Leading figures from the golfing world will gather at The De Vere Belfry to discuss dramatic changes to the Disability Discrimination Act that will radically affect all golf clubs and competition organisers.
The Act comes into force on 1st December. It extends disability protection to include a larger number of people with progressive conditions such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis and mental illness.
As well as insisting that golf clubs remove any physical barriers preventing a disabled person from using a course, the Act will impact on all bodies that organise competitions and events. Those that don‘t comply will face hefty penalties and court appearances.
The seminar was the brainchild of the National Golf Clubs‘ Advisory Association (NGCAA) which has received a surge of calls from clubs unsure about their new obligations.
Michael Shaw from the NGCAA said that despite widespread publicity, too many golf clubs still haven‘t made any preparations. “From December the golfing world will no longer be exempt from the Act. Clubs and competition organisers will be under exactly the same obligations as high street shops. Many people in the golfing world have been burying their heads in the sand about this issue but they now have no choice. They must act now.
“The aim of this seminar is to explain the Act and its implications, and give practical advice about how clubs and organisations can make sure they comply with it. Members are becoming much more aware of their legal rights and an expensive court case could bankrupt a club. This really is an essential event for anyone associated with a club or competition.”
Representatives from all of the UK’s major golfing bodies are expected to attend the seminar, including the R & A, Council of National Golf Unions, Ladies‘ Golf Union, the PGA, as well as the various regional golfing unions.
The seminar will take place at The De Vere Belfry on Tuesday 29th November 2005. Places will cost £135 + VAT for single delegates or £210 + VAT for two delegates from the same organisation. Representatives from Configure, the UK’s leading disability access consultancy, and Citation, leading health and safety specialists, will be speaking at the event.
To book a place call the NGCAA on 01684 311 353.
NGCAA www.ngcaa.org.uk
Explaining the new disability laws
