The WDGC Regulations (full version in pdf) is the bylaw to organize and administer the World Deaf Golf Championships on a biannual basis.
1.1 ‘WDGC’ : World Deaf Golf Championships
1.2 ‘WDGF’ : World Deaf Golf Federation
1.3 ‘ICSD’ : International Committee of Sports for the Deaf
1.4 ‘TD’ : Technical Director
1.5 ‘TOD’ : Tournament Director
1.6 ‘TR’ : Tournament Referees
1.7 ‘MOU’: Memorandum of Understanding
1.8 ‘TRC’ : Tournament Rules Committee (Comprising the Tournament Referees, Tournament Director and Technical Director)
1.9 ‘WHS’ : World Handicap System
2.1 Men’s Tournament
The Men’s Individual Tournament shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds. If two or more players have equal results after the final round, there shall be a playoff until there is a winner.
2.2 Men’s Team Tournament
The men’s team competition shall be a stroke play tournament. A team shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 golfers.
Every day, the three best scores in the team shall be summed. The team with the lowest total score after four days will be the winning team.
In the event that the total number of Men’s Teams does not exceed 5 countries, WDGF reserves the right to amend the minimum number of golfers to 2 golfers.
Only one team per nation is allowed to play.
2.3 Womens’ Tournament
The Womens’ Individual Tournament shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds. If two or more players have equal results after the final round, there shall be a playoff until there is a winner.
2.4 Womens’ Team Tournament
The Womens’ team competition shall be a stroke play tournament. A team shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 golfers.
Every day, the three best scores in the team shall be summed. The team with the lowest total score after four days will be the winning team.
In the event that the total number of Women’s Teams does not exceed 5 countries, WDGF reserves the right to amend the minimum number of golfers to 2 golfers.
Only one team per nation is allowed to play.
2.5 Men’s Senior Tournament
Men’s Senior Tournament is open for men who shall have reached their 50th birthday at least one day before the start of the tournament. The Men’s Senior Tournament shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds. If a golfer enters the senior’s tournament, he may not enter the Men’s Tournament.
If two or more players have equal results after the final round, there shall be a playoff until there is a winner.
2.6 Men’s Senior Team Tournament
The men’s senior team competition shall be a stroke play tournament. A team shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 golfers.
Every day, the three best scores in the team shall be summed. The team with the lowest total score after four days will be the winning team.
In the event that the total number of Men’s Senior Teams does not exceed 5 countries, WDGF reserves the right to amend the minimum number of golfers to 2 golfers.
Only one team per nation is allowed to play.
2.7 Womens’ Senior Tournament
Womens’ Senior Tournament is open for women who shall have reached their 50th birthday at least one day before the start of the tournament. The Womens’ Senior Tournament shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds on the same tees as the Women. If a golfer enters the Women senior’s tournament, she may not enter the Womens’ Tournament.
If two or more players have equal results after the final round, there shall be a playoff until there is a winner.
2.8 Womens’ Senior Team Tournament
The Womens’ senior team competition shall be a stroke play tournament. A team shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 golfers.
Every day, the two best scores in the team shall be summed. The team with the lowest total score after four days will be the winning team.
In the event that the total number of Women’s Senior Teams does not exceed 5 countries, WDGF reserves the right to amend the minimum number of golfers to 2 golfers
Only one team per nation is allowed to play.
2.9 Junior Tournament for boys
The Junior Tournament for boys is open for players who are not older than 18 years of age on the last day of the competition, and have an official handicap of 18.4 or under (WHS).
The Junior Tournament for boys shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds. If a boy enters the Junior Tournament, he may not enter the Men’s Tournament.
2.10 Junior Tournament for girls
The Junior Tournament for girls is open for players who are not older than 18 years of age on the last day of the competition, and have an official handicap of 30.4 or under (WHS).
The Junior Tournament for girls shall be 72 holes of stroke play over four rounds. If a girl enters the Junior Tournament, she may not enter the Women’s7 Tournament.
3.1 Eligibility
The Tournament is open to all deaf and hard of hearing male and female golfers.
The hearing loss is defined as a hearing loss of at least 55 dB per tone average in the better ear (3-tone frequency average at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hertz, ISO 1969 Standard).
A detailed description about the hearing loss and the audiogram can be found at the ICSD webpage: http://www.deaflympics.com
3.2 Audiogram
An ICSD approved audiogram is required to enter the competition.
Before submitting a new audiogram, please check with the National Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) for your country’s latest audiogram list to check if the player is already in ICSD audiogram database.
If a player is not registered in the ICSD database, he or she must make a hearing test at a doctor. The doctor should fill in all of the ICSD audiogram, even the Bone Conduction, Typanometry and Reflexometry, otherwise it will not be approved.
The audiogram could be obtained at the ICSD webpage www.deaflympics.com, the ICSD does not accept any other audiogram but their approved audiogram form.
The player should send the audiogram to the NDSF for review. The NDSF will then forward the audiogram to ICSD. All new audiogram forms must be submitted to ICSD three (3) months before the event.
The players may be required to take additional hearing tests during the Championships. Any player that does not pass the hearing test or is refusing to take a test will be disqualified.
3.3 Hearing Aids
It is not allowed to wear hearing aids, cochlear implants or any other hearing implements during a championship round.
Penalty for breach of the rule: Disqualification.
3.4 Handicap
The handicap limits to enter the WDGC are stated under Men’s Tournament, Womens’ Tournament, and Men’s Senior Tournament. The player shall have a handicap that is at or below the handicap limit on the final entry date to the WDGC.
A player must show records from a handicap system approved by his/her National Golf Association and affiliated to the WHS (World Handicap System).
Permission needs to be sought from the WDGF at least one month prior to the final entry date to get an exemption from the handicap requirements, accompanied with evidence of the player’s scores.
The National Deaf Golf Federation or National Deaf Sports Federation President and Secretary must make declaration in their letter accompanied with the evidence.
Should the player’s handicap increase (between time of entry and the tournament start date) beyond the handicap limits for that players category, then the player is to notify the Organising Committee who will then refer the matter to the Tournament Rules Committee who will then provide a decision.
3.5 Age Limit
There is no minimum age to participate in the WDGC. Golfers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. National Deaf Golf Federations can choose to increase this age limit as deemed necessary according to their requirements.
4.1 Rules of Golf
Rules of golf shall be based on R&A Rules of Golf.
The rules could be found at the R&A website: www.randa.org.
Local rules shall be handed out to the players before the start of the competition. The rules shall be written in English. The players are responsible for familiarising themselves with the local rules.
4.2 Amateur Status
The WDGC is open for amateurs and for players working as golf pros teaching golf.
Players on the professional golf tours are not allowed to play in the WDGC.
WDGF reserves the right to refuse any professional if there is any doubt as to the amateur or professional playing status of any entrant for the WDGC.
4.3 The Golf Course
The golf course must be officially recognized by the R&A.
The WDGF recommends the following yardage for a par 72 golf course:
| Men’s Tournament: | 6500 yards |
| Womens’ & Womens’ Senior Tournament: | 5500 yards |
| Men’s Senior Tournament: | 6000 yards |
It is recommended that the Organising Committee arrange for spotters or forecaddies on potentially dangerous holes such as blind holes, or on difficult holes that could slow down the pace of play significantly.
The golf course shall have a practice field where the players can warm up. It shall also have a restaurant or similar facility where the players can have lunch.
If the Organising Committee elects to use two different golf courses, one golf course shall be used for Men’s Tournament and the other golf course shall be used for Womens’ and Senior’s Tournaments. The golf courses shall not be located too far from each other.
4.4 Minimum Number of Entrants
The minimum number of entrants, in order to qualify as a World Deaf Golf Championship shall be:
4.5 Maximum Number of Entrants
The Organising Committee shall determine the maximum number of entrants in an early stage of the planning.
If many players are expected to participate in the WDGC, the Organising Committee shall consider arranging the Ladies’ and Seniors Tournament on a second golf course.
If it is not possible to use a second golf course, the Organising Committee shall, after consulting with the Technical Director and the WDGF board, reduce the number of players as follows:
The decisions of the Tournament Rules Committee are final.
4.6 Team Captain/Manager
Each country shall select a Team Captain or Manager. The name of the Team Captain/Manager should be given to the Organising Committee and to the WDGF Board prior to the start of the Championships.
All information etc from the Organising Committee and WDGF during the Championships should be forwarded to the players via the Team Captain, Manager or other person appointed by the Team Captain/Manager.
4.7 Team Captains / Managers Meeting
The Tournament Rules Committee shall be issuing all rules [including local rules] and procedures to each Country Team Captain and / or Manager on the Sunday prior to tournament commencement date.
A Team Captains / Managers meeting will be held on the afternoon of the day prior to the first round, to discuss the upcoming Championships. Further Team Captains / Managers meetings can be held at any time, as determined by the Tournament Rules Committee, to discuss any matter.
A preliminary Local Rules sheet will be provided one month prior to the Championships, however the Local Rules will not be official until the day before the practice round, to ensure that all course conditions in the lead up to the Championships have been allowed for.
4.8 Practice Round
The WDGC shall include a practice round one day before the start of the tournament, and shall be included in the Tournament Entry. The Organising Committee should also ensure the availability of the golf course for practice (at the player’s expense) up to a week prior to the first round of the WDGC.
4.9 Golf Balls and Golf Clubs
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the List of Confirming Driver Heads and Golf Balls.
4.10 Golf Carts
For the Men’s and Womens’ categories, the use of motorized ride on golf carts is forbidden. For all other categories, the Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for use of transportation during a WDGC.
4.11 Electric Trolleys
Electric pull trolleys are allowed.
4.12 Caddies
For all Categories, the use of Professional Caddies including the use of Professional Golfers / Coaches / or similar is forbidden.
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for use of caddies during a WDGC.
4.13 Advice
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for advice in competition during a WDGC.
4.14 Electronic Equipment
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for use of electronic equipment during a WDGC.
4.15 Pace of Play
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for the pace of play during a WDGC.
4.16 Starting Times
The Tournament Rules Committee is responsible for the starting times.
The starting list for the first round for shall be determined by a draw.
Under no circumstances should a playing group have players from one single country. If it should happen that all the golfers at a starting time are from the same country, the last golfer shall be exchanged with the first golfer from another country at the next starting time.
In the event of a single tee start, on the second round the starting list shall be turned around; i.e. the front half of the first round first tee list, shall be flipped around, and swap with the bottom half.
In the event of a two tee start, on the second round the starting list shall be turned around; i.e. the front half of the first round first tee list, shall be flipped around, swap with the bottom half, and be moved to the 10th tee. Those starting on the 10th tee in Round 1 shall have same applied, and be moved to the 1st tee.
On the third and fourth round the starting list shall be based on the players position in the tournament; i.e. the leaders in Men’s, Womens and Senior Men’s Tournament should go out last.
The starting times must be announced in the afternoon or early evening prior to the start of each championship round. The starting times shall be published on a notice board where the majority of the players can read it. Copies should also be handed out to the Team Captain/Manager of each country.
The Tournament Rules Committee has the rights to alter the starting times if deemed necessary.
The player is personally responsible for knowing his or her own starting time.
The player should arrive at the first tee ten minutes before starting time.
4.17 Scorecards
The player must exchange his or her scorecard with his or her marker.
It is the responsibility of the player to return the scorecard to the scorers hut, recording desk or another location as determined by the Organising Committee as soon as possible after completion of the round.
It is an obligation to have a recording desk in the WDGC. It shall be located close to the finish, preferable with seats and a table where the players can sit down and finish, check and sign their scorecards.
In case of any queries, the golfers should consult with the Tournament Referees before signing and returning their scorecards.
On request by any player, the Organising Committee should hand the scorecard to the player after the Tournament so he or she can hand it to his or her own golf club.
4.18 Results
The Organising Committee shall publish the results after each round as soon as possible on a notice board at the official Tournament Room, and be accessible for all Tournament Players. The WDGC website should also be updated on a daily basis. Copies should also be handed out to the Team Captain/Manager of each country and to the WDGF board.
When the results are placed on the Tournament Results Notice Board, they are considered to have been officially announced.
4.19 Discontinuing or Cancellation of Play
The Tournament Rules Committee has the right to discontinue the play and/or cancel a round in case of potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The Conditions of Competition issued for each WDGC will specify the requirements for discontinuing or cancellation of play during a WDGC.
The minimum number of holes played to make the WDGC results official shall be 36.
4.20 Code of Behaviour
Players and their caddies should refrain from any action, in words or behavior, which may be regarded as not sportsmanlike or unacceptable by their fellow competitors.
Any such misbehavior should be reported to the Tournament Referee, who will confer with the Tournament Rules Committee who will decide on the course of action.
The decision of the Tournament Rules Committee shall be final.
4.21 HELD IN RESERVE
4.22 Tie Breaking Procedures – Individual Tournaments
Ties for first place in the individual tournaments will be broken by a sudden death playoff.
A sudden death playoff shall be used to declare a winner only. The other players in the playoff are to be declared as tied for second.
The Tournament Rules Committee shall choose the hole(s) designated for the playoff.
The holes may not be finalised until the scope of any playoff is determined and the course availability at the time of the playoff is known.
If a playoff cannot be held due to weather, darkness or other cause, a winner shall be declared by matching scorecards by using the following count back system.
The holes shall be examined as they appear on the scorecard. A winner shall be determined on the basis of the best score in the following sequence:
4.23 Tie Breaking Procedures – Team Tournaments
Ties for all places the team tournaments will be broken by matching scorecards.
The holes shall be examined as they appear on the scorecard. A winner shall be determined on the basis of the best score in the following sequence:
4.24 Doping
A player shall not knowingly make use of any drug to enhance his or her performance.
For doping policies, see ICSD Anti-Doping Rules. The rules can be found at the ICSD webpage: www.deaflympics.com
The players may be required to undergo doping tests. Any player that is breaking the Anti-Doping Rules or is refusing to take a test will be disqualified.
5.1 Entry Forms
Each player and official attending the WDGC must fill in an entry form.
The country’s National Deaf Golf Federation or National Deaf Sports Federation must approve the player’s entry in the WDGC. A signature of both the President/Chairman and the Secretary of the Federation are to verify the approval.
The participating countries shall submit their entry forms to the Organising Committee at least four (4) months before the start of the Championships.
The Organising Committee shall send a list of the participating players to WDGF and ICSD three (3) months before the start of the Championships.
5.2 Payment of Entry Fee
Each player attending the WDGC must pay an entry fee. The entry fee shall be paid via the player’s National Deaf Golf Federation or National Deaf Sports Federation.
Team officials are also required to pay the entry fee.
The entry fees shall be paid to the Organising Committee at least three (3) months before the start of the Championships.
5.3 WDGF Membership Fee
No entry form will be accepted from any player unless their National Deaf Golf Federation is a current financial member of WDGF.
5.4 Nationality
A player must have a valid passport for the country he or she is representing. The player shall have some relationship to the country, e.g. live in, or have been born in, or have parents from the country he or she is representing.
If a player has represented a country previously he has to wait for two years before he or she can represent another country. The player’s former National Deaf Golf- or National Deaf Sports Federation must give their approval. The player is not allowed to represent his or her former country in any sport during this time.
A player can only change his or her nationality once.
5.5 Withdrawal by a Player or a Team
The entry fee (minus the bank charges) should be paid back if the player wants to withdraw his or her entry before the final day for entering the Championships, unless the National Deaf Golf Federation is able to provide a substitute player, who is already on the ICSD ‘approved’ database. Players who are not on the ICSD ‘approved’ database, cannot replace other players that withdraw.
A fine shall be paid if a player wants to withdraw after the final day for entering the Championships. The fine shall be determined in advance by the Organising Committee, and shall include the WDGF individual entry fee.
5.6 Communication – Prior to Tournament Start Date
To clarify any issues or raise questions, players are to contact their National Deaf Golf Federation who will then raise or clarify issues with the Organising Committee or the WDGF.
In circumstances where a player communicates direct to the Organising Committee or the World Deaf Golf Federation, that player will be directed to contact their National Deaf Golf Federation.
5.7 Communication – During Tournament
For communication between players and the Organising Committee, Tournament Rules Committee or WDGF, the player is to refer the issue / dispute to his / her Team Captain or Manager who will then represent the players issue to the relevant organization / committee.
Please refer to Section 2.23 – Disputes or Unusual Situations on the Golf Course.
6.1 WDGC Trophies and Prizes
The winners in the individual and team tournaments shall be entitled to keep the WDGF perpetual trophies until the next WDGC as outlined in 6.2.
The individual players and the players in the teams on the first three places shall also be awarded with prizes for their keeping. (Individual players tied second and third should also be awarded with prizes.) The prizes shall be provided by the WDGC host.
The individual players and all the players in the teams on the first six places shall be awarded with diplomas. The diplomas shall be provided by the WDGC host.
The prizes and diplomas shall carry the logo of the ICSD, the WDGF and the National Deaf Golf Federation.
Should the Womens Seniors Tournament not be held, then the player with the best score in Womens Tournament should be awarded with a prize. The prizes shall be provided by the WDGC host. To qualify for the Womens Senior Trophy, the player must have reached her 50th birthday by the first day of the Tournament.
Should both Junior Tournaments not be held, then the ‘Junior’ player with the best score in both Mens and Womens should be awarded with a prize. The prizes shall be provided by the WDGC host. To qualify for the Junior Trophy, the player must not have reached his/her 18th birthday by the last day of the Tournament.
6.2 WDGF Perpetual Trophies
All the WDGF trophies in the WDGC are perpetual (floating or traveling) trophies. The winner shall be entitled to keep it until the next WDGC, where it shall be handed back to WDGF prior to the start of the Championship.
The expenses for bringing the trophy back and forth to the WDGC shall be paid by the winner, the winner’s National Deaf Golf Organisation or National Deaf Sports Organisation.
In the case of a loss or breakage of the trophy, the winner, the winner’s National Deaf Golf Organisation or National Deaf Sports Organisation shall be liable to pay all the expenses.
