Rules Education
In addition
to publishing the Rules of Golf, Golf Canada is committed to training
and educating all golfers in hopes they may ultimately lead to national
certification as a Referee.
Since 2019,
Golf Canada has adopted the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main
objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency
around the world in many facets of the rules of golf, including educating and
training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use, and the certification
based on marks obtained will be consistent throughout the countries allied to
the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
While Golf
Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules
Education program consists of a three-tiered approach, which similarly Golf
Québec and Golf Canada have also adopted. Level 1 is the introductory level to
Golf Canada’s Rules Education program, which then proceeds into separate
programming for individuals to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at
the provincial and national level.
Level 1 is
an easy and interesting way to learn the basics of golf. This level focuses on
the game’s etiquette, key definitions, and the most common situations on the
course. As part of the Level 1 program, students can put their knowledge to the
test by answering summary questions at the end of each section, before tackling
the Level 1 online certification exam.
Level 2 webinars
are conducted by the provincial golf associations, and the curriculum will
begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the
complexities that are found in the Rules of Golf book or the Official
Guide on the Rules of Golf are introduced. The Provincial level is designed
for individuals who are already involved in tournament administration, or a
desire to have such an involvement.
Eligibility:
- Level 1 certified (online)
Requirements
to be Provincially Certified:
- Attend all webinars and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam.
- Complete 50 hours of on-course
experience as a Referee.
- Complete an additional 10 hours
accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
Upon
registration, you will receive a copy of the complete Rules of Golf and
the Official Rules of Golf Guide.
To register
for Golf Québec's provincial-level preparation webinars, click here. Please note that the training sessions will
be conducted in French. Should you wish to attend rules training sessions in
English, it is possible to do so through Golf Ontario.
For those
who have difficulty registering for the provincial-level training, please do
not hesitate to contact Samuel Chainey.
The Level 3
Rules education program consists of an eight-week online webinar run by Golf
Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest
level. This program is intended for experienced Referees who wish to improve
both their technical and practical knowledge as a referee.
Eligibility:
- Provincial level certification
(written and practical components completed)
Requirements
to be Nationally Certified:
- Attend all webinars and achieve
a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
- Complete 100 hours of on-course
experience as a Referee.
- Complete an additional 10 hours
accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
