Definitions
All defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in the Definitions section.
1-1. General
An amateur golfer must play the game and conduct himself in accordance with the Rules.
1-2. Amateur Status
Amateur status is a universal condition of eligibility for playing in golf competitions as an amateur golfer. A person who acts contrary to the Rules may forfeit his status as an amateur golfer and as a result will be ineligible to play in amateur competitions.
1-3. Doubt as to Rules and Appeal Process
Any person who considers that any action he is proposing to take might endanger his amateur status may submit particulars to the staff of the United States Golf Association for an advisory opinion. If dissatisfied with the staff’s advisory opinion, he may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days after being notified of the advisory opinion, appeal to the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee, in which case he shall be given reasonable notice of that Committee’s next meeting at which the matter may be heard and shall be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. In such cases the staff shall submit to the Committee all information provided by the player together with staff’s findings and recommendation, and the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee shall issue a decision on the matter. If dissatisfied with the Amateur Status and Conduct Committee’s decision, the player may, by written notice to the staff within 30 days after being notified of the decision, appeal to the Executive Committee, in which case he shall be given reasonable notice of the next meeting of the Executive Committee at which the matter may be heard and shall be entitled to present his case in person or in writing. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.
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