DUTY OF CARE AND CHILD PROTECTION.
CHILD PROTECTION AND EQUITY STATEMENT.
Adults interacting with children/young people in sport are in a position of trust and influence and should always ensure that children are treated with integrity and respect and that their self esteem is enhanced. All adult actions in sport should be guided by what is best for the child/young person and carried out in the context of respectful and open relationships. Verbal, physical, emotional, racial or sexual abuse of any kind or threat of such abuse is totally unacceptable within sport, as in society in general. Adults working with children/young people have a responsibility to protect them. All contact with juniors must remain proper and professional.
The club has a child protection and equity policy in place to ensure the welfare of each child at the golf club until their eighteenth birthday. The procedures include CRB checks and references being taken up for all key personnel and volunteers, and the training for all those involved with juniors.
The Pottergate Child Protection and Equity Policy are kept by:-
· The Junior Organiser.
· The Club Welfare Officer.
· The Secretary.
· At Reception.
INSURANCE.
Parents should check that their insurance covers their children on the golf course, including accidents and loss of equipment.
The golf club is not responsible for anything left, lost or damaged at the club.
PROFILE AND CONSENT FORMS.
When joining the club parents and juniors have to complete a Junior Profile form and sign a Consent form. Until these are returned, completed and signed the junior will NOT be allowed to take part in any activity on the course or in the club. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the club informed of any changes during the year.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR JUNIORS.
It is important that acceptable standards of behaviour are maintained. Anyone found breaking the rules may be disciplined. Continued contravention of the rules may lead to suspension and the junior may be asked to leave the club.
the dress code at Pottergate golf club is:-
· Dress in a manner that is appropriate to golf.
· Tracksuit or jogger bottoms, football shirts/shorts, are not permitted.
· Spiked shoes and hats are not to be worn in the bar/lounge area or conservatory.
· The club has adopted a soft spike rule.
Juniors must be aware that when visiting other clubs they must comply with the dress code of that club. If necessary contact that club and check what is acceptable.
STRUCTURE.
The junior section is run by the Junior Organiser.
All issues regarding the junior section are put before the committee before they can be implemented.
The club has a Welfare Officer whose responsibility it is to form a link between juniors, parents, club members and the junior organiser.
Any suggestions or issues that either you or parents may have can be discussed or submitted to the junior organiser or club welfare officer.
Contact numbers are available from reception or are displayed on the junior notice board.
JUNIOR CAPTAIN/VICE CAPTAIN.
The Junior Captain will start his/her term at the Annual General Meeting. This position will be taken by the previous years Vice Captain.
The Junior Vice Captain will also be appointed at the Annual General Meeting. The Junior Organiser will publish a list of juniors who in his/her opinion are eligible to be appointed to the position The main committee will then select a junior vice captain at a time that is convenient to them before the AGM.
To qualify for Junior Vice Captain it is preferable that the junior has a maximum handicap of 20 for a boy and 30 for a girl, that their handicap is held at Pottergate and that they are able to play in league matches, which are usually played on Saturdays throughout the summer. It is also important that they are in full compliance with the policies and procedures of Pottergate golf club.
The Junior Organiser has the right to remove any junior from his/her position within the club if he believes that their conduct or behaviour is not what is expected. This would only be done with the consent of the committee after discussion with parents and club welfare officer.
COMPETITIONS.
Juniors will be expected to play in at least 3 junior stablefords, 3 junior medals and if possible the 2 main competitions. It should also be noted that a junior member of Pottergate golf club has the right to play in club competitions, however, some restrictions do apply.
A junior may play in any junior competition and have his/her card marked by another junior.
In a club competition The committee of Pottergate golf club have stated that a junior who wishes to play in any club competition including medals must have his/her card marked by a full member. If a junior wishes to enter a club board competition then he or she MUST have submitted at least 2 cards signed by a full member, within the previous 12 months.
A ROUGH GUIDE TO COMPETITIONS.
STABLEFORD.
Points are awarded for your score on each hole on either a nett or handicap basis. You are allocated shots at some or all of the holes according to your handicap and the allowance of the competition. Record your nett score for each hole and then award yourself points- 1 point for bogey, 2 for a par, 3 for a birdie, 4 for an eagle and 5 if you bag an albatross (fat chance). Anything worse than a bogey, pick up and stop wasting everyone else’s time.
Two players form a team and hit alternate shots at each hole until they hole out. One player tees off at even holes and the other on odd holes. Handicap allowance is half of the combined total of both players. Played to strict matchplay rules.
FOURBALL-BETTERBALL.
Teams of two play their own ball and count the “better-ball” score on each hole. Played in matchplay, handicaps are three-quarters of the difference from the lowest handicap player.
There are many other formats. If you are not sure how to play a particular competition then ask the organiser, professional or any member.
HANDICAPS.
A golf handicap allows people of different abilities to play together and compete on an equal basis. A golf course is given a par score which is the number of strokes it should take to go round the course. Your handicap is the number of strokes above par it takes you. As you get better your handicap drops.
You can get a handicap by completing three cards on the course. Depending on your age this could be over 9 or 18 holes. Cards must be marked by a full member of the club, or some designated by the junior organiser. The cards must be marked signed correctly and handed in.
It is recommended that ALL juniors submit at least 3 cards signed by a full member annually to maintain their handicap.
This can be achieved by playing in club monthly medals with a full member. Any junior failing to maintain their handicap annually will have their handicap assessed by the committee and run the risk of losing it.
RULES.
Golf is played by a specific set of rules. You must know these before you start playing in competitions. You may get a set of rules from the junior organiser or professional.
LOCKERS.
There are a number of lockers available for club members. To obtain a locker see Mr R Mawer.
The male junior notice board is in the gentlemen’s changing room.
The female junior notice board is in the ladies room.
These boards are for information and must be treated as such, anyone found defacing notices will be subjected to disciplinary procedures in line with the club constitution.
CONTACTS.
On the notice board is the contact numbers for the junior organiser and club welfare officer all other numbers for club officials are available from reception.
Juniors contact numbers should not be displayed on the notice board, these numbers are available from reception.
COURTESY ON THE COURSE.
· Players should make sure no one will be hit by a club or a ball when they swing.
· The player with the honour should play first.
· Don’t move, talk or stand close behind the player when they are addressing the ball or making a stroke.
· Do not play until the players in front are out of range.
· Players should keep up with the game in front and not hold up the game behind.
· If you are looking for a ball allow the next game through do not wait five minutes.
· When you have completed a hole move quickly to the next tee. Mark your cards at the next tee not on the green.
· Always leave your bags/trollies at the side of the green nearest to the next tee.
· Be aware of your shadow on the putting green. Do not stand in a place that causes your shadow to be cast across another player or that players putting line.
· Never walk through a playing partners putting line. Your footprints might alter the path of a partners putt. Step over the putting line, or walk around (behind) the partners’ ball.
CARE OF THE COURSE
.
· Make sure you rake a bunker after you have been in it.
· Always enter and leave a bunker at its lowest point.
· Replace divots, repair ball marks and damage by spikes.
· Do not put your bags/trollies on the green or tee as this damages them.
· Standing too near the hole can damage it.
· Make sure to replace the flag.
· When making practice swings avoid causing damage to the course particularly on the tees..
WHICH TEE.
At Pottergate golf club it is recommended that junior boys play off the red tees until they have a handicap of 28 when they can move to the yellow and white tees. Junior girls always play off red tees.
HOW DO I SCORE.
Golf scoring is quite simple. Every time you swing at that little white ball, that’s a stroke. Every time you make a stroke, count it. At the end of each hole, add up your strokes for that hole and write it down. At the end of the round, add up the strokes for each hole and, there you have it, your golf score. There are some circumstances where every golfer will have to take penalty strokes here and there, at least, if you’re playing strictly by the rules.
Score in relation to par is also very easy to understand and compute. Each hole is given a number representing “par” the number of strokes it should take a golfer to finish that hole. If the par is 4 and you make a 5, then your score in relation to par is 1 over. If the par is 4 and you make a 3, then your score in relation to par is 1 under.
If par for a course is 72 and you finished with a 92, then your score is 20 over.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF.
Four hours is the estimated time most people take to play 18 holes.
The actual time depends on how busy the course is, how many people you are playing with and how many strokes everyone takes (a round of 72 will be faster than a round of 112). A foursome playing a very crowded course might end up spending 5 or even 6 hours on the golf course.
To keep things moving, all friendly matches should be played by the principles of “ready golf”.
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Balls.
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Tee pegs.
·
Glove.
·
Hat.
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Marker pen.
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Pen or pencil.
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Pitch mark repairer.
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Rule book.
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Scorecard.
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Drink.
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Towel.
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Umbrella.
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Waterproofs.
Also make sure you have no more than 14 clubs in your bag.
NOTE TO PARENTS.
Please make sure that you always drop your child off and pick them up at the club and that you know what time, where and by whom
they are being collected. If you are going to be late you must contact the club so a message can be relayed to them.
It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that children arrive at away matches/competitions on time and are collected at the end. If you have any problems please contact the junior organiser or professional and they will try to arrange alternative transport arrangements.
Juniors playing in away matches or competitions must still follow the Pottergate Code of Conduct. They are representing the club and therefore must behave. They must make sure they are dressed correctly and must be aware of the dress code of the club they are visiting. Some clubs ask for shirts ties and jackets to be worn for prize giving, please be aware of this.
JUNIOR MEMBERS.
Pottergate Golf Club promotes a child friendly environment where the safety of its junior members is paramount.
Every effort is being made at the club to ensure that all juniors have the opportunity to play golf at whatever level they feel comfortable with.
The Pottergate Child Protection and Equity Policy has been put in place to give all people associated with children/young people guidelines on best practice regarding the behaviour and treatment that children/young people should expect, to allow them to enjoy sport in a safe and open environment. You as the individual have rights and therefore it would be advisable for you to read the club policy. A copy is available at reception for general use.
To this end, you as a child/young person have a duty of care to yourself and others and being a member of Pottergate Golf Club are asked to comply with the following:-
1.
All juniors must ensure that their parents/carers know where they are and who they are with.
2.
Treat each other with respect. Make sure there is no bullying or harassment to each other. If you are concerned talk to the Junior Organiser. Contact number is displayed on the junior notice boards.
3.
Use correct and proper language at all times.
4.
Be a role model to other juniors.
5.
Whenever possible carry a mobile phone with you at all times. This should be switched off on the course and used only in emergencies. It is advisable for emergency numbers including the golf club number stored. The club number is 01522 794867. If you feel in danger phone 999.
6.
Play fair. Golf is a game of trust and honesty. Do not cheat.
7.
Make sure the fairway or green is clear before making your shot. Shout “FORE” if you think a ball may come to rest near or hit another player on the course. (IF IN DOUBT SHOUT).
8.
Allow faster games through.
9.
Dress in a manner appropriate to golf.
10.
Keep the locker room tidy; do not leave items on the floor.
11.
Do not deface notices, they are for information.
12.
Do not be late for games, this includes away matches and competitions.
13.
Be courteous to members of the club, other juniors and visitors.
14.
Be extremely careful when retrieving golf balls from water hazards.
15.
Do not enter any of the fields which border the golf course. They are private property and you stand liable to prosecution for trespass.
16.
Read the junior handbook and observe its content, including the guidelines on safety.