The following are the current rules for gaining an unfair advantage by cheating in the Harriton Golf Program. These guidelines exist to serve the golfers and coaches as well as provide clarity on how to navigate difficult circumstances and decisions regarding the subject of cheating. Our guidelines reflect the severity of cheating in golf competition, while also recognizing that young teenagers are not yet fully-formed human beings and are still learning and growing. Therefore they should be given opportunities to learn and mature through their failures.
Why is Cheating a Big Deal?
Cheating in golf violates the sport's core principle of self-regulation, honesty, and integrity. Cheating creates an unfair advantage for one at the expense of others. Cheating undermines trust, damages the integrity of the school, the Harriton Golf Program, and all of its players and coaches. Cheating can also lead to a players disqualification, ban, or even damage to their personal reputation and character. Competing with integrity is paramount to upholding the reputation of our school, golf program, and success.
Ways Cheating Can Happen
-Posting false hole scores because your playing partners aren't paying close attention.
-Knowingly signing a scorecard with false hole scores on it.
-Not calling a penalty on yourself
-Not abiding by all USGA Rules of Golf (Click HERE to download the app)
Consequences for Cheating
There is a distinction between accusations and being caught cheating. Being "caught cheating" means there is proof or evidence of cheating occurring. "Accusations" don't always come with evidence or proof and are more difficult to make a judgement call on. So the following penalties are in effect in our program based on these distinctions:
Accusations
First accusation = 2 week probation in-season (you will be closely monitored)
Second accusation = 1 match suspension
Third accusation = 2 match suspension
Fourth accusation = 3 match suspension
Fifth accusation = 4 match suspension
Caught Cheating - "Two Strike" Policy
First Offense = 2 match suspension
Second Offense = Expulsion from the golf program
Due Process
Step 1: The accuser must first approach the accused and they must discuss the situation together.
Step 2: The accuser, in conjunction with the accused, must bring the situation to the Head Coach.
*No player in another group is allowed to make an accusation against somebody else in a different group.
All accusations must come from within the group the accused is in. If you are accusing somebody of cheating but you are not in their group, do not make the accusation. Accusations must be confined within the group the alleged infraction occurred.
Step 3: Coaches will make decisions to the very best of their ability based on all of the information they have. The decisions of coaches are final and are not disputable by students or parents.
Notes
- You are always the one responsible for your scores and your scorecard, nobody else. Protect your score and your reputation by "owning" your scores and scorecard.
- Always use a scorecard, don't rely on others to know your scores for you.
- Calling penalties and calling out cheating is your duty to protect the field.
- All parties, accusers and the accused, must exercise respect for one another in their communication.
