United States Golf Association rules will apply with minor exceptions spelled out below.  Local course rules may apply.  Spectators are not allowed to be involved in rules decisions UNLESS asked information by the rules official on site.  Every effort will be made to have sufficient rules officials at each site to ensure fair competition and to maintain pace of play.

Code of Conduct

Golf is a game of sportsmanship, integrity and etiquette. Fortunately the sport we play has almost always been been a shining example of how athletes ideally conduct themselves during competition and afterward.  A rclassic example of this was Brian Davis calling a penalty on himself in a playoff at Harbortown for slightly brushing a suspended and unrooted plant leaf and thus a 'loose impediment'.  Way to go Brian, you made lots of fans that day! 

By far the greatest penalty suffered by player for violating the Code of Conduct is the loss of respect from his peers and observers. No penalty on the golf course can ever exceed that.  A few great players have unwittingly thrown away a college scholarship opportunity by throwing their club in anger.

Parents should understand the Veritas officials are dedicated to creating the highest quality event possible within human limitations. There will be always be stressful situations that arise but how people conduct themselves is far more important than the outcome of any decision. Remember that every junior golf tournament is completely dependent on selfless volunteerism from the surrounding community.

Veritas World Junior takes violations of the Code of Conduct very seriously. Penalty for violations of the Code can include up to permanent ineligibility in future Veritas World Junior tournaments. The Veritas World Junior is a world class event and the expectation is that all participants and spectators will conduct themselves accordingly.  There is a zero tolerance policy for Code of Conduct Infractions since they are destructive to the positive climate Veritas seeks to create.  All Code of Conduct decisions made tournament officials are final.

The following acts are examples of Code of Conduct violations:

	Disrespectful treatment of any official, golf course employee, volunteer or any participant in Veritas
	Cheating
	Vandalism, destruction or abuse of the golf course facilities
	Use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or prescription drugs without doctor's order
	Intentional littering
	Use of profanity, a player will be at risk for disqualification if two unrelated parties report a single incident
	Outbursts of anger or temper including throwing clubs or throwing anything else in anger
	Refusal to correct violation of the Dress Code
	Player’s use of cell phone or other unauthorized electronic equipment during competition

Dress Code

This is rarely an issue because players of the calibur to enter Veritas are well versed in what to wear in tournament golf.  Inappropriate dress will be at the discression of the tournament officials.  If you are asked to correct something please do so immediately.

The dress code will be in effect at all times at the golf course. Dress code violations fall into the Code of Conduct requirements and penalties for failure to comply include up to permanent ineligibility at future Veritas World Junior events.

Pace of play

The pace of play is of utmost importance to the enjoyment of golf in general and especially competitive golf. Almost everyone agrees that golf is too slow, especially tournament golf. Golf can be played much faster if players work as a team and think about efficiency.

To help with speed of play, Veritas is introducing a new concept named 'Bag to the Flag'.  There will be at each green location a checkered flag, symbolizing the finish line, placed at the proper exit point.  The players are requested to place their bags near the checkered flag while they putt out on the green.  By identifying the proper green exit point Veritas believes that players will move more efficiently and therefore speed up play and enjoyment for all.

The USGA rules for pace of play are in force and players are subject to penalty if they fall behind. We ask that spectators help with search for lost balls without otherwise interacting with the players.  Players should announce and hit a provisional ball if they think there is a chance their last stroke may be lost.

Caddies

Caddies age 13 or older will be allowed for the boys and girls 6-10 divisions only.  All caddies must wear the tournament bib during play.
 
The following are considered key roles for caddies in descending order of importance:

• Be a good example to all Junior Golfers
• Be courteous to all players, volunteers, tournament officials and spectators
• Maintain pace of play and work to keep the group 'in position' on the golf course
• Avoid over coaching your player
• Assist the other caddies to make a good experience for all
• Rake bunkers, repair divots and other actions to preserve or improve the condition of the golf course

Any caddie that tournament official(s) determine is acting in a detrimental way to the operation of the tournament may be dismissed immediately at the sole discretion of the official(s) - NO APPEAL.  If requested a 'best effort' will be made to identify a substitute caddie or the player may continue on without a caddie for the remainder of the round.

Please be aware that you are participating in a Junior Golf event where college coaches may be observing not only the players but also related caddies and other family members.
 

Tobacco and Alcohol Policy

We respectfully request that all adults refrain from the use of tobacco and alcohol on the golf premises during the competition.

Pairings

Pairings will be randomly generated for the first round of competition. For the second and third rounds players will be regrouped in order of score in traditional fashion with leaders teeing off last.

Tee times will be based on 10 minute spreads for the 18 hole players and 11 minute spreads for the 9 hole players. Actual tee off data will be collected and future tee times will be adjusted according actual tournament performance.

Scoring

At the conclusion of each round, all players must report immediately to the scoring table at each tournament site. ONLY players are allowed into the scoring area.  If scoring officials need assistance from any spectators they will advise.  Otherwise only players interact with scoring officials. 

Tiebreaking

By sudden death playoff for first place only, weather and daylight permitting, scorecard for all other places. In the event a tie for first occurs and if conditions do not allow a playoff on the course, tie breaks will fall to traditional card-off method stated in the rules.  Every possible effort will be made to settle ties for first on the field of competition.

Spectators

Spectators are welcome subject to the rules of the golf course and may follow players in all divisions, but may not communicate with them in any manner at any time during their competition round. Clapping and encouragement for highly recommended and allowed as long as it does not interfere with tournament play.

	Spectators are always subject to the rules of the individual golf course
	Players are not allowed to communicate with spectators during play. Contestants are reminded of Rule 8-1 concerning advice and receiving assistance: Penalty two strokes. Contestants are responsible for actions of parents/spectators and are reminded that significant contact/conversation may be construed as advice by fellow competitors.
	If a spectator has need to give something to the player the way to do that is by either asking another unrelated spectator to hand to the player or hand it to the player in the direct presence of another spectator.
	Use of Carts by spectators will be at the discretion of the golf course management. If carts are allowed they must stay on the cart path or in the rough if there is no cart path. Carts cannot be any closer to the green than 50 yards unless the path is closer.
	No player may ride in a cart anytime during tournament play except when being shuttled by tournament staff or their designates between pre-arranged shuttle points or as otherwise deemed necessary by tournament staff. Penalty for violation is 5 shots added to score.
	Spectators are required to turn cell phones to SILENT prior to entering the golf course facility and are requested to refrain from making telephone calls during competition.
	Spectators are encouraged to stay one shot ahead of their player. Staying ahead is advantageous for spotting errant balls that might cause delay for search or be lost. Safety is always primary concern. Players and spectators should take utmost care to make sure no one is in harm's way during tee off. Spectators may NEVER willfully touch a ball in play!

Cell Phones

Competitors may not use a cell phone or other electronic device other than an approved distance measuring device during competition.

Spectators and others are requested to turn electronic devices to silent when on the grounds of the tournament site.

Distance Measuring Devices

A competitor may use a device that measures or gauges distance. The device cannot be used to measure conditions that might affect a player's play such as gradient, wind speed, temperature, etc.. A list of approved devices will be posted on the website before the tournament begins. If you have any doubt as to whether the device you own is approved, please contact Veritas before June 1, 2012.

The USGA and R & A issued the following, abridged, information in a Joint Statement:

"Permitting the use of a measuring device to provide the same information that can be obtained through use of a yardage book or on-course markings is not considered to diminish the skill level required to play the game…
A Clarification of the Rules…

When the local rule is in effect, distance-measuring devices must be limited to measuring distance only.
The use of a distance-measuring device would constitute a breach of the Rules if:
The device has the capability of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play (e.g., wind speed, gradient, temperature, etc), or;

The device has some other non-conforming feature, including, but not limited to, recommendations that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play, such as club selection, type of shot to be played (e.g., punch shot, pitch and run, etc.), or green reading (i.e., a recommended line of putt), or other advice-related matters. However, it is permissible to use such a device, during a stipulated round, to access distance information from previous rounds that has been processed prior to the commencement of the current round (e.g., a chart of all club yardages), or;

The device has the capability to assist in calculating the effective distance between two points (i.e., distance after considering gradient, wind speed and/or direction, temperature or other environmental factors).
There would be a breach of the Rules even if all of the above features can be switched off or disengaged, and in fact are switched off or disengaged...”

Equipment

Conforming equipment only.

Disqualification

There will be no disqualification during Veritas EXCEPT for Code of Conduct violations.

In case of an innocent rules violation that would normally call for disqualification, the player will be given a five shot penalty added to the score for each occurrence and will be eliminated from both medal contention and Veritas World Cup competition.

No Cut

There is NO CUT in Veritas and never will be.  ALL players play ALL three days of competition.  Veritas sees great importance in having players from around the world experience all rounds of competition.