1. Policy
The Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club (TNGC) is committed to providing an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation for members, committee volunteers, staff, contractors and guests.
Members, guests and visitors are all reminded that an acceptable standard of behaviour is expected in all areas of the Club and course, at all times and that upon payment of membership or green fees, all members, guests and visitors have given their consent to be bound by both the restrictions and penalties which may be imposed for any breach of the club’s standards or serious misconduct in failing to meet the standards set in this Code of Conduct policy.
Members will be liable for any breach committed whether by themselves or their guests.
2. R&A Rules of Golf References
R&A Rule 1.2 – Standards of Player Conduct:
All players are expected to play in The Spirit of the Game.
R&A Rule 1.2b – Code of Conduct:
TNGC has adopted this Code of Conduct as a Local Rule.
Members will be liable for any breach committed whether by themselves or their guests.
3. TNGC References
• TNGC Club Rules
• TNGC Course Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Policy and Course Safety Rules
• TNGC Disciplinary Regulations & Process
• TNGC Complaint Form
4. Applicability
4.1 On the Course
All golfers must:
• Avoid slow play, apply Ready Golf principles and allow other golfers to play through as appropriate, waving the following group through when searching for lost balls and maintaining the speed of play by keeping up with the group in front;
• Adhere to the dress code and R&A and local rules of the course, including the TNGC course safety rules;
• Demonstrate and uphold the principles of fair play both on and off the course; and,
• Always follow established golf etiquette respecting the course, such as:
i) Repairing pitch marks, replacing divots, raking bunkers* etc.
ii) Showing the necessary respect to fellow golfers at all times, which incorporates; no shouting on the course, no misuse of equipment (i.e. throwing clubs in frustration etc.), no aggressive behaviour.
iii) Conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner and do not knowingly cheat; disrespect staff, Officials or fellow players.
iv) No performance enhancing drugs.
v) Mobile phones must be switched to silent on the golf course.
4.2 In the Clubhouse
Members, guests and visitors shall avoid:
• Any form of discrimination, harassment, bullying or intimidation is regarded as unacceptable behaviour;
• Consumption of excessive quantities of alcohol is not permitted by law. Please do not be offended if service is refused;
• The use of foul or abusive language such as swearing has no place in the clubhouse and any member heard using unacceptable or offensive language will be asked to either stop or leave the premises. Where someone is noticed to be consistently using bad language after being warned then their continued membership will be reviewed accordingly;
• Smoking or the use of e-cigarettes is not permitted within any of the club buildings;
• The taking of illegal substances will incur immediate suspension and loss of membership; and,
• Be considerate towards others when using your Mobile phone in the clubhouse
Whilst fully acknowledging that adult “banter” contributes to creating a healthy atmosphere amongst members, these rules are designed to safeguard others who find such banter offensive or intimidating. This Code of Conduct is not intended to create a bureaucratic, regulatory environment, but rather to promote and enhance our Club’s values.
5. Management of Complaints
A person engaging in any behaviour that may be detrimental to the game of golf or the reputation of TNGC is in breach of this code of conduct and should be reported to the TNGC Club Manager.
It is in the best interests of the game and club that such behaviour is reported, and all players, members and members of the public are encouraged and have a duty to report such behaviour.
Complaints may be made by any person including a competitor, member, visiting guests, other associated golf club members, and members of the public.
Complaints must be made in the first instance to either the TNGC Club Manager or the Honorable Secretary within five working days of the matter occurring. The TNGC Complaint Form should be used to ensure a full set of facts and evidence is provided.
5.1 Grading of Complaints & Misconduct
All complaints received shall be graded and as either potentially “Minor” or “Serious”. This is done by reference to Appendix 1.
5.2 Resolution and Documentation of “Minor” Complaints
Complaints deemed to be potentially “Minor” will be dealt with by the Club Manager and if determined to be valid and substantiated will typically be handled with a verbal warning. A record of all such warnings shall be maintained by the Club Manager and handed over to the Honorable Secretary on a quarterly basis for review. The purpose of this review is to identify “serial offenders” which will potentially invoke the management process for “Serious Complaints”, see 5.3 below.
5.3 Management of “Serious” Complaints
Any complaints graded as potentially “Serious” will be brought by the Honorary Secretary to the TNGC Main Committee for review and confirmation that the complaint should be subject to the TNGC Disciplinary Regulations and Process. By default, complaints graded as potential “Serious” will typically managed according to the TNGC Disciplinary Regulations and Process unless the Main Committee deems otherwise.
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Appendix 1
Examples of Grading of Complaints
Minor Complaints
• Bad language
• Failure to follow the course safety practices as documented in the TNGC HSSE policy and the TNGC Course Safety Rules
• Improper treatment of equipment, including throwing of clubs
• Use of club other than within the intentions of the game e.g. damaging trees with clubs etc
• Ill-mannered behaviour
• Failure to complete a round when representing the club in any sanctioned tournament/interclub match
Serious Complaints
• Allegations of cheating
• Failure to follow TNGC Course Safety Rules
• A significant breach of the of TNGC HSSE policy
• Behaviour bringing the club into disrepute
• Theft
• Verbal abuse, bullying or threatening behaviour to another player/member
• Breaking clubs
• Serious misuse of alcohol or drugs on the course or club premise
• Assault of a player, official, member, guest or member of the public
• Sexual or verbal harassment
• Repeated incidences of “Minor” misconduct within a 12-month period from a single individual
Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club (TNGC) considers that the understanding, application and enforcement good Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) practices as a vital part of its business and licence to operate. Definitions of HSSE include but are not limited to:
• Health – physical and mental health and wellbeing
• Safety – prevention of accidents and injuries on TNGC premises and as a result of golf and social activities
• Security – protection of physical assets and personal data
• Environment – prevention of damage to the environment via the prevention of spills of harmful materials; good recycling and waste prevention practices; and taking proactive steps to minimise the use of valued resources e.g., energy and water
Therefore, the TNGC policy for Cub Management, Employees, Members, Member’s Guests and Visitors is to do all that is reasonably practicable ensure a consistently high level of HSSE compliance. Our aim is to prevent injury and protect from any foreseeable harm, loss or damage all staff, contractors, club members and members of the general public, who come into contact with TNGC and any of its undertakings.
The Club Management has a responsibility to:
• provide and maintain a Safe and Secure Place and Systems of Work, without risk to health and safety as far a reasonably practicable taking into account any statutory requirements;
• provide and maintain safe plant and equipment, ensuring that statutory and manufacturer’s requirements are met;
• ensure that all employees are adequately trained and informed before commencing work;
• ensure that all procedures/processes, which may involve hazards or potential environmental impact, are covered by suitable risk assessments.
The findings of the risk assessments are to be updated as necessary and employees informed of their contents;
• provide training, information and supervision to enable employees to perform their work safely, efficiently and in an environmentally conscious way;
• make available all necessary protective equipment to ensure safe working conditions and to supervise its use;
• investigate all HSSE accidents and incidents (e.g. chemical and fuel spills or leaks) to identify the root cause and to ensure that lessons learned are disseminated to avoid further accidents and/or incidents;
• audit HSSE systems every 12 months to ensure they continue to work effectively;
• consult with our employees on matters concerning health, safety, security and environmental protection;
• ensure that the same standard of HSSE is provided to other persons who may be affected by our undertaking communicate the contents of this policy to their staff by consultation meetings; and,
• make the necessary personnel and financial resources available to implement this policy;
• ensure the proper allocation of duties and accountabilities for HSSE matters and the particular arrangements for the implementation of this Policy are as set out in the TNGC Health & Safety Manual and Emergency Response Procedures; and,
• keep this Policy up to date, particularly as TNGC changes in nature and size. To ensure this, the Policy, and the way it is implemented, will be reviewed annually.
Employees have a duty to co-operate with the management in the operation of the Policy by:
• working safely and efficiently not endangering their own or others safety or damaging the environment;
• complying with TNGC practices on data protection and personal privacy;
• using protective equipment provided and by meeting statutory obligations;
• reporting incidents that have led or may lead to injury or damage to equipment or the environment;
• reporting of defective equipment, unsafe situations or potential damage to the environment;
• adhering to work practice procedures, jointly agreed on their behalf, for securing a safe workplace; and,
• assisting in the investigation of accidents/incidents with the object of introducing measures to prevent a recurrence.
Members, Guests and Visitors using the TNGC Course and Facilities have a duty to co-operate with the management in the operation of the Policy by:
• recognising that golf can be a dangerous game and there are numerous associated hazards;
• complying with the requirements of the TNGC Course Safety rules;
• members should check the cover that the TNGC Members & Visitors Insurance Policy offers (available via the website or from the club office) and ensure that it meets their requirements. Personal golf insurance should be taken out by members if they consider the club insurance does not cover them adequately.
• being aware of danger to both themselves and others whilst playing golf; this includes sensible application of the following guidelines:
o SWINGING GOLF CLUBS
Be aware of the position of others and maintain a safe distance at all times
o BALL STRIKES
Never play until those in front of you are out of range;
MEN – take particular notice of other golfers and care when teeing-off on hole 9; Hole 2 green must be clear; hole 17 tee boxes must be clear; ensure no crossing players from holes 16.
Never play if you feel others have encroached too much onto the line of your intended; shot. Always ensure they move to a safer position before playing;
Always shout “FORE” to warn others of stray shots heading in their direction; and,
Always take evasive action on the shout of “FORE” by turning away from the direction of the shout and by covering your face and head with your arms.
o BLIND SHOTS
Never play shots if you cannot be certain the intended landing area is clear of other golfers, green staff or members of the public. Utilise playing partners to ensure you are safe and the intended landing area is clear.
o OUT OF BOUNDS AWARENESS
Be aware of the risk to the general public and particularly road users when teeing off on Holes 1 and 10 and make every reasonable effort to not direct your ball in the direction of the road.
o FOG
Where fog is present, visibility is dependent upon where you are on the course. Competition play will be cancelled in serious fog conditions. However, sensible guidance for general play, which keeps the course open and safe, is that players MUST only hit shots to an intended position which is visible to the group/player playing the shot. It is Essential to be aware of other golfers and green staff.
o FALLING DEBRIS
Be vigilant when under tree canopies in strong winds.
o GOLF COURSE TOPOGRAPHY *(Uneven ground, Gradients, Up Slopes, Down Slopes, Ditches, Streams, Ponds, Bunkers, Steps, Pathways, Golf Course Furniture.)
Be aware of these hazards in regard to the risk of slipping, tripping and falling. Always look for the safest routes when walking. Avoid walking up or down steep banks whenever possible;
Keep a safe distance from ditches, streams, ponds, deep bunkers and where ground levels fall away. Many hazards increase in regard to risk when wet, frozen or muddy; and,
Always wear the correct footwear and clothing and ensure they are in good condition and fit for purpose. If using golf shoes with moulded soles, metal, or soft spikes take extra care when wet and avoid slippery surfaces such as wooden steps and/or sleepers
o THUNDER AND LIGHTNING* - If there is the risk of thunder and lightning:
Do NOT use any shelters on the course.
Do NOT stand under any overhead power lines.
Do NOT shelter under trees or on high ground.
Do NOT walk under trees when making your way off the course.
Do NOT use your mobile telephone.
Do NOT put up your umbrella under any circumstances
o CAR PARK and EXIT
Take particular care not to cause an accident in the car park that results in injury and/or damage to a vehicle, recognising that some of the parking spaces require tight manoeuvres; and,
Take particular care safe exiting the car park due to high speed of vehicles on the road and restricted view on the left.
o EMERGENCIES
The phone number of the Clubhouse is
Please dial 01845 525115 if the defibrillator is required; it is located just inside the main door on the right-hand side.
In the case of a medical emergency where an ambulance is required, dial 999 - The postcode of the Club is YO7 4AB.
ANY ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES MUST BE REPORTED AT THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE (OR IF CLOSED THE BAR) AND THE INCIDENT LOGGED IN THE ACCIDENT BOOK WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE PRO SHOP
Please use these forms if you have issues or other feedback regarding your experience at Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club. We welcome your input!
These documents support the use and implementation of the Club Policies: