Code of Conduct, Cheating Policy & Expectations

The PJT Code of Conduct has been put in place to ensure that the traditions and integrity of the game are upheld at all times. The PJT requires all members along with parents, guardians and spectators to adhere to the following set of guidelines to make the tournament the best possible experience for all involved.

Cheating

The USGA Rules of Golf govern all play except as otherwise specified or modified by the Philadelphia Section PGA Junior Tour Local Rules & Conditions of Competition.

If you see something, say something to a tournament official as soon as possible. If a player knows another player is cheating and they sign off on their score, both that player and the cheating player are at risk for disqualification. Both the player accused and the accuser will be investigated

Different types of cheating can happen by either a player or the parent/spectator of a player, and to report cheating during the round a spectator or player can either: 

  • Alert a rules official
  • Call the pro shop
  • Call the Junior Tour Rules Hotline
  • Talk to a tournament official in scoring as soon as possible 

Player Penalties:

  • 1st offense: Disqualification and official warning
  • 2nd offense: Disqualification and Player of the Year Points Penalty. Player and Parent or Guardian to meet with the Director.
  • 3rd offense: Suspension from Junior Tour Membership

Spectator Penalties:

  • 1st offense: Warning and disqualification for player
  • 2nd offense: Disqualification for player, and spectator is suspended for the remainder of the season. Player suspended from play until Player and Spectator meet with Director. 
  • 3rd offense: Suspension from Junior Tour membership.

Code of Conduct Penalties

Any Code of Conduct violation will result in a written letter to the player and his or her parent/guardian. The PJT Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity and frequency of the violation (s):

  • Two stroke penalty for each act of unsportsmanlike behavior
  • Immediate disqualification from the tournament at which the violation occurs
  • Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in disqualification from the next event(s) for which a player has been accepted
  • The PJT reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership for a major breach of the PJT Code of Conduct
  • Violation of the PJT Code of Conduct may affect a players eligibility for invitational’s and post-season honors.

Expectations of Player

All players are expected to maintain and improve the condition of the golf course by replacing
divots, repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, picking up and disposing of trash, etc. Players are
asked to fix at least one extra ball mark on the green for the good of the golf course.
Members of the Philadelphia Junior Tour shall conduct themselves as ladies and gentleman at
all tournaments. Proper etiquette must be followed at all times.

At a host facility, violations of the Code of Conduct include: abusive language or behavior,
throwing clubs, cheating, disrespect to officials or volunteers, abuse of the golf course, use of
drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products, not adhering to the dress code, gambling, and failure to
notify an official of your decision not to complete the round.

Violations of the Code of Conduct away from the course include abusive language or disrespect
to any PGA Section employee and vandalism to any hotel associated with a course.

Penalties for any of these violations will be based on the severity of the violation and follow
the same penalty procedure as for cheating.

Dress code

The dress code for players and spectators has been established to meet the requirement that a number of our host facilities have in place. Our dress code is as follows:

  • No Jeans or Sweatpants 
  • Hats must be worn facing forward 
  • Shirts must be tucked in at all times
  • Hats should be removed when entering the clubhouse or pro shop 

If a player is seen not following the dress code they will be asked by staff to adjust their attire to meet the dress code. Proper attire is required at all times at the host golf course. Questionable attire will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee. Should a host golf course have a stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence. 

Prohibited Attire on the Golf Course:

  • Tank tops
  • T-shirts
  • Denim shorts
  • Short-shorts
  • Cut-off shorts
  • Gym shorts
  • Jeans
  • Tennis shorts