The Washington Junior Golf Association has announced its COVID-19 Policies and Procedures for the 2020 tournament season. The policies will be implemented at the start of the 2020 season on Monday, July 13th and remain in place through the summer. The policy is subject to change at anytime depending on the rules and regulations set by local and state governments:

PDF Copy of 2020 WJGA COVID Policies

The highest priority of the Washington Junior Golf Association (WJGA) is protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all players, spectators, volunteers, host facility staff, and WJGA staff when participating in a WJGA tournament. The following are a set of policies and procedures the WJGA has created for upcoming association operations. The WJGA has created these policies and procedures to keep golf safe and follow guidelines set forth by local and state government officials.

It is the responsibility of our WJGA member families & friends to fully read, understand, and follow these policies and procedures set forth by the WJGA. Not adhering to these policies and procedures may result in a WJGA Code of Conduct violation and any penalty that may come with it.

Self-Screening

All WJGA players, spectators, volunteers and WJGA staff are expected to self-screen prior to being on-site at tournaments. WJGA asks that you please stay at home if you do not feel well, have a fever, and/or display any signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19. Refunds will be issued to encourage your safe cooperation.

General Safety and Sanitization Guidelines for Participating in WJGA events

• Players must practice social distancing at all times while on property i.e. maintain a six-foot distance from others (except household members). This includes the driving range, practice putting green, teeing area, etc.
• Per Washington State Mandate, masks must be worn indoors, including inside clubhouse and pro shop.
• Sanitizer will be available at starting tees and scoring areas.
• Scores will be posted online only. There will be no physical scoreboards.
• There will be no awards ceremonies. 1^st and 2^nd place trophies will be given out immediately after the completion of play in each division if convenient. If a player does not receive their trophy they will be mailed.
• Players and spectators are requested to leave the golf course as soon as possible after the round to avoid gatherings.
• Players should not participate in traditional handshakes or hugs, prior to, during or after the round.

COVID-19 Tournament Operations

Walking Scorers

• Every player in the 8-11 and 12-13 divisions will be required to have a walking scorer for each round they play. The walking scorer may be a parent, guardian, sibling (at least 16 years old), or family friend. The walking scorer will receive the scorecard at the starting tee and serve as the official score keeper for the round.

Arrival Time

• It is recommended that players and spectators arrive at the golf course no earlier than forty-five (45) minutes prior to their starting time.

Registration

• WJGA is suspending pre-tournament onsite registration this year.

Clubhouse Access

• No required WJGA activities will take place inside the clubhouse; however, based on facility policy, the clubhouse may be open to players, and spectators.

Driving Range / Practice Facilities

• The driving range and practice facilities may be limited or unavailable depending on the facility. Course specific driving range information will be sent to players by email prior to each tournament.

Starting Tee

• Players must be near their assigned starting tee 15 minutes prior to their tee time. The starter will announce groups into the teeing area once it is ready.
• Players will be given their scorecards, notice to competitors and be advised about all the rules of the day.
• Starter’s boxes will be removed from all starting tees. Players should come prepared with tees, ball markers, pencils, permanent markers, sunscreen, bug-spray, etc.
• Each player or walking scorer will keep their own score and the score of another player in the group.

Bunkers / Rakes

• Bunker rakes will be removed from the golf course. If they are not, please do not touch any rake.
• Modified preferred lies in the bunker – Lift, Clean & Drop: Player may drop a ball at knee height in the same bunker, within 1 club-length of the original spot, not nearer the hole. The ball must remain in the bunker.
• Players are encouraged to smooth sand with their feet or club before they leave the bunker.

Flagstick / Hole

• Players must not touch or remove the flagstick at any time. Touching or removing the flagstick is a violation of our updated code of conduct policy and may result in penalty.
• Ball must be holed out no matter the preventative measure taken place to avoid touching the flagstick (i.e. pool noodles, cups cut upside-down, etc.).

Scoring

• Do not swap scorecards at scoring.
• Players will verbally verify each other’s scores. Two signatures will not be required and the card will be considered signed when verbally agreed to and all players have left the scoring area.
• There will be no playoffs. If there is a tie for 1st place, there will be co-champions, and any ties for final qualifying spots will be determined by scorecard playoff.

Ball Washers and Benches

• Since it may be impracticable for host facilities to remove their ball washers and benches from the golf course, the WJGA recommends players do not use them if they are present.

Spectator Guidelines

• There will be no limit to the number of spectators that may attend a WJGA tournament. Spectators on-site will be required to maintain proper social distance of at least 6 feet from everyone except for people from their same household. It is recommended that spectators 65 years of age or older, or spectators with pre-existing health conditions carefully consider their participation in the event.
• Spectator carts must be preapproved per WJGA policy (i.e. disability/handicap placard). Only one person may ride in the cart at any time (unless the approved person cannot drive a golf cart, then two people would be allowed).
• Spectators will not be allowed on the driving range or practice putting green.

Food and Beverage / Water

• Players must be prepared to start the round with their own water.
• Spectators are highly encouraged to carry extra water and food with them as on-course water may be severely limited or not available.
• Golf course food available for purchase may be limited depending on the facility. Course specific information will be emailed to tournament participants prior to each tournament.

**Guidelines are subject to change at any time **

Posted in Junior Golf