Parent Code of Conduct
Advice (USGA Rule 10.2a)
Neither spectators nor competitors are allowed to give advice to competitors. Advice is any verbal comment or action that is intended to influence a player in choosing a club, making a stroke, and deciding how to play a hole or round. This includes any conversation between player/spectator in their native language. Players are fully responsible for the actions of their relatives and spectators in regards to this rule. To assist in the understanding of this definition, here are some examples of giving advice that are violations:
- I think you should hit a 6 iron.
- Take an unplayable lie.
- Keep your head down.
Information on the Rules of Golf or on matters of public information, such as positions of penalty areas or the flagstick are not advice. The following are not examples of giving advice and are acceptable under USGA Rules:
- A penalty area crosses the fairway at the bottom of the hill.
- There is the 150 yard marker.
- The location of the flagstick is in the back of the green.
- One of your options is to take an unplayable lie. (Please note: while this is not considered advice under USGA Rules, making rulings is prohibited under Philadelphia Junior Tour Spectator Policies.)
Spectator Policies
- PJT events are family friendly events. Inappropriate use of foul language, disrespect towards another individual (spectator, player or staff) or other poor behavior will not be tolerated.
- Spectators are to remain at least 30 yards away from players and should stay on cart paths. In the absence of cart paths, we ask that spectators stay in the rough. Please stay off fairways, tees and greens.
- Spectators are permitted to carry food, beverages, umbrellas, golf apparel, etc. for all competitors
- Spectators are prohibited to give rulings on the golf course even if they are 100% sure of a ruling. Competitors have the option to play 2 golf balls under Rule 20.1c or contact the nearest Rules Official for further assistance.
- It is appropriate for spectators to applaud successful strokes and give words of encouragement, but it is recommended to limit all conversations to prevent any suspicions or accusations of advice being given to competitors.
- Please silence all cell phones at PJT events
- For your personal safety, we ask you exercise caution at all times. When inclement weather moves into the area, the PJT will suspend play by sounding air horns. Accordingly, you should seek shelter immediately. The PJT staff will evacuate players from the course first and then spectators.
- The PJT leaves the availability of spectator carts to the discretion of the facility. All spectator cart info will be available via the Tournament Portals
- All players and spectators are prohibited from riding on the back of a golf car at anytime during PJT competitions
- Spectators are encouraged to assist in the search for a lost ball. It is recommended that all spectators follow 1 shot ahead or near the landing area of all golf balls for errant shots to prevent lost balls.
- If an issue arises during competition, spectators should not confront or interact with players that are not their own children. Any issues during a PJT event should be handled and mediated by PJT Staff
Caddying
- As of 2022, PJT no longer allows caddies on the full tour. All players are expected to be able to carry/push their own clubs, keep their own score and make their own decisions regarding their shots.
- Any spectators found to be caddying will be subjected to penalty.
Parental Code of Conduct Penalties
By Competitor:
- General Penalty – 2 strokes (Advice)
By Spectator:
- 1st offense – Warning
- 2nd offense – 2 strokes and removal of spectator
- 3rd offense – Disqualification of competitor
PJT staff reserves the right to remove spectators from events that display conduct deemed detrimental to the event. Removal of a spectator may be temporary or permanent based upon the severity of the actions.
Suggestions, Comments or Concerns
To better serve all involved with the Philadelphia Section PGA Junior Tour, we have provided a suggestion box below for your convenience. Suggestions should be submitted in a professional manner. The Philadelphia Section PGA Junior Tour reserves the right to assess any penalties that are in breach to the Junior and Parental Code of Conduct. Thank you for your cooperation.