Parent/Guardian Responsibilities for Junior Players during Tournaments

Parents/guardians must be responsible for their children during PDGA-sanctioned events. Neither the PDGA staff nor the event staff are responsible for the children of tournament players, spectators, etc. during events. Parents/guardians may not leave unaccompanied children at or near the scoring area, clubhouse, or any other tournament venue.

Players in the MJ3, FJ3, MJ4, FJ4, MJ5, FJ5, MJ6, and FJ6 Junior ≤12, Junior ≤10, Junior ≤08, Junior ≤06 divisions must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during tournament rounds. Additionally, any player younger than 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian regardless of the division they play in. A single parent or guardian may be responsible for multiple junior players in the same group if agreed upon by all of the parents/guardians prior to the start of the round. Players in the MJ1, FJ1, MJ2, and FJ2 Junior ≤18 and Junior ≤15 divisions may be accompanied by a parent or guardian during tournament rounds.

During PDGA-sanctioned tournament rounds, parents/guardians accompanying junior division players:

• MAY assume the roles of a caddie; assist junior players with disc selection, throw selection, rule interpretations, or scorekeeping.
• MAY NOT make or second rulings such as foot faults, courtesy violations, etc.
• MUST encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all junior players in the group.
• MUST place the emotional and physical well-being of all junior players in the group above the personal desire to win.
• MUST refrain from the use of abusive or profane language.
• MUST refrain from using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.

Failure to adhere to the parent/guardian responsibilities may result in the disqualification of the junior player or removal of the parent/guardian, and their accompanying junior player, from the event site by the tournament director.

The PDGA highly recommends that Tournament Directors create their tournament schedules to ensure that all players in the two youngest age groups Junior 08 and Junior 06 be scheduled to play no more than 18 holes in one day.  Additionally, TDs should use their discretion to possibly limit the amount of daily play concerning the Junior ≤10 divisions (age 10 and younger) depending on the length and strenuousness of their course.