The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews today announced a new and completely re-written version of the Rules of Amateur Status. As with the Rules of Golf these Rules are sponsored by Royal and SunAlliance plc and will come into effect on 1st January 2000.
The R&A is the Governing Authority for the Rules of Amateur Status throughout the world, outside of the United States of America and the new Code is the product of two years work and extensive international consultations. The R&A’s Amateur Status Committee had the task, in conjunction with the Club’s 125 Affiliated Unions from around the world, of maintaining the distinction between Amateur and Professional golf and keeping the Amateur game as free as possible from the abuses which may follow from uncontrolled sponsorship and financial incentive. As stated in the new Rules “It is considered necessary to safeguard Amateur golf, which is largely self-regulating, with regard to the Rules of play and handicapping so that it may be fully enjoyed by all Amateur golfers”.
The principal changes to the Rules of Amateur Status are as follows:-
Rule 1 Amateurism
A new Rule has been introduced to explain the concept of Amateur Status and the purpose and spirit of the Rules.
Rule 3 Prizes
The prohibition against playing for prize money has been re-positioned within a new prize Rule and a single prize limit of £300 has been established.
Also, an exception to the prize Rule has been introduced allowing vouchers to be used to cover expenses incurred in participating in golf competitions, provided the reimbursement of such expenses is controlled by the National or County Union. It is hoped that this will, in particular, reduce the cost of competing at the highest level of the Amateur game and enable those fortunate enough to win vouchers to use them to offset their future expenses.
Rule 5 Instruction
A new exception to the instruction Rule has been introduced permitting the receipt of expenses for giving instruction to junior golfers, provided it is part of a programme approved by the Governing Body. It is envisaged that such a programme would be aimed at young junior golfers and it would be run in conjunction with and supported by the national Professional Golfers’ Association.
Rule 6 Use of Golf Skill or Reputation
The phrase “Golf skill or reputation” has been defined and the five associated Rules have been consolidated into one new Rule.
Rule 8 Procedure for Enforcement of the Rules
A formal appeals procedure has been introduced and an “Amateur Status Appeals Committee” established.
Rule 9 Reinstatement of Amateur Status
The periods of time that a golfer has to wait to regain his Amateur Status have been revised and generally reduced.
Also, the new appeals procedure is referenced.
Commenting on the new Rules, David Rickman, Rule Secretary of the R&A said: “The new Code seeks to preserve the key elements of Amateurism whilst recognising that times change and the rules must allow for the continued development of golf throughout the world. The challenge is to establish a Code which is equitable from an international perspective, despite the fact that social and economic conditions may vary enormously from one country to another.”
The Rules of Amateur Status are incorporated in the 2000 edition of the Rules of Golf.