Adopted by the Board of Directors April 13, 2021

Santa Teresa Men’s Golf Club Code of Conduct:  Golf is played, for the most part, without supervision of a referee or tournament official.  The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules of Golf, as maintained by the USGA.  All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.  This is the spirit of the game of golf.

Any action contrary to the spirit of the game such as abusive language, throwing of clubs, cheating, or other disruptive behavior, will not be tolerated and, depending on the severity of the breach, may result in a written warning, disqualification from event(s), and suspension or expulsion from the club, or a combination of these, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors (hereinafter the Board).  Upon review and consideration of a contrary action the Board will send notification by e-mail within ten days of the incident to the member informing him of its decision regarding the violation.

A first incident, depending on the severity of the breach, may warrant only a written warning against future negative actions, or it may warrant disqualification from the event where the incident occurred and a suspension from the next club event or for 30 days, whichever is longer.  A subsequent or more serious breach will result in a disqualification from the event where the behavior occurred and a permanent suspension; after 12-months a player may request a removal of the suspension via a written submission to the Board; granting the request will be at the sole discretion of the Board.

If a player commits a very serious breach of conduct, such as, but not limited to, intentionally cheating, deceiving or altering his scorecard, the player will be suspended from the club indefinitely until he meets with the Board.  If the Board denies the player’s appeal, the minimum suspension is three years.  The Board has the right to lengthen the term of suspension based on the severity of the violation.

In the case of an extreme violation of the Code of Conduct a player may be permanently expelled from the club.  This determination is at the sole discretion of the Board.

A player may appeal any suspension or expulsion at a hearing with the Board upon written request to the Board.  The Board shall notify all parties involved of the time and place of the hearing by e-mail not less than ten (10) days prior to such hearing.  The decision of the Board shall be final.