2010 Nijga Rules and Regulations

Eligibility

The NIJGA is open to Lake and Porter county and surrounding area golfers ages 7 - 18. Age groups are determined by the age of the competitor as of August 5 of the current year. Participants may submit a request to move up an age group to the tournament chairman. All participants in the junior, major, and varsity tours must play golf on their own on a regular basis, have a general understanding of the rules and etiquette, be able to carry or pull their own clubs, be able to keep score and keep pace.

Junior, Major, and Varsity Tour Guidelines

The following yardage guidelines are a starting point to set up each course. Player safety, forced carry’s, difficulty of the course, weather conditions, and anticipated pace of play are just a few of the factors which will influence the final yardage that each tee is set.

Age Number of Holes Color Yards Par 3 Par 4 Par 5 Qualifier Medal
7-8 Boys 9 Yellow 1,500 90 160 260 NA Yes
9-10 Boys 9 White 2,300 110 270 365 NA Yes
11-12 Boys 18 White 4,600 110 270 365 NA Yes
13-14 Boys 18 White 4,600 110 270 365 NA No
13-14 Boys - Advanced 18 Front 5,400 125 310 450 89 Yes
15-18 Boys 18 Front 5,400 125 310 450 NA No
15-18 Boys - JV 18 Middle 6,100 150 350 500 89 Yes
15-18 Boys - Varsity 18 Back 6,700 170 390 530 79 Yes
Age Number of Holes Color Yards Par 3 Par 4 Par 5 Qualifier Medal
7-11 Girls 9 Yellow 1,500 90 160 260 NA Yes
12-14 Girls 9 White 2,300 110 270 365 NA Yes
15-18 Girls 18 Front 5,400 125 310 450 NA Yes

Note: Groupings may change depending on number of participants in each group.

All novice participants will begin in the novice division until they shoot the advanced qualifier score for each age group. Boys 15 and older may compete in the Varsity division by shooting 79 or better from the middle tees.  Prior NIJGA tournament scores will count as qualifying scores, as well as tournament scores from other events which can be verified.

Starting Times

Starting times will be at eight to ten-minute intervals depending on the course. The times change based on the course availability. Please refer to the web site for current starting time information for a particular site.

Speed of Play

All players are required to keep up with the group ahead. If a group is unable to maintain pace with the group ahead, the individual responsible will be identified and verbally warned. If they are still unable to keep up, they will be asked to score the maximum of 8 on the hole and move to the next tee. All players will be required to complete each nine holes in no more than 2 ¼ hours.

Dress Code

Males proper attire

Females proper attire

Inappropriate Attire

Player Conduct

As guests of each of the host facilities, all participants and spectators must adhere to the rules of each site. Any conduct which may be detrimental to the NIJGA will not be tolerated including, but not limited to, swearing, club throwing, or damage to the golf course or another players’ belongings. The first such instance of any of these actions may result in a warning, two shot penalty, or disqualification. Multiple violations will result in dismissal from the NIJGA.

At the conclusion of each event, please take the time to thank the NIJGA volunteers and staff. All participants are responsible for understanding and adhering to proper golf etiquette.

Rules violations will be determined by the tournament officials and handled as prescribed by the USGA Rules of Golf. If a player suspects another of cheating or of violating a Rule of Golf, the player should seek a rules official as soon as possible to handle the situation. Cheating is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification from the NIJGA.

Golf is a game played by ladies and gentlemen. Respect your fellow competitors and respect the course that you play.

Parents Involvement / Caddies – Junior Tour

Parents are encouraged to participate as spectators as often as possible for the junior tour. Participants are allowed to have caddies. Caddies must adhere to the same dress code as participants. Parents who choose to caddie are reminded that their purpose on the course is to assist their player by carrying their clubs, giving them encouragement, providing them with yardages and so on. They are not there to make rules decisions, act on speed of play issues, count strokes, etc., these are responsibilities of the players. Caddies should also be reminded that the player has the final say in all decisions, this is a complete role reversal if a parent is caddying for their child. However, it is up to the player to make decisions and the caddie to provide them with information. As a parent, please be aware that participating in the NIJGA should be a positive experience for the player and every effort should be made on your part to this end.

Parents Involvement / Caddies – Major and Varsity Tour

Caddies are not allowed for these tours. However, we encourage spectators to watch players compete on their own at this level. Spectators must stay in the rough or on cart paths and remain at least 25 yards from the players, when practical. Spectators may not carry on conversations with the players as this could be considered advice, which may result in a penalty. Spectators are allowed to carry water, umbrellas, jackets, towels, and food for the players.

Drinking Water on the Golf Course

Pepsi / Aquafina, a major sponsor of the NIJGA, will provide each player with a bottle of water on the first tee. Every effort will be made to provide water bottle filling stations throughout the course during the round. We recommend that you bring extra water in your bag especially on hot days to prevent dehydration.

Carts

Motorized carts are not allowed for participants or spectators. No player or clubs are allowed on a cart at any time, except for the purpose of a volunteer shuttling players or moving to a safe area in severe weather.

Note: Players are allowed to use pull carts.

Registration

Registration will be handled online. You have seven days to send in a check to validate your registration.

All events are limited. You are encouraged to enter early. Applications are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. The web site will be updated regularly with those names received and accepted in the event.

A membership fee as well as the entry fee must be received by the deadline in order to participate in any events.

Cancellations / No Shows / Refunds / Late to the Tee

Entry fees may be applied to future events if the participant cancels prior to the deadline. No refunds will be given. After the deadline, the fee is forfeited. A player who fails to appear for an event will also forfeit the fee. A player who fails to appear twice will be dismissed from the NIJGA without a refund. Players arriving late for their starting time, but within 5 minutes of their starting time will be assessed a two-stroke penalty on the first hole. Those arriving after 5 minutes of their time will be disqualified.

Rain Out Policy

In the event of a weather related situation causing the cancellation of an event, the following guidelines have been established. First of all, every effort will be made to delay and get the event in. Depending on the willingness of the facility, this could mean a lengthy rain delay. The next step will be to score the event based on the first nine holes played for the eighteen hole divisions. If that is not possible, then the event will be cancelled. If the cancellation has Player of the Year implications, the tournament committee will decide a course of action for the individual involved. Weather condition procedures including lightning will be presented at the mandatory orientation, but as a reminder, if a player is ever uncomfortable or feels like they may be in danger, they are encouraged to seek shelter immediately without penalty.

Pairings

Pairings will be available on the web site 3 days prior to the event.

Alternates

If an event you wish to play is full, you may add your name to the alternate list using the web site. If a spot becomes available, you will be contacted e-mail at least three days prior to the event.

Volunteers

The NIJGA is always in need of volunteers. On-site volunteers are needed as starters, scorers, rangers, instructors, and to work the registration area. All parents of NIJGA participants in the major/varsity level are asked to volunteer at least once throughout the year. Parents of junior tour players are encouraged to caddy or walk with their child during the event. Please complete the volunteer form and e-mail it to the NIJGA. You will be contacted prior to the event with additional information.

Equipment

All participants in the NIJGA must have their own equipment. We suggest that all clubs have name tags also. If you are in need of golf clubs, or would like to donate used clubs, please contact the following individuals:

Lake County
Don Plohg
Hammond Youth Golf Academy
(219)932-4653
LostMarsh.com		 Porter County
Nancy Bender
Creekside Training Center
(219)531-788
ValparaisoGolf.com