The R&A has staged its first Eastern European Rules School. Sixty-three delegates from eleven nations attended the three-day event hosted by Golf Hostivař in Prague 25 – 27 September.
The nations represented at the Eastern European Rules School were: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia.
Alan Holmes, Chairman of the Rules of Golf Committee; Stuart Allison, Rules of Golf Committee; and Kevin Barker, Assistant Director – Rules of Golf made up The R&A delegation running the School.
The School concentrated on the game’s main playing Rules (Rules 12 – 28), their definitions and their practical application. Through a series of seminars, including analysis of televised incidents and role-play scenarios, attendees had the opportunity to challenge and develop their knowledge before taking the Rules Exam.
Successful candidates received certification acknowledging their level of Rules knowledge. Many associations use the qualification as a guide for determining potential referees.
“We’re delighted to be taking the Rules School to Eastern Europe for the first time,” said Alan Holmes. “The game in the region has developed both rapidly and impressively in recent years and it is, therefore, appropriate for us to provide the opportunity for enthusiastic and knowledgeable officials to take their Rules Exam.
“The Czech Golf Federation has been particularly active in setting up its first ever Rules School so it’s great to see its efforts rewarded with a large attendance.”
For those that hope to go on to officiate in national and international competitions, guidance will be given on course marking, officiating and the practical application of the Rules.
After Eastern Europe, the next stop for The R&A’s Rules education programme will be in China on 12 – 14 November.
The R&A www.RandA.org