The goal of the New Jersey PGA Junior Tour Pace of Play Policy is to help players complete rounds in a timely manner and to make the game more enjoyable for everybody.
 
Time Par

Time par is the amount of time in which the New Jersey Section PGA Junior Tour expects all players to complete a round. This will be expressed on a per hole basis and an overall time for 18 holes which are as follows:
Per Hole Basis (Based on Threesomes)

• Par 3 – 13 minutes
• Par 4 – 15 minutes
• Par 5 – 17 minutes

Per Round Basis (Based on Threesomes)

• Par 70 – 4 hours 26 minutes
• Par 71 – 4 hours 28 minutes
• Par 72 – 4 hours 30 minutes

A group’s time begins when a member of the group has played his/her 1st stroke from his/her starting teeing area.

The New Jersey Section PGA Junior Tour may adjust time par during and between tournament rounds based on average group times or playing/course conditions.
 
In addition:

• A group will be considered out of position if at any time during the round they exceed the time allotted to play a hole.
• Groups will also be considered out of position if a par 3 or par 4 is open ahead of them, or when the group ahead of them is on the putting green on a par 5.
• When a group is out of position, a warning may be issued and the group will be encouraged to get back into position.  If the group remains out of position, all individuals in the group will be put on the clock and timed on each shot.
• The timing of a player’s stroke will begin when it is his/her turn to play and he/she can play without interference or distraction.  A player is allowed up to 40-seconds to play a stroke.  If a player exceeds the 40-second time limit on two consecutive occasions, they will receive a one-stroke penalty.
• Once a group has regained their proper position, all timing shall cease and all/any bad time shall be void.

 
Pace of Play Tips

• If your ball might be out of bounds or lost outside of a water hazard, play a provisional ball (Rule 18.3)
• If a situation arises and you do not know how to proceed, play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3). You must report all facts to a Rules Official afterwards regardless of score.
• Place golf bag off the putting green in a direction that is on the way to the next tee.
• Anyone can search for a lost ball.  Parents and spectators are encouraged to follow 1 shot ahead to spot for errant shots.
• Identify your golf ball and show to fellow competitors.
• Get your yardage before it is your turn to play.
• Read your putt before it is your turn to play.
• Be aware of who is away.  If you are not sure, ask.
• 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.
• 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.
• Know where your group is in relation to the group in front of you.
• Take the appropriate amount of clubs for your shots around the green.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct has been put in place to ensure that proper course etiquette and sportsmanship are enforced.  The NJPGA Junior Tour requires all members along with parents, guardians and spectators to adhere to and respect the following guidelines:
 
Cheating

The USGA Rules of Golf govern all play except as otherwise specified or modified by the New Jersey Section PGA Junior Tour Local Rules & Conditions of Competition.

• Cheating will not be tolerated
• Players who observe a violation of the Rules of Golf or the NJPGA Junior Tour Local Rules & Conditions of Competition are expected to notify fellow competitors within their group, reach an agreement concerning the facts of the incident, and then report the incident and the related facts to the NJPGA Junior Tour Tournament Director as soon as possible.
• If the NJPGA Junior Tour Tournament Director observes violations, they will notify the players that they are disqualified from the tournament and that a further review will occur.
• Incidents of cheating will be reviewed by the observing Junior Golf Director, and the Junior Golf Committee.

Depending on the severity of the violation, the Committee may assess the following penalties:

1. A written letter of warning and reprimand
2. Disqualification from the next event entered by the player
3. Disqualification for the remainder of the season

 
On-Course Behavior

• Abusive or inappropriate language; disrespectful behaviors towards officials, volunteers or golf professionals; throwing or breaking golf equipment; any form of cheating; leaving the golf course without properly notifying an official during a tournament round; and abuse of the golf course in any way will be considered Code of Conduct violations.  A one-stroke penalty will be enforced by the NJPGA Junior Tour Tournament Staff for any behavior on the golf course it deems unsportsmanlike. A second offense will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament and possible suspensions from future events.  Caddies are prohibited.
• Do not solicit advice from a spectator or coach.
• “Advice is any counsel or suggestion which could influence a player in determining your play, choice of club or method of making a stroke.”

Penalty for breach of this rule is two-strokes on the player (USGA Rule 10.2).  Talking to spectators and coaches during tournament play is not allowed and can be construed as receiving advice.
 
Care for the Course

• All players are expected to maintain the golf course by repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, replacing divots, picking up and disposing of trash, etc. 
• Deliberately neglecting to repair divots and replace ball marks is completely unacceptable and subject to a Code of Conduct Penalty of 2 strokes per offense
• “Leave the course in better condition than you found it.”

Code of Conduct Penalties

Any Code of Conduct violation will result in a written letter to the player and his or her parent/guardian. The NJPGA Junior Golf Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties based on the severity and frequency of the violation (s):

• Two stroke penalty for each act of unsportsmanlike behavior
• Immediate disqualification from the tournament at which the violation occurs
• Depending on the severity of the violation, a tournament disqualification may also result in suspension from future events
• The NJPGA Junior Tour reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s membership for a major breach of the NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct
• Violation of the NJPGA Junior Tour Code of Conduct may affect a players eligibility for invitationals.