First Tee - North Florida 2020-2021 First Tee PLAYer Handbook Last Updated: November 25, 2020 - North Florida 2020-2021 First Tee PLAYer ...

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First Tee - North Florida 2020-2021 First Tee PLAYer Handbook Last Updated: November 25, 2020 - North Florida 2020-2021 First Tee PLAYer ...
First Tee - North Florida

           2020-2021

   First Tee PLAYer Handbook

Last Updated: November 25, 2020

                                  1
Table of Contents:

Content                                        Page

List of Table of Contents                      2
First Tee - North Florida                      3-4
PLAYer Code of Conduct                         5
Junior Membership                              6
First Tee Tournament Series                    7
Calvin Peete Cup Points                        8-9
Tournament Series Registration / Eligibility   10
Tournament Day                                 11-12
        A. Attire                              13
        B. Breaking Ties                       13
        C. Allotted Time and Pace of Play      14
        D. Suspension of Play                  14
Spectator Code of Conduct                      15

                                                       2
OUR MISSION
To impact the lives of the North Florida youth by providing educational programs that build
character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

FIRST TEE CORE VALUES
Responsibility (re·spon·si·bil·i·ty)- accounting for one’s actions; dependable
Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair
divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

Confidence (con·fi·dence)- reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance
Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase
confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well
regardless of the outcome.

Respect (re·spect)- to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem
In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf
course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.

Sportsmanship (sports·man·ship)- observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace
Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and
respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

Integrity (in·teg·ri·ty)- strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and
independence
Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal
conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.

Honesty (hon·es·ty)- the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive
Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report
their own score.

Judgment (judg·ment)- the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached
after consideration
Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy,
club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider
executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.

Courtesy (cour·te·sy)- considerate behavior toward others; a polite remark or gesture
A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also
should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

Perseverance (per·se·ver·ance)- to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles
To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while
learning from past experiences

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FIRST TEE HEALTHY HABITS
PHYSICAL:
ENERGY
It is important to understand and make healthy choices about when to eat, how much to
eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.

PLAY
A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in
the process. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allow one to engage in play on a
daily basis.

SAFETY
Physical safety includes playing in a safe environment and by the rules, protecting the
body with proper equipment, warm-up and cool-down and wearing sun protection.

EMOTIONAL:
VISION
In order to make the most of one’s unique gifts—talents, characteristics and abilities—
an individual needs to learn from the past, value the present, create their vision and
future to ultimately “leave a footprint.”

MIND
The mind is a powerful tool for health. One’s mind influences his/her emotions and
behaviors and can be utilized for self-improvement, building confidence and
maintaining perspective.

FAMILY
When family members participate in activities together – share meals, communicate
and establish roles and responsibilities – they are more likely to be successful in
achieving their health-related goals.

SOCIAL:
FRIENDS
Maintaining healthy relationships includes surrounding one’s self with friends and
supportive people, while effectively handling challenging situations, including bullying
and navigating the digital age with social media.

SCHOOL
Success in school – learning, building relationships and contributing to the school
environment – leads to success in other areas of life.

COMMUNITY
Like the health of one’s body, it is important to also explore the health of one’s
community and discover how one can give back and care for its environment and safety.

                                                                                           4
PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

As a member of First Tee - North Florida you will have the privilege of visiting fine golf clubs in
the North Florida area. Tour members, their parents and spectators are expected to conduct
themselves as ladies and gentlemen.

CONDITIONS OF PLAY:

Entries are subject to withdrawal at any time (including during the event) by the Executive
Director, Program Director, or Tournament Coordinator. The reason for withdraw may include
improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject
to the rules and conditions of play set forth by First Tee - North Florida.

VIOLATIONS ON THE GOLF COURSE:

Unsportsmanlike conduct includes abusive language (profanity), club throwing, disrespect to
volunteers/coaches, disrespect to officials or fellow competitors, abuse of the course or facilities,
or the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products. Cell phones and IPODS are prohibited on the
course except for rules situations and emergencies.

CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION PENALTIES:

The game of golf relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players
and behave in a disciplined manner, irrespective of how competitive they may be that day.

First Tee - North Florida, based on severity and frequency of the violation(s), may:

   •   Warn the player, or
   •   Penalize the player two strokes, or
   •   Disqualify the player from the tournament at which the violation occurs, or
   •   Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result
       in disqualification from the next tournament(s) for which a player has been accepted.

A player’s disregard of others is not limited to the current round but may include repeated
offenses from tournament to tournament.

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

   •   Club tossing or throwing
   •   Words or phrases (profanity) that may be disrespectful to others
   •   Kicking or throwing their bag
   •   Poor etiquette
   •   Any unnecessary/intentional damage to the golf course or property

CELL PHONES:

Cell phones are not appropriate on the golf course. Please set your phone to silent. If you must
make a call, please leave the course. Or notify the tournament staff if there is an emergency.
                                                                                                     5
JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

In order to participate in First Tee - North Florida tournament series, a junior membership is
required. Junior membership can be purchased through http://www.firstteenorthflorida.org
website for $55.00 (will cover the entire year of 2021).

ELIGIBILITY
First Tee - North Florida conducts programs, special events, classes, and tournaments for juniors
and is open to all young men and women ages 5 to 18 actively enrolled in school, certified home
school, graduated high school, but not yet attending a university or college.

Benefits of membership include:
   • A privilege to compete on some of the best golf courses in North Florida
   • Invitation to the 2021-22 Awards Banquet and Holiday Luncheon
   • Eligibility to attend LSE classes throughout the year
   • Various First Tee Gifts throughout the season
   • First Tee t-shirt
   • Personalized Bag Tag

                                                                                                 6
FIRST TEE TOURNAMENT SERIES

First Tee - North Florida Tournament Series is a great way for PLAYers to test their skills and
learn the basics of tournament scoring, pace of play, and rules. Divisions are based on the
PLAYer’s age, specifically their age before September 1, 2021.

Divisions Based on Age Groups:
Lil’ Linksters Division – Ages 5 – 7 (6 holes)
Futures Division – Ages 8 – 10 (6 holes)
Champions Division – Ages 11 -13 (9 holes)
Pro’s Division – Ages 14+ (9 holes)

When registering for a tournament the players age before September 1, 2021 is what age
division, they should play in. All participants must play in the appropriate flight based on their
age.

Yardages for Divisions:
Shorter Courses for Lil’ Linksters = 1,000-1,200 yards and Futures = 1,200-1,400 yards
Champions = 2,400-2,800 yards and Pro’s = 2,800-3,400 yards

NOTE:
In major championships, Lil’ Linksters and Futures will play 9 holes. Champion’s and Pros will
play 18 holes.

                                                                                                     7
CALVIN PEETE CUP POINTS

The Tournament Series operates a yearlong points system similar to the PGA, LPGA, and other
major golf tours. The points chart below lists the various ways a player can earn points and the
quantity awarded for each accomplishment. This points system will be used to determine the 12
players in each age division that will be invited to compete in the season-ending Tour
Championship. At the conclusion of the Tour Championship, the participant with the most points
in each age division will be presented the “Calvin Peete Cup.” Mr. Peete was a 12 time winner
on the PGA TOUR, is a World Golf Hall of Fame Member, and was an integral part in the
development and success of The First Tee of Jacksonville which now serves as The First Tee of
North Florida.

Point Earning Accomplishments                                               Points Earned
1st Place in a Tournament Series Event*                                            100
2nd Place in a Tournament Series Event*                                            50
3rd Place in a Tournament Series Event *                                           25
Play in a Tournament Series Event*                                                 25
Register for an LSE session                                                        25
Play 9 holes outside of The First Tee (limited to four 9 hole rounds per week)     5
Play a tournament on another Junior Tour (capped at 1 tournament per week)         20
Successfully complete PLAYer assessment                                            50
Successfully complete Par assessment                                               100
Successfully complete Birdie assessment                                            150
Successfully complete Eagle assessment                                             200
Achieve A/B Honor Roll on Report Card                                              100
Two hours of community service (up to 8 hours per day)                             25
Refer a friend to register for an LSE session                                      100

(See Chart Above)

This new points chart lets us focus more on the involvement in First Tee such as our tournament
series, classes, and events. We still encourage our PLAYers to participate in other junior
tournaments, but our main focus is on First Tee Tournament Series and PLAYer enhancement.
Tournament Series points begin February 1st till the day of our Tour Championship date in
October.

A/B Honor Roll will be based on when kids get report cards per semester, every 2-3 months.
Report cards are issues in March, June, and October. Points for these report cards may be
reported the month after April, July, and November.

When reporting points please be specific on dates, event names, and how much you have
accomplished (ie. 7/24 - Played in NFJG tournament). We are aiming to create well rounded
participants and a points system that is fair for all PLAYers.

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Reporting Points:
• PLAYers will report all points earned outside of Tournament Series events by emailing
tournaments@thefirstteenorthflorida.org. in a given month within the first seven days of the
following month (i.e. all points earned in the month of April must be reported by May 7th.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the sole Responsibility of the PLAYer to report all points earned
outside of Tournament Series Events.
• FTNF staff will award all points earned in Tournament Series events (1st place, 2nd place, 3rd
place, and entry into an event).
• Only points earned in the previous month can be reported.
• Updated points standings will be posted online within five to seven business days of each
event.

TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
The Calvin Peete Cup Points determine who will get invited to the Tour Championship; the Top
12 players from each age division will be invited to the Tour Championship. To see players
standing visit the Tournament Series page on our website.

                                                                                               9
TOURNAMENT SERIES REGISTRATION / ELIGIBILITY

All First Tee - North Florida participants are eligible to play in the tournament series.
A 2021 Junior Membership is Required.
All events have an open and close date for registering, check the tournament series calendar for
open dates. Registration for each tournament closes at 11:59pm on the Wednesday before the
tournament. Lil’Linksters and Futures have a $15.00 processing fee and Champions and Pros
have a $25.00 processing fee. This is strictly enforced. *Full or partial scholarships are available
upon request.

We ask that participants be able to carry or use a push-cart for their bag and have basic
knowledge of the game. Ability level is from beginner to advanced, in all flights. Our expected
outcome is not based on scores, but on knowledge of pace of play, rules, etiquette and scoring.

New Registered Members registering after a deadline date wishing to play in an event already
closed can still participate as long as there is still room in their division, contact the Tournament
Coordinator.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel please do so on the Wednesday before the tournament at 5:00 PM. For
event cancellations, players must contact the Tournament Coordinator, Alyson Lozano, by phone
(904) 586-4838. If unable to make phone contact participants must send an email to
alyson@firstteenorthflorida.org.
Failure to cancel before tee times and pairings go out on Thursday will result in loss of
processing fees.
*Emergency cancellations will be considered on a case by case basis.

NO SHOW POLICY:
Players who have registered for an event and do not show the day of the event, without having
given prior notification to the Tournament Coordinator, will be considered a “No Show”. If you
are listed on the tee sheet as a no show you are subject to suspension for the following event and
will not receive a refund.

                                                                                                   10
TOURNAMENT DAY

Tee times and pairings will be emailed to all players two days before the tournament (Thursdays
before the tournament on Saturday). Players who do not have access to the internet may contact
the Tournament Coordinator at (904) 589-8677. The host courses do not prepare and cannot
change tee times; therefore, please do not make a request to them.

Day-of Timeline:

   •   Arrive at tournament location
   •   Check-in with Tournament Coordinator *Parents may not check in for players
   •   Get range balls and begin to practice at appropriate areas
   •   Participants are required to be on the tee and ready to play 5 minutes before assigned tee
       time
   •   At the first tee you will receive score cards and rundown of rules
   •   Play will begin when the first person tees off
   •   After play is finished meet back at the Clubhouse or main facility
   •   Scores will be checked and calculated
   •   Awards will be given once all scores and players are in *We award a first place trophy
       for each flight. Unless it is a special occasion such as a Major or Memorial Event.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Each tournament will be played with double-par per hole limit that applies to all age divisions.
Participants will be responsible for their own score as well as one other in their group. Each hole
will be played as a lateral hazard, meaning white out-of-bounds stakes will be played as regular
hazards. In major championships, Lil’ Linksters and Futures will play 9 holes. Champion’s and
Pros will play 18 holes.
*Tournament Schedule is subject to change.

Unless otherwise permitted by the Tournament Coordinator, players shall not use caddies during
a stipulated round. Penalty for Breach of Condition: Disqualification. Range finders are allowed
in all events, but only those which determine distance. Slope and elevation may not be
determined via Range Finders.

Parents and/or spectators are not allowed in any way, shape, or form to help the participant in
playing the game. This includes carrying the bag, raking bunkers, club selection, and rules or
scoring. Parents will be warned then asked to go back to clubhouse if this is violated.

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PULL CARTS:

Players are permitted to use a pull cart during a stipulated round. First Tee - North Florida is not
responsible for providing such pull cart. * Some golf courses do not permit the use of pull carts.

RULINGS AND QUESTIONS:
For the Lil’ Linksters and Futures division: Coaches will be with each group and will help with
scoring and rules. For the Champions and Pro’s division: Tournament Coordinator or a rules
official will be visiting each group. If you have a question about a ruling during a hole, play two
balls and record both scores then save your question for when the Tournament Coordinator
comes back around. Parents and/or spectators are not allowed to make rulings or player will be
disqualified for receiving help.

WITHDRAWING DAY-OF:
If a player needs to withdraw from a tournament day-of they must notify Tournament
Coordinator, Alyson Lozano. Refunds are not available.

Spectator Carts (if available) must be purchased from the Pro Shop for a fee at each facility.

                                                                                                  12
A. ATTIRE

Tournaments happen during rain or shine so make sure participants are prepared. All attire must
also meet club guidelines; when in doubt, dress traditionally. In addition to this policy:

    •   Hats/visors must be worn with brim forward; males must remove hat/visor while indoors
        at host facility.
    •   Golf shirts must be worn and tucked in at all times.
    •   Men’s collarless shirts are acceptable when designed for golf.
    •   Men’s shorts must not hang past the knee.
    •   Women’s fashion shirts without a collar are acceptable but should have
        sleeves. Sleeveless shirts are permitted
    •   Women’s shorts must be no more than 5” above the knee or the inseam of the shorts must
        measure at least 5”.

PROHIBITED ATTIRE

    •   Tank tops, T-shirts
    •   Denim shorts, short-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, jeans
    •   Camouflage designed attire, including hats
    •   Earrings (males) / Body Piercing (other than earrings for females)
    •   Flip-flops

Proper attire is required at all times at the host facility. Questionable attire will be reviewed by
the Tournament Coordinator. Should a host facility have a stricter dress code, its policy will take
precedence. Players in violation will not be allowed to tee off.

    B. BREAKING TIES

In the event of a tie breaker, ties will be broken by a scorecard playoff. For 6-hole flights: first
three holes cumulative score, if still tied, hole by hole scores starting with #4 through #6. If still
tied a coin-flip will be used to award winner. For 9-hole flights: First six holes cumulative score,
if still tied, last 3 holes cumulative score. If still tied, hole by hole scores starting with #7 through
#9. Still tied we will use a coin-flip.

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C. ALLOTTED TIME AND PACE OF PLAY:

For the 6-hole rounds, we generally expect players to finish in 90 minutes from their tee time.
For 9-hole rounds, we generally expect players to finish in 140 minutes or less from their tee
time.

• Standard Time par is 4 hours and 30 minutes; half is 2 hours and 30 minutes

• 12 minutes for a par 3, 15 minutes for a par 4 and 18 minutes for a par 5.

• Time for ball searches, rulings and walking between Holes is included in the allotted time.

Timing:

A Group’s time begins when its first player is announced off their starting tee. Check-Point
Times are measured when the flagstick is replaced in the Hole after all players in the Group have
holed out.

PACE OF PLAY:

A group in breach of the pace will be verbally notified by an official.

PENALTY:

•      1st Potential breach – Warning

•      2nd Potential breach – One-stroke penalty

•      3rd Potential breach – Two-stroke penalty

•      4th Potential breach – Disqualification

Penalties are added to the Check-Point Hole where the breach occurred.

    D. SUSPENSION OF PLAY FOR DANGEROUS SITUATION:

Play may be suspended due to hazardous weather or dangerous situations. When play has been
suspended, all practice areas are closed until it is declared safe for use. If a player sees lightning
or believes they are in danger, he or she may discontinue play and seek shelter.

SIGNALS FOR SUSPENSION OF PLAY:

Some facilities may or MAY NOT have a lightning alarm system. When lighting is within 5 to
10 miles of the facility you will hear one prolonged siren or horn alert. When it is safe to resume
play you will hear three short consecutive horn alerts.

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SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

"In golf, customs of etiquette and decorum are just as important as rules governing play." It is
appropriate for parents and spectators to applaud successful strokes, but in order to secure the
spirit of the game, we ask parents and spectators to please adhere to the following guidelines.
Please note that if any of the following guidelines are perceived as broken by a Tournament
official, the player may be subject to penalty.

1. Advice (Rule 8) is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining
his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke. In addition, any conversation
between player/spectator may be construed as advice. This includes any conversation between
player/spectator in their native language. In either instance, penalty for breach of this rule is two
strokes. Players are responsible for the actions of their relatives and spectators in regards to this
rule.

2. Keeping the above statement in mind, please keep your conversation with the player to words
of encouragement as long as advice is not given.

3. Spectators attend First Tee events at their own risk.

4. Please silence all cell phones at First Tee events.

5. Spectators should stay on cart paths. In the absence of cart paths, we ask that spectators stay in
the rough. Please stay off fairways, tees and greens. We ask that you stay at least 30 yards away
from players at all times (except #8)

6. Spectators should stay one shot ahead of the group they are following. This allows spectators
to follow errant shots and help identify where the ball comes to rest. Spectators are allowed to
aid in the search for lost golf balls. Spectators are not allowed to carry a players bag at any time,
unless the player is withdrawing from the tournament.

7. Spectators should not give rulings. Please seek a Tournament rules official if the need arises.

8. Spectators are allowed to carry medicine, drinks, food, umbrellas, etc. These can be given to
players in between holes.

9. First Tee staff may assess a penalty to the player based on the severity of the spectator
violation. If a serious breach has occurred, the spectator may be asked to leave the facility or the
spectator may not be permitted to attend another First Tee event.

10. For your personal safety, we ask you exercise caution at all times. When inclement weather
moves into the area, the First Tee/Course will suspend play by sounding airhorns. Accordingly,
you should seek shelter immediately. First Tee staff will evacuate players from the course first
and then spectators.

Please ask Tournament Official or First Tee Staff any additional questions you may have.

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