New Jersey PGA

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Policies & Code of Conduct

Policies & Code of Conduct

The goal of the New Jersey PGA Junior Tour Pace of Play Policy is to help players complete rounds in a timely manner and to make the game more enjoyable for everybody.
 
Time Par

Time par is the amount of time in which the New Jersey Section PGA Junior Tour expects all players to complete a round. This will be expressed on a per hole basis and an overall time for 18 holes which are as follows:
Per Hole Basis (Based on Threesomes)
  • Par 3 – 13 minutes
  • Par 4 – 15 minutes
  • Par 5 – 17 minutes
Per Round Basis (Based on Threesomes)
  • Par 70 – 4 hours 26 minutes
  • Par 71 – 4 hours 28 minutes
  • Par 72 – 4 hours 30 minutes
A group’s time begins when a member of the group has played his/her 1st stroke from his/her starting teeing area.

The New Jersey Section PGA Junior Tour may adjust time par during and between tournament rounds based on average group times or playing/course conditions.
 
In addition:
  • A group will be considered out of position if at any time during the round they exceed the time allotted to play a hole.
  • Groups will also be considered out of position if a par 3 or par 4 is open ahead of them, or when the group ahead of them is on the putting green on a par 5.
  • When a group is out of position, a warning may be issued and the group will be encouraged to get back into position.  If the group remains out of position, all individuals in the group will be put on the clock and timed on each shot.
  • The timing of a player’s stroke will begin when it is his/her turn to play and he/she can play without interference or distraction.  A player is allowed up to 40-seconds to play a stroke.  If a player exceeds the 40-second time limit on two consecutive occasions, they will receive a one-stroke penalty.
  • Once a group has regained their proper position, all timing shall cease and all/any bad time shall be void.
 
Pace of Play Tips
  • If your ball might be out of bounds or lost outside of a water hazard, play a provisional ball (Rule 18.3)
  • If a situation arises and you do not know how to proceed, play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3). You must report all facts to a Rules Official afterwards regardless of score.
  • Place golf bag off the putting green in a direction that is on the way to the next tee.
  • Anyone can search for a lost ball.  Parents and spectators are encouraged to follow 1 shot ahead to spot for errant shots.
  • Identify your golf ball and show to fellow competitors.
  • Get your yardage before it is your turn to play.
  • Read your putt before it is your turn to play.
  • Be aware of who is away.  If you are not sure, ask.
  • Recognize when someone will need the flag tended or your ball marked.
  • Get to your next shot without delay.  It is more important what you do between shots than during.
  • If a ball is not found after a brief search the fellow competitors should go forward and play their shots to the green and let the player and spectators continue the search.
  • Know where your group is in relation to the group in front of you.
  • Take the appropriate amount of clubs for your shots around the green.

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct has been put in place to ensure that proper course etiquette and sportsmanship are enforced.  The NJPGA Junior Tour requires all members along with parents, guardians and spectators to adhere to and respect the following guidelines:
 
Cheating
Integrity is the foundation of golf. The NJPGA Junior Tour enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward cheating or any deliberate breach of the Rules of Golf.

All players, parents, guardians, and spectators are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and sportsmanship. The NJPGA Junior Tour exists to teach the game the right way; cheating disrespects both the game and every competitor who plays by the rules.

Cheating vs. Rules Knowledge
Not knowing a rule and deliberately breaking one are not the same.
  • Lack of rules knowledge will be treated as a learning opportunity.
  • Intentional or blatant cheating will result in disciplinary action.
All play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf, except where modified by NJPGA Junior Tour Local Rules and Conditions of Competition.

Definition of Cheating
Cheating includes any intentional act to gain an unfair advantage, including but not limited to:
  • Dropping a ball in place of a lost one to gain a severe advantage
  • Improving a lie or altering surroundings 
  • Recording an incorrect score
  • Moving a ball marker on putting surface to gain an advantage
  • Changing a scorecard after attestation
Every competitor shares responsibility for protecting the integrity of the field. Any suspected cheating must be reported to NJPGA staff before scorecards are signed.

Scoring Integrity
Any player who knowingly attests to an incorrect scorecard will be subject to the same penalties as a player caught cheating.
  • A single-hole discrepancy may be treated as a scoring mistake.
  • Multiple incorrect holes on the same scorecard may result in disciplinary action for the entire group.
Each competitor is responsible for verifying both their own scorecard and their marker’s card before submission.

Penalties for Cheating (Zero Tolerance - Effective 2026)

First Offense
  • Disqualification from the event  
  • Two-week suspension from all NJPGA Junior Tour events.
  • Written notification to parents/guardians
Second Offense
  • Disqualification from the event
  • One-month suspension from all NJPGA Junior Tour events
Third Offense
  • Disqualification from the event
  • Season-long suspension from all NJPGA Junior Tour events
During a suspension period, players will receive refunds for affected event registrations, minus the applicable administrative fee. Please see the cancellation fee policy for more information. 
On-Course Behavior
  • Abusive or inappropriate language; disrespectful behaviors towards officials, volunteers or golf professionals; throwing or breaking golf equipment; any form of cheating; leaving the golf course without properly notifying an official during a tournament round; and abuse of the golf course in any way will be considered Code of Conduct violations.  A one-stroke penalty will be enforced by the NJPGA Junior Tour Tournament Staff for any behavior on the golf course it deems unsportsmanlike. A second offense will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament and possible suspensions from future events.  Caddies are prohibited.
  • Do not solicit advice from a spectator or coach.
  • “Advice is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining your play, choice of club or method of making a stroke.”
Penalty for breach of this rule is two-strokes on the player (USGA Rule 10.2).  Talking to spectators and coaches during tournament play is not allowed and can be construed as receiving advice.
 
Care for the Course
  • All players are expected to maintain the golf course by repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, replacing divots, picking up and disposing of trash, etc. 
  • Deliberately neglecting to repair divots and replace ball marks is completely unacceptable and subject to a Code of Conduct Penalty of 2 strokes per offense
  • “Leave the course in better condition than you found it.”
Code of Conduct Penalties

Any Code of Conduct violation will result in a written letter to the player and his or her parent/guardian. The NJPGA Junior Golf Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity and frequency of the violation (s):
  • Two stroke penalty for each act of unsportsmanlike behavior
  • Immediate disqualification from the tournament at which the violation occurs
  • Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in suspension from future events
  • The NJPGA Junior Tour reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership for a major breach of the NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct
  • Violation of the NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct may affect a players eligibility for invitationals.
STOPPING PLAY DUE TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION: When play is stopped due to a dangerous situation, all play must be immediately discontinued, and play shall not resume until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play. NOTE: A suspension for a dangerous situation will be signaled by 1 prolonged siren or horn blast. All other types of suspension will be signaled by 3 intermittent siren or horn blasts. Resumption of play will be signaled by 2 intermittent siren or horn blasts. Penalty: Penalty for breach of this condition is Disqualification.

The NJPGA Junior Tour reserves the right to shorten 18-hole stroke play events to 9-holes, if all players in a division complete at least 9 holes and it is not feasible to resume play after play is suspended. For multiple round events, a stipulated round must consist of 18-holes.