Suspension of Play 

• Referees will be alerted via radio by the USGA staff prior to any suspension of play. Please use good radio etiquette and keep the radio clear of all other communications. 

• The USGA staff will instruct the Rovers to sound the air horns. During the countdown, Referees may notify players that the air horn is about to sound (to prevent the horn going off during the player’s backswing). 

• Referees should inform players as to the type of suspension. For an immediate suspension do not allow any player to play a stroke (see Rule 5.7b(1)). 

• In the case of a normal suspension, players may elect to stop play or finish the hole they are playing (Rule 5.7b(2)). In stroke play, ensure the player’s marker follows along if the marker has decided to stop play. In match play if one player wants to stop, both players must stop.  

• Upon a stoppage of play, Referees are to assist by directing players, caddie and volunteers to the appropriate course evacuation site. Referees must note the location of players’ golf balls on the digital Suspension of Play form. Referees are to keep players advised of the situation. 

• The following people are allowed in the course evacuation vehicles: 

• Players 

• Caddies 

• USGA Referees 

• Walking Scorer 

• Standard Bearer with Standard 

• Referees will oversee the evacuation vans. Referees should identify themselves to the evacuation driver. 

• Evacuation vehicles will remain at the course evacuation site until directed by USGA staff to move and evacuate the passengers to the clubhouse area. 

• Standard bearers should leave the standard equipment in the vehicle. 

• Monitor your radio for further instructions. Updates will be announced periodically, as required. 

Resumption of Play 

• Once the suspension of play is declared over and play is to resume, return to the appropriate evacuation vehicle parked at the designated clubhouse area. 

• The group will return to their course position and wait for instructions over the radio. Assist players in getting their balls back in play, if necessary (see Suspension/ Resumption of Play – Rules Reminders). 

• A USGA staff member will ask for an accounting of players in position by doing a roll call and calling out a “ready for play” report. Referees should answer by replying “YES / READY” or “NO / NOT YET.” Do not add anything beyond “YES” or “NO,” unless directly asked for more information. 

• After all players are in position, the Rovers will be directed to sound the air horns. 

• TWO SHORT NOTES of the air horns will signal a resumption of play. 

These suspension procedures may be modified only by the USGA.