Code of Conduct

Boldmere Golf Club is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation for members, Mytime employees and guests.

Members and their guests are all reminded that an acceptable standard of behaviour is expected in all areas of the Club and course, at all times and that upon payment of membership fees, all members and their guests have given their consent to be bound by both the restrictions and penalties which may be imposed for any breach of the club’s standards or serious misconduct in failing to meet the standards set in this Code of Conduct.

Members will be liable for any breach committed whether by themselves or their guests.

References:

R&A Rule 1.2 – Standards of Player Conduct: All players are expected to play in The Spirit of the Game
R&A Rule 1.2b – Code of Conduct: Boldmere Golf Club has adopted the following Code of Conduct as a Local Rule

On the course:

All golfers must:

Avoid slow play, apply Ready Golf principles and allow other golfers to play through as appropriate, waving the following group through when searching for lost balls and maintaining the speed of play by keeping up with the group in front
Adhere to the local rules of the course
Demonstrate fair play both on and off the course
Always follow established golf etiquette respecting the course, such as:

Repairing pitch marks, replacing divots, raking bunkers etc.
Showing the necessary respect to fellow golfers at all times, which incorporates; no shouting on the course, no misuse of equipment (i.e. throwing clubs in frustration etc.), no aggressive behaviour, or the taking of performance enhancing drugs
Conduct yourself in a sporting manner and do not knowingly cheat, disrespect Mytime employees, Officials or fellow players
Be aware that the public including children have access to Sutton Park in close vicinity to parts of the golf course and that foul and abusive language such as swearing should not be used
Keep mobile phone usage on the course only for essential situations

On the environment

It is recommended that all golfers use wooden tees
It is requested that disused and broken tees are removed from the course
All golfers must deposit cans, bottles and general rubbish in the bins provided around the course and the clubhouse
It is requested that all golfers during their round are proactive in clearing
the course of litter discarded by inconsiderate golfers

In the clubhouse:

Members and their guests are reminded that:

Any form of discrimination, harassment or intimidation is regarded as unacceptable behaviour.
Consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol is not permitted by law.
The use of foul or abusive language such as swearing should not be used in the clubhouse.
Smoking or the use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes is not permitted within any of the club buildings
The taking of illegal substances will incur immediate suspension and loss of membership.
Be considerate towards others if it is necessary to use your mobile phone in the clubhouse

Whilst fully acknowledging that adult “banter” contributes to creating a healthy atmosphere amongst members, these rules are designed to safeguard others who find such banter offensive or intimidating. This Code of Conduct is not intended to create a bureaucratic, regulatory environment, but rather to promote and enhance our Club’s values.

A person engaging in any behaviour that may be detrimental to the game of golf or Boldmere Golf Club is in breach of the code of conduct and should be reported to either Club Captain.

It is in the best interests of the game that such behaviour is reported, and all players, members and members of the public are encouraged and have a duty to report such behaviour.

Complaints:

Complaints may be made by any person including a competitor, member, visiting guests, other associated golf club members, employees of Mytime and members of the public.

Complaints must be made in the first instance to either the Boldmere Club Captain or the Shaggy Dogs Captain, within 3 working days of the matter occurring. These must be then followed up in writing in an acceptable timeframe.

The Club Captain will then take the following actions:

If the matter is of a minor nature, the relevant Club Captain will discuss the complaint with the person(s) involved and deal with the complaint by either dismissing the complaint or deal with it by way of a conversation with individual(s) concerned.
If the matter is not of a minor nature, the relevant Club Captain will carry out a preliminary investigation and gather all the facts of the complaint as is reasonably available within seven days from the receipt of the Complaint notice. This may include speaking to the accused person and getting a written report from that person. The matter will then be referred to The Disciplinary Committee.

The relevant Club Captain will be responsible for keeping all parties involved informed about the complaints process.

Disciplinary Committee:

Boldmere Golf Club will appoint a Disciplinary Committee to oversee the complaints procedure and to conduct investigation, hearings and impose penalties as may be deemed necessary. The Chairman of the Handicap Committee will act as Convenor.

The Committee will be made up of:

Either Boldmere Golf Club Captain or Shaggy Dog Captains
Two members of either Boldmere Golf Club or Seniors` Committee

In the case of an appeal, the committee will not include any members who were involved in the original hearing although they may be required to provide evidence

The Disciplinary Committee will be responsible for implementing this policy in a fair and impartial manner.

The Disciplinary Committee will meet on an as required basis to hold a hearing into a non minor complaint or hear an appeal

Notice of any hearing of the Disciplinary Committee shall be given, in the case of a complaint, to the person or persons the subject of the complaint and the complainant; and in the case of an appeal, to the persons affected by the appeal and the appellant.

The notice will specify the date time and place of any hearing and will be accompanied by copies of all material relevant to the complaint. The notice will also specify if the hearing is to be attended by written submissions or whether the parties are required to attend in person, with the opportunity to have representation attend also. Hearings will be in private with only the accused and his/her representative and the Disciplinary Committee.

It would be expected that the Disciplinary Committee will deal severely with proven cases of serious misconduct and in some cases the conduct may constitute a criminal offence in which case the matter should be referred to the Police.

Decisions from a Disciplinary Committee Appeal are final.

Issue Date: 14-02-22 Issue Status: 01 Approved By: BJHC