NJSGA Tournament Policies
During NJSGA Tournaments, the Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA and the R&A govern all play and are supplemented by Local Rules and Conditions. Local rules, conditions of competition and general tournament policies can be found on the NJSGA "hard card." Players should refer to each competition’s “Player Information Sheet” which is prepared specifically for that event and is available 7-10 days prior to each competition and the “Notice to Competitors” available on the starting tee(s) at each competition.
All competitors participating in NJSGA events are expected to understand the Conditions of Competition and Pace of Play policy. Please note: For USGA Competitions, Local Rules and Conditions differ from the below. Be sure to verify specific equipment and other policies prior to participating.
2023 Policies & Procedures
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2023 NJSGA Hard Card
170 KB pdf
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2023 NJSGA Pace of Play Policy - Stroke Play
284 KB pdf
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NJSGA Cart Policy
265 KB pdf
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NJSGA Equipment Policies (Includes Groove Rule Condition of Competition)
208 KB pdf
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NJSGA Media Rights Policy
152 KB pdf
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Rule 25 Modifications
158 KB pdf
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Spectators Guide
211 KB pdf
Tournament Entry
NJSGA Championships are open to bona-fide members of NJSGA clubs and courses who meet all event-specific eligibility requirements (i.e., Handicap Index, age, gender, club/course affiliation). With the exception of the Open and Senior Open Championships (which maintain separate eligibility standards for Golf Professionals), a player who wishes to participate in a NJSGA event must possess unquestionable Amateur Status and appear on the official GHIN Handicap roster at a NJSGA member club/course at the time of entry through the conclusion of the event. Visit www.njsga.org for more details. Championship entries close on each event's specified date and time. The NJSGA does not accept late entries.
Conduct and Courtesy
It is the shared privilege of the NJSGA and tournament competitors to be welcomed by many fine clubs and courses for tournament play. As guests, competitors share the responsibility of demonstrating exemplary conduct, sportsmanship, and courtesy at all times. This is a key to ensure that our hosts welcome us again.
Further, competitors are reminded that the game of golf is centered around integrity and proper etiquette. Behavior contrary to this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Competitors and their caddies must comply with the following:
- Abide by the posted dress code.
- Abide by the club's cell phone / electronic device policy.
- Use the locker room for change of shoes and clothing.
- Exercise great care for the golf course - replace divots, repair ball marks, and rake bunkers.
Acts which may result in disciplinary action include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Failure to comply with any of the above.
- Use of profanity, either in frustration or directed toward another individual.
- Inappropriate, derogatory, or abusive language/gestures directed toward the host club, host club staff member, or a NJSGA Committee / Staff Member.
- Disruptive or distracting behavior.
- Throwing of equipment.
- Intentionally causing damage to the golf course or objects on course property.
- Use of cell phone / electronic device for purposes other than those permitted by the Rules.
- Other unbecoming or inappropriate conduct as determined by the NJSGA.
Dress Code
The dress code is established by both the NJSGA and the host club. It applies to all players and caddies.
- Prohibited Dress Includes Jeans/denim, t-shirts, tank tops, cargo shorts/pants, “short” shorts, sandals, and flip-flops. Mock turtlenecks are also PROHIBITED at many of our tournament venues.
- Shirts MUST be tucked in at all times.
- Soft spikes are mandatory. No shoes with spikes are permitted in the Clubhouse.
- Hats must be worn forward and must be REMOVED when in the Clubhouse.
- Any other clothing deemed inappropriate by the NJSGA or the host club is also PROHIBITED.
Refunds
All requests for refund must be made by sending an email to info@njsga.org or by calling 908-241-GOLF.
For refunds PRIOR to the close of entries:
Entrant will be refunded his/her entry fee minus a $25.00 service charge (regardless of reason). For team events, a player may be substituted only with prior approval from the NJSGA, otherwise a $50.00 service charge applies.
For refunds AFTER the close of entries:
No refund will be issued after the close of entries EXCEPT in the case of injury or sudden illness as supported by official documentation (i.e., physician's note). In this case, entry fee will be refunded minus a $25.00 service charge. For team events, a player may be substituted only with prior approval from the NJSGA, otherwise a $50.00 service charge applies.
No refunds shall be issued in the following cases:
- After the tournament start date
- For withdrawal due to reasons other than illness/injury
- For no-shows
- Due to weather (unless event postponed)
For those who enter on-line, refunds will be applied to the entrant’s credit card. For those who enter via paper entry, refunds will be issued by check.