7.1b Applying a Penalty Score
In a situation where a player fails to submit a score from an authorized format of play in a timely manner, the Handicap Committee should investigate the reason and take appropriate action. If There is a Valid Reason For a Score Not Having Been Submitted. The Handicap Committee of the player’s home club has the authority to determine whether a player’s reason for not submitting a score is a valid reason.
Valid reasons for not submitting a score can include:
- Sudden injury or illness,
- Emergency,
- Dangerous weather conditions, or
- Any other reason for stopping play that is considered valid by the Handicap Committee.
When the home club or the Committee considers that a player has a valid reason for not completing a round, there are two options:
- Option 1 – The score must be posted. If the player does not complete their round but has completed the minimum number of holes determined by the Authorized Association for an acceptable 9-hole or 18-hole score, the score must be posted for handicap purposes.
- Option 2 – The score must not be posted. If the player does not complete their round and has not completed the minimum number of holes determined by the Authorized Association for an acceptable 9-hole or 18-hole score, the score must not be posted for handicap purposes.
If There is No Valid Reason For a Score Not Having Been Submitted. The Committee has the authority to determine whether a player’s reason for not submitting a score is a valid reason.
Invalid reasons for not submitting a score can include:
- Preventing a low score from causing a Handicap Index to decrease.
- Preventing a high score from causing a Handicap Index to increase.
- If the player’s score is identifiable and they stopped their round after having completed at least the minimum number of holes determined by the Authorized Association for an acceptable 9-hole or 18-hole score, the score should be posted for handicap purposes.
- Where a Handicap Committee subsequently becomes aware of the score the player actually had after it has already posted a penalty score, the actual score should also be posted to the player’s scoring record. The Handicap Committee has discretion to leave the penalty score on the player’s scoring record or to remove it.
- If the Handicap Committee concludes that a player failed to submit a score for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage, it should consider withdrawing the player’s Handicap Index, and/or applying an appropriate penalty score (high or low depending on intent).
- The Handicap Committee or the Authorized Association should consider disciplinary procedures for players who repeatedly fail to submit their scores or who fail to complete rounds:
