The Rules are written assuming the honesty and integrity of players and the majority of competitive golf is played without a Referee observing the player’s every action. These principles guide when a Referee should intervene in a ruling situation. If a player is taking relief on their own correctly, there is no need for the Referee to intervene in the situation (see bullet point 1 if potential breach is occurring). These principles apply to stroke play and match play when you are assigned to the match in its entirety.  

• If a player is about to breach a Rule, has breached a Rule, or is proceeding incorrectly. 

• If a player waves you over.  

• If a call comes via radio that a player needs assistance. 

• If a player is searching for a ball, assist in the search even if not requested. 

• • • • Make sure you get a timer going for the search clock. If you didn’t see when the player or caddie started searching for the ball, promptly ask the player how long they have been searching when you arrive to help.  

• If a player appears to be looking around for a Referee or doesn’t appear to be handling the situation on their own. 

In match play specially, there a few other situations to consider when to intervene.  

• For order of play, allow the players to determine whose turn it is to play. If players ask for your assistance, make the determination. There’s no need to proactively declare who’s away, unless the players ask for your help, or a player is about to play out of turn without agreement from the opponent to save time. For additional guidance on determining whose turn it is to play, see the next section.  

• If a player is about to play from outside the teeing area, stop the player from doing so.