ELLCGA Transport Policy
1. Aim of the Policy
1.1 This policy is the Transportation Policy referred to in the Conditions of Competition for all ELLCGA Events. It sets out the circumstances in which golf buggies may be used in events organised and managed by ELLCGA.
1.2 This document has been adapted from the Transportation Policy of the Scottish Golf Limited (SGL). SGL and ELLCGA wish to encourage the participation in golf of all players. This policy is in accordance with any obligations which ELLCGA has under the Equality Act 2010.
2. Persons who may use a golf buggy.
2.1 It shall be a condition of any competition organised by ELLCGA that players must walk at all times during a stipulated round, unless permitted to use a golf buggy by a member of the Committee, in accordance with this Policy.
2.2 A golf buggy may be used by a player or in certain events a caddie who:
2.2.1 can provide a current medical certificate showing reasons of inability to walk the stipulated round.
2.2.2 has been granted permission by an authorised committee member and completed the ELLCGA Transportation Consent Form.
2.2.3 where a caddie is allowed to drive the buggy should this be necessary
2.2.4 has obtained written permission from ELLCGA before the event has commenced.
2.3 An authorised committee member may not without good reasons refuse a request for permission to use a golf buggy. If this happens then the player needs to be informed and the reasons given. The right to appeal any decisions will be dealt with by the ELLCGA Committee or in the event of a jointly run event by the joint committee for the event.
2.4 Where a player is under 18 and therefore requires a driver for the buggy, the committee will appoint this driver.
3. Conditions in which use of a golf buggy may be permitted.
3.1 Where a determination is made that the use of a buggy may be permitted by a player or where appropriate a caddie or third party, an authorised member of the Committee shall have regard to the following additional health and safety considerations before granting approval of the use of a buggy at any particular time:-
- 3.1.1 Any relevant weather conditions
- 3.1.2 The topography and ground conditions
- 3.1.3 The conditions of and suitability of the golf buggy
- 3.1.4 The Policy or specific instructions of the Golf Club at which the event is being held.
- 3.1.5 Any other relevant considerations which could impede the safe use of a golf buggy or impact on the safety of others.
3.2 In the event that an authorised member of the Committee believes that for reasons of health and safety a golf buggy should not be used by players, caddies or third parties at a particular time he/they may:
3.2.1 Refuse to grant permission for the use of a golf buggy
3.2.3 Revoke any such permission in the event of new health and safety considerations having come to light since the granting of the initial permission to use a golf buggy, and shall inform the player, caddie or third party of this decision, the reasons for it and any right to appeal this decision under this Policy.
3.3 It will in any event be requirement of the player, caddie or third party granted permission to use a buggy to complete and sign the ELLCGA Transportation Policy Consent form prior to use. This will be supplied by ELLCGA. The player, caddie or third party granted consent may also require to sign any additional documentation regarding use requested by the Golf Professional or the Golf Club at which the event is being held.
4 Conditions for use of golf buggies
4.1 A player, caddie or other third party permitted to use a golf buggy must agree to the following terms and conditions of use.
4.1.1 Any person operating a golf buggy must do so with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of others and in accordance with any relevant golf buggy operating guidelines.
4.1.2 The Committee may require that a golf buggy must not exceed walking pace.
4.1.3 A golf buggy shall be for the sole use of the player and her equipment, or where appropriate the caddie unless an authorised member of the Committee has deemed that for appropriate reasons, a third party is required to drive the buggy.
4.1.4 A golf buggy must not impede or interfere with normal pedestrians or vehicular traffic flow on roadways, ramps and pavements.
4.1.5 All those who have permission to use the golf buggy must remain seated at all times.
4.1.6 All directional signs must be obeyed and no prohibited areas including public highways and pavements may be used.
4.1.7 A player, caddie or third party who has been granted permission to use and/or drive a golf buggy must accept responsibility for any losses or injury sustained as a result of his/ her fault whilst using the golf buggy.
4.1.8 A player, caddie or third party who has been granted permission to use and/or drive a golf buggy must have adequate personal and third party insurance to use the golf buggy.
4.2 Failure to agree to the terms and conditions contained in paragraph 4.1 by signing the ELLCGA Transportation Policy Consent Form may result in the player, caddie or other third party being denied permission to use a golf buggy.
4.3 Failure to comply with any conditions and unauthorised use of a buggy will be a breach of the Rules of the Competition and the penalty will be in accordance with Model Local Rule G-6 on pages 497-498 of the English Edition (effective January 2019) Official Guide to the Rules of Golf as published be R & A Rules Limited.
5. Appeals procedure
Any appeals must be made to the Committee before the commencement of the event.
