Member Information

Membership Policies & Procedures

Membership & Tournament Fees/Benefits

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour will enforce a Code of Conduct similar to that of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA):

Explanation of the Code of Conduct

The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour takes great pride in the quality of its players, host facilities and broad community involvement at each tournament. In order to continue making the experience enjoyable and rewarding for everyone, the tour requires all members to adhere to a set of guidelines known as the Code of Conduct. Its purpose is to help all participants grow and mature by understanding and accepting the consequences of their actions. The Code of Conduct is to be followed throughout the junior’s membership.

VIOLATIONS OF CODE OF CONDUCT
Any of the following actions by an IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour member at an event, non-IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour event or toward another tour member anywhere, constitutes a violation of the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Code of Conduct:
• Unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language, cheating, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers, officials or fellow competitors, or abuse of golf course property
• Not adhering to the dress code at the host golf course
• Use or association with drugs, alcohol, or smoking or chewing tobacco products
• Vandalism at the host hotel, abusive behavior to host family or property
• Conduct not becoming of an IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour player, such as acting in anger or creating other distractions
• Physical abuse, threat of physical abuse, verbal abuse, slander or libel towards other players, parents, coaches, sponsors, host golf course staff or members, IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff or volunteers in any medium

REQUIRED DRESS AT THE GOLF COURSE:
• Hats/visors must be worn with brim forward, males must remove hat/visor while indoors
• Collared shirts or mock turtlenecks (host golf course permitting) must be worn and tucked in at all times
• Women’s fashion shirts without a collar must have sleeves
• Women’s fashion shirts must not rise above the belt line at anytime during the golf swing
• Women’s shorts must be no more than 5” above the knee OR the inseam of the shorts must measure at least 5”

PROHIBITED DRESS AT THE GOLF COURSE:
• Tank tops, T-shirts
• Denim shorts, short-shorts, cut-off shorts, gym shorts, jeans
• Earrings (males)
• Body piercings
• Tattoos (must be covered)
Proper attire is required at all times at the host golf course, including cookouts. Questionable attire will be reviewed by the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff. Should a host golf course have a stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence. Players in violation will not be allowed to tee off. There is no required dress code for Players Registration and Meeting when taking place at the host hotel when the host hotel is not associated with the host golf course. When the Players Meeting takes place at a Resort all attendees must be in golf attire if they plan on using the practice facilities. Males, however, must still take off their hats when indoors.

PLAYERS REGISTRATION
If a player does not attend the Players Registration and Meeting, if applicable without prior arrangements with the Tournament Director, the player may not receive his or her tournament gifts.

CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION PENALTIES
The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Tournament Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties based on severity and frequency of the violation(s):
• One-stroke penalty for each act of unsportsmanlike behavior on the golf course
• Immediate disqualification from the tournament at which the violation occurs
• Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in disqualification from the next event(s) for which a player has been accepted
• The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership for a major breach of the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Code of Conduct
• Violation of the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Code of Conduct may affect a players eligibility for invitationals and post-season honors

IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour members violating the Code of Conduct at outside championships are also subject to the penalties above based on severity. Multiple Code of Conduct violations will result in a written letter to the player and his or her parent/guardian.

SUSPENSION INFORMATION
In the event of a suspension, both the player and parent/guardian will be required to submit a written account of the Code of Conduct violation to the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff within 30 days of the suspension. The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff will determine the length of the suspension after reviewing all submitted materials, including a tournament staff account of the violation. Any player whose membership is under suspension will not be eligible for postseason honors. The Code of Conduct will be outlined by the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff at each tournament’s Players Registration, Players Meeting or during the Practice Round.

Spectator Policies

PARENT AND SPECTATOR GUIDELINES
Spectators are encouraged to come out and enjoy every IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour event. The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff has worked hared to ensure that the best tournament be put forth. Below are some guidelines that will be enforced at each event as to ensure everyone's safety and the authenticity of the competition. If any spectators are seen abusing the guidelines they will have their spectator privileges revoked.

Spectators must observe the same golf etiquette and respect to the golf course, facilities, and policies of the host club as the players.

DRESS CODE
All spectators must dress in appropriate golf attire or clothing of a similar nature. Blue jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, short-shorts, flip-flops and other overly casual attire should NOT be worn. All attire must also meet club guidelines.

CELL PHONES
Please use discretion when utilizing cell phones on the golf course.Turn off all electronic devices or set them to silent. Calls may be returned at the clubhouse by cell phone at a later time (if the club permits). Some host clubs do not allow cell phones on their property.

COMMUNICATING WITH PLAYERS
Spectators who need to talk with a player (for health reasons and handing them sunscreen, food or beverages, etc.) should do so in front of other spectators and/or players.

ADVICE
"Advice is any counsel or suggestion that could influence a player in determining his play, the choice of a club or the method of making a stroke."

General Penalty for a breach of Rule 8 is: loss of hole in Match Play; or two strokes in Stoke Play.

Please be aware of this rule and avoid talking to players as much as possible as it may be percieved as giving the player advice.

RULES OFFICIALS
Rules Officials are stationed on the course to assist players when they are unsure how they should proceed, to monitor pace of play, and for emergency situations. Players and spectators should notify an Official when a someone needs assistance.

Most Officials are volunteers and the number of Officials per event will vary. When there is no Official nearby to assist, players should play a second ball under Rule 3-3; remember - it is the player's responsibility to know the Rules.

When an Official is assisting a player all spectators should stay at least 50 yards away and should not get involved in the conversation. Spectators will be brought into a situation only if asked by the Official.

Spectators should not confront Officials. If a spectator has a question, or information, for an Official it should be done away from the players and in a calm manner.

TIPS FOR WATCHING GOLF
• Stay on cart paths at all times (if cart paths aren't available stay 50-100 yards out of the range of play)
• Please remain quiet during play
• Do not speak to a player during the competition. A player can be penalized or disqualified during an event because of improper communication.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• To ensure your safety at all times, walk carefully and never run.
• Please wear appropriate footwear such as sneakers.

SPECTATOR CART POLICY
In many cases carts may be rented by spectators based on availability - the daily fee is determined by each individual club and will be posted in the player's information on the website.

Spectator carts must stay on the cart path at ALL times. If the course doesn't have cart paths then the cart must stay in the rough at all times.

Only 3 carts will be allowed per group.

Carts may only move forward on the golf course (from tee to green) except in case of a weather evacuation. Carts may not move while competitors are playing a stroke

Only 2 people per cart are allowed except during evacuation.

Spectator carts will NOT be used for shuttling of players from green to tee unless stated on the Notice to Players (local rules sheet) that is given to each player.

Spectators carts will be used to assist with evacuation of players and spectators and may leave the cart path as necessary during an evacuation.

Spectator carts may not carry equipment (as defined in USGA Rules of Golf). Carts may carry any other spectator's items such as umbrellas, etc.

Please contact the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Office at 866-373-0170 or email imgleadbetterjgt@imgworld.com with any questions.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Media Information

Withdrawal & Alternate Policies

IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Withdrawal & Alternate Policies

Withdrawal Policy
Prior to an event: Players must contact Tournament Director Andrew Parr to withdraw at (770) 503-4303 or andrew.parr@imgworld.com. Please see refund policy for details on timing and financial obligation of a withdrawal.

During an event: The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour seeks to promote the development of all players that play in our events. We recognize there are situations that justify a withdrawl from an event but also seek to discourage behavior (i.e. walking off the golf course due to poor play) that is unfavorable to the image of the player and the tour. The following withdrawal policy seeks to address this concept.

Justified Withdrawal
The junior is obviously ill, injured, or a family tragedy has occurred.

The Tournament Director and the junior will sign the Withdrawal Form and ‘JWD’ will be listed next to the junior’s name in the tournament results.

Questionable Withdrawal
The Tournament Director and/or Medical Attendant are unable to determine if the junior is withdrawing for a legitimate reason such as illness or injury. In the case of an extreme weather delay, which may cause a junior to miss a flight and/or incur substantial costs, withdrawing from a tournamentfor this reason would result in a questionable withdrawal.

The Tournament Director and the junior will sign the Withdrawal Form and ‘QWD’ will be listed next to the junior’s name in the tournament results.

Once a junior receives two questionable withdrawals they will be suspended from tour events for a period of 90 days.

No Cards/No Shows
The junior is disqualified under the USGA Rules of Golf. This includes, but is not limited to, juniors leaving the golf course or city in which the event is conducted or failing to show up for any subsequent rounds of an event without talking to the Tournament Director in person.

Disqualification penalties that occur due to intent or a deliberate decision by the player will be listed as DQ Rule 6-3a (NC or NS) and printed next to the junior’s name in the tournament results.
The following consequences will apply:
• First NC, NS, or WD between rounds during season - Warning. The tour will inform the player of the warning via letter or e-mail.
• Second NC, NS, or WD between rounds during season - Player is suspended for the next three months in which tour tournaments are held. Player will be withdrawn from any tournaments entered into during the three month suspension and receive the appropriate refund.
• Third NC, NS, or WD between rounds during season - Player is suspended for remainder of season and withdrawn from any tournaments they are already entered in. The tour reserves the right to lengthen the suspension into the next season.

Alternate Policy
IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour events are currently filled on a first-come, first-served basis. When a field becomes full, competitors that register will be placed on an alternate list. Alternate status will be determined by the following formula:
• Priority 1 – IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Rankings
• Priority 2 – Date of tournament application received

In any instance an IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour official will promptly contact each alternate as there becomes a need to fill a spot in the field. Alternate status can be acquired by contacting the Tour office prior to the event or the Tournament Director on site at the event.
If the committee becomes aware of a withdrawal prior to a starting time then the committee will try to notify the first, or if the first alternate is not available, the highest available alternate of their starting time.
If the committee is not aware of a withdrawal and a player simply fails to appear for a starting time or arrives after the five minute time period, then the highest available alternate who is ready to play may take that spot.
The Committee HAS adopted the Note to Rule 6-3 as a condition of competition for an alternate late to the tee.

Refund Policy

Proof of Age Policy

IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Proof-of-Age Policy

All participants must submit proof-of-age documentation to the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour in order to participate in tournaments. Please direct all related questions to: imgleadbetterjgt@imgworld.com.

Proof-of-Age Submission Guidelines:
• Please do not send any documents that need to be returned to you. All proof-of-age documentation will be kept on file with the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour and will not be returned.
• The IMG Leadbetter JGT staff will contact you to confirm receipt of proof-of-age documentation.

Acceptable Forms of Proof-of-Age Documentation:
1. A certified proof-of-age document issued by federal, state or provincial registrars of vital statistics, or local offices, is acceptable proof-of-age, provided the document was filed, recorded, registered or issued within one (1) year of the birth of the child (i.e. birth certificate).
2. For children born abroad of a parent or parents who are U.S. citizens, any official government document issued by a U.S. federal agency or service is acceptable. These must refer to a filing, recording, registration, or issue date that is within one (1) year of the birth of the child.
3. A photocopy of the following documents (state law permitting) will be acceptable:
• Birth Certificate
• Valid Passport
• Valid Driver’s License
• Documents from Nos. 1 and 2 above

The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour reserves the right to accept or reject any proof-of-age documentation not listed above.

How to obtain acceptable proof-of-age documents:
Certified birth records may be obtained from the Registrar of Vital Statistics of each state, province, or local office where the child was born, for a nominal fee. For U.S. born persons, addresses of these offices or bureaus, fees required, and other pertinent information are supplied by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. A database listing the method of obtaining birth records from any U.S. state or territory is available at the following Internet addresses:
www.vitalcheck.com
www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm

Please send all proof-of-age documentation to:
IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour
5500 34th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34210

or fax to: Andrew Parr at 770.955.4491

All questions and concerns may be directed to the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Office by calling 866-373-0170 or e-mail: imgleadbetterjgt@imgworld.com

Pace of Play

The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour will adopt a Pace of Play Procedure similar to that of the AJGA

PACE OF PLAY PROCESS
The IMG Tournament Committee will designate a minimum of four (4) and up to six (6) holes on the course as timing checkpoints. A staff member or volunteer will be stationed at each timing checkpoint and signal each group with a color-coded card (green, single red or double red) indicating a group’s position on the course. Penalties will be confirmed with groups by an IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Tournament Committee member and verified in the scoring tent. It is the responsibility of the player to know which color cards they receive at all checkpoint holes.

OVERALL TIME PAR
Overall time par is the amount of time in which the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Tournament Committee expects all players to complete a round. This will be expressed on a per hole basis and an overall time for 18 holes. In part, time par is established with the understanding that 45 or more seconds is excessive to play a shot without distractions.
• A group’s time begins when a member of the group has played a stroke from his starting teeing ground.
• Checkpoint times are measured when the flagstick is replaced in the hole after all players in the group have holed out.
• The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Tournament Committee may adjust time par between tournament rounds.

OUT OF POSITION
“Out of position” is defined as:
• Failure to complete the hole being played in less than the time established by the committee after the group immediately ahead put the flagstick in on that hole (i.e. 14 minutes is defined as 14:00:00).
* The first group(s) of the day is judged only against time par until they get into position with any group that may be ahead of them.

TIMING CARDS
Volunteers stationed at each checkpoint hole will signal the group according to their position on the course.
• Green card (No Penalty): The group is in position AND/OR within overall time par through that checkpoint.
• Single Red card (Warning): The group is out of position AND behind overall time par through that checkpoint.
• Double Red card (One-Stroke Penalty): The group is out of position, behind overall time par through that checkpoint AND did not make its required checkpoint-to-checkpoint time determined at the last red card checkpoint.

PENALTIES/BAD TIMES
• Bad times: A player has recorded a bad time when he has taken in excess of 45 seconds to play a shot once it is his turn to play and there are no distractions. Players will be notified of the number of bad times they have committed when they receive their first red card.
• Double red card: A one-stroke penalty may be assessed to each member in the group if the group receives a double red card. The one-stroke penalty will be assessed to any player with multiple bad times (minimum of three).
* A penalty stroke is added to the hole where the infraction incurred. Penalties will be confirmed with the group by an IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour Rules Official and verified in the scoring area.

UNDUE DELAY
• If a player records five (5) bad times during the round, they will receive a one-stroke penalty for undue delay. Players will be warned after receiving four (4) bad times.
• The player will receive another penalty stroke if they record two (2) or more additional bad times.

RESCINDING A RED CARD
A red card can be rescinded in two ways:
• Group is in position with the group immediately ahead through next checkpoint.
• Group is on or below overall time par through next checkpoint.

FACTORS IN DETERMINING TIME PAR
Listed are factors the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour takes into consideration in creating a fair time par at each event:
• Difficulty and length of course
• Walks between holes
• Conditions of competition
• Pace of play history for course
The IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour reserves the right to adjust the Pace of Play Policy.

PACE OF PLAY TIPS
The following tips will enhance your tournament experience and can keep your group from receiving a red card during your round.

• Show identifying marks on your golf ball to fellow competitors.
• Get your yardage before it is your turn to play.
• Read your putt before it is your turn to play.
• Recognize when someone will need the flag tended or your ball marked.
• Get to your next shot without delay. It is more important what you do between shots than during.
• Be aware of who is away. If you're not sure, ask.
• Know where your group is in relation to the group in front of you.
• Anyone can search for a lost ball. Have your parents and spectators one shot ahead of your group to spot errant shots.
• If a ball is not found after a brief search, the fellow competitors should go forward and play their shots to the green and let the player and spectators continue the search.
• If your ball might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, play a Provisional Ball (Rule 27-2).
• If a situation arises and you do not know how to proceed, play a second ball under Rule 3-3 and continue play (stroke play only). You must report the facts to the IMG Leadbetter Junior Golf Tour staff afterwards regardless of score.
• Place golf bag off the putting green near the next teeing ground. This avoids holding up the following group to hit while a player retrieves their golf bag from the front of the green.