Code of Conduct Not Entered as Local Rule - Still Valid?

[cdh79]

So I am aware that "the committee is allowed to set its own standards of player conduct in a code of conduct adopted as a local rule" (rule 1.2b)

I also understand that there are some aspects that are allowed to be entered, and some that are not allowed. 

My question specifically is: In which form does this code of conduct need to be available? Is it enough for someone to say "that's part of our code of conduct", or is it a requirement, that the code of conduct is in written form? Also, is there a need that the local rule points to the code of conduct in any way?

 

For better understanding: I'm playing competition and the next course that we play has a "no smoking policy". I don't have a problem with it, as I don't smoke anyway, but one of my team-mates does, and someone told him "You'll get disqualified if you smoke on the course".  

Now I have looked at their local rules and there is no reference to a "code of conduct". I'm not sure if they even have an official "code of conduct" that states that smoking is not allowed.

 

I fully agree that he SHOULD respect this request from the club, but I am wondering if the club would really be allowed to DQ this player for this, if it's not properly documented in their local rules/code of conduct? 

This is an official national amateur tournament, so not just something organized by a club for its members.

[ChetlovesMer]

Hmm... I not sure I completely understand.
If the course has a no smoking policy, then he shouldn't smoke at the course. 

I'm assuming since you are aware of the policy, it must be written down somewhere. 

As far as getting disqualified from the tournament, I would think that would be up to the committee. But it feels like it is within their power to disqualify, so why take the chance? 

[DaveP043]

Rule 1.2b refers you to a section in the Committee Procedures (Section 5I) that helps explain what a Code of Conduct may (and may not) do.  Defining acceptable behavior (including smoking) and applying Stroke of DQ penalties are certainly within the Committee's authority.

16 hours ago, cdh79 said:

Now I have looked at their local rules and there is no reference to a "code of conduct". I'm not sure if they even have an official "code of conduct" that states that smoking is not allowed.

That Code of Conduct certainly should be available, either in written form or in a webpage accessible to all.  It may not show up on the "standard local rules" for an organization, the "hard card", as it sounds like its a policy of this particular golf course. Assuming that's the case it should show up on the Notice to Players for this particular event.  If you can't find it, ask someone, send an email, try to find out.  

In summary, yes the Committee can DQ (or withdraw) a Player for smoking, even before or between rounds.  But its up to you to go from there, communication is the key here.

[cdh79]

Thanks for both of your inputs.

I fully agree that if a course has a non-smoking policy, everyone should just respect it. I'm also sure that my team-mate will do so, there is no doubt about that. I was just interested in the official requirements or steps for having this (or any other matter about personal conduct) applied.

 

Just FYI: We were told by a member about this policy, we haven't seen anything about this in writing so far. I only checked their homepage, but I will be at that club on Wednesday to play a round to get to know the course, then I can ask the reception or caddy master about it. Given that it doesn't affect me personally anyway (as I don't smoke) I will probably not bother to dig any deeper than that.

[ChetlovesMer]

13 hours ago, cdh79 said:

Thanks for both of your inputs.

I fully agree that if a course has a non-smoking policy, everyone should just respect it. I'm also sure that my team-mate will do so, there is no doubt about that. I was just interested in the official requirements or steps for having this (or any other matter about personal conduct) applied.

 

Just FYI: We were told by a member about this policy, we haven't seen anything about this in writing so far. I only checked their homepage, but I will be at that club on Wednesday to play a round to get to know the course, then I can ask the reception or caddy master about it. Given that it doesn't affect me personally anyway (as I don't smoke) I will probably not bother to dig any deeper than that.

I would be interested to learn what you find out on Wednesday, so feel free to post any additional information you get.

Good luck in the tournament. 

[elementz]

I don't smoke cigarettes but this seems like a very dumb rule...

[Elmer]

2 hours ago, elementz said:

I don't smoke cigarettes but this seems like a very dumb rule...

Ex Cigarette smoker here. Quit 20 years ago and don't miss it.
However I was looking at this from a Cigar perspective.
Doesn't golf and cigars go together?
I play with a lot of golfers who only smoke cigars on the course, and maybe one on the patio of the 19th hole.
I mean after a rough day of golf what is better than a bourbon and a cigar?

 

I should also add the the second most smoking on NY courses is pot, but it is legal her. probably not during competition!

[cdh79]

I just wanted to post an update here.. so the person telling me that information was incorrect. They mixed up two of the courses that we play during our competition rounds and the one we played last weekend was NOT a non-smoking course. 

I was also wrong in thinking that he was a member of said club, but he wasn't.. he's a member of a completely different club in our tournament pool.

 

The course that we will play next weekend is the one with the strict smoking ban and they have stated this clearly in their local rules.  The main reason for this is that there is a very high risk of forest fires in the area where this course is located at, so it's not to promote "health and wellbeing", but purely based on safety.

Edited April 8 by cdh79