Bodenstown Golf Club Code of Conduct           (Updated:  May 2011)

Aims and objectives:
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The principle objectives of the Club are the provision of facilities for the playing and enjoyment of the
game of golf in accordance with the Rules of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and
generally to provide for the recreation of its members in all categories of membership. This will be achieved
by means of all members complying with all Club rules, including this Code of Conduct, and by behaving in
a respectful manner towards fellow members and other persons.

Child protection policy:
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Young persons who participate in golf should be able to do so in a safe and enjoyable environment. They
should be protected from any form of abuse be it physical, emotional, sexual, neglect or bullying. The
responsibility for protecting children lies with all adults involved in golf. The Club is committed to ensuring
that all necessary steps will be taken to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people who
participate in golf.

In pursuance of this goal the Club will:
  • Advise all members of the Club (especially team managers, Junior Organiser and assistants), parents
    and guardians of their responsibilities in regard to the welfare and protection of children and young
    people who participate in golf.
  • Advise that the protection of the child must be the first priority of all members.
  • Operate within the recommended guidelines of the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) and Irish Ladies
    Golfing Union (ILGU) Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children’s Sport.
  • Appoint a Junior Organiser with specific responsibility for all issues relating to junior/juvenile golf.

General Rules for all Members of Bodenstown Golf Club:
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  • All members and representatives of the Club are required to adhere to the Club’s Code of Conduct.
  • All incidents involving breaches of this Code of Conduct or other inappropriate behaviour should be
    reported to the Honorary Secretary within 24 hours. In particular, incidents involving breaches of
    security, serious injuries requiring medical treatment or any incident concerning the well being and
    safety of individuals should be reported immediately to the Course Manager (or employee on duty)
    and the Honorary Secretary, or in his absence, the Club Captain.
  • Any person who wilfully causes damage to the course, clubhouse or other course or Club property
    shall be subject to disciplinary action.
  • When dealing with underage players the GUI/ILGU Code of Ethics must be followed.
  • A minimum of two adults must be in charge of teams involving juvenile members at all times.
  • A minimum of two adults must be in charge of organised practice sessions involving juvenile
    members. For insurance reasons only junior/juvenile members are permitted on the practice area
    during such practice sessions.
  • Proper dress, appropriate for golf, must be worn at all times. Track suits, tracksuit trousers, cutaway
    vests, collarless shirts are not allowed. Golf shoes must be worn at all times – soft spiked golf shoes
    are encouraged particularly during the eighteen-hole season.
  • Neat dress is essential at all times in the clubhouse.
  • When representing the Club, teams must wear the designated club attire.
  • The Committee appoints team Managers, Assistant Managers and Organisers. No person may take
    charge of a team without the prior approval of the Committee or its nominated representative.
  • Club Membership subscriptions must be paid in full and on time.
  • Team Managers, Assistant Managers, Organisers, players, parents and others associated with the Club
    are expected to be on their best behaviour while representing the Club in any capacity.
  • All persons to be conscious of their own behaviour and should not act in a manner that might bring
    the Club into disrepute.
  • Team Managers and Assistant Managers are responsible for the behaviour of team members while
    they are in their charge.
  • The Club does not tolerate bullying. Members found to have engaged in bullying or other
    unacceptable behaviour shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Committee.
  • All members are expected to treat fellow members, the proprietor (and employees) and visitors to the
    Club with respect.
  • Individuals who engage in unacceptable conduct, foul and abusive language, unsporting, or other
    inappropriate behaviour shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Committee.
  • All members have a duty to co-operate fully with any request made of them by the proprietor (and/or
    employees). Should a member consider such request to be unreasonable they may refer the matter
    subsequently in writing to the Hon. Secretary.
  • All members, including junior/juvenile members should be viewed as fully integrated members and
    accorded the same level of courtesies and disciplines, with minimum restrictions as appropriate.

Advice for Junior/Juvenile Organiser and Team Managers:
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  • Your first priority is for the health and safety of junior/juvenile members and their enjoyment of golf
  • Encourage juvenile members to tell you if they are being bullied or mistreated.
  • Encourage honesty, self-discipline, good behaviour and punctuality among junior/juvenile members.
  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.
  • Success should not be evaluated by performance or results in competition.
  • Always lead by example and show respect for all players, officials and anyone with whom you come
    into contact with in the course of Club activities.
  • While in charge of a juvenile team, managers/organisers are not permitted to consume alcohol, if they
    have responsibility for transportation, or to allow alcohol to be consumed by any member of the team
  • Be fully prepared for practice sessions and competitions.
  • Liaise with parents and guardians on a regular basis.
  • Provide all necessary information to parents/guardians i.e. match dates, times, venues, transport.
    Don't forget to advise them of any changes in arrangements.
  • Seek the support of Club members and parents / guardians as required.
  • Be aware of and keep up to date with Club rules, policies and developments.
  • Ensure that all administrative work is complete e.g. competition entry sheets etc.

Advice for juniors and Juveniles (on the course):
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  • Always turn up in plenty of time for your tee-off.
  • Let your playing partners, Junior Organiser or team manager know, without delay, if you cannot play
    for whatever reason.
  • Play fairly, do your best, and have fun.
  • Shake hands before and after the round, whoever wins – and mean it.
  • Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
  • Respect officials; accept their decisions with grace and not a grudge.
  • Respect fellow team members; support them when they do well and when things go wrong.
  • Respect your opponents; they are your partners in sport.
  • Help your opponent to search for a lost ball.
  • Your scorecard is really important; be honest about your scores and make sure it is signed.
  • Respect the course by replacing divots and repairing plug marks on greens.

Health and Safety:
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  • If you feel you are being bullied feel safe to tell your Team Manager, Junior Organiser or another
    adult.
  • Due to machinery on the course each day, you should walk – not run. Likewise in the clubhouse,
    where catering staff may be carrying hot food or cutlery.
  • Take care when using the practice area. Make no attempt to swing clubs or take shots if there is a
    danger to another person or property.
  • On the course be aware of your surroundings – never take a shot if others are within range.
  • Avoid playing the course alone – make sure there are plenty of others about.  

Advice for Parents /Guardians:
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  • Encourage your child to participate in sport for fun and enjoyment.
  • Ensure as much as possible that your child’s experience in golf is a positive one.
  • Have realistic expectations for your child and not put him/her under undue pressure.
  • Ensure that your child has eaten before they make their way to the course and also has adequate food
    and water for play.
  • Ensure your child is properly prepared and protected from weather conditions expected.
  • If your child needs transportation ensure this is arranged to your satisfaction.
  • Ensure that your child arrives on time, appropriately dressed and equipped for golf.
  • Inform the manager or organiser of any problem or ailment that may affect the safety of your child or
    others.
  • Ensure that the Club treats your child with fairness, respect and understanding – and that the Club is
    fulfilling its responsibility to safeguard children.
  • Accept disappointment and refrain from criticising your child or others for mistakes.
  • Respect the decisions of team managers and organisers – if you wish to raise an issue arrange an
    agreed time and suitable venue for a discussion.
  • Help team managers and organisers when you see the need. Offers of help are always appreciated.
  • Recognise that golf may not turn out to be ‘for’ your child. Never force your child to play. Golf is to
    be enjoyed – not endured.
  • Respect those who give their time helping and organising junior/juvenile golf.
  • The club or the owners of the facility (referred to as Bodenstown Golf Club) cannot accept any
    responsibility for the safety of a child who has been ‘dropped off’ at the course.
  • When a child is playing singles club matchplay if a parent is not accompanying their child the club will
    assume that parental permission has been given and that parents accept full responsibility.

Policy on selection of Juvenile Members for senior teams:
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  • This policy recognises that all members who have not yet attained the age of 18 years are legally
    regarded as children and come within the provisions of the GUI/ILGU Code of Ethics & Good
    Practice for Children’s Sport.
  • The policy of the Club is to nurture young talent with a view to bringing such talent through to the
    senior ranks in a managed and responsible manner taking account of the physical and psychological
    well being of the young members in the transition from junior level to senior level.
  • A senior team manager who wishes to select a juvenile member(s) should seek the prior agreement of
    the manager/organiser of the juvenile team, the Junior Organiser and of course, the juvenile member
    (s).
  • If a juvenile member declines to make themselves available to play for a senior team this decision
    must be respected by the senior manager and should not have a bearing on that player’s potential
    future selection at senior level.
  • If a senior team manager feels that the juvenile team manager or Junior Organiser is unreasonably
    denying requests for the release of a juvenile member then the matter should be brought to the
    attention of the Committee for resolution.     
  • If a juvenile member(s) is selected to play for a senior team it is incumbent on the senior manager to
    insist that all senior members involved with the team are made aware of their responsibilities as
    regards the Code of Conduct towards Juvenile members.
Bodenstown Golf Club, Sallins, Co. Kildare
Clubhouse: (045) 897096; Competition Office (045) 871162
Email:   bodenstown@eircom.net
Webmaster:   admin@bodenstown.com
Sallins, Co. Kildare
Bodenstown Golf Club
Clubhouse:       (045) 897096
Comp. Office:   (045) 871162

Email: bodenstown@eircom.net