CODE OF CONDUCT
OVERVIEW
Following the work of a sub-committee, the following 'code of conduct and associated procedures' was presented and passed at AGM-06. It covers matters relating to ‘Men’s Club’ activities and includes four key areas: What is deemed to be inappropriate / unacceptable behaviour on the golf course, in the club’s facilities or during any activity organised by the ‘Men’s Club’ How the handling of such indiscipline should be processed How complaints by members and non-members should be handled How a grievance by a member should be handled
DEFINITIONS
Misconduct Defined
Behaviour / Etiquette
Sanctions
Complaints & Grievances Procedures
DEFINITIONS
Definition of indiscipline:
(see misconduct below)
Definition of Complaint:
‘An expression of dissatisfaction which needs a response from the men’s club’
Definition of Grievance:
‘An expression of dissatisfaction relating to how a procedural matter was handled by the men’s club’
Note: References to ‘the club’ relate to the ‘men’s club’ of Millicent Golf and Country Club
MISCONDUCT DEFINED
Misconduct for the purposes of this Code is improper interference, in the broadest sense, with the proper functioning or activities of the Club, or those who work or play in the Club; or action which otherwise damages the Club.
Subject to the general definition above, the following shall constitute misconduct:
Disruption of, or improper interference with the administrative, sporting, social or other activities of the club, whether on club premises or elsewhere;
Obstruction of, or improper interference with the functions, duties or activities of any fellow member, member of staff or other employee of the company or any authorised visitor.
Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive behaviour or language whilst on club premises or engaged in any club activity;
Fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to the club or its staff or in connection with holding any office in the club or in relation to being a member of the club;
Behaviour likely to cause injury or impair safety on club premises;
Sexual, racial or any other form of personal harassment of any fellow member, member of staff or other employee of the club or any authorised visitor;
The use of any unfair means in competition;
Damage to, or defacement of, club property or the property of other members of the club caused intentionally or recklessly, or misappropriation of such property;
Misuse or unauthorised use of club premises or items of property, including computer misuse;
Conduct which constitutes a criminal offence where that conduct took place on club premises, or affected or concerned other members of the club or members of the public, or itself constitutes misconduct within the terms of these Regulations, or is an offence of dishonesty, where the member holds an office of responsibility in the club;
Behaviour which brings or is likely to bring the club into disrepute failure to comply with a previously-imposed penalty, requirement or undertaking under these Regulations;
This code applies to all members of The Men’s Club
Appropriate behaviour and golf etiquette for members of The Men’s Club
Subject to the broad examples of misconduct, this code of conduct specifically states that the following are examples of appropriate etiquette
All the rules of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (generally referred to as ‘the rules of golf’) apply, without exception. So too do the rules and regulations governed by CONGU.
All local rules, as displayed in the clubhouse or on the score card must be adhered to Competitors must report to clubhouse before commencement of play.
Players should book tee time by 12am on Friday of each week.
Players must turn up in good time prior to tee time.
Competitors who are late will forfeit their allotted time and will wait until a time is available. A record will be kept of all late-comers and of all who fail to give adequate notice of a cancellation.
Before commencement of play in a competition the member must pay the entry fee, sign in the book and swipe the card (where applicable).
While playing on the course:
Show respect to fellow golfers and staff.
Do not enter plantations
Avoid slow play at all times.
Repair plug marks on the greens.
No player shall play until the group in front are out of range.
If a match fails to keep its place and loses in distance more than one clear hole on those in front it may be passed on request being made.
Players searching for a ball should signal oncoming players to pass them.
While practicing on the course a player shall not play more than two balls.
Please advise your playing guests that only soft spiked shoes are allowed.
Always repair divots and any plug marks you see on the green, whether left by you or others.
Bunkers must be carefully raked after your stroke.
Leave the rake inside the bunker afterwards Mark scorecards only after you leave the green.
Players must mark one another’s scorecard after each hole.
While playing in competition:
The number of shots must be recorded by the marker of the scorecard.
Competitors should return all cards in competitions.
Scorecards must be signed and have correct handicap and date.
Local rules posted in the clubhouse or on entry to the course must be observed without exception.
Only fully paid up members can participate in club competitions after 31st March, each year.
It is the responsibility of each member to maintain his handicap record. When a good score has been achieved in Millicent or elsewhere, it is the player’s responsibility to adjust his handicap according to the CONGU rules.
All notable scores obtained in other courses, including with societies, must be brought to the attention of the Handicap Secretary and recorded on the members’ notice board.
Note: The above is not meant to be an exclusive list of rules or etiquette.
SANCTIONS
The following sanctions may be imposed any one or more of the following penalties:
a reprimand;
a written warning;
suspension from men’s club competition;
Proposing to the GUI the suspension of the member’s handicap;
with the consent of the member,
a requirement that the member gives an undertaking as to future conduct in such terms and containing such conditions as the Committee may prescribe, breach of the undertaking to constitute misconduct;
In the case of the charges pertaining to cheating that the member be disqualified and any prize pertaining be withdrawn/returned;
Exclusion for a stated period or permanently from any part of the golf course or from the use of any of the facilities of the club;
Suspension for a stated period from membership of the men’s club; xpulsion from membership of the men’s club.
All matters appearing to breach this code of conduct shall be processed as follows:
COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES PROCEDURES
All complaints or grievances must be in written form (by letter or by e-mail), and addressed directly to one of the following:
the Men’s Club Captain,
Secretary or relevant member of the committee (e.g. a handicap issue goes to the Handicap Secretary).
(In all cases a copy should be sent to the Secretary)
(Receipt of the correspondence will be acknowledged)
Subsequently, the matter will be dealt with in one of the following ways:
If the complaint relates to a matter of illegality or of indiscipline / misconduct by a member it will be referred to the Men’s Club Committee for consideration under the Discipline Procedure (above)
If the complaint / grievance refers to a decision made by the Men’s Club Committee the matter will be handled as follows:
Where possible, and if of a minor nature, the matter may be resolved by the relevant committee member or by the Captain or the Secretary or by a member appointed by the Captain.
Where this is not possible the complaint / grievance will be discussed by the committee, normally at the next ordinary monthly meeting. The committee may decide to do one or more of the following:
Make a final judgement
Seek clarification from the complainant and /or from related parties or from Council or from GUI or other body.
Refer the matter to the Discipline Procedures.
Set up a review group who must report back at the next ordinary meeting or before. This review group will be convened and chaired by the Vice-Captain unless he is directly involved.
Invite the complainant to address the committee.
Refer the matter to the Men’s Club AGM, to ‘Council’ or to the GUI.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Men’s Club Committee he may either refer the matter back to the committee for reconsideration or refer the matter to Council or seek to raise the matter at the AGM or pursue other routes as he sees fit.