Bylaws

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Name, Purpose, Principal Offices, Limits On Outside Activities

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Powers, Officers and Duties, Terms of Office, Elections, Meetings, Vacancies, Removal of Officers, Creation of Additional Positions, Board Member Benefits

MEMBERSHIP
Dues and Applications, Members in Good Standing, Club Membership Year, Age, Rejection, Suspension and Expulsion, General Meetings of the Membership

TOURNAMENTS & HANDICAPS
Tournament Eligibility, Playoff Procedure, Home Tournament Handicap System, Away Tournament Handicap System, Cash Prizes, Stipends and Special Prizes, Posting of Scores

MAINTENANCE OF THE BY-LAWS
Amendments, Decisions

ADDENDUMS
USGA Handicap System, ERMGC Committee Rules for Home Tournament Play

AMENDMENTS AND CLARIFICATIONS

CREATED APRIL 30, 2002
LAST REVISED ON DECEMBER 10, 2008

ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

Section 1: Name

The name of this club shall be the Empire Ranch Men's Golf Club (ERMGC)

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose for which this golf club has formed is: To promote friendship and good sportsmanship among its members in organized club-sponsored golf tournaments and social events.

Section 3: Principal Offices

This club shall maintain it's principal office for the transaction of the business of the Club in the County of Sacramento, State of California, or in such a place as the Board Of Directors may designate.

Section 4: Limits On Outside Activities

Nothwithstanding any of the above statements of purposes and powers, this club shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the specific purpose of this Club.

ARTICLE 2 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Powers of the Board of Directors

All powers of the Club shall be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall control the business and affairs in the best interest of the membership at all times. It is hereby declared that the Board of Directors shall have the following powers:

1. To conduct, manage and control the affairs and business of the club, to make and enforce such rules and regulations thereof not inconsistent with the law and these by-laws as in their judgment may seem best.
2. To create and appoint committees as it shall see fit, define the duties and authorities of such committees, and to remove for cause any member of said committees.
3. To limit or prohibit any games or sports which it deems prejudicial to the best interest of the Club or calculated as to bring the Club into disrepute, also to prescribe rules under which such games and sports as are permitted shall be played.
4. To approve payment of all bills and those as authorized by the President or Board Members at a regular or special meeting.

Section 2: Officers and Duties

Sub-Section 1: Shared Duties

Unless otherwise determined by a majority vote, the Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, Home Tournament Chairman, Away Tournament Chairman, and Handicap Chairman.

Even though each Board Member has specific responsibilities and duties, it is incumbent on each member to work together with and assist other Board Members when the workload of a specific project or event dictates the need for a total team effort in order to ensure it's success.

Sub-Section 2: President

The powers and duties of the President are:

1. To preside at all meetings of the Club and Board of Directors.
2. To ensure the By-Laws and such rules and regulations as recommended by the USGA, NCGA or as adopted by the Board of Directors are properly executed and to report to the Board any infractions thereof.
3. To call meetings that are herein required to be called by him.
4. To exercise general leadership over the business and affairs of the Club and at the quarterly meetings of the Membership, provide a report on the general concerns and conditions of the Club during the previous quarter.
5. To affix the signature of the Club to all obligations and other papers and instruments in writing that may be required.
6. To act as ex-officio member of all committees.
7. To cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie at all meetings of the Club or the Board of Directors.
8. To perform all such duties as pertain to his office and that may be required by the Board of Directors to ensure the success of the Club.
9. If required, to appoint a Board Member to act as Official Handicapper.
10. To, at the beginning of his term, appoint Board Member s to act as Secretary, Treasurer, Home Tournament Chairman, Away Tournament Chairman and if necessary, Handicap Chairman.

Sub-Section 3: Secretary

The powers and duties of the Secretary are:

1. To maintain full, open, complete and accurate records of all Board of Directors and General Membership meetings of the Club.
2. To sign all instruments of writing requiring his signature and to countersign all checks and drafts only in the absence of the President and Treasurer.
3. To make service and publication of all notices that may be necessary or proper without any direction or command from anyone.
4. To keep a current, complete membership roster of Club members and to furnish a copy of the membership roster to each Board Member and the Empire Ranch Pro-Shop.
5. To maintain the Official Correspondence of the Club.
6. To perform all other duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the Board of Directors.
7. To publish and maintain all Board adopted or rescinded policies as an addendum to these By-Laws for as long as these By-Laws are in existence or as removed by the Board of Directors.
8. To maintain current information on the Club website and keep the Club email lists in working condition.

Sub-Section 4: Treasurer

The powers and duties of the Treasurer are:

1. Under normal circumstances, to sign all checks and drafts. In his absence, the Treasurer is authorized to delegate primary signatory authority in the order of the President first or in both of their absences, the Secretary. Any Board Member may act as counter sign signatory.
2. To receive and safely keep all money of the Club; to deposit it in the name of the Club in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors may designate; to disburse the same upon the approval of the President or Board of Directors and to sign all checks and drafts.
3. To keep complete records of the accounts of every member of the Club and to collect all monies due to the Club.
4. To keep full and accurate records of accounts of the receipts and disbursements of the Club and to render printed monthly reports to the President and Secretary and a verbal monthly report to the Board of Directors.
5. To submit at the General Membership meetings a complete statement and report on the health of the Treasury of the past quarter.
6. To identify any existing or predictable financial problems.
7. To perform all such duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the President or Board of Directors.

Sub-Section 5: Home Tournament Chairman

The powers and duties of the Home Tournament Chairman are:

1. To plan, schedule, and publish the dates and formats and establish entry requirements consistent with NCGA general practices for all Home Tournaments for the following year.
2. To take entries for all Home Tournaments.
3. To post on bulletin boards and provide to the Secretary for posting on the Club web site, all schedules and formats for future Home Tournament Events.
4. To one week in advance, provide the Pro-Shop with an estimate of how many players are anticipated for an event. On the day of the tournament, provide the Pro-Shop with up to date changes.
5. (removed)
6. To, if necessary, make arrangements for determining the required food and beverages with the food and beverage manager.
7. To, if necessary, prepare the scoring boards with the names of all the entrants for a tournament, plan and supervise the competition.
8. Upon completion of the tournament, to score and post the results to all entrants in a "timely" manner and provide the Secretary with the results electronically.
9. To, keep yearly records regarding the expenses and results of all Home Tournaments.
10. To provide to the Secretary with an accurate listing of membership email addresses and provide a monthly update to the Board Members and the Pro-Shop.
11. Generally, to perform all such duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by the President.
12. To notify the Board of Directors of the results of analyses of tournaments, which may indicate that a members existing handicap may not accurately reflect their skill level.
13. To determine at what point guests may be allowed to play in a home tournament.
14. To present a plan for fair and equitable distribution of prizes in gross and net categories to the Board of Directors for their approval.

Sub-Section 6: Away Tournament Chairman

The powers and duties of the Away Tournament Chairman are:

1. To plan, schedule, and publish the dates and formats and establish entry requirements consistent with NCGA general practices for all away tournaments.
2. Take entries for away tournaments.
3. To post on bulletin boards and provide to the Secretary for posting on the Club web site, all schedules and formats for future Away Tournament Events.
4. To one week in advance, provide the Pro-Shop with an estimate of how many players are anticipated for an event. On the day of the tournament, provide the Pro-Shop with up to date changes.
5. (removed)
6. To, if necessary, make arrangements for determining the required food and beverages with the food and beverage manager.
7. To, if necessary, prepare the scoring boards with the names of all the entrants for a tournament, plan and supervise the competition.
8. Upon completion of the tournament, to score and post the results to all entrants in a "timely" manner and provide the Secretary with the results electronically.
9. To publish the results and distribution of prizes to all entrants within a maximum of 4 days following any tournament.
10. To, keep yearly records regarding the expenses and results of all Away Tournaments.
11. To perform all such duties as pertain to his office and as may be required by President.
12. To notify the Board of Directors of the results of analyses of tournaments, which may indicate that a members existing handicap may not accurately reflect their skill level.
13. To determine at what point guests may be allowed to play in an away tournament.
14. To present a plan for fair and equitable distribution of prizes in gross and net categories to the Board of Directors for their approval.

Sub-Section 7: Handicap Chairman

NOTE: The position of Handicap Chairman may be duplicated by another Board Member or filled as deemed appropriate by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

Whether or not the position is filled or being performed by another Board Member, the duties of the Handicap Chairman are:

1. Ensure that all Home and Away Tournament Scores are accurately posted to the NCGA GHIN handicap program within 4 days after a tournament.
2. Monitor recreational play to ensure that players are accurately posting their scores.
3. Notify the Board of Directors when it is suspected that a player is not accurately posting his recreational golf scores.
4. Monitor player recreational play to encourage all player scores are posted within (3) three days of the event.
5. As required, assist the home and away tournament chairman with preparing for, managing and scoring ERMC tournament events.
6. Prepare the necessary NCGA applications for ERMC members entering their qualifier and final tournaments.
7. Prepare the necessary documentation and notification letters to members who do not adhere to the spirit and intent of the handicap system.
8. Accomplish monthly analyses of NCGA documents pertaining to the monthly play patterns of the membership.

Section 3: Terms of Office

All members serving on the Board of Directors will hold office for two consecutive years. 50% of the Board of Directors will be subject to nomination and re-election each year. The purpose of this procedure is to maintain continuity in conducting the business of the club.

The President will serve in his capacity for two years and will be elected as described in Article 2, Section 4.

Each Board Member-Elect will enter into their respective terms of office at the October Board of Directors meeting and be presented to the membership at the October Home Tournament.

Section 4: Elections

Sub-Section 1: Nominations

The Board of Directors shall, at least 60 days prior to the annual election, appoint a Nomination Committee consisting of at least two members, including at least one Director from the Board of Directors. The committee will name the "Regular Ticket" and it shall be filed with the Secretary and posted via electronic media, on the clubhouse bulletin boards and any other location deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The notifications shall occur a minimum of (30) thirty days prior to the annual election.

At any time, but not within (30) thirty days prior to the election, any member of the ERMGC in good standing may nominate any other member of the club as a candidate by filling, or causing to be filed with the Secretary, a notice of such nomination in writing, along with the written acceptance of the nominee. Email submissions will not be accepted. All nominations shall be posted by the Secretary via electronic media, clubhouse bulletin boards or any other location deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors a minimum of one week prior to the election.

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to prepare sufficient ballots upon which shall be placed in alphabetical order the names of all the members nominated with a space on the left of the name sufficient for a mark indicating the choice of the voter. "Write-In" candidates will not be accepted.

Sub-Section 2: Election Day

The annual election shall be held in July of each year at the clubhouse meeting facility at a time set by the Board at least 90 days in advance, unless said day shall fall on a legal or special holiday, in which case, the election shall be held on the next day at the same time and place.

Sub-Section 3: Notice To Membership

Notice of such election shall be given to the membership via electronic media, posting on a bulletin board or any other means deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. All voting shall be by ballots prepared by the Secretary. Only members in good standing shall be eligible to vote.

Sub-Section 4: Voting Eligibility

All members in good standing are eligible to participate in the election.

Sub-Section 5: Determining The Winners

The candidates with the most votes will be elected to the number of Board vacancies that exist. The Secretary, or when the Secretary is running for re-election, a Director appointed by the President, is responsible for recording the number of votes for each nominee.

Sub-Section 5a: Absentee Ballots

The Secretary will prepare absentee ballots and make them available via email to members requesting them within two (2) days of the close of Floor Nominations.

Sub-Section 6: Electing A President

All returning Board Members and those just elected are eligible for the Office of the President if that vacancy exists. In years when a vacancy exists, members will mark their choice for President from the list of Board Members by writing that person's name on a single piece of paper and giving it to the ballot collection committee, which cannot consist of any member of the Board of Directors. The votes will be counted and the Board Member with the most votes will become the President and serve for a period of (2) years.

Section 5: Meetings of the Board of Directors

Sub-Section 1: Monthly Meetings

Unless changed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, meetings of the Board of Directors shall be scheduled for 5:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month, at the meeting facilities of the Empire Ranch Golf Course.

The President, or his appointee, has the option to change the date, time and location of any monthly meeting.

Sub-Section 2: Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by order of the President, and the President must at any time call a Special meeting of the Board of Directors upon the written request of two or more Board Members.

Notification of the time and place of a special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Board Member at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to such a meeting.

Sub-Section 2: Quorum

Two-thirds of the Board of Directors must be present in order to conduct business.

Section 6: Vacancies

Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, such vacancy shall be filled by an appointee of the President subject to confirmation by the majority of the Board Members. The member so appointed, shall hold office until the next regularly scheduled election or, at the option of the Board, serve out the remainder of the term.

Section 7: Removal of Officers

The President or any other Board Member of the club may be removed from office for good cause shown by an affirmative vote of not less than three fourths vote of the members present at a regular or special meeting of the Club called for that purpose provided all members of the Club have had (10) ten days notice in writing regarding the purpose of the meeting.

Section 8: Creation of Additional Positions

The Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, may approve additional Board positions as deemed necessary to conduct the successful business of the Club.

Section 9: Committees (deleted 8/3/05)

Section 10: Board Member Benefits

The following shall be the compensation for each Director:

• Exemption from annual ERMGC & NCGA membership fees
• Exemption from Home & Away Tournament green fees and wagering pools administered by the Board (other than skins games)
• Pro Shop Credit account (each quarter, a credit of $500 shall be paid from the club treasury into each Director's Pro Shop account)

Effective 10/1/07, any honors or special recognition that the Board and/or membership may typically give to an outgoing Director shall not be granted when that Director resigns his position prior to the end of his term, unless forced to do so by relocation or illness.

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Dues and Applications

Yearly dues will be determined by the Board of Directors and submitted to the membership for consideration at the August Meeting. Dues must include funds for NCGA membership, NCGA Electronic Handicapping and the operation and expenses of the Empire Ranch Men's Golf Club. Dues will accompany an application for membership or renewal. Yearly dues are payable no later than October 1st of each year.

Section 2: Members In Good Standing

An applicant is considered to be a member in good standing when he has submitted an application for membership, paid his yearly dues and been notified by the Board of Directors of acceptance. Any applicant who has been rejected, expelled or suspended from another Men's Club associated with the NCGA is not eligible for membership to the Empire Ranch Men's Golf Club.

Section 3: Club Membership Year

Annual Club Membership year is from October 1st of one year through September 30th of the next year.

Section 4: Age

An applicant must have reached his 18th birthday before he will be eligible to apply for membership.

Section 5: Rejection

In the event of a rejection of an applicant for membership, the membership fee shall be returned to the applicant. No rejected candidate shall again be considered for membership until after one year from the date of his rejection. The Board of Directors shall have the authority of acceptance or rejection of all new members.

Section 6: Suspension and Expulsion

Sub-Section 1: Authority

The Board of Directors shall have the power, by majority vote, to suspend for such a period and upon such terms as it deems appropriate, or to expel and forfeit the membership of any member for conduct which in its opinion is likely to be detrimental to the welfare, interest, repute, integrity or character of the game of golf or the ERMGC.

Sub-Section 2: Penalties

When it has been determined by the Board of Directors that there is enough evidence that a member has failed to accurately post a golf score to the NCGA handicap system regardless of where or how played in a "timely" manner of the played round, the Board of Directors must take the following action in descending order:

First Offense: Posting of a penalty score in accordance with the USGA Handicap System (Addendum 1, Section 3).

Second Offense: Reduction of the members NCGA handicap by 50% for the next twelve ERMC events entered by that member. The member cannot win a first place prize for those events nor will he be eligible to qualify for any NCGA event.

Third Offense: Expulsion from the Club under the provisions of Article 3, Section 6, Sub-Section 1 of these by-laws.

Sub-Section 3: Notice To The Member

No vote shall be taken by the Board of Directors on a proposed forfeiture, suspension reduction in member handicap or expulsion until 10 days notice in writing setting forth the charge or charges against the member concerned by registered mail; and such member shall have the right to be heard or respond in writing said 10 day period before any final vote is taken thereon.

Section 7: General Membership Meetings

Sub-Section 1: General Membership Meeting

There shall be a General Membership Meeting of the Club in July, and on any other dates as determined by the Board of Directors.

Sub-Section 2: Order of Business

Roll Call of Board Members
Reading of the minutes of the previous General Membership meeting
Report of the President
Report of the Treasurer
Report of the Home Tournament Chairman
Report of the Away Tournament Chairman
Report of the Handicap Chairman
Report of all Committee Chairman
Establishment of Quorum
Old Business
New Business
Miscellaneous Business
Adjournment

Sub-Section 3: Special Meetings

Special Meetings of the Club may be called and held at any time by order of the President; and the President must, at any time, call a special meeting of the club upon receipt of a written request of two or more Board Members.

Any business, which might be done at a regular meeting, may be done at a special meeting.

Sub-Section 4: Notice of Special Meetings

If requested by at least two Board Members, at least five days before the holding of a special meeting of the Club, written notice thereof specifying the time and place of the meeting and the purpose for which it is called, shall be given by the Secretary by electronic means.

Sub-Section 5: Quorum

At all meetings of the Club, whether regular, special or adjourned, five percent of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. However, a smaller number than a quorum may, in the absence of a quorum continue or adjourn any meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present and until the business of a meeting shall have been accomplished.

Sub-Section 6: Validity of Action

Every election of officers, adoption, amendment or repeal of By-Laws and other acts or proceedings taken at any meeting at which a quorum is present, shall be valid and binding.

ARTICLE 4 - TOURNAMENTS AND HANDICAPS

Section 1: Tournament Eligibility

Sub-Section 1: Members

All members in good standing are eligible to participate in Empire Ranch Men's Golf Club Home or Away Tournaments.

Sub-Section 2: Guests

When the Tournament Chairman has determined the field for an event is unlikely to be full, he may permit guests to participate. Guests are eligible to receive prizes in designated Member/Guest tournaments and in Gross Skins Games and other side bets within tournaments in which winnings are not paid from the Club Treasury.

Sub-Section 3: Medical Exemptions

A medical exemption may be granted by a majority vote of the Board, so long as the member in question is in good standing and has, in the opinion of the Handicap Chairman, a strong record of past participation. This exemption allows the Home Tournament Chairman to waive the 5-tournament minimum requirement for eligibility to win a Major or qualifier. The intent is to grant exemptions only to members who have a history of meeting the minimum participation requirement, but are not able to do so because of sickness or injury. The Board will base its decision on these factors and the medical facts as attested by the member.

Sub-Section 4: NCGA qualifiers and "Major" tournaments

In addition to handicap requirements, a player must have participated in five ERMGC tournaments (any combination of home or away tournaments) within the twelve months preceding the event to be eligible to win first place in any "Major" (defined in Section 2A), or to win a qualifying spot in any NCGA qualifying event.

Only the monthly home and away tournaments and events designated as official by the Board shall count toward the required total of five (5). The Match Play Championships count as one (1) tournament, regardless of the number of rounds a player completes. The Club Championships and Putting Championships count as one (1) tournament, so long as a player completes both rounds. Each round completed at any away tournament counts as one (1) tournament.

The counting of tournaments to determine first place eligibility for a particular event shall include the previous year's edition of that event, so long as it was held in the same month. For example: if you played in the Club Championship last September and four other tournaments since then, you are eligible for the Club Championship this September, even though there may be twelve months and several days between events. Should this year's Club Championship be held in October, your participation last year would not count. The count does not include the event for which you are registering. If you are a no-show or if you are registered for an event in which you have not yet played, that event would not count. Events that are rained-out or cancelled within 24 hours of their start will count toward the total if the member is signed-up and paid.

Section 2: Playoff Procedure

In the case of a tie for first place in any Major Tournament, or for the last of any spots in a qualifying tournament, a sudden death playoff will be conducted immediately following the announcement of results. In the event that a sudden death playoff cannot be conducted at that time, the method of breaking the tie will be at the sole discretion of the Tournament Chairman.

Section 2a: Home Tournament Handicap System

Section 2b: Away Tournament Handicap System

Section 3: Cash Prizes

In order to avoid violating NCGA amateur status rules, cash prizes will only be awarded in categories in which players pool their own money (such as Gross & Net Skins Games).

Section 4: Stipends and Special Prizes

Sub-Section 1: NCGA "Spyglass" Qualifiers

Winners of NCGA "Spyglass" Qualifiers will receive a stipend to help defray travel costs associated with their participation in the resulting NCGA tournament(s), should they be required to play outside of the Sacramento region. This stipend shall be $200 per person, or a higher amount if approved by the Board of Directors. This is in addition to NCGA tournament entry fees, which will be paid from the club treasury for all NCGA tournament qualifiers.

Sub-Section 2: Club Championship

(section deleted)

Sub-Section 3: Hole-In-One Assistance

The club will give any player who records a hole-in-one during a home or away tournament up to $250 to help with their expenses. The Board will take the club's overall fiscal health into consideration when making their decision.

Section 5: Posting of Tournament and Recreational Golf Scores

Normally, the Tournament Chairman will post all Club tournament scores to the NCGA handicap system. However, each Club member is solely responsible for the "timely" accurate posting of all recreational golf scores regardless of where played, winter or summer rules, even if less than 18 holes are played. There are provisions for member posting of a score that is for less than 18 holes.

If there is an indication or suggestion that a member has failed to post a score, the Handicap Chairman will contact the member, and at his sole discretion, give the member 24 hours to post. Should the member, for whatever reason, fail to comply, the Handicap Chairman will post a score for him equal to the lowest differential he has posted on the most recent player report.

ARTICLE 5 - MAINTENANCE OF THE BY-LAWS

Section 1: Amendments

These By-Laws may be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Directors and amended at either a regular or special meeting provided the Secretary has given each member notice of the proposed changes and that there is a quorum present.

Section 2: Decisions

All By-Laws and adopted policies governing this club must be consistent with NCGA Policy. With respect to all questions as to the construction of the By-Laws, a decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and conclusive.

ADDENDUMS

ADDENDUM 1 - USGA HANDICAP SYSTEM

Section 1: Purpose

The purpose of the USGA Handicap System is to make the game of golf more enjoyable by enabling golfers of differing abilities to compete on an equitable basis. The system provides fair Course Handicaps for players regardless of ability, and adjusts players Handicap Index up or down as one's game changes. At the same time it disregards high scores that bear little relation to the player's potential ability and promotes continuity by making handicaps continuous from one playing season or year to the next.

Section 2: Timely Posting

Posting scores immediately following the round at the course where the round is played is the preferred way to expose scores to peer review. This method of posting shall be used at all times. If a player fails to post a score in a "timely" manner, the Handicap Chairman may post the score without the player's authorization. In competition, the committee in charge of the competition will post the scores of all the competitors.

Section 3: Adjustments

The Handicap Chairman has the responsibility of making certain that a players USGA handicap index reflects his potential playing ability. Before an adjustment becomes effective, the chairman must give the player an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the proposed adjustment, either in writing or verbally. When an adjustment does become effective, it shall be identified with the letter "M". Under the conditions listed below, the Handicap Chairman may adjust a players NCGA handicap index.

The Handicap Chairman is duly responsible to identify and notify those players who violate the spirit and intent of the handicapping system. If a player continues to violate the handicapping system after notification, the Handicap Chairman shall recommend to the Board of Directors that player's handicap index be withdrawn.

Improving faster than the system can react. A player just taking up the game may improve to rapidly for his handicap index to be calculated by standard procedures to reflect his potential ability.

Numerous away scores change the index. If a players handicap index increases by three or more, strokes due to posting numerous away scores and subsequent scores at his home club clearly indicate his handicap is to high, the handicap committee shall adjust the players handicap downward.

Temporary Disability. An increased handicap shall not be given because a player is off his game or has discontinued play. However, an increased handicap may be given for a temporary disability and must be indicated with the letter "L".

Failure to Post. A NCGA handicap index shall be adjusted up or down if a player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the NCGA handicap system. The Handicap Chairman shall determine the amount and time of adjustment. If a player fails to post an acceptable score in a "timely" manner after completion of the round, the Handicap Chairman will post the score and a penalty score and rating equal to the lowest handicap differential in the players scoring record. However, if the score not posted is unusually high, the Handicap Chairman will enter the score and a penalty score and rating equal to the highest differential in the players scoring record.

If a player manipulates his scores to influence his handicap index, the handicap committee will adjust or withdraw his handicap index. Examples of manipulating scores are:

1. Posting erroneous scores.
2. Repeatedly playing more than one ball to avoid posting scores.
3. Not adjusting hole scores according to a players index.
4. Deliberately reporting more or fewer strokes than actually scored.
5. Deliberately taking extra strokes to inflate a score.

If 13 or more holes are played, the player shall post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player shall post a nine-hole score. In either case, scores for un-played holes shall be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that a player is entitled to receive on the un-played holes.

The handicap committee shall review the reduction of a players index for exceptional tournament scores. When a player has two or more tournament scores with differentials of three strokes better than his handicap, the handicap committee may adjust the players handicap index equal to the lowest tournament score for a period of time as determined by the handicap committee.

If a player repeatedly fails to meet his responsibilities under the current NCGA handicap system, the handicap committee shall withdraw the player's handicap index. Before any action can be taken, the player shall be advised of the information available to the handicap committee and shall be invited to respond either in writing or verbally. A players who has had his handicap index withdrawn, may be reinstated under conditions set forth by the handicap committee. Below is a (sample) player letter of notification:

ADDENDUM 2 - ERMGC COMMITTEE RULES FOR HOME TOURNAMENT PLAY

Rule #1: Driving Range Net on #1 (OB)

The Driving Range net and poles bordering the left side of Hole #1 are considered Out-Of-Bounds. You are not entitled to free relief from any interference these fences may cause with your intended ball flight, swing, or stance.

Rule #2: Wrought Iron Fences Throughout The Course (OB)

All fences bordering the course, including those bordering backyards, mark areas which are Out-Of-Bounds. You are not entitled to free relief from any interference these fences may cause with your intended ball flight, swing, or stance.

Rule #3: Red Line on Cart Paths

Deleted on February 12, 2009.

Rule #4: Vacant Lot on #14 (OB)

This area is Out-Of-Bounds. The exact OB line can be determined by sighting a straight line using the fences of the adjoining lots.

Rule #5: Wave-up on #18

Please pull your golf carts well past the 18th green and wave-up any players on the tee before putting.

*Rule #6: Distance-Measuring Devices

Players may use a distance-measuring device to obtain distance information. The distance between any objects, including golf balls, is considered to be a matter of public information and therefore not advice. Players may also share such a device and any measured yardage with another player. However, if, during a stipulated round, a player uses a device that actually provides him with information on other conditions that might affect his play (e.g., gradient), the player is in breach of Rule 14-3, for which the penalty is disqualification.

*Also applies to away tournaments.

AMENDMENTS AND CLARIFICATIONS

5/11/2004:

1. Voted to change Article 4, Section 1, Sub-Section 2 to permit guests to win Gross Skins only.
2. Voted to change Article 2, Section 4, Sub-Section 1 to advance the deadline for receiving Floor Nominations from 10 to 30 days prior to elections.
3. Voted to add a section authorizing Absentee Ballots (Article 2, Section 4, Sub-Section 5a).

10/6/2004:

1. Voted to add Article 4, Section 2a, establishing a new system for setting members' handicaps for Home Tournaments.
2. Voted to amend Article 4, Section 5, to specify the procedure and penalty for non-posting of recreational scores.

1/5/2005:

1. Voted to change Article 4, Section 2a, to clarify the Tournament Handicap System.

2/2/2005:

1. Voted to change Article 4, Section 2, to clarify the issue of temporary handicaps.

8/3/2005 (the following done under one vote, as detailed in the Minutes):

1. Made minor changes to voting procedures in Article 2, Section 4, Sub-Sections 5 & 5a & Article 2, Section 6.
2. Deleted Article 2, Section 9 (Committees)
3. Clarified Article 2, Section 10 (Director Compensation)
4. Made minor wording changes in Article 3, Sections 1 & 7
5. Revised Article 4, Section 1, Sub-Sections 4 & 5, incorporated the Match Play Championships in sections related to major tournaments

2/1/2006:

1. Article 2, Section 2, Sub-Section 5e (calling for the home chairman to set handicaps) removed.
2. Article 2, Section 2, Sub-Section 6e (calling for the away chairman to set handicaps) removed.
3. Article 4, Section 4, Sub-Section 2 (that calls for Election Day to coincide with the Putting Championships, was changed to a July date to be set by the Board of Directors).

5/10/2006:

1. Voted to change various sections of Article 4 to clarify issues related to the running of tournaments (see attachment to minutes of 5/10/06).

4/12/2007:

1. Deleted Article 4, Section 4, Sub-Section 2: Club Championship to reflect that the Board will no longer pay tournament registration fees for the Club Champion.

5/15/2007:

1. Made numerous minor changes and clarifications to Article 4 to clarify tournament eligibility and handicap policies.

4/9/2008:

1. Added language to Article 2, Section 10, clarifying that a Director who resigns prior to the end of his term for reasons other than relocation or illness will not receive any special recognition.

8/7/2008:

1. Added Article 1, Section 4, clarifying the limitations of club activities.

12/10/2008:

1. Added Article 4, Section 2, establishing playoff procedures for Majors and qualifiers.

2/12/2009:

1. Added Article 4, Section 1, Sub-Section 3 establishing a procedure for granting medical exemptions.
2. Deleted Committee Rule #3.

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