Prior to the First Competition Round 

• Review your assignments. Depending on the championship, these may look different. At opens, you’ll generally be positioned on a hole for the day and be asked to carry your chair out/back. At amateurs during stroke play, it’s more likely you’ll have a cart and cover a zone (i.e., multiple holes). Your stroke play assignment may be either a full day or half day, depending on the needs of the championship. When match play begins, you’ll be walking with a match or being an observer.  

• Connect with the Championship Director or Manager regarding your assignments if you have questions, especially if it is your first time in a specific assignment (starter, scoring, etc.). 

• Review any specific Rules for the competition such as Model Local Rules in effect and format (Four-Ball vs. Individual play) and the USGA Hard Card. 

• Review the championship’s Pace of Play Policy and confirm procedures with the Pace of Play Administrator (POPA) as needed. 

• Review and become familiar with the evacuation plan and the location of all evacuation sites. 

• Review the USGA Referee Best Practices (this document) prior to the Rules Meeting. Be familiar with what is asked of you for each of your assignments and raise questions to the USGA staff as necessary.