Many of you have been very conscientious about spending time on the rules and etiquette of golf. Each year, however, we find students who have very little knowledge of either the rules or etiquette. I cannot stress enough the importance of this aspect of the game. Rules books can be ordered from the V.P.A. Office. These would be an excellent means of teaching rules. Be certain you and your players are knowledgeable of recent rules changes.

You should stress to all your players that we are dependent on the generosity of Country Clubs and the Vermont Golf Association for sites to play and that every effort be made by the participants to be courteous and careful not to damage the course. You should also do everything possible not to create an image that would make schools unwelcome at a later date.

It would be very helpful to the committee if coaches would insist on proper scorecard procedure, both keeping score, and signing and turning in scores. There are very definite rules about this and they will be enforced in state level tournaments. I would encourage you to see that these same rules are followed at each of your own matches.

By its very nature, golf requires an absolute level of integrity on the part of all coaches and participants. Coaches should remind their players of their responsibility to report accurate scores for themselves and their competitors. Each player must protect the integrity of the entire field.

If a suspected violation has occurred, the following procedure is recommended for your golfers:

a) immediately discuss the situation with the player suspected of a violation;
b) confer with all players in the group to try to resolve the situation;
c) if a decision cannot be reached, bring the matter immediately to the coaches after finishing play. Do not sign card until a decision has been made by the coaches.

Ed Cooke, Chairmen
V.P.A. Golf Committee

POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR 2008 SEASON

1. Applications must be filed electronically. Due date is Wednesday, May 21, 2008 by 10:00 A.M.

2. Please note item 15 in the Guide regarding late application, entry fees and withdrawal penalty.

3. The use of carts for coaches (spotters) at Middlebury is prohibited.

4. Pairings for boys state finals will be based on player's scores at sectional tournaments.

5. Coaches, advisors, and spectators shall not coach players in any manner or give specific counsel during the match. All spectators should stay at least 25 yards away from players at all times. If any player is observed receiving advice from any spectator, a two-stroke penalty will be enforced.

6. Please Note: All boys sectionals are scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, except for Division 3 North at Barre Country Club, and DIIISouth at Lake Morey, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th.

7. During the 07-08 season, a team that receives three disqualifications during the season or tournament (due to behavioral issues) will be required to meet with the Activity Standards Committee before entering or continuing in the tournament.

8. The use of inappropriate behavior/ language will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate disqualification.

9. The use of cell phones, headsets or electronic devices (includes GPS) during play in sectionals and states is prohib ited and will result in disqualification.

REMINDER:
It is a privilege and not our "right" to be able to use many golf courses throughout the state. Please take the time for the coach and the players to thank the proper people after each golf match.

V.P.A. GOLF--2008 RULES AND REGULATIONS TO COVER THE SECTIONALS AND STATE FINALS OF INTERSCHOLASTIC GOLF

1. All participants must satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Vermont Principals' Association. Schools making application to the sectionals are expected to fulfill their obligations. There is a $5.00 registration fee per boy/girl golfer. This fee is to be sent to the VPA before the sectionals.

2. To be eligible for tournament competition, a team or individual must have competed in TWO regularly scheduled interscholastic matches or tournaments on two different dates or as amended by the Golf Committee.
ALL TEAMS OR INDIVIDUALS COMPETING IN THE SECTIONAL AND STATE TOURNAMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A COACH OR FACULTY ADVISOR WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH THE TEAM MEMBERSHIP AND THE RULES OF GOLF. THE COACH OR ADVISOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TEAM AND/OR INDIVIDUAL AND SHALL BE PRESENT AT THE FIRST TEE AND WILL REMAIN ON THE GROUNDS UNTIL FINAL POSITIONING OF THE SCORE FOR HIS TEAM. ONLY STUDENT COMPETITORS SHALL BE ALLOWED PLAYING PRIVILEGES DURING THE STATE GOLF SECTIONALS AND FINALS.

3. Each boys team* competing in the sectional tournament shall be restricted to five members from an original list of eligible participants. *Definition of a boys' team - not more than five students or less than four, from a school, may tee off for team competition in either the sectional or state tournament, The Golf Committee shall assign starting times to the first five members listed on each school's team application. These five members shall be listed by lowest average score in order. It is recommended that the players arrive at the course 1 hour before the teams first tee time. ORIGINAL ORDER AND LINE UP MAY BE AMENDED IN WRITING, BY PHONE CALL, OR FAX TO VPA OFFICE PRIOR TO THE MEETING OF THE VPA GOLF COMMITTEE ON May 22, 2008, AT 9:00 AM. The original five members may be substituted for but the order may not change after the committee meets. The coach must confirm the team roster to the starter before the first member participates in the tournament. A member of the team participating in the final tournament does not have to participate in the sectional tournament to be eligible. However, all student participants must be recorded on the original entry blank supplied by the participating school. VPA rules do not prevent a school during the regular season from allowing girls to try out for the boys' golf team. Once tee times have been set, schools must notify the Meet Director 48 hous in advance of any withdrawals. Failure to do this will result in a $25 fine per withdrawal. HOWEVER, GIRLS MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN BOYS' SECTIONAL OR STATE FINALS.

4. Each girls team* competing in the State Tournament shall be restricted to three members from an original list of eligible participants (a girls' team - not more than three students or less than two). The Golf Committee shall assign starting times to the first three (two) members listed on each school's team application. These three (two) members shall be listed by lowest average score in order. It is recommended that the players arrive at the course 1 hour before the teams first tee time. ORIGINAL ORDER AND LINE UP MAY BE AMENDED IN WRITING BY PHONE CALL OR FAX TO VPA OFFICE PRIOR TO THE MEETING OF THE VPA GOLF COMMITTEE ON May 22, 2008, AT 9 AM. The original three (two) members may be substituted for but the order may not change after the committee meets. The coach must confirm the team roster to the starter before the first member participates in the tournament. However, all student participants must be recorded on the original entry blank supplied by the participating school.

The VPA has a girls state golf tournament(team and individual competition), and girl golfers will participate in the Girls' State Finals only. Once tee times have been set, schools must notify the Meet Director 48 hours in advance of any withdrawals. Failure to do this will result in a $25 fine per withdrawal.

5. Schools competing in the sectionals and state finals may make arrangements for practice rounds. The option of granting these requests and greens fees is left with the host club.

6. All play in the sectionals and finals shall be stroke play.

7. Coaches, advisors, and spectators shall not coach players in any manner or give specific counsel during the match. (Rule #8-2 Note. . . has not been adopted by VPA.) Each school coach and/or advisor should stress the rules of golf to those participating, the methods of scoring. The golfers should be made aware of the methods of signing and attesting the scorecards by the starter at each site of competition. COACHES AND PLAYERS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THE 2008 RULES. VPA has been requested by host clubs to address the issue of slow play. It is further emphasized that throughout the regular season coaches address slow play through instruction in course management.

8. There will be six boys' sectional sites. Schools will be assigned to the sectional site in which they are to participate. The VPA Golf Committee may adjust division assignments to sites in order to provide balance. The representative of the VPA at the sectional site will deny the right to participate to anyone who is not at the site assigned to them. In the boys' tournament, the top three sectional team places and the top five individuals and ties from each section will compete in the finals or as amended by the Golf Committee. There will be a Division I, Division II and Division III champion and finalist. (No caddies or motorized carts will be allowed. Exceptions can only be granted by the VPA Golf Committee in advance of the sections and/or finals. Documented evidence of need is also requirerd).

9. Boys' Team Scoring
a. The total gross score of the lowest four members of each competing school team shall determine the sectional and state winners.
b. In sectional play, all necessary ties will be broken to send teams to state finals site. In team competition the four lowest scoring members of each team shall commence on the first designated hole and play shall continue until the tie is broken.
c. In state competition, team ties and first or second place ties shall be solved as above. Divisional medalists shall continue to play to determine the state's divisional champion if a tie occurs.
Girls' Team Scoring
a. There will be a Division I and Division II champion and runner-up.
b. The total gross score of the lowest two members of each competing school team shall determine the state winners.
c. In state competition, team ties for first or second place shall be resolved as follows: in team competition, the two lowest scoring members of each team shall commence on the 1st designated hole and play shall continue until the tie is broken. Divisional medalists shall continue to play to determine the state's divisional champion if a tie occurs.

10. It is the responsibility of the coach and team to learn of any special rules from the VPA representative.

11. Instruction to the starters: In addition to the regularly assigned duties, you must instruct all golfers on the methods of  handling their scorecards.

12. Scoring at Districts and State Tournament: Scoring will be stroke play with individual cards, playing partners keeping each other's scores as assigned off your first tee. Each player must announce his/her score to his/her marker after the completion of the hole. If this does not happen, the marker shall request the score and mark it down on the way to the next tee. Check your nine hole scores (player and marker) and agree on the hole by hole score before teeing off on the back nine. After completion of eighteen holes (the player and marker will check hole by hole score for the back nine), the marker (and player will them proceed immediately to the scorers table and) will total the score and sign on the attest line. It is the responsibility of the player to confirm his/her card and sign on the player line. (If there is no problem then) turn in signed cards to the scorers' table. If there is a problem, do not sign your card, but report the problem to the scorers' table.

13. In district and state tournaments, the ball shall be played as it lies unless amended by the site director.

14. The representative of the Vermont Principals' Association at the sectional tournaments will notify participating schools of the time and place for the final tournament.

15. All entries for sectional and state tournaments must be electronically filed no later than Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. The Vermont Principals' Association Golf Committee will assemble to establish starting times for all participants in sectional and state play. Seedings will be on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. Any applications received between Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 10:00 A.M. and Thursday, May 22, 2008- 9:00 A.M. will be subject to a $100 late fee. Any applications received after 9:00 A.M., Thursday, May 22, 2008 will NOT be considered (due to issues with assigning tee times.)

16. Officials:
A. The Vermont Principals' Association and the Vermont Golf Association shall appoint representatives to each tournament site. One of the representatives shall:
(1) make contact with the host club to make sure the arrangements are satisfactory for the tournament, and confirm that all special personnel necessary to the proper functioning of the tournament are aware of their responsibilities (2) interpret local rules before the start of play. He shall assume the title of referee and all questions  which relate to the play of the game shall be directed to him for interpretation.
B. Personnel may be assigned for position on the course at designated locations. They are not rules interpreters or advisors to players.

17. Dress: Sectional and Final Tournament play requires adherence to the host golf course dress policy. It is the coach's responsibility to inform their players of this policy. A dress policy  includes a ban on metal spikes. Players may be prohibited from participation for non-compliance to dress policy.

18. Senior students, boys and girls, are eligible for four year VGA Scholarships if they are planning on attending college. Ask your guidance counselor for details.

BOYS SECTIONALS,

GIRLS STATE FINALS
PROCTOR-PITTSFORD
TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2008- 9:30 A.M.

BOYS GOLF FINALS
RALPH MYHRE COUNTRY CLUB, MIDDLEBURY
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2008

At the request of the host site, all play will begin at the first tee. The format will be as follows for 2008:

8:00 - Division 2
9:30 - Division 3
11:00 - Division 1

We realize this may cause some lengthy waiting times in order to determine the ten New England Qualifiers. Schools may want to have arrangements made in order to transport students who do not have a need to wait until all golfers have finished play.

NEW ENGLAND INDIVIDUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
SPONSORED BY
NEW ENGLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS' ASSOCIATION

DATE: Monday, June 16, 2008
SITE: Bretwood Country Club, Keene, N.H.
FEE: $5.00

This spring (2008 season) participation in the New England Individual Golf Tournament sponsored by the New England Secondary School Principals' Association will be available to boy and girl players at the Vermont state tournament site(s). Vermont will be allotted ten (10) spots for boys and ten (10) spots for girls. These spots will be filled by the low ten scores in each of their respective state tournaments. Since the boys are divided into Division I, II and III, but play the same tees and course, the division issue is moot. A playoff will be in place to break any tie for the tenth spot. This playoff would be totally separate from any to determine state winners, either team or individual.

It is extremely important that at each state site the player and coach be prepared to declare acceptance of a qualifying spot immediately at the state tournament site. This acceptance allows the state director to phone the names of the Vermont representatives to the New England director. It also obligates the player, coach and school to make all financial and supervision arrangements.