Spectator Code of Conduct

The AJGA takes great pride in providing a fun, safe and healthy tournament atmosphere for our players, parents, guardians, college coaches, volunteers, sponsors, permitted guests and staff.

The AJGA requires all parties to adhere to the rules and regulations outlined below when interacting with the various tournament stakeholders while at an AJGA event.

Please remember that we (myself, my son or daughter, other players, spectators, volunteers and the AJGA staff) are guests at AJGA host facilities and my player is subject to the rules and guidelines established regarding dress code, code of conduct, use of practice areas, practice rounds and playing the golf course.

AJGA SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

GENERAL:

As a Parent/Guardian of an AJGA member, I promise that:

• I will adhere to the AJGA's guidelines for promoting player, spectator, and staff safety.  I understand that the AJGA will not tolerate violations of safety guidelines by players, parents, guardians, permitted guests, or coaches, and that the AJGA may penalize and/or remove me if I (or the others listed above) violate such policies at the golf course, host hotel or any venue associated with the AJGA tournament;
• I will, under no circumstances, engage in acts of violence, racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind toward any party;
• I will act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair play and responsible conduct at all times while spectating at AJGA events, and will refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language towards anyone, including AJGA staff, cheating or abuse of golf course property while attending AJGA events;
• I will not make unwelcomed physical contact with anyone;
• I will respect the decisions of the Committee and react to these decisions in a respectful manner;
• I will abide by Additional Practice Round guidelines, including if these rounds are or are not available or set for a limited amount of time;
• I will not come to the Host Facility unannounced in advance of the event and harass members/course staff to gain access, or call the Host Facility repeatedly in regards to additional practice rounds or course policies;
• I will honor AJGA Staff and Player Only areas;
• I will comply with Rule 10.2 in the USGA/R&A Rules of Golf, and avoid giving my player advice, and that any conversation between players or spectators may be construed as advice including any conversation in their native language. This may be subject to a 2-stroke penalty;
• I will adhere to the AJGA Cheating Policy and understand that any confirmed instance of spectator involvement in cheating will result in a lifetime ban from spectating at AJGA events.

GENERAL RULES FOR ALL SPECTATORS:

• Spectators attend AJGA events at their own risk.
• Please silence all cell phones at AJGA events.
• Spectators must stay on cart paths or in the rough, and stay off fairways, greens, and tees.
• Spectators should remain one shot ahead of the group they are following. This will allow spectators to follow errant shots and help identify spots in which a ball may come to rest.
• Spectators are encouraged to help players and AJGA staff search for golf balls.
• AJGA Rules officials must be the only individuals who give rulings to players.
• Spectators are allowed to carry medicine, food, drinks, umbrellas, etc.
• Spectators will treat all tournament facility staff with respect and follow all course policies.
• For your personal safety, we ask that you exercise caution at all times. When inclement weather moves into the area, the AJGA will suspend play by sounding airhorns. Accordingly, all spectators should seek shelter immediately. The AJGA staff will evacuate players from the course first and then spectators.

SPECTATOR CART POLICY:

The AJGA has a Spectator Cart Policy in place with respect to the treatment of disabled and non-disabled spectators and the use of motorized golf carts. Spectators who receive an approved Spectator Handicap Cart must follow the guidelines below. Failure to follow the guidelines listed below may result in the removal of the spectator’s Handicap Cart privileges for the current tournament and possibly future tournaments.

• Spectator Handicap Carts must always stay on the cart path. If the Host Facility does not have cart paths, then the spectator must abide by the cart policy as directed by the tournament facility.
• Spectators shall abide by any rules the Host Facility has on the operation of its golf carts.
• Spectator Handicap Carts are to stay even with, or ahead of, the group being followed, and can only follow the group with their player.
• Spectator Handicap Carts can only have two people in the cart, one of whom must be the spectator approved to have the cart. The approved spectator does not have to be the driver of the cart.
• No one can ride on the back of the golf cart at any time.
• Spectator agrees not to disturb the play of the competition with the operation of the golf cart.
• Spectator Handicap Carts will not be used for shuttling players at any time other than to transport a player that is proceeding under penalty of stroke and distance.
• Spectator Handicap Carts will be used to assist with evacuation.
• Spectator Handicap Carts may carry food and drink for players, but no golf equipment, and may also carry any other spectator items such as backpacks and umbrellas.

AUDIO AND VIDEO EQUIPMENT:

• Players are limited to two people capturing audio and video content during competitive rounds.
• Spectators are prohibited from carrying and using large microphones, large professional grade video cameras, or any other production equipment that may be a distraction to other players. Examples are boom microphones and any production lighting devices.
• Spectators capturing audio or visual content must adhere to all spectator policies, including not distracting other players and staying at least 25 yards from players and off the fairways and putting greens.

VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES:

Whether a spectator has violated this Code of Conduct, and what penalty or penalties are appropriate, will be determined by the sole discretion of the AJGA; however, the AJGA may delegate certain decisions to the Tournament Committee. The AJGA and/or the AJGA Tournament Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties (alone or in combination) based on the severity and frequency of the violation(s):

• Loss of spectating privileges at the current tournament and/or future tournaments;
• Immediate disqualification of the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs;
• Disqualification of the player from future event(s), including without limitation, future Invitationals and/or postseason honors;
• Suspension of AJGA membership (including playing privileges); and/or
• Revocation of AJGA membership.

Depending on the type and severity of the violation, one or more of the above penalties may be assessed on the spot, or at a later time, after further reflection or investigation by the AJGA. In any case, upon a violation, the parent(s) or guardian(s) and the player will receive a written letter to explain the AJGA's final decision.

^{Revised May 13, 2026}

To view the AJGA Player Code of Conduct, please click here.
To view the AJGA Cheating Policy, please click here.
To view the AJGA Spectator Cart Policy, please click here.