Since 1998, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) has championed not only the development of young golfers but also the integrity of the game itself. One of the cornerstone initiatives that upholds this commitment is the annual in-house "rules school". Rules school is a unique training program where the operations and tournament business affairs department receive expert instruction from the United States Golf Association (USGA) on the rules of golf.
Rules school is an intensive process that begins in late October and runs through January, when AJGA staff members take the USGA Rules Test. Despite many of the staff members coming to the AJGA without a traditional background in golf, they have embraced the challenge. Over the course of three months, tournament directors review every rule in the USGA's Official Guide to the Rules of Golf. In January, the USGA leads an in-house workshop for three full days, culminating with the 100-question USGA Rules Test.
"Rules school is a key part of our operation at the AJGA. By thoroughly training our staff in the rules of golf, we can ensure that every player has a fair, consistent, and enjoyable experience at our tournaments."
The benefits of this extensive training are evident in the numbers: since 2010, 68 AJGA staff members have earned Expert Certification, and nearly 100 staff members have achieved this distinction since the AJGA started in-house rules school in 1998. Although the test requires a score of 90 to reach expert level, the AJGA staff has averaged 87.28 since 2010. Today, the AJGA staff makes up a significant portion of all expert-certified rules officials across the country, a fact that speaks volumes about its ongoing commitment to the game.
Achieving the expert certification is an impressive feat in itself, but scoring a perfect score is known to be virtually impossible. This test is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in the industry. Despite this difficulty, 10 AJGA staff members have achieved a perfect score. Of those 10, three are current AJGA staff members.
The importance of knowing the rules of golf cannot be overstated. For the players, it means competing in an environment where every decision is made with integrity and clarity, ensuring that each tournament is conducted fairly and consistently. A strong understanding of the rules allows players to focus on their game without uncertainty, knowing that rulings are handled with professionalism and expertise. For the AJGA, rules education is a critical part of the organization’s commitment to excellence. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and accountability, the AJGA ensures that every staff member is prepared to handle even the most complex situations on the course. Whether it’s resolving a ruling in the heat of competition or educating players on how to navigate a tricky scenario, the staff’s expertise helps create an environment that upholds the integrity of the game.