breaking Procedure for Playoffs • State Championship • Handicaps and Low Indexes (LI's) • Handicap Strokes Allocation • Schedule • Day and Time of Matches • Pairings • Tee Selection • Course Selection • Home Team Arrangements • Playing at a Neutral Site • Policy for Course Usage • Practice on the Day of the Match • Team Captain's Duties • Results of Matches • Posting Individual Scores • Postponed Matches, Rain and Darkness • Golf Carts and Caddies • Advice and Concessions • Match Play Claims • Protests • Forfeitures • USGA Rules of Play • Balls and Implements • Withdrawal From Interclub Matches • Conclusion • Sandbagging Spirit of the Game Unlike many sports, golf is played for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves as gentlemen, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times,
2 irrespective of how competitive they may play. Please enjoy the Interclub Matches and be respectful of your team mates, your opponents and the host golf facilities. Player Eligibility Clubs using the GHIN Handicap System may enter players meeting the following requirements: a. Amateurs - All players must be amateurs. (Exception - one club professional -see below) b. Playing Ability - All teams should have a mix of players with handicaps ranging from very low single digits up to the maximum of 18.4. c. Professional - Either the current Club Professional or an Assistant Golf Professional may participate in the Team Matches. Eligible professionals must have a current numeric handicap index that must be included in the club's handicap system roster as of the November 1st revision. Only one professional or assistant professional may participate on the day of the match. d. Club Employees - Non-professional (amateur) employees appearing on the clubs index report may participate. A non-professional employee is taking a members spot. e. Handicap - Maximum low index: 18.4 maximum Low Index [LI] is not the player's current index - it is the player's lowest index of the last 13 revisions.  All references to handicap or index in the Interclub Matches refer to the Low Index of the last 13. f. Age - All players must be at least 18 years of age prior to the start of a match. g. Listing on Club's Handicap Roster - All players must have a current numeric index and be listed on the club's index report as of November 1st. Members affiliating with the club or establishing an index after that date are not eligible to compete in the current season. There are no exceptions to this rule. h. One Team Per Player - Players may represent one only one club and one team. Penalty for playing with two teams: Disqualification for the 2009 Interclub Match season from both teams. i. One Team Per Club - Each club may have only one team, however, some very large golf communities with multiple golf courses (generally more than 36 holes) may be allowed to have more than one team from their community. Please contact the FSGA if you meet this condition and wish to have more than one team from your community. j. Penalty for Playing an Ineligible Player - Disqualification of the ineligible individual and the individual's four-ball team in all matches in which the player has played.
3 Definition of a Team a. Each team may have as many eligible players as they choose on their team roster and players may play in as many or as few matches as they wish. b. Eight (8) players from each team will be used for each match. c. Play-offs - Players may only compete in the play-offs if they competed in at least one regular season match and continue to meet eligibility requirements. Team of Less Than 8 Players a. If a team has less than 8 players, they may use a substitute/alternate in accordance with proper handicap sequence procedures thus returning to 8 players; or b. Play with fewer than 8 players by playing a one-man team against the opponent's two-man team. The one-man team may be placed in any position in the line-up, as long as he is in proper handicap sequence, and may play only one opponent individually in addition to the four-ball match. Establishing Groups and Regions Groups and regions will be established by the FSGA shortly after entries close.  Clubs are grouped primarily by location to minimize travel between clubs particularly during the playoffs. During the sign up period, four clubs from the same general area may mutually agree to form a group and this group structure will be respected by the FSGA committee.  To meet this condition, all four clubs must agree to be a group, they must all sign up prior to the entry deadline and the FSGA must be informed directly in writing (email) prior to the entry deadline. All clubs are encouraged to respect the spirit of this competition.  Other clubs in your group may not be as exceptionally well designed or maintained as your home club. However, this competition is about competing with your friends against a group of potential new friends from another club. You should not be playing in these matches solely in the hope of gaining access to other golf courses in your area.  If you are fortunate enough to be a member of one of the finest clubs in your area, please be a gracious host and enjoy the experience of playing other courses that you might not otherwise play. The best players typically prevail in a competition regardless of the course's design or condition Associate Clubs (Not Owning a Golf Course) Clubs that are established on the GHIN handicap system but are not directly associated with a club may compete but they must select and make arrangements at a home club that they designate. This home club will be the host site for their home matches.
4 Match Format and Scoring a. Generally - Each team match will consist of four foursomes of four players. In each group there will be two players from each team. The lowest two handicap players from club "A" will play with the lowest two handicap players from club "B". Same method of parings for subsequent groups. b. Individual Matches - Each player will play an 18-hole individual match against an opponent from the other team with the winner earning 2 points. (Ties - points are split 1-1) The number one player (lowest handicap) from Team "A" will compete against the number one player from Team "B". The number two players from each team (second lowest handicaps) will also compete. Same for the number 3 players and so forth… c. Four-Ball (Best Ball of Two) - The two players from Team "A" in the first foursome will also simultaneously compete against the two players from Team "B" in an 18-hole four-ball match. The winning four-ball team will win 2 points with ties being split 1-1. Same method and matches for all four foursomes. d. Thursday Afternoon Matches - Typically matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon. Team captains can mutually agree to play their match on a different day and they may also switch their home and away matches to avoid other club competitions. Captains who can agree are given great leeway in the scheduling of their matches. However, if captains cannot agree on scheduling, the match is to be played at the course and day scheduled. e . Match Points - Accordingly, each competition will result in: i. 8 - Individual matches for 16 total points ii. 4 - Four-ball matches for 8 total points iii. 24 - Total Points per Match f. Winning Team - Determined by Match Points, tied matches are not broken except for during the post-season play-offs. g. Overall Points (The Most Important) - At the completion of the match, teams are awarded points on the following basis:  Winning Team = 3 points, Team Ties = 1.5 Points Each; Loss = 0 Points Note: Overall points reflect your teams win-loss record and these points are used to determine your group's winner.  Example:  Overall points are similar to games won in baseball or hockey.  In baseball, it does not matter how many "runs" a team wins by-each win counts as one game.  Similarly, if you win your match 24-0 you have still only won one match and you earn 3 overall points for winning.  (Match points only come into effect at the end of the regular season and only as part of the tie- breaking procedure for determining group winners and home-field advantage for the playoffs). Group Winners
5 a. Groups - Each "group" will ideally contain four teams which will compete against one another during the regular season. Over six weeks, each team will play each of the other three teams in the group two times - once at home and once away. The group winner will be the team with the most Overall Points (win-loss points) at the end of the season. In the event of a tie, there is an established tie-breaking method described under "Tie Breaking Procedures". b. Groups with Three Teams - In the event that a group has only three teams, each team will play the other two teams in the group twice - once home and once away over the six week regular season. Accordingly, teams from groups of three will play only four matches and team will have two weeks on the schedule where they will not have a match. The group winner will be the team with the most Overall Points (win-loss points) at the end of the season. In the event of a tie, see Tie Breaking Procedures for Groups. c. Region Full and Alternate Teams - Once an area has 16 teams (four groups with four teams each) the region will be full. Additional "regions" may be added to accommodate more teams, but this may not always be possible. Teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tie-Breaking Procedures for Groups (To Determine Group Winners and Wildcard Teams) a. Group winners will be determined by the team with the highest Overall Points: (3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss) b. In the event of a tie between two or more teams with identical Overall Points, the group winner will be determined by: i. First - the total Overall Points won in matches between the tied teams ii. Second - the total Match Points earned between the tied teams iii. Third - the total four-ball points won in matches between the tied teams iv. Fourth - Total Match Points won in all matches against all teams v. Then total Match Points earned in, their last three matches; then their last two matches; then last match; then by coin flip c. Wildcard Teams - (Three Group Regions Only) Since wild card teams do not compete directly against one another during the regular season, any ties by Overall Points will be determined by: i. First - the total Match Points won in all matches by the tied teams ii. Second - the total four-ball points won in matches by both teams iii. Third - Total Match Points won in the last 3 matches
6 iv. Then Match Points earned in, the last two matches; then last match; then by coin flip v. Groups with only three teams - Points Adjustment - For determining home field advantage and tie breakers, teams from groups of three teams will have their overall and match points grossed up by 150% so that they will be on a comparable basis with groups of four teams. Playoffs and Regional Champions a. After the regular season, four Group Champion Teams will compete over two rounds of playoffs to determine the Regional Champion. (Teams will be paired by the FSGA Committee for the play-offs. Three group regions will include a wild-card team) b. Teams will be "seeded" based on each team's overall record from regular season play.  The seeds will be used to determine who receives the home course advantage for the second match of the playoff. Overall points will be used for this test, and if overall points are tied, then total match points will be compared.  If the teams are still tied, then the tie will be broken by comparing four-ball match points.  If the teams are still tied, then the tie will be broken by a coin flip.  (Teams from groups of only 3 teams will have their overall and match points grossed-up by 150% for purposes of determining home field analysis). c. The playoff matches will be conducted on the courses of the competing teams, according to all regular Interclub rules. d. For each round of the playoffs, each team will play two matches against their opposing team on a home-and-away basis,  conducted over two weeks. The winner will be determined by the Overall Points earned in the two matches (Each Match - Winning Team = 3 points, Teams Tie = 1.5 Point Each; Loss = 0 Points) e. Ties - If the teams remain tied after the completion of both matches, a sudden death playoff will be held to determine the winner. (See tie-breaking procedure in next section) f. Eligibility - Only players who have played in at least one team match during the regular season shall be eligible to participate in the playoffs. Any infraction of this rule shall result in forfeiture of all individual and/or four-ball points won during the play-off match by the ineligible player(s). g. Regions with Three Groups (Wild Card Team) - In some cases a region will only have three groups. After the regular season, each of the group winners will advance to the playoffs. Additionally, the highest ranking second place team, the "Wild Card Team", based upon Overall Points (awarded for wins and ties), will advance to the playoffs. If there is a tie based on Overall Points, then the team with the highest number of total "Match Points" from all their matches will advance. See Tiebreaking Procedures for Groups in a section listed above. Tie-Breaking Procedure for Playoffs
7 a. If the teams remain tied after the completion of both matches, a sudden death stroke-play playoff will be held to determine the winner. The sudden-death playoff should involve the 1, 3, 5, and 7 lowest index players from each team and should begin on the first hole. b. The combined net score (with full handicaps) of the four players from each team will be used to determine the winner. The playoff will continue until the tie is broken. (Unlike the regular matches, you will not be playing match play against an opponent).  The two players from each group that are from the same team are partners for purposes of the rules; they may give each other advice and both of their net scores will count.  Only the total net score for all four players will count . Stroke play rules apply and all putts must be holed. c. Order of Play - For the playoffs, the first foursome to play should include the #5 and #7 players from each team.  The second group to play should include the #1 and #3 players from each team. d. After completing the 1st playoff hole, each foursome would need to wait beside the green until the other group has completed the hole to determine if a winning team has been identified. If the teams are still tied after completion of the 1st playoff hole, the playoff continues sequentially until a winner is determined. e. In the event that the 1, 3, 5, or 7 player cannot participate in the playoff, a higher handicap teammate may take his spot. However, the substituted player must play to the absent players handicap index. Example: If the #3 player leaves, the #4, 6, or 8 player may play in his spot, but must play to #3's handicap index.  The #2 player WOULD NOT be allowed to substitute for #3. If there is not a teammate to fulfill the absent players spot, the team must forfeit. f. Players in the playoff will each receive their full handicap and strokes will be allocated according to the club scorecard. State Championship a. 36-holes, Stroke play b. FSGA pays for both competitive rounds c. Dates - April 4-5, 2009 (Saturday P.M. and Sunday A.M.) d. Practice Rounds available through club at standard rates e. Eligibility - Each Regional Championship Team will advance to the State Championship. Eight (8) team members from each team will compete and all eight players must have competed in a minimum of two matches. The two matches can be played at any time in the season and do not have to be one regular season match and one playoff match (i.e. it is okay to play in two regular season matches and no playoff matches). f. Roster - All players on the State Championship roster must have competed in a
8 minimum of two matches. The two matches can be played at any time in the season and do not have to be one regular season match and one playoff match (i.e. it is okay to play in two regular season matches and no playoff matches).  You may bring as many players on your team that fulfill the requirement.  You may play each round with any combination of eight (8) players each round. g. Format - Unlike the regular season and playoffs which are conducted using match play, the State Championship will be conducted using Stableford stroke play. Each team's daily score will be the sum of: i. Their six (6) lowest individual net scores (highest Stableford points) and; ii. Their three (3) lowest four-ball net scores (highest Stableford points) iii. Players whose scores are not used on day one can have their scores for the second round count. iv. Player's who are disqualified under a Rule of Golf during the first round will remain eligible for the second round. h. Championship - The championship team will be determined by the team with the lowest two-round total. i. Play-Off - In the event of a tie, a sudden death, hole-by-hole playoff will be conducted. i. The sudden-death playoff will involve the 1, 3, 5, and 7 lowest index players from each team involved. ii. The combined Stableford net score of the four players from each team will be used to determine the winner. The playoff will continue until the tie is broken. j. Awards - The Championship Team will receive a Trophy to be displayed at their club. Handicaps and Low Indexes (LI's) a. Indexes - All players must play to 100% of their lowest index (LI) on record for the last 13 revisions. The LI for each player may be found directly on the player's GHIN HANDICAP REPORT and on the Interclub Team Rosters. Team Captains should plan to have a copy of this information available at every match. Players participating in a make-up match shall use the most current LI available and not the LI on record when the original match was scheduled. b. Maximum Low Index (LI) : Those individuals who's LI is greater than 18.4 will not be able to participate in Interclub Matches. If the LI of such an individual is reduced to 18.4 or lower during the season, he does become eligible to participate as long as he meets all other requirements. A player may not play down to a lower index to become eligible for this program.
9 Handicap Strokes Allocation a. Individual Matches - In each individual match,  the player with the lowest handicap will play at scratch and the higher handicap player will receive the full difference between the course handicaps of the two players. b. Four-Ball Matches - In each of the four-ball matches, the lowest-handicap player will play at scratch and each of the other three players in the group will receive the full difference in stroke between their course handicap and that of the lowest- handicapped player. c. Stroke Allocations - Regardless of the starting tee, in all cases the allocation of handicap strokes will remain as listed on the scorecard d. Player's Responsibility for Handicaps - In accordance with Rule 6-2 of the Rules of Golf, before the start of each match it is the responsibility of each individual player to ensure that his correct handicap is being used for the competition and to know the holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received. HANDICAP CORRECTIONS: If at any time during the Interclub Match season, the FSGA Handicap department makes a correction for any reason (i.e. wrong score posted, etc), that player must obtain, in writing, confirmation of this change from the FSGA Interclub Match Committee. This confirmation will allow that player to use the adjusted index for the applicable month's Interclub matches. Schedule Regular Season • Week 1: January 8th • Week 2: January 15th • Week 3: January 22nd • Week 4: January 29th • Week 5: February 5th • Week 6: February 12th • Week 7: February 19th (Make-Up Week) Post Season Playoffs • Week 8: February 26th (Rd. 1 Playoffs) • Week 9: March 5th (Rd. 1 Playoffs) • Week 10: March 12th (Rd. 2 Playoffs) • Week 11: March 19th (Round 2 Playoffs) • Week 12: March 26th (Make-Up Week for Playoffs) • Week 13: Championship, April 4-5, 2009, Valrico, Florida
10 Day and Time of Matches a. Thursday Afternoon Matches - Typically matches are to be played on Thursday afternoon. Team captains may mutually agree to play their match on a different day and they may also switch their home and away matches to avoid other club competitions or conflicts. Captains who agree are given great leeway in the scheduling of their matches. However, if the captains cannot agree on alternative scheduling, the match is to be played at the course and day originally scheduled by the FSGA. b. Tee Times - Tee times are to be determined by the host team ; preferably a mid-day start on Thursdays with adequate time for all groups to complete play prior to darkness. Pairings a. During all Team matches (including the play-offs and Championship), players for each club must be paired in Lowest Handicap sequence from low to high, including the two-man teams, with the lowest-handicapped player listed first. (Example: the two lowest-handicapped players must be paired together and play as Team #1, the next two and Team #2, etc.) b. Order of Play - The first group to tee off should include the two lowest handicap players from each team. However, if both captains agree, the order of groups can be revised to accommodate players that are delayed in arriving. In all cases, each group of four players must be grouped according to the correct handicap sequence. If the captains cannot agree on a revised order-of-play, the matches shall be played with the lowest-handicapped players teeing off first. The FSGA strongly encourages captains to work together to revise the order of groups when necessary to accommodate players with travel delays. c. In the event that a last minute substitution would result in an improper sequence, the substitute player must play with a handicap that is in proper sequence. (Example: A substitute with a handicap of 10 cannot be placed between players with handicaps of 6 and 8. The substitute would be required to play with a handicap of 7 in this instance.) However, if time permits, the pairings should be adjusted. A player with a lower handicap may not be substituted without adjusting the pairings. d. If players are not paired in lowest handicap sequence according to the procedures outlined above, or, if a player should play with an improper handicap, the team violation shall forfeit all individual and/or team four-ball match points won during the match by the player(s). Tee Selection - Different Foursomes May Use Different Tees a. The tees to be used for Interclub Matches should be the set of tees typically used by the Men's club in daily play at the host club. However, captains are encouraged to
11 have groups play from the distance that they are most comfortable (see playing different tees below. b. Minimum Yardage - The minimum yardage for Interclub Matches is 5,800.  Each match must be competed from tees that measure at least 5,800 yards (a shorter white tee). c.  Courses Less than 5,800 yards -  Courses measuring less than 5,800 yards are not eligible to compete in Interclub. d. Recommended Yardage -The recommended yardage for Interclub Matches is 6,200 yards, plus or minus 200 yards. e. Playing Different Tees - Based on a Captains' agreement, whole groups may play from different sets of tees. If the captains cannot agree on playing a tee other than the "recommended tee" than the recommended yardage should be played. f. Posting Scores - If Team Captains agree that their players play different tees, they must insure that the player's scores are being posted to the correct course rating and slope for that set of tees. (i.e., Teams 1 and 2 play the back tees and teams 3 and 4 play the middle tees). (The website provides this option) Course Selection a. Clubs with more than 18 holes at their facility may schedule matches on any Slope-rated regulation length course at their club. These clubs may use more than one course at their facility during the Interclub Match season. Such clubs should inform opponents of which course will be used well in advance of the scheduled match. b. Captains are responsible for knowing the Slope rating for the set of tees they will play at their club and this information will be displayed on the Interclub Website. If the Slope rating changes during Interclub Match season, it is the responsibility of the host captain to verify that the revised course and slope rating are accurately reflected in the Interclub Website. The FSGA office should be contacted immediately if discrepancy exists. Home Team Arrangements a. No Green Fees - During the regular season and playoff matches, the home team is required to host green fees. (Neither club should charge any green fees). b. Cart Fees - Clubs may charge a "typical" cart fee which may not exceed $30 in any case. c. Practice Rounds - Clubs are encouraged to provide the visiting team a practice round opportunity at a cart-fee rate. However, clubs are not required to provide practice rounds and they are not required to host them for only a cart fee. Teams
12 should not expect practice rounds and they should not take more than 8 players to any practice round unless encouraged by the host club. d. Complimentary Items - Participating clubs may provide complimentary services such as practice rounds, golf carts, range balls food and/or beverages as part of they host functions; however, they are under no obligation to do so. Normally the extent to which a club exercises these options depends on the ability to reciprocate and is mutually agreed upon by all clubs competing against each other during the regular season. During play-off rounds, these same options are available to competing clubs; however the FSGA recommends that unless both clubs involved can reciprocate, neither should expect it. e. Published Arrangements - All information about the scheduled match including tee times, cart fees, practice round availability, dress code, etc.., should be posted to the match page on the Interclub Website by the host team's captain no later than one week prior to the match . Please be a good captain and set up your home matches and enter the arrangements in the website as soon as possible - this information will greatly assist the visiting teams traveling to your matches. Playing at a Neutral Site If both the home and away course cannot host the match at any point during the scheduled match week, or they cannot play the match during the scheduled make-up week, a match can be played at a neutral site if it's agreeable by both team Captains during the week the match is scheduled to be played. CAPTAINS TIP: Since you cannot select the appropriate tees on your match results for a neutral site of the Captain's Management portion of the website, you will need to contact the FSGA by fax or email with the match results and the course and tees the match was played at. The FSGA will enter in your match results. Please note, this is the only time the FSGA will post match results. It is the Captain's responsibilities otherwise for posting all match results. Policy for Course Usage It is required that any team electing to participate in Interclub Match play shall make available its home course for all scheduled regular season matches, make-up of all postponed or suspended matches, and playoff matches. If the course cannot be made available on the dates stipulated by the Interclub Match Play Committee, and there are no arrangements by the host team to play the match at an alternate site or play the match at the opposing teams course, the host team shall be deemed to have forfeited that match in accordance with the procedures (Forfeitures). The circumstances pertaining to such forfeiture shall be reviewed by the Committee and may result in disqualification from future Interclub Match play competition. Whenever possible, make-up matches should take place on the day the teams normally played matches during the regular season. If this cannot be accomplished due to conflicts by one or both teams, the Captains must strive to reschedule the match on another day.
13 Practice on the Day of the Match Practice will not be allowed on the host course on the day of a match prior to the beginning of the round during the regular season as well as during playoffs and the championship match. Penalty for violation of this rule will be disqualification of the player, if a valid claim is made by the opposing Team Captain; however, another player may be substituted in his place. Team Captain's Duties The Interclub Match website will provide each captain with the names, telephone numbers and email addresses of the other team captains in the group in order to facilitate arrangements and scheduling throughout the season. It is the Captain's responsibility to contact the other captains in his group. A Head or Assistant Golf Professional can be a captain.  However, if a Golf Professional is a captain of a team, a non-golf professional member of that club must serve as a co-captain. Golf professionals are often very busy and may not be the best person to handle the administrative functions of the captain. Teams may have as many co-captains as they wish and captains can be added through the website by any other captains at anytime a. PRE-SEASON MEETING - Once groups are formed, the captains from each group should get together and meet prior to the beginning of the season. Perhaps one captain could host the three other captains from his group for a round of golf at his club, or the captains could meet at lunch or some other convenient time. Captains that have met in advance of the season will be much more successful coordinating team matches and resolving any conflicts once the season begins. The success of the Interclub Team Matches relies heavily on the good nature and common sense of the captains. c. CAPTAIN'S MATCH PRINT-OUT - The Interclub Website will allow each captain to print out a complete match set-up page, including players competing and the complete team roster for both teams. This information should be taken to the match and can be used for recording the match results for later entry into the website by the host captain. The complete team rosters are included which may be needed in the case of any substitutions. If this information is not available at the time of the match, captains can obtain the required information from the club's handicap computer or by using a club computer to access the Interclub Website. d. MATCH ARRANGEMENTS - The host Team Captain, in coordination with the visiting Team Captain should arrange for matches to be played by the date scheduled by the FSGA. If the host club cannot make the course available, arrangements must be made for an alternate date within the allowable schedule. CAPTAINS TIP: The FSGA recognizes that previously scheduled club events can impact on scheduled Interclub Matches. However, the policy of permitting teams to play on other days of the week provides sufficient flexibility to accommodate all clubs and Team Captains are expected to cooperate with each other. Results of Matches
14 Results should be entered on the FSGA Interclub website as soon as possible following play - ideally on the evening of the match. The host team captain is responsible for posting results, but by agreement the visiting captain may post results. All results should be posted no later than 12:00 Noon - the day after the match occurs. Any problems with the FSGA Interclub website should be sent to the FSGA Interclub Match email address: interclub@fsga.org . Posting Individual Scores Each player who participates in Interclub Matches must record a score for the round played. Reminder: When posting adjusted scores, players are to have these scores posted to their current index. ONLY playoff and State Championship scores will be recorded as TOURNAMENT SCORES . a. Par Plus - In the event the match has been "closed out" before 18 holes have been played, the stipulated round is deemed to be completed. The players involved in this match may discontinue play and return to the clubhouse if they choose to not complete the round. "Par plus" must be taken for any hole remaining to be played. "Par plus" is the assigned par for a hole, plus any handicap strokes which the player would be entitled to receive on that particular hole (based on current index) b. "SCORE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE MADE" - If a player starts a hole but does not complete the hole, or is conceded a stroke, he shall record for handicap purposes "the score he most likely would have made." This score shall not exceed his Equitable Stroke Control limit (based on current index). Postponed Matches Due to Rain and Darkness a. All Interclub matches are to be played as scheduled unless the course is officially closed to all play because of inclement weather. However, Team Captains can mutually agree to postpone the match in advance of the start of play or during the course of the match due to actual or predicted unfavorable weather conditions. b. Inclement Weather: In the event the course is officially closed to all play because of inclement weather or play is suspended due to darkness during the progress of a Match, the following procedures will apply: i. The decision to officially close the course to all play shall be at the discretion of course management. ii. The Team Captains are in turn to notify their respective players and remove their teams from the course. All team members shall proceed to the clubhouse and remain until the decision to close the course is final. iii. Team Captains are to verify the results of each match up to the point when play has been suspended and record and attest the scores prior to leaving the course.
15 iv. If the course is closed only to the use of golf carts, matches will continue with the players walking. v. If the course is officially closed or play is suspended due to darkness or weather conditions, the following procedures will apply: 1. If all matches have not completed 9 holes, and the course has been officially closed to all play or captains mutually agree to postpone the match due to inclement weather, the entire match must be replayed. It is not required that the same players participate in the make-up match. 2. If the match is postponed and all players have completed 9 holes, the match stands as completed at the time of play is halted, and Team Captains will verify the results of each match through the number of holes completed and record and attest the results prior to leaving the course. c. RESCHEDULING: Match postponements must be rescheduled by the first available Thursday following the conclusion of regular season play, or at the earliest available date which is mutually agreeable to both teams, on the course where originally scheduled unless Team captains agree otherwise. i. The FSGA Office should be notified of the make-up date for any postponed match. ii. All matches must be completed by the date specified - one week after the last regular season match. iii. Any match not completed by that date will be treated as "no match" for both teams in determining the final group standings. CAPTAINS TIP: Due to time constraints involved with playoff matches, there may be occasions when teams must reschedule a postponed playoff match on a day other than Thursday to allow for the continuation of the playoff schedule. Team Captains will have to mutually agree to reschedule on an alternate date. If such an agreement cannot be met, the FSGA Interclub Match Play Committee will serve as final arbitrator. Postponed Matches within 48 Hours of a Scheduled Match (matches postponed for reasons other than weather) a. All matches should be played on the scheduled day. b. If a team postpones a match within 48 hours of a scheduled match, each team is allowed one "free pass" for the season.  If a team postpones a match within 48 hours for a second time during the season the canceling team will be automatically disqualified for the season—no exceptions! c. The postponing team has no right to request a make-up match, however, if both captains agree, the teams may play the postponed match at a later date.  If captains cannot agree, then the canceling team will be disqualified for the season.
16 d. If a team is disqualified for the season their previous matches stand.  All future matches will be scored as 18-6 victories for team(s) that had remaining matches against the disqualified team. Golf Carts and Caddies a. Golf carts will be used subject to the host club's rules and regulations governing the use of these carts. b. In the event caddies are made available by the host club, an equal number of caddies must be made available for each team. Customary caddies' fees are to be paid even though they will often exceed cart fees. Advice and Concessions a. A concession of a stroke is deemed to be conceded for the individual match and four-ball match. b. A concession of a hole or match is deemed to only apply to the individual match unless otherwise specifically stated. c. Four-Ball partners may give each other advice at all times, even after their four- ball match is concluded and individual matches are still being contested. d. Playing After Match Completed - Players may complete their 18-hole round even though their match is complete, however, they are not required to do so. Match Play Claims Players competing in Interclub Matches are reminded of Rule 2-5 of The USGA Rules of Golf which states that "In match play, if a dispute or doubt arises between the players on any point, a claim may be made. In order for a claim to be considered it must be made before any player in the match plays from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the match,  before all players in the match leave the putting green.  No later claim shall be considered unless it is based on fact(s) previously unknown to the player making the claim and the player making the claim had been given wrong information by an opponent. In any case, no later claim shall be considered after the result of the match has been officially announced, unless the Committee is satisfied that the opponent knew he was giving wrong information." Please Note: Once a valid and timely claim is made, players are to continue their match without delay. DO NOT WAIT FOR A DECISION! Protests All protests must be emailed to the FSGA by the Team Captains within one business day of the conclusion of the match. The protest must be sent to interclub@fsga.org .
17 Forfeitures A forfeiture is highly discouraged. All previous matches played by a team that withdraws will stand and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6 victory to team(s) that had any remaining matches against the forfeited team.  Teams who forfeit the season will have to donate $250 to the FSGA's Future of Golf Foundation in order to participate in the following season.  If the forfeiting team fails to donate $250, they will not be allowed to participate in following season. USGA Rules of Play a. Current USGA Rules of Golf will govern all matches. Understanding Rule 2 (Match Play) and Rule 30 (Four-Ball Match Play) is essential in comprehending the format of Interclub Matches. The Rules of Golf may NOT be waived at any time.  The penalty for waiving the Rules of Golf is disqualification for the player or team who is in violation of this rule. Example: agreeing to waive the rules includes allowing a local rule which permits a player to repair spike marks on the player's line of putt (Decision 1-3/3). b. There is no time limit on applying the penalty for agreeing to waive the rules (Decision 1-3/8). Results of matches of teams will be adjusted if such a violation is brought to the attention of the FSGA Interclub Match Play Committee. c. Local Rules - Local rules must conform with the USGA Rules of Golf. Any local rules which are to be in effect during Interclub Matches must appear printed on the club scorecard, or be published and distributed to all players in advance of the start of the match. d. Winter Rules - "Winter rules" or "preferred lies" are strongly discouraged in Interclub Matches. If it becomes absolutely necessary to use "preferred lies", the procedure shall be determined by the host club in advance of the start of the match. It is strongly recommended by the Interclub Match Play Committee to adopt the policy listed in Appendix 1 of the USGA Rules of Golf ("Preferred Lies" and "Winter Rules"). e. Distance-Measuring Devices and GPS Systems Allowed -  The Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure distance and golf cart GPS Systems is in effect. However, the use of devices that gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player's play (e.g. wind or gradient) is not permitted. Penalty for breach of Local Rule: Disqualification. Balls and Implements a. Only golf balls in the USGA's latest book of conforming golf balls may be used. Penalty for use of brand not on the list: Disqualification. b. The One-Ball Rule will not be in effect for any phase of Interclub Matches. c. A player's clubs shall conform under the Rules of Golf. See Rule 4-1 and Appendix II of the USGA Rules of Golf for specification and interpretations.
18 d. A maximum of 14 golf clubs may be carried during the stipulated round. Withdrawal from Interclub Matches The withdrawal of a team at any time after the pairings have been announced may result in ineligibility for Interclub Matches until the second year following the year of withdrawal. All previous matches played by a team that withdraws will stand and any remaining matches will be scored as an 18-6 victory to the team(s) that had any remaining matches against the forfeited team. Conclusion If the players follow the guidelines in this manual, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone. If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in certain number of competitions.  This is considered to be justifiable in terms on protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines. In the case of serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7. Sandbagging Everyone in golf has experienced problems with players who have handicaps that are "less than representative of that player's true playing ability". An occasional exceptional round is not out of the ordinary. However, a series of sustained exceptional performances by an individual not only defies the odds of handicapping statistics but, more significantly, defeats the very purpose of net competitions. Accordingly, if a player scores significantly better than his handicap index, his course handicap may be subject to reduction in future matches and the playoffs. If the Committee has to review the same player a second time, that player may be refused entry into FSGA events for a period of up to two years. When a player's course handicap is reduced, the Team's Captain will be notified. The reduction process is subject to revision without notification by the FSGA Committee. The FSGA staff members have met with the certified handicap chairpersons at various clubs. One topic being discussed is the importance of each local handicap committee making certain that individuals whose indexes do not properly match their playing potential are dealt with at the club level before the FSGA has to get involved. All clubs are reminded that it is within the purview of the club handicap committee to adjust or freeze the index of a player who fails to turn in proper scores or consistently scores better in tournaments than normal play.