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	RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS As approved by The Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews Effective from 1st January 2000 The Definitions are placed in alphabetical order and some are also repeated at the beginning of their elevant Rule. In the Rules themselves,defined terms are italicised. Amateur Golfer An “Amateur Golfer ”is one who plays the game as a non- emunerative and non-profit-making sport and who does not eceive emuneration for teaching golf or for other activities because of golf skill or reputation ,except as provided in the Rules. Committee The “Committee ”is the appropriate Committee of the Governing Body. Golf Skill or Reputation Generally,an Amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill if he has gained epresentative honours at county o national level.Golf eputation can only be gained through golf skill and does not include p ominence for service to the game of golf as an administrato .It is a matter for a Governing Body to decide whether a particular Amateur golfer has “golf skill or eputation ”. Governing Body The “Governing Body ”for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note:In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body. Instruction Instruction ”covers teaching the physical aspects of playing golf i.e. the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a golf ball. Junior Golfer A “junior golfer ”is an Amateur golfer who has not eached his 18th birthday in the year prior to the event,unless a different age is decided by the Governing Body. Prize Voucher A “prize voucher ”is a voucher issued by the Committee in charge of a competition for the purchase of goods from a Professional ’s shop or other etail source. Retail Value The “etail value ”of a prize is the normal recommended selling price at which merchandise is available to anyone at aretail source. Rule or Rules The term “Rule ”or “Rules ” reffers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the Governing Body . Symbolic Prize A “symbolic prize ”is a trophy made of gold,silve ,ceramic, glass or the like which is permanently and distinctively engraved. Testimonial Award A “testimonial award ” relates to notable performances or contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes.A testimonial award may not be a monetary award. Rule 1.Amateurism Definitions An Amateur golfer is one who plays the game as a non- emunerative and non-profit-making sport and who does not eceive emuneration for teaching golf or for other activities because of golf skill or reputation ,except as provided in the Rules . The term Rule or Rules efers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the Governing Body . 1-1.General An Amateur golfer must play the game and cConduct himself in accordance with the Rules . 1-2.Amateur Status Amateur Status is a unive sal condition of eligibility for playing in golf competitions as an Amateur golfer .A person who acts contrary to the Rules may forfeit his status as an Amateur golfer and as aresult will be ineligible to play in Amateur competitions. 1-3.Purpose and Spirit of the Rules The purpose and spirit of the Rules is to maintain the distinction between Amateur golf and Professional golf and keep the Amateur game as f ee as possible from the abuses which may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive. It is considered necessary to safeguard Amateur golf,which is largely self-egulating with regard to the Rules of play and handicapping,so that it may be fully enjoyed by all Amateur golfers . 1-4.Doubt as to Rules Any person who wishes to be an Amateur golfer and who is in doubt as to whether taking a proposed course of action is permitted under the Rules should consult the Governing Body. Any o ganiser or sponsor of an Amateur golf competition or a competition involving Amateur golfers ,who is in doubt as to whether a p oposal is in accordance with the Rules should consult the Governing Body . Rule 2. Professionalism 2-1.General An Amateur golfer must not take any action for the purpose of becoming a Professional golfer,including entering into an agreement,written or oral,with a sponsor o Professional agent. Exception:Applying unsuccessfully for the position of an Assistant Professional. Note: An Amateur golfer may enquire as to his likely prospects as a Professional and he may work in a Professional ’s shop and eceive a salary,provided he does not infringe the Rules in any othe way. 2-2.Professional Golfers ’Associations An Amateur golfer must not hold or etain membership of any Professional Golfers ’Association. 2-3.Professional Tournament Players An Amateur golfer must not file an application to a final o sole qualifying competition for a Professional Tour. Note: If an Amateur golfer must pre-qualify for a final qualifying competition,he may enter such a p e-qualifying competition without forfeiting his Amateur Status. Rule 3. Prizes Definitions The Governing Body for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note: In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body . A prize voucher is a voucher issued by the Committee in charge of a competition for the purchase of goods from a Professional ’s shop or other etail source. The retail value of a prize is the normal recommended selling price at which merchandise is available to anyone at aretail source. A symbolic prize is a t ophy made of gold,silve ,ceramic, glass or the like which is permanently and distinctively engraved. A testimonial award recommended to notable performances or contributions to golf as distinguished from competition prizes.A testimonial award may not be a monetary award. 3-1.Playing for Prize Money An Amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money. 3-2.Prize Limits a.General An Amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize )or prize voucher of retail value in excess of the prescribed limits.These limits apply to the total prizes or prize vouchers eceived by an Amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions,excluding any hole- in-one prize. In Europe Ł300 or the equivalent Elsewhere $US500 or the equivalent or such lesser figure as may be decided by the Governing Body. b.Hole-in-One Prizes The limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a apply to a prize for a hole-in-one. However,such a prize may be accepted in addition to any other prize won in the same competition. c.Exchanging Prizes An Amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for cash. Exception:An Amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to a national or county union and thereafter be eimbursed from the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating in a golf competition,p ovided the eimbursement of such expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2. Note 1:The onus of proving the retail value of a prize with the Committee in charge of the competition. Note 2:It is recommended that the total value of scratch prizes,or each division of handicap prizes,should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition,three times in a 36-hole competition,four times in a 54-hole competition and five times in a 72-hole competition. 3-3.Testimonial Awards a.General An Amateur golfer must not accept a testimonial award of retail value in excess of the limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a. b.Multiple Awards An Amateur golfer may accept more than one testimonial award from different donors,even though their total retail value exceeds the prescribed limit,provided they are not presented so as to evade the limit for a single award. Rule 4: Expenses Definitions The Governing Body for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note:In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body . A junior golfer is an Amateur golfer who has not eached his 18th birthday in the year prior to the event,unless a different age is decided by the Governing Body . 4-1.General Except as provided in the Rules ,an Amateur golfer must not accept expenses,in money or otherwise,from any source to play in a golf competition or exhibition. 4-2.Receipt of Expenses An Amateur golfer may eceive expenses,not exceeding the actual expenses incurred,to play in a golf competition or exhibition as follows: a.Family support An Amateur golfer may eceive expenses from a member of his family or a legal guardian. b.Junior Golfers A junior golfer may eceive expenses when competing in a competition limited exclusively to junior golfers. c.Team Events (i)An Amateur golfer ,who is epresenting his country, county or club (or similar body)in a team competition or at a training camp may eceive expenses;and (ii)An Amateur golfer ,who is epresenting his country by taking part in a national championship abroad immediately before or after an international team competition may eceive expenses. The expenses must be paid by the body he epresents o the body controlling golf in the country he is visiting. d.Individual Events An Amateur golfer may eceive expenses when competing in individual events p ovided he complies with the following provisions: (i) The player must be nominated to play in the competition by either his club,county or national union. (ii) Where the competition is to take place in the player ’s own country and the nomination has been made by a club or county union,the approval of the national union,or the county union in the area in which the competition is to be staged,must first be obtained. (iii) Where the competition is to take place in another country,the approval of the national union of the country in which the competition is to be staged and, if the nominating body is not the national union of the country from which the nomination is made,the approval of the national union must first be obtained by the nominating body. (iv) The expenses must be paid only by the national union or county union esponsible in the area from which the nomination is made or,subject to the approval of the nominating body,by the body controlling golf in the territory he is visiting. (v) The expenses must be limited to a specific number of competitive days in any one calendar year as may be determined by the Governing Body in the country from which the nomination is made. The expenses are deemed to include easonable travelling time and practice days in connection with the competitive days. e.Celebrities,Business Associates,etc. An Amateur golfer who is invited to take part in a competition for easons unrelated to golf skill may eceive expenses. f.Exhibitions An Amateur golfer who is participating in an exhibition in aid of arecognised charity may eceive expenses,p ovided that the exhibition is not un in connection with another golfing event. g.Sponsored Handicap Competitions An Amateur golfer may eceive expenses when competing in a sponsored handicap competition,p ovided the competition has been approved as follows: (i) Where the competition is to take place in the player ’s own country,the annual approval of the Governing Body must first be obtained in advance by the sponsor;and (ii) Where the competition is to take place in more than one country or involves golfers from another country, the approval of the two or more Governing Bodies must first be obtained in advance by the sponsor.The application for this approval should be sent to the Governing Body in the country where the competition commences. Rule 5: Instruction Definitions Instruction covers teaching the physical aspects of playing golf i.e. the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a golf ball. A junior golfer is an Amateur golfer who has not eached his 18th birthday in the year prior to the event,unless a different age is decided by the Governing Body . 5-1.General Except as provided in the Rules ,an Amateur golfer must not eceive payment or compensation for giving instruction in playing golf. 5-2.Where Payment Permitted a.Schools,Colleges,etc. An Amateur golfer ,who is an employee of an educational institution or system,may eceive payment o compensation for golf instruction to students of the institution or system,provided that during a year the total time devoted to golf instruction comprises less than 50 percent of the time spent in the performance of all duties as such an employee. b.Junior Golfers An Amateur golfer may eceive expenses,not exceeding the actual expenses incurred,for giving golf instruction to junior golfers as part of a p ogramme which has been approved in advance by the Governing Body. 5-3.Instruction in WritingAn Amateur golfer may eceive payment or compensation for instruction in writing,p ovided his ability or eputation as a golfer was not a major factor in his employment or in the commission or sale of his work. Note:Instruction does not cover the many psychological aspects of the game or the Rules or Etiquette of Golf. Rule 6: Use of Golf Skill or Reputation Definitions Generally, an Amateur golfer is only considered to have golf skill if he has gained epresentative honours at county o national level.Golf eputation can only be gained through golf skill and does not include p ominence for service to the game of golf as an administrato .It is a matter for a Governing Body to decide whether a particular Amateur golfer has golf skill or reputation . The Governing Body for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note:In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body . Instruction covers teaching the physical aspects of playing golf i.e. the actual mechanics of swinging a golf club and hitting a golf ball. 6-1.General Except as provided in the Rules ,an Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or eputation to promote,advertise or sell anything or for any financial gain. 6-2.Lending Name or Likeness An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or eputation to obtain payment,compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain for allowing his name or likeness to be used for the advertisement or sale of anything. Note:An Amateur golfer may accept equipment from anyone dealing in such equipment provided no adve tising is involved. 6-3.Personal Appearance An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or eputation to obtain payment,compensation,personal benefit or any financial gain for a personal appearance. Exception:An Amateur golfer may eceive actual expenses in connection with a personal appearance provided no golf competition or exhibition is involved. 6-4.Broadcasting and Writing An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not use that skill or eputation to obtain payment,compensation, personal benefit or any financial gain for broadcasting concerning golf or writing golf articles or books. Exception: An Amateur golfer may eceive payment, compensation,personal benefit or any financial gain from broadcasting or writing provided: (a)the player is actually the author of the commentary, article or books;and (b)instruction in playing golf is not included. 6-5.Grants,Scholarships and Bursaries An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept the benefits of a g ant,scholarship or bursary,except one whose terms and conditions have been approved by the Governing Body. 6-6.Membership An Amateur golfer of golf skill or reputation must not accept an offer of membership in a Golf club without full payment for the class of membership if such an offer is made as an inducement to play for that Club. Rule 7. Other Conduct Incompatible with Amateurism Definitions An Amateur golfer is one who plays the game as a non-emunerative and non-profit-making sport and who does not eceive emuneration for teaching golf or for other activities because of golf skill or reputation ,except as provided in the Rules . The term Rule or Rules efers to the Rules of Amateur Status as determined by the Governing Body . 7-1.Conduct Detrimental to Golf An Amateur golfer must not act in a manner which is considered detrimental to the best interests of the game. 7-2.Conduct ontrary to the Purpose and Spirit of the Rules An Amateur golfer must not take any action,including actions relating to golf gambling,which is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules . Rule 8.Procedure for Enforcement of the Rules Definitions The Committee is the appropriate Committee of the Governing Body. The Governing Body for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note:In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body . 8-1.Decision on a Breach If a possible by each of the Rules by a person claiming to be an Amateur golfer comes to the attention of the Committee ,it is a matter for the Committee to decide whether a by each has occurred. Each case will be investigated to the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee and considered on its merits.The decision of the Committee shall be final, subject to an Appeal as provided in these Rules . 8-2.Enforcement Upon a decision that a person has breached the Rules ,the Committee may declare the Amateur Status of the person forfeited or equire the person to efrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of etaining his Amateur Status. The Committee must use its best endeavours to ensure that the person is notified and may notify any interested golf union of any action taken under Rule 8-2. 8-3.Appeals Procedure A person affected by a decision made by the Amateur Status Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews in espect of the enforcement of these Rules , may aise an appeal of that decision with the Amateur Status Appeals Committee. Note:Each Governing Body should put in place a procedure whereby any decision in espect of forfeiture of Amateur Status may be appealed by the person affected by such decision. Rule 9.Reinstatement of Amateur Status Definitions The Committee is the appropriate Committee of the Governing Body . The Governing Body for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the national union of that country. Note:In Great Britain and Ireland,the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews is the Governing Body . 9-1.The Committee Has sole power to einstate a person to Amateur Status or to denyreinstatement,subject to an Appeal as provided in these Rules .Each application for einstatement shall be considered on its merits. 9-2.Applications for Reinstatement In considering an application forreinstatement,the Committee shall normally be guided by the following principles: a.Awaiting Reinstatement The Professional is considered to hold an advantage over the Amateur golfer by eason of having devoted himself to the game as his profession;other persons infringing the Rules also obtain advantages not available to the Amateur golfer .They do not necessarily lose such advantages merely by deciding to cease infringing the Rules .Therefore,an applicant for einstatement to Amateur Status must undergo a period awaitingreinstatement as p escribed by the Committee . The period awaitingreinstatement starts from the date of the person ’s last breach of the Rules unless the Committee decides that it starts from the date when the person ’s last breach became known to the Committee . b.Period Awaiting Reinstatement (i)Professionalism The period awaitingreinstatement is normally elated to the period the person was in by each.However,no applicant is normally eligible forreinstatement until he has cConducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least one year. It is recommended that the following guidelines on periods awaitingreinstatement are applied by the Committee: Period of by each:Period Awaiting Reinstatement: under 2 years 1 year 2-10 years 2 years over 10 years 3 years The Committee reserves the right to extend or to shorten such a period. Players of national prominence who have been in breach for more than five years are not normally eligible forreinstatement. (ii)Other Breaches of the Rules The period awaitingreinstatement is normally elated to the seriousness of the breach,i.e. the value of the excessive prize,the amount of unauthorised expenses eceived,etc. However,no applicant is normally eligible for einstatement until he has cConducted himself in accordance with the Rules for a period of at least two years. The Committee reserves the right to extend or shorten such a period. (iii)Second Reinstatement The period awaitingreinstatement is normally three years irrespective of the period of by each. The Committee reserves the right to extend or shorten such a period. c.Number of Reinstatements A person is not normally einstated more than twice. d.Status While Awaiting Reinstatement During the period awaiting reinstatement an applicant forreinstatement must comply with these Rules as they apply to an Amateur golfer . He is not eligible to enter competitions as an Amateur golfer . However,he may enter competitions and win a prize solely among members of a club of which he is a member,subject to the approval of the Club;but he may not epresent such club against other Clubs. 9-3.Procedure for Applications Each application forreinstatement must be submitted to the Committee ,in accordance with such procedures as may be laid down and it must include such information as the Committee may equire. 9-4.Appeals Procedure A person affected by a decision made by the Amateur Status Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St. Andrews in espect ofreinstatement of Amateur Status,may aise an appeal of that decision with the Amateur Status Appeals Committee. Note:Each Governing Body should put in place a procedure whereby any decision in espect ofreinstatement of Amateur Status may be appealed by the person affected by such a decision. Rule 10. Committe Decision Definition The Committee is the appropriate Committee of the Governing Body . 10-1.Committee ’s Decision The Committee ’s decision is final,subject to an Appeal as provided in Rules 8-3 and 9-4. 10-2.Doubt as to Rules If the Committee considers the case to be doubtful or not cove ed by the Rules ,it may,prior to making its decision, consult with the Amateur Status Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf club of St.Andrews.