FJT Policies

Tour Philosophy

• Eligibility & Conditions of Play
  
• Entry Procedures
• Field Determination
  Non- Exempt Events
  Open Events
  54-Hole Majors
  Exempt Events
  Tour Championship
  State Championships
• Alternates
  
• Playing Up & Underage Entry
  
• Walking, Caddies, Spectator Carts
• Transporting Push/Pull Carts
• Practice Rounds & Other Information
  
• Withdrawing Before Event
• No Shows, No Cards, WD's & Suspensions
• Refund Policy
• Hard Card & Notice to Players (Local Rules)

• Dress Code
• Playoffs
• Awards & Trophies
• Code of Conduct
• Official Time, Returned Checks, & Appeals
  

Tour Philosophy

The credibility of the FJT depends upon three primary factors; (1) The quality of its fields, (2) the quality of venues, and (3) the proper administration of each event (Rules, Pace-of-play, etc).  Excellent field strength benefits all players. To ensure excellent field strength, the Tour extends exemptions to players that perform at outstanding levels in FJT and other competitions. Click here for more information on FJT exemptions. However, the Tour is committed to providing access to all capable players. (See Field Determination below)

The Tour strongly suggests that players compete in their local junior programs in order to develop the experience and confidence necessary to perform well at state and national events.

Tour Eligibility

In order to be a participant in any FJT tournament, you must be a member of the FSGA and have an active GHIN handicap.  Florida residency is NOT a requirement, except for the Girls' and Boys' State Junior Championship and the Junior Match Play Championship.

You can compete on the Tour from age 9 through 18 as long as you have not completed high school AND started attending college full time (12 credit hours). Which means... you can take college classes while you're still in high school. Oh yeah, if you bomb out of college and want to come back and play it's too late - you should have studied more.

The last day of each tournament is used to calculate players' ages to determine eligibility. The player's age on the last day the tournament must fall within the age division (9-12, 13-15 or 16-18 age division)*.

The following actions will make a player ineligible:

1. Player turns 19 years old
2. Player loses amateur status
3. Player graduates high school and enrolls in college full time (12 or more credit hours)**

Philosophy: The FSGA believes a junior golfer is one who is 18 years old or younger and doesn't take an action to become eligible to play college golf.

*  See the "Playing Up" and "Exceptional Playing Capability" policies for exceptions to age ranges.
**  The FSGA reserves the right to modify the college enrollment criteria at any time to reflect any NCAA or NAIA rules. The FSGA also reserves the right to evaluate each player's situation on a case-by-case basis in regards to college enrollment eligibility.

Conditions of Play

Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the event) by the FJT. The reason for rejection may include improper attire and/or unbecoming conduct. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject to the Rules and Conditions of Play set forth by the FJT. In all FJT events, an event may become official by reverting to the results of an earlier round(s). Eighteen holes may constitute an official event.

Entry Procedures (13-15 & 16-18) Divisions

• Entries for each event open precisely at 12:00:00 AM on the Wednesday 7 1/2 weeks before the event.

• Entries for each event will be open for two weeks and close on Wednesday at 11:30:00 PM.

All entries must be submitted through the website and received by the Florida Junior Tour within the entry window.

Entry Procedure and Field Determination (9-12 Open Events)

• 84 players accepted into each event
• Entries will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Late entries will be accepted if space is available.
• Entries that are in excess of the available space will be placed on an alternate's list.
• Entries close approximately 2 1/2 weeks prior to the tournament on a Wednesday at 11:30:00 PM.

Please click here to view more information on the 9-12 Age Division.

(The FJT Championship Committee reserves the right to modify the field determination process on an event by event basis.)

Late Entries and Fees

Once the entry deadline has passed, players may be permitted to submit late entries and be added to the alternates list to fill spots should they become available. Late entrants will be contacted by the FSGA Tournament Department if and when they are accepted into the tournament field. Any late entrant that gains acceptance into the field will be subject to a $10 late entry fee. 

Late entrants will be added to the bottom of the alternates list on a first-come, first-served basis. Exempt players have no priority if their entry is submitted after the entry deadline, however if they get accepted into the tournament an exemption will be used.

Florida Junior Tour Events

9-12 Open Events - Events for all junior golfers ages 9-12
Eligibility Requirements

• Active FSGA membership
• Active Florida GHIN Handicap (included in the purchase of a junior membership)
• At the close of entries, if the 9-10 division (boys or girls) has 3 or less entrants, those players will have the following options:
  1) Play up in the 11-12 age division
  2) Withdraw from the event and receive a full refund

Non- Exempt Events - A series of events for juniors ages 13-18 with minimal or no status on the Florida Junior Tour.
Eligibility Requirements

• Active FSGA membership
• Active Florida GHIN Handicap (included in the purchase of a junior membership)
• Must not have any active FJT exemptions
• Must not have more than two active STEP exemptions

Open Events - The traditional 36 & 54 - hole events for all juniors ages 13-18
Eligibility Requirements

• Active FSGA membership
• Active Florida GHIN Handicap (included in the purchase of a junior membership)

Exempt Events - A series of events for juniors ages 13-18 that have active FJT and/or STEP exemptions
Eligibility Requirments

• Active FSGA membership
• Active Florida GHIN Handicap (included in the purchase of a junior membership)
• Must have at least 1 active FJT exemption

Field Determination- Non-Exempt Events

Each typical tournament field will consist of 84 players (maximum). Events will have a Boys & a Girls division. Events will not be split further by age.

Non-Exempt events are for juniors ages 13-18 who do not have any active exemptions from an FJT, FSGA, USGA, or AJGA event. The player must also not have more than two active STEP exemptions. Players with active STEP exemptions will not lose an exemption when gaining acceptance into the field.

All entries will be held until the close of entries date. At that time, if there are more than 84 entries, the field will be determined by a random draw.

A player who at close of entries does not have an exemption is still eligible to play in a Non-Exempt event if he or she earns an exemption after entries close date. A player who at the close of entries date had an exemption but later used their last exemption will become eligible to enter late into a Non-Exempt event. 

Field Determination - Open Events

Each typical tournament field will consist of 84 players (maximum).

Open events are for all juniors ages 13-18. Certain events will be specifically for the juniors ages 16-18 & others specifically for juniors 13-15 (refer to the FJT schedule for specifics). 

Below is an example of how the random draw will be conducted:

Exempt Players - Exempt players will be entered into the field on a first-come, first-served basis up to the limit posted in the above table. Entries submitted by exempt players after the limit has been reached will be placed in the random draw pool. Should the exempt limit not be reached, the remaining spots will be added to the random draw. Entries will be accepted proportionately in the random draw based on the total number of entries in the respective divisions.

Random Draw - After the close of entries a random draw will be conducted to fill the spots posted in the table above. All non-exempt players are automatically placed in the random draw pool of entries. Exempt players entering after the exempt limit has been reached will be included in the random draw pool.

Committee Selection - After the random draw is conducted, the FJT Tournament Committee reserves the right to select players, based on special circumstances, to fill the spots posted in the table above.

(The FJT Championship Committee reserves the right to modify the field determination process on an event by event basis.)

9-12 Events - Fields are determined on a first-come-first-serve basis

Field Determination - 54-Hole Majors

 Below is an example of how a 54-hole Major field will be determined.

(The FJT Championships Committee reserves the right to modify the proportionate field sizes on an event-by-event basis based on the number of entries received in each division. The Committee may also use a "Committee Selection" in extraordinary situations.)

Exempt Players
Exempt players will be entered into the field on a first-come, first-served basis up to the size of the tournament field in that Division. Should there be spots remaining in the field, the remaining spots will be taken by the top ranked players on Junior Golf Scoreboard. Should there be more exempt players than the size of the field, the remaining exempt players not in the field will be sorted by entry date as alternates.

Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings
After the close of entries, all non-exempt players will be ranked by their standing on Junior Golf Scoreboard, www.juniorgolfscoreboard.com, The better ranked players will be placed in the tournament field until the limit is reached. Only entries received before the entry deadline will be considered. Players not making the field will be placed on the alternates list in the order of their Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking.

At the entry deadline every player's ranking on juniorgolfscoreboard.com will be recorded and that ranking will be used to determine the field. Once the field is determined and posted to the website it is final. No changes to the field will be made. Players are responsible for ensuring their Junior Golf Scoreboard ranking is correct and also that duplicate accounts do not exist in their name. Players taking a gap year after highschool are responsible for activating their ranking before the entry close date.

Click here for more on national rankings.

If there are not enough players ranked by Junior Golf Scoreboard to fill the field then the remaining spots will be filled by using a random draw.

Field Determination- Exempt Events

Each typical tournament field will consist of 84 players (maximum). Events will have a Boys & a Girls division. Events will not be split further by age.

Exempt events consists of events for juniors ages 13-18 that have at least one active Florida Junior Tour exemption. Fully exempt players will be given priority and will be entered into the field on a first-come first-serve basis. After that, if there is still space available in the field, entries will be accepted based on how many active exemptions a player has (most to least). STEP Exemptions only count towards the number of active exemptions in order to break ties.

An exemption will be used if acceptance in to the field is achieved.

A player who at the entry close date had an exemption, and was placed on the alternates list is still eligible for the event if they later do not have an exemption when they gain entry into the event.

Field Determination - Tour Championship

The field is determined in the following method:

Exemptions - *FJT winners from the current season. Winners of the Boys' Junior, Girls' Junior and Junior Match Play Championships.*

All other entries are held until the entry deadline. Players are then accepted based off their standing on the FJT points lists. An alternates list will be posted to the FJT website under "Tee Times & Player Information". 

Players who turned 16 during the season will have their points earned from the 13-15 age division carried in to the 16-18 age division for consideration. It is likely (but not guaranteed) that acceptance will be granted if the combined total warrants enough points to earn entry in to the 16-18 field.

Players who turn 13 during the season will have their points earned from the 11-12 age division carried in to the 13-15 age division for consideration. Acceptance into the Championship will be evaluated by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. 

The FSGA reserves the right to modify the selection process and field sizes.

Field Determination - State Championships

See the Tournament Information for each particular state championship to view the entry procedure. FJT exemptions are not used at state championships and most tournament fields are filled by an event specific criteria or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alternates

If a player who is scheduled to play in a tournament withdraws, the next alternate will be called at the phone numbers provided in their profile and given the opportunity to replace the withdrawn player. If the alternate can not fill the spot, or does not respond in a reasonable amount of time, the next alternate will be offered the spot.

Alternates are usually given 24 hours to return messages left regarding openings. The time period given to alternates to respond may be shortened within seven days of the tournament. 

Starting with the day prior to the tournament, the FSGA reserves the right to select local alternates and disregard the order of the existing alternates' list. Due to the short decision time-frame involved, voice messages may not be left and the tournament staff will accept the alternate player who answers the phone and confirms their availability.

Tee times, pairings, and the alternates list on the website are normally updated within 24 hours after a player withdraws and is replaced by an alternate.

On-Site Alternates
If a player withdraws or no-shows on the day of a tournament, the spot will be filled by an alternate standing by on site. Should there be more than one alternate on site, the highest ranking alternate on the list of alternates will be entered.

All on-site alternates must have submitted an entry and must meet all entry policies.

All on-site alternates must check in at the registration table and notify the Tournament Chairman that he/she is an on-site alternate.

Playing Up

9-10 Age Division

Players between the ages of 9-10 years old may earn the ability to play up into the 11-12 age division under the following very specific guidelines: 

• The player must win two Florida Junior Tour events in the 9-10 age division.
  AND
  
• In addition to winning twice, the player must maintain a stroke average better than or equal to 75 (18 holes) or 150 (36 holes) from those two events.
  OR
• Win the Futures Championship.

11-12 Age Division

Players between the ages of 11-12 years old may earn the ability to play up into the 13-15 age division under the following very specific guidelines:

• The player must win two Florida Junior Tour events in the 11-12 age division.
  AND
• In addition to winning two times, the player must maintain a stroke average better than or equal to 75 (18 holes) or 150 (36 holes) from those three events.
  OR
• Win the Futures Championship.

The FSGA reserves the right to modify the above selection process for earning the ability to play up.

13-15 Age Division

Players between the ages of 13-15 years old may earn the ability to play up into the 16-18 age division under very specific guidelines. 

See Playing Up for more information.

Exceptional Playing Capability

Under 9 Years Old

Players under 9 years old that demonstrate exceptional playing capability may be granted conditional status to participate in the 9-10 age division. Exceptional playing capability is much more than being able to compete against most of the players in the 9-10 age division, exceptional performance means being able to consistently challenge the top players in the FJT at typical FJT yardages with a strong possibility of victory.

Any player under 9 years old requesting conditional status into the FJT must submit a request in writing with all tournament scores for the past two years. Once submitted, the FJT Championship Committee will review the request and make a ruling. Players should only submit a request if they are regularly shooting tournament scores of: Boys, 78 or better at a minimum of 5,000 yards; Girls, 80 or better at a minimum of 4,200 yards.

Example of Exceptional Playing Performance: Winning or finishing in the top 5 of your age division at the U.S. Kids World Championships.

Under 13 Years Old - Only granted in extremely rare circumstances.

Players under 13 years old that demonstrate exceptional playing capability may be granted conditional status to participate in the 13-15 age division. In addition to the specific criteria related to the 11-12 age division players earning the ability to play up, exceptional playing capability is much more than being able to compete against most of the players in the 13-15 age division. Exceptional performance means being able to consistently challenge the top players in the FJT at typical FJT yardages with a strong possibility of victory. 

Any player under 13 years old requesting conditional status into the FJT 13-15 age division, must submit a request in writing with all tournament scores for the past two years. Once submitted, the FJT Championships Committee will review the request and make a ruling. Players should only submit a request if they are regularly shooting tournament scores of: Boys, 75 or better at a minimum of 6,600 yards; Girls, 77 or better at a minimum of 5,700 yards.

Example of Exceptional Playing Performance: Alexis Thompson, 10 years old, was granted special status allowing her to play in the 13-15 age division. She was awarded the special status because of her consistent performance in national junior events (winning several local junior events, winning the Westfield PGA Sectional and the 35th Annual Bagwell, missing the US Women's Open by two shots, etc). Alexis proved she was deserving of the special status by winning three of her first five FJT events and being the 2005-2006 FJT Season Points Champion.

The FJT Championship Committee reserves the right to retract your conditional status for many reasons; some examples are: not demonstrating outstanding conduct, regularly withdrawing from events, unable to demonstrate the maturity level of a young adult, unable to control emotions because of poor play (crying,  etc.), failing to place in the top 50% of the field in two of your first three events, etc.

Walking, Caddies not Permitted

Players must walk and will need to carry their own bag.  Caddies are not permitted.  The FSGA encourages the use of push/pull carts whenever walking is required or is an option. Electric push carts are permitted. When a club does not allow push carts, the players will be notified in advance by the FSGA.

Transporting Push/Pull Carts

The FSGA encourages the use of push/pull carts whenever walking is required or is an option. Electric push carts are permitted. When a club does not allow push carts, the players will be notified in advance by the FSGA. To prevent injury during the use of shuttles to transport players between holes, players must follow the published policy which prohibits pulling the carts behind or beside a golf cart.  Push carts must be safely attached to the golf cart for transportation. (Click here).

Spectators and Carts

Carts may be available for rental on a course by course basis. The FJT will rigorously enforce the FJT spectator policy. Click here for more information regarding parents, spectators, and carts.

Practice Rounds

Typically, a single practice round will be available for an additional fee. In some cases, parents will also be allowed to play a practice round with their son or daughter at a reduced fee.  Players under 16 years old will not be allowed to operate carts during practice rounds, but typically all players may ride in carts during the practice rounds. Practice round information will be posted on the specific tournament page for each event.

Tournament Information

All tournament information including; practice rounds, course assignment, pairings, starting times, hotel accommodations, etc., will be posted on the FSGA website. 

Withdrawing Before the Start of a Tournament

Players who have been accepted into an FJT event and wish to withdraw for any reason MUST withdraw online or notify the FSGA Tournament Department at 813-868-5850 prior to the event. If withdrawing on the day of the event, contact the FSGA office at 813-868-5850 and the Golf Shop at the course you are scheduled to play.

Scoreboard Designations - Withdrawals, No Shows, No Cards and Disqualification

WD - A player who withdraws before or between rounds prior to their tee time by notifying the Club, the FSGA or a representative of the FSGA, will be listed as a withdrawal (WD) on the scoreboard, website and in press releases.

NS - A player who fails to appear for his/her starting time without prior notification to the Club, the FSGA or a representative of the FSGA, will be listed as a no show (NS).

NC - A player who begins his round and does not return a completed scorecard for any reason, including injury, will be listed as a no card (NC). Players who do not finish their round due to weather delays (leaving the course during the suspension) are also listed as NC's.

DQ - A player whose breach of a Rule of Golf results in disqualification or who is at the course and is late to the tee by more than 5 minutes will be listed as disqualified (DQ).

No shows, no cards, and withdrawing during a tournament are serious breaches of the FJT Tournament Policy. In some cases, they are not a serious breach (running out of golf balls, illness during round, injury, emergency, etc.).

Consequences
Due to the increasing amount of no shows and no cards, the FJT has implemented a strict policy that suspends players who no show, no card, or withdraw between rounds twice in one season.

• First NC, NS, or WD between rounds during a 12 month period- No action taken and no excuses needed. Policies for non-FSGA entities may differ (Junior Golf Scoreboard, GolfWeek, AJGA, and other ranking sites).
• Second NC, NS, or WD between rounds during a 12 month period- Player is suspended for the next four months in which FJT tournaments are held. Player will be withdrawn from any tournaments entered into during the four month suspension and receive the appropriate refund (see refund policy below).
• Third NC, NS, or WD between rounds during a 12 month period - Player is suspended for 12 months and withdrawn from any tournaments they are already entered in. The FJT Tournament Committee reserves the right to lengthen the suspension into the next year.

No action is taken for the first time a player doesn't finish a tournament because we understand players become ill or injured; however, it is very rare for it to happen twice in one season.

Example: During a tournament in the beginning of the season, a player doesn't show for the second round of a tournament because he wasn't playing well. He is listed as a "NS" for round two and no further action is taken by the FJT Tournament Committee. Later in the season the player becomes very ill during the second round of a tournament and is unable to complete the round. He is listed as a "NC" for the second round and the FJT Tournament Committee will likely suspend him for four months. He shouldn't have wasted his "free pass" earlier in the season!

Exceptional Circumstances:  The FJT Tournament Committee reserves the right to modify or waive suspensions for exceptional circumstances. An exceptional circumstance may be, but is not limited to, providing proof that the player felt very ill during both tournaments and was unable to complete the event.

If a player purposely gets disqualified to avoid finishing a tournament, the Tournament Committee may impose a suspension.

Refund policy

Requests for refunds received prior to the entry closing date will be honored (less $20 administration fee). Requests received after the closing date will be honored (less 50% of the entry fee). No requests will be honored within two days of the scheduled start date of the event.

Players who receive reduced entry fees will receive a refund of 50% if the withdrawal is received prior to two days of the scheduled start date of the event. No requests will be honored within two days of the scheduled start date of the event.

All refunds will be applied to the credit card account used for the initial entry fee purchase. If the initial credit card is no longer active (lost or stolen, etc), please contact the FSGA directly by telephone.

Hard Card & Notice to Players (Local Rules)

The "Hard Card" is a list of local rules in effect for all FJT competitions. The hard card is usually handed out at registration with the pace of play policy copied on the back. Click here to view the FJT Hard Card.

**Electronic measuring devices (range finders) are ALLOWED in FJT competitions.

A "Notice to Players" is a list of local rules specific to a course during a tournament. The Notice to Players takes precedence over the Hard Card. The Notice to Players is usually handed out at registration or the starting tee and normally has the hole locations on the side of the page.

Spikeless Policy

It is a condition of the FJT that shoes with traditionally-designed spikes (regardless of composition, i.e., ceramic, plastic, etc.) or spikes, regardless of design, comprised either entirely or partially of metal (when such metal comes in contact with the surface of the putting green) are prohibited. Penalty for breach of this condition: Disqualification.

Dress Code - Player & Caddies (Before, During and After the Round)

• Club Dress Code Policy - If more formal, supersedes the FSGA dress code
• Generally Accepted Golf Attire - Should be worn at all times by players, caddies and family
• Shirts - Must have collars or be specifically designed for golf and acceptable at the host facility
• Men's Shirts - Must be tucked in at all times
• Hats - Must be worn forward and should be removed in dining areas
• Women's Shorts, Skirts, Skorts - Generally, should reach mid-thigh in length (halfway between hip and knee)
• Leggings and Yoga Pants - Only allowed under skirts, skorts or shorts
• Footwear -  Athletic shoes, golf shoes, or dress shoes should be worn
  • Flip flops or sandals are discouraged

Dress Code - Spectators (Family Members)

• Spectators are guests of the club and should avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, short shorts, and similarly casual attire. Generally, golf attire is preferred. We hope that you will attend our events and be comfortable, but ask that you respect the host club's policies. At few clubs, jeans are permitted on the golf course, and in those cases, jeans would be acceptable for spectators, but not for players or caddies. When in doubt, please contact the FSGA or avoid jeans and more casual attire.

Proper attire is required at all times at the host facility, including players meetings and cookouts. Questionable attire will be reviewed by the Tournament Committee. Should a host facility have a stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence. Players in violation will not be allowed to tee off.

Headphones, Ear Pieces, & Electronic Devices

To eliminate distractions and breaches of etiquette, the use of headphones and ear pieces are prohibited during FJT competitive rounds (including sunglasses and hats that have listening devices).

The use of headphones and ear pieces are discouraged while on property at the host club including inside the clubhouse and on the practice facilities.

Playoffs

Playoffs will be conducted to decide the Champion in each division. It is the player's responsibility to be present for any playoff.  All playoffs will commence immediately after the completion of the final round on a hole-by-hole basis. Playoff will begin on a hole selected by the Committee.

Awards & Trophies

Trophies are presented to the individual champion in all FJT events for each division. Ties for second or third place are not broken; duplicate awards are presented. Extra medals may have to be mailed after the event if there are several ties. Trophies are only presented to the champions at the Boys' and Girls' Junior Champions.

Golf Bags - Beginning in 2014, an FJT logo "Champion" golf bag will be awarded to each winner at each FJT 13-15 or 16-18 event. Players who win multiple events will only be awarded one bag (you earn one for your first win). These golf bags are not for purchase and can only be earned by winning an FJT event.

Code of Conduct

Players should review the FJT Code of Conduct section of the FSGA website.

Official Time

The official time will be maintained at the starting tee(s) only.