Rules and Conditions

Marisa Sgaravatti Trophy
Masters Team Championship

I DEFINITIONS

ESLGA Committee: During tournaments the ESLGA Committee shall consist of at least two of their members, the President, the vice president/treasurer or the Secretary-General or their designated deputies, thus representing the Board of ESLGA.

Championship Committee: The Championship Committee is an honorary committee, formed by at least three members: the President of ESLGA, the President of the National Senior (Ladies) Golf Association of the organizing country and the President of the Club, where the tournament is being played, or their deputies. The Championship Committee watches over and shall strive for a good atmosphere during the event and ensure that the tournament is being played in the true spirit of the game. This Committee may give advice to anyone at any time.

Tournament Committee: The Tournament Committee is formed by the hosting country and is responsible for the organization of the tournament. The Committees responsibilities are defined in the Rules of Golf, Rule 20. The composition of the Committee is up to the hosting country, but shall consist of at least one official referee and one person nominated by the ESLGA Committee. Also a Tournament Director shall be designated.

II GENERAL

The Marisa Sgaravatti Trophy is an annual tournament of the European Senior Ladies Golf Association (ESLGA), open to amateur golfers of ESLGA Members. The tournament will take place in the countries of the ESLGA members, rotation not being obligatory. The ESLGA’s General Meeting is entitled to grant the organization of this tournament to a particular Association during one or several years, its choice not being based on who applied first, but on criteria such as accessibility, general quality, economy, climate and other factors. Every year the ESLGA’s General Meeting will establish the location and the date of the tournament, normally in the first half of July, at least three years ahead. The language in force is English.

III ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

1. Teams For the tournament, ESLGA members may enter one team of five to six players with a handicap index of 5.0 or higher. The half year handicap history of each team member must be submitted to the Committee by the enrollment date of the tournament. The last day on which the Entry Form III can be submitted (this date is normally about 3 weeks before the tournament) is also benchmark for the Hcp limit of 5.0.

2. Entries Entry forms will be put on ESLGA Website in the calendar at least six months before the competition. Entries must be made by e-mail to the organizing Association at the latest four months before the competition, while player’s names, handicaps and rankings must be announced three weeks before the first day of the tournament.

3. Eligibility of Players

All players must be female and:

a) An amateur golfer in accordance with the rules of amateur status as approved by the R & A Rules Limited.

b) A member of the Senior Ladies Golf Association of the country, recognized by or associated to the National Federation,

c) 50 years old or older in the year of the tournament and

d) A citizen of the Country she represents or a resident of that country for a minimum of five years. A player with a dual citizenship may only represent one country per year.

e) New players must send a copy of their ID.

4. Handicap

a) WHS handicap: the lowest handicap index is 5.0 , exact handicap on closing date for Entry Form III. Captains are responsible for the accuracy of the handicaps when they send in the entry forms.

b) The captain has to bring the handicap history of each player starting from the beginning of the current year.

5. Fees The entry fee shall be determined by the Member Association organizing the competition, in accordance with the ESLGA Committee with one practice day to be granted before the competition.

IV FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION

6. Form of Play

A Team will be composed of a maximum of 6 players and a minimum of 5. Each team may have a captain who may be a player or non-player but who must be an Amateur as defined in 3 (a) above. The Tournament will consist of two phases:

36 holes qualifying, 2 rounds of 18 holes stroke play on consecutive days.
Match play within flights-two days.

7. First phase – stroke play

a) There shall be two rounds of 18 holes stroke play on Day 1 and 2 to decide the draw for the match play, which commences on Day 3. The draw for the stroke play will be made in twos and threes from different nations (8 to 10 minutes interval).

Captains may place their players in any order they wish on either day but must notify the Tournament Committee of this order :

for the first round by 17h00 on the day preceding the tournament.
for the second round by 17h00 on Day 1 of the tournament.

If by the end of the first day the captain has not handed in any order before 17h00, her team will resume the same position as for the first round.

b) The best four scores out of five will count each day. The total aggregate of eight scores over the two days will constitute the score of the team.

c) In the event of a tie, the total of the five scores of the last day will count.

d) If there is a further tie, the total of the five scores of the first day will count. Then the best score of the last day will count. Then the second best score, and so on.

8. Second phase – match play

Based on the results of the stroke play, flights will be formed as follows and played by match play.

a) The four teams with the best results enter flight 1. The other flights will be composed of 4-3 or 2 teams depending upon the number of teams participating.

b) Each team will play 5 singles.

c) Flight of 4 first day: 2 vs. 3 and 1 vs. 4

second day: winner v. winner and loser vs. loser

Flight of 3 first day: 2 vs. 3

second day: 1 vs. winner

Flight of 2 first day: 1 vs. 2

NOTE: After 18 played holes, if an individual match is tied, the match continues without delay with extended holes till the match is settled. If however either team has already been declared winner in at least 3 individual matches, tied matches will not extend beyond 18 holes. Such match is declared halved and both teams earn ½ point. Similarly, the same applies to an individual match in play when the match already has been won by one of the teams. Such match is discontinued and declared halved with both teams earning ½ point.

d) One point for each match that is won and ½ point for a halved match. If a player fails to play one match, the opponent gets that point.

e) Order of play for the match play.

On the eve of each match, each Captain must notify the Tournament Committee in a sealed envelope the names of the players in their team and the order of play. This envelope shall not be opened before the Committee has been able to receive the opponent’s sealed envelope,

for the third day match: within 30 minutes of the completion of the second round stroke play.

for the fourth day match: within 30 minutes of the completion of their respective flights.

9. Substitutes

Substitution of any of the six players is allowed for any reason. For the teams with 5 players if after the start of the tournament a substitute player is required, only for reasons of illness, injury or exceptional grounds acceptable to the Tournament Committee, the Non-Playing Captain, as long as she conforms with the eligibility condition, will be permitted to become a Playing Captain and she will take the position of the player she substitutes.

The Tournament Committee must be notified immediately of any change in a team.

Qualification phase: If a substitute player is brought in, the Tournament Committee must be notified 30 minutes before the first teeing off time of the player being replaced.

Sanction: disqualification of the player.

Match play phase: if a substitute is brought in, the Tournament Committee must be notified 30 minutes before the first teeing off time of the team. Only if the substitute is brought in on the day of the match the substitute will play as the last player the others moving up in the original draw.

Sanction: loss of the match

10. Rules

The rules of golf will be the ones defined by the R & A Rules Limited and the United States Golf Association as well as those established by the local Tournament Committee.

a) A player may only take advice from her caddie or an appointed team Captain. Such a person must be identified to the Tournament Committee prior to the start of the Tournament and must be an Amateur as defined in 3(a) above.

b) The ball that the player uses shall be named on the current list of conforming balls issued by the R & A Rules Limited and the USGA (see above). The list will be available on the first tee (starter) and the competitors shall ensure that the golf ball they are playing is on that list.

c) The use of golf carts is not allowed.

d) Slow play rules will apply to this Tournament. At the Captains’ meeting prior to the Tournament a standard will be set for the speed at which the game will be played. Sanction following Committee Procedures, Section 5G.

e) Caddie – see Rules/Definitions Caddie. Everyone can have the caddy of her own choice with the exception of professionals (coaches). Fellow team members and team Captains will be allowed.

f) The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend the Rules and Conditions should it be necessary.

11. Practice

There are no restrictions for the practising before the competition.

V SPECIAL RULES

12. Drug abuse

The guidelines of each member country with regard to drug abuse are applicable to all European Championships and International Matches. The hosting country should inform the participants about the rules of conduct on the notice board before the Tournament starts.

13. Disqualification

A team disqualified during the qualifying phase automatically assumes last place in the Tournament.

14. Failure to start – starting time

The player must start at the time established by the Committee.

Rule 5.3a shall apply: If the player arrives at her starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is loss of the first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.

15. Play suspended because of bad weather

a) If one of the first two qualifying rounds is washed out, the one round played alone will count (but all five scores must be handed in).

b) If the first two qualifying rounds are washed out, one qualifying round will be played on the third day and match play on the fourth day as follows :

Flight of 4 3 vs. 4 and 1 vs. 2

Flight of 3 2 vs. 3

c) If three days are washed out, the Tournament will consist of only one stroke play round over 18 holes.

d) If the first three days are playable and the last day washed out, it is between the two teams of each match. The team that has achieved the best qualifying score wins.

e) If the third day is washed out, the matches that should have been played that day, shall be played on the fourth day as follows :

3 vs. 4 and 1 vs. 2

f) If four matches are washed out the only match that has been played counts for the final result.

If three matches are washed out, and the result of the two matches being played is a tie, the result will be defined by ups.

If two matches are washed out there is still an odd result which stands.

If one match is washed out and the result of the four matches being played is a tie, the result will be defined by ups.

g) The Tournament Committee reserves the right to make a decision in equity when it is impossible to complete a match or series of matches in accordance with the Rules of Golf, following the Guidelines for Team Matches from the R & A Rules Limited.

16. Use of mobile phones and other communication devices

Walkie-talkies are for use by the Tournament Committee officials only. The Team Captains are not allowed to use them.

Use of mobile phones by a player, caddie or team Captain on the golf course – except for measuring distances-is not recommended. However, in case of emergency or danger (for medical reasons etc.) or to call the Tournament office, a mobile phone may in these exceptions be used. In all cases a mobile phone should be switched off in order to avoid distracting the other players.

Using a mobile phone as authorized by the rules but distracting other players:

a. First offence: the player is guilty of a breach of etiquette and should switch off her mobile phone.

b. Subsequent offence: the player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette and the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification under rule 1.2b (see also Committee Procedures, Section 5H).

17. Use of distance measuring device

Only devices, measuring distance are allowed.

18. Sponsoring

Limited name and logo recognition is allowed on golf equipment and clothing (max. 10 x 3 cm or 5 x 5 cm). The player’s name must not appear in connection with sponsor’s name or logo. The ESLGA-Committee has to be informed beforehand (and by sending photos) and must be approve the advertising (see also “Decisions on the Rules of Amateur Status”).

VI TROPHY and PRIZES

19. Prizes

The Trophy will be presented by the Hosting Country to the winning team who holds on to it for the ensuing year. The winning country will be responsible for the cost of engraving, insuring and maintaining the Trophy.

The ESLGA will present medals including strings to the members of the winning team, second team and third team. If the Host wishes they can organise/give additional prizes.

VII RECOMMENDATIONS

20. Captains’ Meeting

The Captains’ meeting will take place at the end of the practice day. The Tournament Director, Head Referee and all Team Captains should attend. Local rules, course conditions and “Pace of Play policy” (Rule 5.6b(3)) will be explained; questions from captains will be answered. The recording area shall be indicated.

21. Etiquette

As the friendly and sporting character of the tournaments is an important goal of the ESLGA, participants should experience the tournament as most enjoyable, while playing and behaving in the true spirit of the game. The final results should be ready at the Closing/Prize giving ceremony and to be presented and distributed to all team captains. Members of the Tournament Committee, referees and Captains should speak and understand the English language. To avoid slow play:

the course will always be played from the ladies forward (red) tees, whatever the course length is.
pin positions to be reasonably placed
the Tournament Committee should provide forecaddies where necessary
the captains should inform their players:
- to be on the right starting tee 15 minutes before the starting time
- when searching for balls, to give priority without delay

I DEFINITIONS

ESLGA Committee: During tournaments the ESLGA Committee shall consist of at least two of their three members, the President, the vice president/treasurer and the Secretary-General or their designated deputies, thus representing the Board of ESLGA.

Tournament Committee: The Tournament Committee is formed by the hosting country and is responsible for the organization of the tournament. The Committee, responsibilities are defined in the Rules of Golf, Rule 20. The composition of the Committee is up to the hosting country, but shall consist of at least one official referee and one person nominated by the ESLGA Committee. Also a Tournament Director shall be designated.

II GENERAL

The Masters Team Championship is an annual tournament of the European Senior Ladies Golf Association (ESLGA), open to amateur golfers of ESLGA Members.

The tournament will take place in the countries of the ESLGA members, rotation not being obligatory. The ESLGA’s General Meeting is entitled to grant the organization of this tournament to a particular Association during one or several years, its choice not being based on who applied first, but on criteria such as accessibility, general quality, economy, climate and other factors. Every year the ESLGA’s General Meeting will establish the location and the date of the tournament, normally in the first half of July, at least three years ahead.

The language in force is English.

III ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

1. Teams

For the tournament, ESLGA members may enter one team of four to five players with a handicap index of 14,0 or lower.

2. Entries

Entry forms will be sent out by the organizing country at least six months before the competition.

Entries must be made by e-mail to the organizing Association at the latest four months before the

competition, while players’ names, handicaps and rankings must be announced three weeks before

the first day of the tournament.

3. Eligibility of Players

All players must be female and:

a) An amateur golfer in accordance with the rules of amateur status as approved by the R & A Rules Limited.

b) A member of the Senior Ladies Golf Association of the country, recognized by or associated to the National Federation.

recognized by or associated to the Federation,

c) 65 years old or older in the year of the Championship and

d) A citizen of the Country she represents or is a resident of that country for a minimum of five years. A player with a dual citizenship may only represent one country per year.

e) New players must send a copy of their ID.

4. Handicap

WHS handicap: the highest handicap index is 14,0 , exact handicap on closing date for Entry Form III.

Captains are responsible for the accuracy of the handicaps when they send in the entry forms.

5. Fees

The entry fee shall be determined by the Member Association organizing the competition, in accordance with

ESLGA Committee with one practice day to be granted before the competition.

IV FORMAT OF THE COMPETITION

6. Form of play

Team will be composed of 4 players, plus optionally one reserve. Each team may have a captain who may be

a player or non-player but who must be an Amateur as defined in 3 (a) above.

The Championship will consist of two phases:

four ball better ball, stroke play, First Phase
individual stroke play, Second Phase.

Captains may place their players in any order they wish and must notify the Tournament Committee of this order for the first round by 17h00 on the day preceding the Championship.

If by the end of the first day the captain has not handed in any order before 17h00, her team will resume the same position as for the first round, if by the end of the second day the captain has not handed in any order before 17h00, her team resume the same position as on the second round.

7. First phase – four ball better ball

One round of four ball better ball as stroke play.

The starting order of the 4BBB will be allotted by countries. The Tournament Committee has done this in advance.

The better score from each hole of the two players of a team will be counted as the result of the pair.

Every team has two pairs, which means two 4BBB results for the team (two scores).

8. Second phase – individual stroke play

The first day of the second phase

The starting order on the first individual stroke play of second phase will be played by result in twos and threes from different countries.

The three best scores will be counted as the result of the team (three scores).

The second day of the second phase

The starting order on the second individual stroke play of second phase day will be played by result in twos and threes from different countries.

a) The three best scores will be counted as the result of the team (three scores).

b) The results of all three days (eight scores) counted together will aggregate the total scores. Winner has the lowest total score.

c) In the event of a tie, the total of the four scores of the last day will count.

d) If there is a further tie, the total of the four scores of the second last day will count.

Then the best score of the last day will count. Then the second best score, and so on.

9. Substitutes

Substitution of any of the five players is allowed for any reason. For the teams with 4 players if after the start of the Championship a substitute player is required, only for reasons of illness, injury or exceptional grounds acceptable to the Tournament Committee, the Non-Playing Captain, as long as she conforms with the eligibility condition, will be permitted to become a Playing Captain and she will take the position of the player she substitutes.

The Tournament Committee must be notified immediately of any change in a team.

First phase: if a change will be made, the Tournament Committee must be notified 30 minutes before the first teeing off time of the team.

Sanction: disqualification of the pair. (31-7a) The Tournament Committee must name a marker instead.

Second phase: if a change will be made, the Tournament Committee must be notified 30 minutes before the first teeing off time of the player being replaced.

Sanction: disqualification of the player.

10. Rules

The rules of golf will be the ones defined by the R & A Rules Limited and the United States Golf Association as well as those established by the local Tournament Committee.

a) A player may only take advice from her caddie or an appointed team Captain. Such a person must be identified to the Tournament Committee prior to the start of the Championship and must be an Amateur as defined in 3(a) above.

c) The use of golf carts is allowed, as long as the hosting country has enough golf carts for all players.

d) Slow play rules will apply to this Championship. At the Captains’ meeting prior to the Championship a standard will be set for the speed at which the game will be played. Sanction following Appendix I part c9.

e) Caddie – definition 7 – Everyone can have the caddie of her own choice with the exception of professionals (coaches). Fellow team members and team Captains will be allowed.

f) The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend the Rules and Conditions should it be necessary.

11. Practice

There are no restrictions for practising before the competition.

V SPECIAL RULES

12. Drug abuse

The guidelines of each member country with regard to drug abuse are applicable to all European Championships and International Matches. The organising country should inform the participants about the rules of conduct on the notice board before the Championship starts.

13. Disqualification

A team disqualified automatically assumes last place in the Championship.

14. Failure to start – starting time

The player must start at the time established by the Committee.

Rule 6-3 shall apply: If the player arrives at her starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Otherwise, the penalty for breach of this Rule is disqualification.

15. Play suspended because of bad weather

a) If the 4BBB is washed out, it will be played on the next day instead of the first individual stroke play.

b) If one of the two individual rounds is washed out, the one individual round played alone will count, but all

four scores must be handed in.

c) If two days are washed out, the Championship will consist of only the 4BBB stroke play round over 18 holes.

16. Use of mobile phones and other communication devices

Walkie-talkies are for use by the Tournament Committee officials only. The Team Captains are not allowed to use them.

Use of mobile phones by a player, caddie or team Captain on the golf course – except for measuring distances – is not recommended. However, in case of emergency or danger (for medical reasons etc.) or to call the Tournament office, a mobile phone may exceptionally be used. In any case a mobile phone should be switched off in order to avoid distracting the other players.

Using a mobile phone as authorized by the rules but distracting other players:

a. First offence: the player is guilty of a breach of etiquette and should switch off her mobile phone.

b. Subsequent offence: the player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette and the Committee may impose a penalty of disqualification under rule 33-7.

17. Use of distance measuring device

Only devices, measuring distance are allowed.

18. Sponsoring

Limited name and logo recognition is allowed on golf equipment and clothing (max. 10 x 3 cm or 5 x 5 cm). The player’s name must not appear in connection with sponsor’s name or logo. The ESLGA-Committee has to be informed (and by sending photos) and must approve the advertising ( see also “Decisions on the Rules of Amateur Status).

VI TROPHY and PRIZES

19. Prizes

The ESLGA will present medals including strings to the members of the winning , the second and the third team. If the Host wishes they can organise/give additional prizes.

VII RECOMMENDATIONS

20. Captains’ Meeting

The Captains’ meeting will take place at the end of the practice day. The Tournament Director, Head Referee and all Team Captains should attend. Local rules, course conditions and “Pace of Play policy” (Rule 6-7) will be explained; questions from captains will be answered. The recording area shall be indicated.

21. Etiquette

The final results should be ready at the Closing/Prize giving ceremony and to be presented and distributed to all team captains.

Members of the Tournament Committee, referees and Captains should speak and understand the English language.

To avoid slow play:

the course will always be played from ladies forward (red) tees, whatever the course length is.
pin positions to be reasonably placed
the Tournament Committee should provide forecaddies where necessary
the captains should inform their players:
- to be on the right starting tee 15 minutes before the starting time
- when searching for balls, to give priority without delay