Extreme Conditions Policy

The Whittlesea Golf Club Extreme Conditions ( eg Weather) Policy has been introduced to provide guidance to members and guests in relations to playing conditions which might impact on the health and well-being of players on the golf course.

 

The Extreme Conditions Policy addresses issues of extreme heat, lightning and strong winds or approaching danger. It also applies when greens become unplayable due to heavy rain or other circumstance and suspension of play is necessary.

 

Extreme Heat

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Heat Policy:

“Should the forecast temperature predicted for Humevale at 4.00pm on the evening before the day of competition be 38 degrees or more the competition times for that day will be adjusted such that start time will be 7.00 am to 8.50 am only.” No competition entries will be accepted outside these times.

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• The course will remain open for members’ play but not in the competition if outside the 8.50 am closing time

• The General Manager, and in his/her absence the Golf Professional will inform the members of the modified competition times at or after 4.00 pm on the day prior to the competition.

• Time sheet bookings will remain so that all members who have booked will be assured of their game if they have a time within the modified competition times. Otherwise to play in the competition you will need to phone and make a booking within the limited time available. ( should provide for approximately 136 players )

• Sunday tee times will be limited due to Social Group bookings.

• Should the event for the day be of a significant nature eg. Medal, the event will be transferred to a date to be determined.

• Should the forecast temperature at 4.00pm as above be 42 degrees or more the course will be closed.

 

Rationale:

1. The Club has a duty of care to its members and seeks to take a reasonable approach to days of extreme heat.

2. The Club is cognisant of advice given by Golf Victoria  and Sports Medicine Australian and expressed in the Golf Victoria Heat Policy.

3. The Club is concerned for the health and well-being of all of its members.

4. The average age of competition fields is more than 60 years of age.

5. The Club is concerned for any possible litigation arising out of a heat-related situation.

6. Cancellation of the competition of the day is advice from the Club that it considers that it is too hot for play.

7. Members who play on days of extreme heat do so at their own risk. Members are advised to take appropriate actions to prevent heat stress.

10. The Club reminds all players about the appropriate measures to be taken to avoid heat stress, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

11. Members will have certainty and will know from the forecast at 4.00 pm what to expect on the following day.

12. Members are advised that on days of extreme heat, course staff might be involved in additional watering of greens and other areas susceptible to heat stress particularly during the morning and later in the day.

 

Lightning

The Rules of Golf acknowledge that lightning on golf courses has caused deaths and injuries and urges golf clubs to take precautions for the protection of golfers against lightning. Rule 6-8b and Appendix 1-5 make provision for “Suspension of Play due to a Dangerous Situation”. Such provision permits the Committee to suspend play or for players to discontinue play if they believe that there is a danger from lightning.

 

When play is suspended by the Committee all players should discontinue play immediately. The Committee will determine when play is to resume. Failure to discontinue play on the advice of the Committee will result in disqualification.

 

Players who discontinue play without specific Committee permission must report to the Committee as soon as practicable. This can include a note left with your score card. No penalty will be applied if the reason is satisfactory. Otherwise the player will be disqualified.

 

Lightning Policy:

“Should lightning be in the immediate vicinity of the golf course the Committee will consider the risk and if the situation is considered dangerous will, in the interests of the health and safety of the players, suspend play”.

 

 

Strong Winds

Members are advised and reminded of the dangers of limbs falling from trees on days of extreme winds (50 kph or more). Members are advised to be aware of the forecast of strong winds and give consideration to their own personal safety while out on the course.

 

Strong Winds Policy:

“Should the forecast at 4.00pm on the day before a competition be for winds likely to exceed 50 kph members will be reminded of the possible dangers of falling limbs or trees. Should a situation arise where the Match Committee considers such strong winds to be a danger to members, play will be suspended.”

 

 

Approaching Danger

On days of extreme fire danger or other potential threat situations the Club will monitor Emergency Services advice and act accordingly

 

Course Unplayable

If the Committee considers that for any reason the course is not in a playable condition or that there are circumstances that render the proper playing of the game impossible it may order a temporary suspension of play or cancel all scores for the round.

 

On advice from the Committee of a situation which warrants suspension of play players may discontinue play immediately or continue to play out the hole provided they do so without delay. Play must be discontinued after the completion of the hole.

 

Siren Notification Procedures

 

Suspension of Play

Suspension of play will be signalled by Three (3) blasts (repeated) of the siren. Play may continue to the completion of the current hole, or alternatively balls may be marked if completion is not practicable. Players should return to the Clubhouse until further notice and await advice on resumption.

 

Emergency Evacuation

One (1) continuous blast of the siren. Players should cease play immediately and return to the Clubhouse.

 

Resumption of Play

Two (2) short blasts of the siren. Players should return to their positions immediately and resume play.

NOTE The Match Committee will assume the responsibility for any decisions relating to competitions and this policy. Any actions that affect the state of play, should they be required, will be conveyed to members via various media and/or the Competition Steward/ Club professional.