A Referee in match play is responsible for acting on any breach of the Rules that they see or are told about when assigned to accompany the match in its entirety. If a player in the match brings an issue to your attention and you hadn’t already determined there was no breach, that request needs to be made in time per Rule 20.1b(2). If that request is not made in time, you cannot act on the information. If the request is made in time, you are obligated to act on the request and should do so as quickly as possible.  

If you need to speak with the opponent to clarify if there was a breach of the Rules, you should do so promptly, but at the least intrusive moment. 

In approaching the opponent, knowing the opponent will likely be caught off guard, you will want to start the conversation as calmly as possible. 

Suggest starting with something like this… “Hi Joe, John just brought to my attention that you caused your ball to move in removing a loose impediment and didn’t replace the ball on your previous shot from the rough. Can you tell me what happened there?” 

• Important to stick to the facts. 

• Quickly, but accurately, determine if there was a breach (if needed, call for second opinion on radio or call Rover). 

Based on the conversation, notify the opponent you’re speaking with on the outcome (penalty or no penalty) and let the opponent know you’ll speak with the other player to resolve the situation.  

Circle back as quickly as possible with the player who made the request to notify them of the outcome.