Rules for Four Nations Championship VO.4 November 2020
 

 
 
FIRE SPORT UK GOLF SECTION
 
RULES FOR 4 NATIONS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 
1. TITLES
 
The ‘FIRE SPORT UK GOLF SECTION 4 NATIONS’ Championship.
 
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
 
To provide a further means of fostering relationships between members of Local Authorities Fire Brigades through the opportunity of sportsmanship, fellowship and healthy exercise afforded by the Royal and Ancient game of golf.
 
3. FREQUENCY
 
The competitions shall be played annually in the 1st two weeks of July (flexible with approval from national committee)
 
4. ELIGIBILITY TO ENTER 
 
The competition shall be open to members of Local Authority Fire Brigades throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who are members of the Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association, and whose subscriptions are fully paid up.
 
A retired member who is still a member of his Brigades Sports & Welfare fund which is a fully paid-up member of the FIRE SPORT UK shall be entitled to play as a team member. 


5. TEAMS
 
Each team shall consist of 10 players with a handicap no greater than 16.
 
6. VENUE
 
The Competition shall be played on a rota of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales in strict order. The event organiser should liaise closely with all the team Secretaries to ensure the event runs smoothly
 
7. THE COMPETITION
 
The morning round:
4BBB Medal with the best 4 from 5 scores counting.
 
The afternoon round:
Singles Medal with the best 8 from 10 scores counting.
 
In the event of a tie the last 9 holes scores will be accumulated then the last 12 holes and 15 holes until a result is declared.
 
 
 
8. PRIZES
 
Prizes will be awarded to the winning team and the winners of the pairs, singles in both nett/gross.
The Birdie cup will be awarded to the payer with the most birdies. 
 
9.GRANTS
 
A grant, the amount determined by the National Secretary, shall be paid to the organising committee of the nation hosting the event. 
 
 
10. HANDICAPS (Max Handicap Index 17.0)
 
All competitors must be in possession of a bona fide WHS handicap index i.e., Golf Club or brigade ‘handicap master’ index and have it present for scrutiny by the organising committee at registration.  

Club player’s failure to provide a valid handicap certificate will mean that player will play the full competition off a handicap of scratch (zero). Society players will require a Handicap Master Index to allow entry into the competition. (See also: FSUK Golf Section WHS Rules 2020)
The maximum handicap index for the competition shall be 17.0. Should a players’ handicap index increase above those limits by the time of the competition the organising committee must be informed. That entry shall be accepted subject to that member playing off 17.0 index. 
 
Playing Handicap allowance 85% of Course Handicap – Pairs
 
Playing Handicap allowance 95% of Course Handicap – Singles
 
Any player found to have a handicap above the limit set out above (and had not informed the organising committee) or whose handicap doesn’t comply with National guidelines shall be disqualified from the competition. IN ADDITION, THAT PERSON WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING YEARS COMPETITION. 
In all other cases competitors will compete using their current handicap index and must provide a certificate authenticating this handicap index signed by their Golf Club or Brigade Secretary or as appropriate.

11. RULES GOVERNING PLAY
 
If any combination of players loses more than one clear hole over the players immediately in front on the course, the organising committee may impose a penalty of two strokes.
 
The competitions will be played under the Rules of Golf determined for the time by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, subject to any local rules of the club on whose course it is played. The established etiquette of golf will always be observed.
 
12. INTERPRETATION OF RULES
 
Any question which will arise relating to the interpretation of the rules, penalties etc. shall be referred to the National Committee. A Committee is appointed for the 4 Nations so that any matters in dispute are not 
 
 
left solely to the organising Brigade who will be involved. This Committee shall include at least one National Committee Member and the 4 Team Captains.
 
13. BALANCE SHEET
As soon as possible after the event the Organising Secretary shall forward to the National Secretary/Treasurer a balance sheet for the event.
 
15. PRIZE WINNERS
 
The Organising Secretary shall forward to the National Secretary/ Treasurer a list of Prize winners on the completion of the competition. The Trophy Winners Brigade and Home Address should be included on the list
 
16. EVENT REPORT
 
The Organising Secretary shall forward to the National Secretary a report on the event (to include photographs, and comments) so that the FSUK Golf Section Web site can be updated
 
17. ALTERATIONS TO RULES
 
Alteration to these rules will be made only at the Annual General Meeting of the Association Golf Section, subject to the following:
 

18. USE OF BUGGIES AT NATIONAL EVENTS.
 Competition Play.
We want everyone to be able to take part in our Competitions and, if you have got a medical reason, you can receive permission to use a golf buggy. (England Golf).
Permission to be granted from the Organizing Secretary or National Secretary, failure to receive permission will result in DQ from the competition round played whilst using the golf buggy. 


The National Secretary must receive in writing at least twenty-eight (28) days before the Annual General Meeting any proposal to alter these rules.
 
The National Committee shall comprise of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and the Golf Secretary of each appointed District of Association. At least six of the National Committee must be present at the Annual General Meeting before any alteration of the rules can take place. There must be a majority in favour of a proposed alteration before it can be accepted.