AJGA CHEATING POLICY
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is committed to providing fair competition for all players by fostering an environment of honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship within the game of golf. To protect the spirit of the game, the AJGA holds a zero-tolerance stance on cheating and dishonest behavior at all Performance Based Entry (PBE) sanctioned events. Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage is considered cheating, and disciplinary action will be taken. Any knowledge or suspicion of cheating must be promptly reported to the AJGA so that it can be properly investigated and addressed.
WHAT COUNTS AS CHEATING?
As a member of the AJGA, I promise that:
The AJGA defines cheating as any intentional act, or action taken by any player or spectator without regard for the Rules of Golf, that undermines honesty, integrity, or fair competition.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Altering the lie of the ball – purposefully improving the ball’s position outside what is permitted by the Rules of Golf.
- Taking an improper drop with the intent of gaining an advantage.
- Not playing a ball as it lies when the Rules require it, done knowingly or with disregard for the Rules.
- Failing to count penalty strokes that a player is aware should be applied.
- Providing or asking for prohibited “advice” – as defined in the Rules of Golf as any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining a play, the choice of a club, or the method of making a stroke.
- Spectator interference – any interaction during play that could be considered advice under the Rules of Golf, including comments, gestures, or other actions that can be interpreted as intending to influence a player’s decision-making or affect the play of others.
- In addition to any disciplinary actions imposed on the player, spectators involved may also be subject to penalties under the AJGA Spectator Code of Conduct .
- Providing false information intentionally to an opponent, marker, or AJGA staff member.
- Signing an incorrect scorecard – knowingly submitting a score lower than actually made or otherwise misrepresenting a score.
- If a marker or other player knowingly withholds information that affects the accuracy of a scorecard, they will also be subject to disciplinary action.
- Any other deliberate action that violates the Rules of Golf or the spirit of fair competition.
RESPONSIBILITY:
It is every player’s responsibility to protect the field. If you witness behavior that you believe may be cheating, you must notify an AJGA staff member immediately. If a player knowingly withholds information, it may result in immediate suspension. Information shared should be based on facts or circumstances that make it known or virtually certain that a breach of the Rules has occurred, meaning there is clear evidence or a high degree of probability that leaves no reasonable doubt.
CONSEQUENCES:
Every situation will be reviewed carefully, and penalties will be applied at the discretion of AJGA Leadership in consultation with the Tournament Director. Levels of discipline may include:
- PROBATION – A player may be placed on probation for a set period of time. During this period, players may be subject to increased oversight, and any further incidents may result in suspension. Players on probation should understand that in future situations, the AJGA may not extend the benefit of the doubt when determining disciplinary action. Probation does not impact a player’s ability to apply for or gain entry into future AJGA events.
- SUSPENSION – A player may be suspended from AJGA membership and lose eligibility for current and future events for up to one year. Confirmed instances of spectators being involved in cheating or withholding information will result in a lifetime ban from attending AJGA events.
Note: Any serious act of cheating may result in immediate suspension without prior probation.
Revised December 8, 2025
To view the AJGA Player Code of Conduct
, please click here.
To view the AJGA Spectator Code of Conduct
, please click here.