Girls Golf Scores
Boys Golf Scores
Girls Golf Registration Form
Boys Golf Registration Form
Message to Golf Coaches:
Welcome to the Fall 2024 golf season. In the past, many of you have been very conscientious about spending time on the rules and etiquette of golf. Each year, however, we find students who have little knowledge of either the rules or etiquette. We cannot stress enough the importance of this aspect of the game. Rules books should be ordered from the VPA Office. These books and this guide are an excellent means of teaching rules and expectations for golf in Vermont. Please be certain you and your players are knowledgeable of recent rule changes.
It is a privilege and not our “right” to be able to use many golf courses throughout the state. Coaches and players should take the time to thank the proper course staff after each golf match. Additionally, you should stress to all your players that we are dependent on the generosity of Country Clubs and the Vermont Golf Association for sites to play and that every effort needs to be made by the participants to be courteous. You should also do everything possible to create an image that would make schools welcome for years to come.
By its very nature, golf requires an absolute level of integrity on the part of all coaches and participants. Coaches should remind their players of their responsibility to report accurate scores for themselves and their competitors. Each player must protect the integrity of the game for the entire field. In addition, all coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players are match ready and well versed in the rules and etiquette of the game.
It would be very helpful to the committee if coaches would insist on proper scorecard procedure, both keeping score, and signing and turning in scores. There are very definite rules about this and they will be enforced in state-level tournaments. We would encourage you to see that these same rules are followed at each of your own matches.
If a suspected violation has occurred, the following procedure is recommended for your golfers:
a) Immediately discuss the situation with the player suspected of a violation;
b) Confer with all players in the group to try to resolve the situation;
c) If a decision cannot be reached, bring the matter immediately to the coaches after
finishing play. Do not sign cards until a decision has been made by the coaches.
Pat Merriam, Chair
V.P.A. Golf Committee
POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR THE FALL 2024 SEASON
provide individual coaching between each hole. In addition, rule violations/pace of play may be addressed while the hole is in play.
observed receiving advice from any spectator, a two-stroke penalty will be enforced.
Spectators may not provide advice or assistance (including ball searching). Doing so may result in removal from the event.
immediate disqualification. The VPA has been requested by host clubs to address the issue of slow play. It is further emphasized that throughout the regular season, coaches address slow play through instruction in course management.
USGA Rule 5.6 encourages prompt pace of play by recommending that:
In addition, Rule 6.4 expressly allows playing out of turn in match play by agreement, and for stroke play, affirmatively allows and encourages players to play out of turn in a safe and responsible way to save time or for convenience (also known as “ready golf”).
V.P.A. GOLF—FALL 2024
RULES AND REGULATIONS TO COVER THE STATE QUALIFIERS AND STATE
FINALS OF INTERSCHOLASTIC GOLF
B. In order to participate in the boys’ qualifiers the following standard has been set per 18 holes. Boys – 110 average and must complete an 18-hole round in 4 ½ hours.
3. Each BOYS TEAM* competing in the state qualifier shall be restricted to five members from an original list of eligible participants.
The Golf Committee shall assign starting times to the first five members listed on each school’s team application. These five members shall be listed by the lowest average score in order. The original order and lineup may be amended in writing, by phone call, or by fax to the VPA office prior to the meeting of the VPA Golf Committee on September 26, 2024, at 9:00 am After the VPA Golf Committee meets the original five members may be substituted for but the order will not change.
Once tee times have been set, schools must notify the Meet Director 48 hours in advance of any withdrawals. Failure to do this will result in a $25 fine per withdrawal.
The coach must confirm the team roster to the starter before the first member participates in the tournament. A member of the team participating in the final tournament does not have to participate in the sectional tournament to be eligible. However, all student participants must be recorded on the original entry blank supplied by the participating school.
VPA rules do not prevent a school during the regular season from allowing girls to try out for the boys’ golf team. However, girls may not participate in boys’ qualifiers or state finals.
4. Each GIRLS TEAM * competing in the State Tournament shall be restricted to four
members from an original list of eligible participants (a girls’ team – not more than
four students or less than two).
In order to participate in the girls’ championship, the following qualifying standard has been set per 18 holes. Girls -120 average based on a double par scoring and must complete an 18-hole round in 4 ½ hours (2 hours per 9). The Golf Committee shall assign starting times to the first four members listed on each school’s team application. These four members shall be listed by the lowest average score in order. The original order and lineup may be amended in writing, by phone call, or fax to the VPA office prior to the meeting of the VPA Golf Committee on October 3, 2024 at 9:00 am. After the VPA Golf Committee meets the original three (two) members may be substituted for but the order will not change.
The coach must confirm the team roster to the starter before the first member participates in the tournament. However, all student participants must be recorded on the original entry blank supplied by the participating school. Once tee times have been set, schools must notify the Meet Director 48 hours in advance of any withdrawals. Failure to do this will result in a $25 fine per withdrawal.
5. Schools competing in the qualifier and state finals may make arrangements for practice rounds. The option of granting these requests and greens fees is left with the host club.
6. All play in the state qualifier and finals shall be stroke play.
7. Coaches, advisors, and spectators shall not coach players in any manner or give specific counsel during the match. (Rule #8-2 Note. . . has not been adopted by VPA.) However, coaches may clarify a rules question.
8. There will be two boys’ qualifier sites. Schools will be assigned to a qualifier site by the
VPA Golf Committee and listed in the Golf Guide. The representative of the VPA at the
the qualifier site will deny participation to anyone who is not at the assigned site.
9. In the BOYS’ Tournament, the top SIX teams from each state qualifier SITE advance to the
State Tournament. Individual golfers may also be included in state play based upon
Qualifier scores.
NEW 2024: The low five (5) scorers and ties from each qualifier who ARE NOT MEMBERS OF A TEAM that qualifies for the team competition, will be eligible for the State Tournament. There will be a Division I and Division II champion and finalist.
10. No caddies or motorized carts will be allowed. Non-motorized carts are allowable. The
VPA Golf Committee may grant exceptions based upon documented evidence of need.
This request must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of the sections and/or finals.
11. Boys’ Team Scoring
a. The total gross score of the lowest four members of each competing school team shall
determine the qualifier and state winners.
b. In qualifier play, all necessary ties will be broken to send teams to the state finals site. In
team competition the four lowest scoring members of each team shall commence on
the first designated hole and play shall continue until the tie is broken (2 plus 2)..
c. In state competition, team ties and first or second place ties shall be solved as above.
Medalists shall continue to play to determine the states’ champion if a tie occurs.
Girls’ Team Scoring
a. There will be a Division I and Division II champion and runner-up.
b. The total gross score of the lowest two members of each competing school team shall
determine the state winners.
c. In state competition, team ties for first or second place shall be resolved as follows: in
team competition, the two lowest scoring members of each team shall commence on
the 1st designated hole and play shall continue until the tie is broken. Medalists shall
continue to play to determine the state’s champion if a tie occurs.
12. It is the responsibility of the coach and team to learn of any special rules from the VPA
representative.
13. Instruction to the starters: In addition to the regularly assigned duties, you must instruct all
golfers on the methods of handling their scorecards.
14. Scoring at State Qualifiers and State Tournament:
Scoring will be stroke play with individual cards, playing partners keeping each other’s
scores as assigned off your first tee. Each player must announce his/her score to his/her
marker after the completion of the hole. If this does not happen, the marker shall
request the score and mark it down on the way to the next tee. Check your nine hole
scores (player and marker) and agree on the hole by hole score before teeing off on the back
nine. After completion of eighteen holes (the player and marker will check hole by hole
score for the back nine.), the marker (and player will them proceed immediately to the
scorers table and) will total the score and sign on the attest line. It is the responsibility
of the player to confirm his/her card and sign on the player line. If there is no problem then
turn in signed cards to the scorers’ table. If there is a problem, do not sign your card, but
report the problem to the jury of appeal.
15. The representative of the Vermont Principals’ Association at the state qualifier will
notify participating schools of the time and place for the final tournament.
16. All entries for BOYS’ qualifiers must be electronically filed no later than
September 26, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. The Vermont Principals’ Association Golf
Committee will assemble to establish starting times for all participants in the qualifier. The seedings meeting will be on September 26, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. Any applications received AFTER that time will be assessed a $100 late fee. Any applications received after NOON on September 26, 2024 will NOT be considered (due to issues with RE-assigning tee times).
All entries for the GIRLS’ FINALS must be electronically filed no later than
October 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. The Vermont Principals’ Association Golf
Committee will assemble to establish starting times for all participants in the qualifier. The seedings meeting will be on October 3, 2024 at 9:00 A.M. Any applications received AFTER that time will be assessed a $100 late fee. Any applications received after NOON on October 3, 2024 will NOT be considered (due to issues with RE-assigning tee times).
17. In the state qualifier and state tournaments, the ball shall be played as it lies unless amended
by the site director.
18. Officials:
A. The Vermont Principals’ Association and the Vermont Golf Association shall appoint
representatives to each State Qualifier and State Championship tournament site.
One of the representatives shall: make contact with the host club to make sure the arrangements are satisfactory for the tournament, and confirm that all special personnel necessary to the proper functioning of the tournament are aware of their responsibilities
They shall interpret local rules before the start of play. They shall assume the title of referee and all questions which relate to the play of the game shall be directed to them for interpretation.
B. Coaching personnel WILL BE assigned for position on the course at designated locations.
They are not rules interpreters or advisors to players. Representatives from the VGA will be
present for rules interpretation.
19. Dress:
The State Qualifier and Championships requires adherence to the host golf course dress
policy. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform their players of this policy. A dress
policy includes a ban on metal spikes. Players may be prohibited from participation
for non-compliance to dress policy.
20. Senior students, boys and girls, are eligible for four year VGA Scholarships if they are
planning on attending college. Ask your guidance counselor for details.
BOYS STATE QUALIFIER
DIVISION 1 State Qualifier – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 – SITE TBD
*weather make up date October 2md
Top 6 schools qualify for State Tournament
BFA, St. Albans Mt. Anthony
Brattleboro Mt. Mansfield
Burlington North Country
Burr & Burton Rice
Champlain Valley Rutland
Colchester St. Johnsbury
Essex South Burlington
Missisquoi Spaulding
DIVISION 2 State Qualifier – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 – NESHOBE (BRANDON)
The top 6 schools qualify for State Tournament
Arlington
Fair Haven Killington Mt. School
Hartford Mt. Abraham
Harwood Otter Valley
Lake Region
Lamoille Milton
Lyndon Northfield/Randolph
Middlebury Woodstock
Mill River Oxbow
Black River Proctor
Enosburg Rivendell
Green Mountain UHS Long Trail School
Green Mt. Valley School Windsor
Hazen Stowe
Leland & Gray Stratton Mountain
Peoples Thetford
U-32 West Rutland
GIRLS STATE FINALS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8TH – BURLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2
Brattleboro Black River
Burlington Fair Haven
Burr & Burton Hartford
Champlain Valley Harwood
Colchester Lake Region
Essex Lyndon
Missisquoi Mill River
Mt. Anthony Long Trail School
Mt. Mansfield Northfield
North Country Otter Valley
Rutland Peoples
South Burlington Poultney
Spaulding Proctor
St. Johnsbury Rice
BFA- St. Albans Rivendell
Stowe
Williamstown
Windsor
Woodstock
Enosburg Falls
Middlebury
BOYS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024 – BURLINGTON COUNTRY CLUB
At the request of the host site, all play will begin at the first tee. The format will be as
follows:
Time TBA – Division 1
Time TBA – Division 2
We realize this may cause some lengthy waiting times in order to determine the ten New England Qualifiers. Schools may want to have arrangements made in order to transport students who do not have a need to wait until all golfers have finished play.
NEW ENGLAND INDIVIDUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
SPONSORED BY
NEW ENGLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION
DATE:
SITE: Mohegan Sun (CT)
FEE: $25.00 per golfer
This Fall (2024 season) participation in the New England Individual Golf Tournament sponsored by the New England Secondary School Principals’ Association will be available to boy and girl players at the Vermont state tournament site(s). Vermont will be allotted ten (10) spots for boys and ten (10) spots for girls. These spots may be filled by the low ten scores in each of their respective state tournaments. Since the boys are divided into Division I and II, but play the same tees and course, the division issue is moot.
Welcome to the State Championship Golf Tournament! We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for the athletes. To ensure a fair and respectful competition, please adhere to the following guidelines while following a golf group:
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping to make this championship a positive experience for all participants. Enjoy the tournament and let’s celebrate the hard work and talent of our young athletes!