To increase communication around rulings, we are asking for the following guidelines to be followed.  

• If you have a lengthy ruling that is likely to impact the group’s pace of play (approximately longer than 3-4 minutes), please proactively notify the POPA.  

• If a ruling results in a penalty (other than taking penalty relief), report it in on radio to the Chief Referee or Rules Lead after the ruling. For example, free relief from a cart path or relief from a penalty area do not need to be called in, but applying 1 penalty stroke for causing the ball to move does need to be reported. The goal of this is to increase communication and transparency around what is happening on the course. It will prevent the staff from being surprised, whether there’s a request to talk in scoring, a player question later or something else. This is not intended to cast any doubt on the ability of our Referees to apply the Rules of Golf.  

• If you have a ruling involving a wrong place, please report it in on radio to the Chief Referee or Rules Lead prior to determining if it a serious breach or not. As this determination is up to the Committee and can be challenging depending on the circumstances, we want the Chief Referee or Rules Lead involved in the decision.