The purpose of this topic is to ensure that the timing of players is consistent amongst Rules Rovers at our Amateur Championships.   

Stroke Play and Match Play – warnings and “on the clock”  

• When a group falls out of position and needs to be given a warning or put on the clock, the Rules Rover should inform the players after all players have teed off on the next hole, but before reaching their approach shots. (See ‘speaking to players’)  

• • • Rules Rovers should position themselves ahead of a group and be waiting to speak with the players as they walk from the teeing area to their approach shots.  

• If a warned group does not make up time or regain position in the next hole, the Rules Rover should put the group on the clock.   

• A Rules Rover will not advise a group, unless asked, if it has regained its proper position on the course and is no longer being timed. A player may inquire of the group’s/match’s status at any time.  

• If a group subsequently goes back out of position, the Rules Rover should not give a “new” warning but inform the group that they are back on the clock and that individual timing will begin again.  

• When a group receives a warning, a stationary official/match referee/Rules Rover should notify the group behind. The group behind should also be notified the first time the group ahead subsequently goes on the clock.  

Timing  

• The timing of a player’s stroke begins when it is the player’s turn to play without interference or distraction. Time spent determining yardage and other conditions, such as wind, will count as time taken for the stroke.  

• On the putting green, the actions allowed under Rule 13.1 (e.g., removing sand and loose soil, repairing damage caused by a person or outside influence, etc.) are not included in the timing of a player’s stroke, provided the player is not unreasonably delaying play. However, time spent surveying the line of play from any angle will count as time taken for the stroke.  

• • • With reference to Rule 13.1 – marking, lifting, and replacing the ball on the putting green should not be included in the timing of a player’s stroke. However, if the player marks and lifts their ball subsequent times it should be included in the timing of a stroke.  

• Each player is permitted a maximum of 40 seconds to make a stroke (Rule 5.6b). A player is considered to have incurred a bad time when the player exceeds 40 seconds.  

• • • An extra 10 seconds (for a total of 50 seconds) will be permitted for the first player to play:   

• • • • • A stroke on a par-3 hole;   

• • • • • A second stroke on a par-4 or par-5 hole;  

• • • • • A third stroke on a par-5 hole;  

• • • • • Around the putting green, and  

• • • • • On the putting green  

• A margin of error should always be applied when timing. Thus, a bad time will be incurred at or above 45 seconds (00:45:00), or 55 seconds (00:55:00).  

• Instances where distractions cause a player to back away from their shot (resetting or otherwise) potentially resulting in timing of a stroke to be temporarily paused, stopped, or restarted:  

• • • Sudden large gust of wind when player is over their ball  

• • • Noise or cheer coming from spectators on hole or nearby hole  

• • • Movement in player’s field of vision while standing over ball  

• For instances where a very difficult shot requires additional evaluation, any accommodation should be provided prior to starting the clock.  

• When determining the length of a ruling given to a player or group, the time should include both the wait time for a referee to arrive on-site as well as the actual ruling. This total time should be the time recorded on the rover timing card.  

• Any player in a group being timed who incurs a bad time will be informed as soon as practicable by a Rules Rover. (See ‘speaking to players’)  

• • • A rover shouldn’t approach a player on or around the putting green, or when it could cause a distraction to other players in the group.  

• • • Prior to speaking to the player, the Rules Rover must notify the POPA/Championship Director of bad times and penalties that will be given.  

• • • A player must be informed of their first bad time before being issued a second bad time.   

• Any player who receives a bad time(s) must be reminded of the bad time(s) by the Rules Rover if the player or the group requires additional timing.  

• Bad times in stroke play will not be carried over to a new round. However, during the play of a 36-hole final match, bad times should be carried over throughout the duration of the entire match.  

Speaking to Players  

In the above situations, Rules Rovers should not speak with, or approach groups without instruction from the Pace of Play Administrator.  

• Suggested language for giving a group an official warning:   

• • • “Your group is out of position and over your allotted time, this is your official warning.”  

• Suggested language for putting a group on the clock:   

• • • “Your group is still out of position and has not made up any time. Your group is now on the clock.”  

• Suggested language for 1st bad time:   

• • • “I recorded a time of [insert specific time] on your [insert specific shot]. This is your first bad time. Your next bad time would result in a one stroke penalty (SP)/loss of hole (MP)”  

• Subsequent bad times:  

• • • I recorded a time of [insert specific time] on your [insert specific shot].   

• In Stroke Play  

• • • “This is your second bad time; please add a one stroke penalty to your score for this hole.”  

• In Match Play  

• • • “This is your second bad time; you have incurred a loss of hole penalty for this hole.”