MSJGT

Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf and by the following Local Rules and definitions where applicable. Any changes and additions to these Local Rules will be provided on a Local Rules Addendum sheet at each event.

Unless otherwise stated, penalty for breach of a Local Rule is two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play. Any questions should be resolved before the scorecard is signed and turned in.
Disregard any local rules printed on the course scorecard.

1.  Golf Balls and Clubs: Only golf balls that have been tested and are on the current list of USGA Conforming Golf Balls may be used. All clubs must meet USGA specifications.  Penalty - Disqualification.
2.  Pace of Play: Rule 6-7 will be enforced as per MSJGT Pace of Play guidelines.
3. Embedded Ball: Anywhere 'through the green', a ball that is embedded in its own pitch mark, may be lifted without penalty, cleaned and dropped as nearly as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole.  Reference Exception 1 for where relief can be taken.
4.  Out of bounds is fixed by a white line on the ground, the line itself is out of bounds. All public roads are deemed out of bounds and if not otherwise marked the nearest edge of the concrete/asphalt, or curbing shall be the boundary. If a ball crosses a public road and comes to rest on another part of the course it is deemed out of bounds.
5.  Ground Under Repair: Areas enclosed with white lines. French drains are also considered ground under repair.
6.  Water Hazards/Lateral Water Hazards: Defined by yellow lines and/or yellow stakes. Stakes identify, lines define.  When a water hazard or a lateral water hazard is only defined on only one side, it is deemed to extend to infinity.  When a water hazard or lateral water hazard is bounded by out of bounds, the hazard margin extends to and coinsides with the out of bounds line.
7.  White lines tied into obstructions are part of that obstruction.
8.  Permanent elevated power lines and cables: If a ball strikes such a line or cable, the stroke shall be cancelled and must be replayed without penalty.
9.  Late to tee: If a player arrives, ready to play, at the starting tee within 5 minutes after the assigned starting time, the penalty is loss of the first hole in match play, or two strokes at the first hole in stroke play. Later than 5 minutes results in disqualification.
10. Suspension of play for a dangerous situation: As per rule 6-8 and Appendix 1-4. All practice areas are closed during a suspension for a dangerous situation. Suspensions for a dangerous situation shall be signaled by one prolonged air horn blast. All other types of suspension shall be signaled by several short blasts.
11. Doubt as to Procedure: (In stroke play only) If during the play of a hole a competitor is doubtful of his rights or procedure, he may, without penalty, play a second ball as outlined in Rule 3-3. Prior to proceeding the player should announce he is invoking the rule and declare which ball he intends to score with.  The player is also required to report his procedure to the committee.
12. Integral Parts of the Course: Includes cables, rods, wires or wrappings when closely attached to trees, liners in bunkers, railroad ties and other support walls when located in hazards, unless otherwise provided in Local Rules Addendum.
13. Temporary Immovable Obstruction: Local Rule in Appendix 1 is in effect.
14.  Newly Sodded Areas: If a ball lies in or touches a sod seam, or the seam interferes with the player's area of intended swing, the player may, without penalty, lift the ball and clean it and drop the ball as near as possible to where it originally lay, not nearer the hole, where it avoids interference by the condition and is not in a hazard or on a putting green.  Relief should also be granted if the seam interferes with the player's area of intended swing.

Stroke Limit Policy:  There is no stroke limit in the Middle States Junior Golf Tour.

Measuring Devices/Range Finders: Measuring devices and range finders are prohibited in all Middle States Junior Golf Tour events.

Cell Phone Policy: Use of cell phones by players, parents or spectators will not be permitted at any time during tournament play. If a player violates this policy, they will be disqualified.

Weather Delay/Cancellation: In the event of inclement weather, the MSJGT staff will sound one long air horn. At that point, play needs to stop immediately and shelter needs to be found.  An event will only be cancelled if the players’ safety and well being is threatened or if the course becomes unplayable.