Canada's #1 Junior Golf Tour

MJT Junior Tour Policies & Procedures

MJT  Policies and Procedures

Updated Cell Phone Policy - NEW FOR 2023

Cell phone use will not be allowed on the golf course during MJT tournaments this season. As a result, cell phones have been removed from our local rules under Distance Measuring Devices.  While we understand that some may use their smartphone as a distance measuring device, the ability to communicate is the largest concern.

The emergence of multi-functional devices that can provide additional information to golfers is a relatively new development. For the avoidance of doubt, the MJT does not believe that it is necessary or appropriate for the Rules of Golf to allow smartphones. Conforming Distance Measuring Devices that only provide distances are allowed.

Cancellation and Withdrawal Policy

Tee times for a regular MJT multi-day event which has reached capacity will be completed 14 days in advance of the start of the event.

MJT Standard Cancellation Policy: Provided notice is received at least 14 days prior to the event, a credit (NO REFUND) less $30 admin fee will be applied to the player’s account, to be used within one year. Credit will expire after one year. 

For late withdrawal (within the 14 day window), a full fee forfeit applies. If your late withdrawal is due to injury or sickness, a doctor’s note is required for a credit of 50%, subject to the course not charging MJT. 

Wait-listed Players: if a player is on a wait list and does not get a spot, full refunds are issued the day following the event. If they choose to withdraw prior to the event, standard cancellation policy of credit less admin fee of $30 is applied.

MJT Majors: namely MJT National Championship, players must give one month’s written confirmation of withdrawal ($30 admin fee applies).  If a player gives less than one month’s notice, no refund shall be given unless the position is filled by the MJT for a player in the same age division less $100 admin fee.

Once tee times have been completed: players requesting to withdraw from the event will forfeit their entire entry fee. 

No Show Policy

In the event a member fails to notify the MJT of a tournament withdrawal and is a no show, unjustified withdrawal or does not submit a scorecard, the following actions will be taken:

First Offense: Paid fees are retained by MJT. Member to submit an explanation for their No Show in order to retain ‘membership in good standing status’ on MJT.

Second Offense: Player relinquishes entry fees into the next event in which they are registered.

Third Offense: Player will not be allowed to compete in any remaining events for the season and relinquishes all paid tournament entry fees.

Parent / Spectator Policy

MJT Parent/Spectator Policy - During tournament play, parents, guardians, friends and other spectators must remain one shot ahead of the players they are following. They must not give advice, assistance or converse in any manner with players (this includes pulling carts to the next tee). All decisions on rules and problems that arise will be made by the Tournament Committee and the players only.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT CONTRARY TO THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN PENALTY AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION.

After the Round & Scoring

• Upon completion of your round, the group will head to the general scoring area. Players will verbally agree to the hole-by-hole scores for each player. After agreeing, the marker will sign the scorecard and place the scorecard on the scoring table for the MJT Staff to enter.
• The MJT will verify totals with each player and enter scores on the MJT website.
• All cards will be placed by the player in a box, scoring is final.

For all tournament and operational questions or concerns, please contact MJT Member Services at info@maplejt.com.

MJT Mini Tour Specific Protocols

• Caddies will still be permitted on the MJT Mini Tour in 2023
• Reminder: a Caddie is an extension of the Player, all the same protocols listed above apply to the Caddie. Should the Caddie be in breach of any of these protocols, the Player may be disqualified
• Limit of one Caddie per player

For full MJT Mini Tour Policies and Procedures, please click here.

Membership Eligibility

Membership is open to any young male or female who is interested in playing competitive golf and who is not older than 19 years of age, as of August 31 of the current year. Prior golf tournament experience is recommended, but not required.

Note: MJT memberships expire on November 30th of each year, not one year from date of purchase.

Entries for events on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour are open to all persons who are members of the MJT as well as non-members for a surcharge. Events are filled in the order applications are received. Each event has a limited number of entries available for each age group. We have on-line registration for your convenience.

(a) Players who are new to the Tour: This option is limited to one event, allowing players to try the tour without paying annual membership dues.

Age Divisions and Yardage Guidelines

Peewee Boys (U13) • Bantam Boys (13-14) • Juvenile Boys (15-16) • Junior Boys (17-19) • Girls U15 • Girls 15-19 

NOTE:

• All players may be asked to provide proof of age by submitting a copy of their birth certificate with their membership application.
• Your playing division is determined by the age you will be on August 31 of the current year. For example, if you are currently 16, turning 17 on August 31st (or earlier), you will play the entire season in the Junior Boys division (17-18), or remain in the 15-19 Girls division. If your birthday is on September 1st (or later), you would remain in the Juvenile Boys division (15-16) for the entire season, including any events after August 31st (MJT National Championship).

Suggested Yardages Guidelines

The MJT will make every effort to stay within these yardage guidelines.  Weather, course conditions, and course specifics will determine the final yardage.

Code of Conduct

Establishing and enforcing a Code of Conduct insures that the integrity and traditions of the game of golf are upheld. Members are required to adhere to the following Code of Conduct guidelines, and the Rules of Golf as stated by Golf Canada, so that all MJT events are enjoyable and competitive for all participants. Memberships can only be accepted after the applicant has accepted the terms of these regulations on the application form.

Attire - Proper golf attire, including collared shirts, must be worn while at the host golf facility. We do not allow players to wear blue jeans pants, cut-offs, tank-tops or t-shirts. Additionally, cell phones, pagers and headphones must be turned to silent while on the golf course.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs - MJT endorses a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Participants who abuse any of these substances may be subject to disqualification and/or suspension from the MJT at the absolute discretion of Tour Officials.

Caddies - Caddies are not allowed on the MJT Junior Tour.  Players will be warned if there is too much interaction with a spectator. Penalty for breach of this Rule is a General Penalty for each hole during which the player is helped by a spectator.

Course Behavior - All participants are expected to act in a professional and courteous manner when playing in MJT events. A two-stroke penalty will be issued for any behavior MJT deems unsportsmanlike, while a second or serious breach will result in automatic disqualification from the tournament and possible suspension from future MJT events/membership.

Violations include: disrespectful behavior towards officials, volunteers, facility staff or spectators; abusive or inappropriate language; throwing or breaking clubs; any form of cheating; leaving the golf course without notifying an official during tournament play; and abuse of the golf course in any way. Parents are not to interfere with players or offer advice (see “Parents/Spectators” code below.)

Off-Course Behavior - Players represent themselves and the MJT, which includes appropriate behavior off the golf course, too. Members will be subject to Code of Conduct penalties in the event of vandalism at a host hotel or to a host family's property or any other conduct not becoming of a MJT member.

MJT Parent/Spectator Policy - During tournament play, parents, guardians, friends and other spectators must remain one shot ahead of the players they are following. They must not give advice, assistance or converse in any manner with players (this includes pulling carts to the next tee). All decisions on rules and problems that arise will be made by the Tournament Committee and the players only.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT CONTRARY TO THIS RULE MAY RESULT IN PENALTY AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION.

If you seek information on this rule or any other condition of play, please seek out the Tournament Director.

Penalties for Code of Conduct violations, based on the severity of misconduct, may include any or all of the following:

1. A Letter of Warning issued by the MJT to the player and parents, outlining the violation and action taken. This letter will become a part of the member's file and may be used to determine disciplinary actions in the event of reoccurring violations.
2. Two-stroke penalty on tournament play.
3. Disqualification from the tournament at which the violation occurs.
4. Suspension from future tournament(s) in which the member has been accepted, without refund of paid fees.
5. Suspension of MJT membership.

The MJT Rules Committee will be informed of all Code of Conduct violations and will be polled regarding further punitive actions. Appeals of suspensions can be made in writing to the MJT Rules Committee.

Furthermore, immediate disqualification or suspension at one or more MJT events, without the benefit of review, may be enforced by tournament officials in the event a player chooses to flagrantly violate one or more Code of Conduct rules during play.

Conditions of Competition and Local Rules

Updated March 2023

2023 TERMS OF THE COMPETITION & LOCAL RULES

Play is governed by the 2023 Golf Canada Rules of Golf, and, where applicable, by the following Local Rules and Terms of the Competition, subject to changes, additions or deletions for particular tournaments. The player’s attention is drawn to Terms of the Competition as printed on the forms accompanying applications for entry. Complete text of Local Rules may be found in the 2020 Golf Canada Official Guide to the Rules of Golf.

Unless otherwise noted, the penalty for a breach of a Local Rule is the General Penalty:
Match play – Loss of hole; Stroke play – Two strokes

Out of Bounds (Rule 18.2) – Defined by course-side points at ground level of white dots or stakes and fence posts. A ball is out of bounds when it is beyond any wall defining the boundary of the course.

Note: Local Rule (E-5) – not requiring stroke and distance for out of bounds or lost ball is not in effect for all MJT tournaments

Clubs and Balls

• List of Conforming Driver Heads: Model Local Rule G-1 is in effect. Penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of the Local Rule: Disqualification
• List of Conforming Golf Balls: Model Local Rule G-3 is in effect. Penalty for breach of the Local Rule: Disqualification

Note: An updated List of Conforming Clubs and Balls is available via golfcanada.ca/rules.

Pace of Play (Rule 5.6) – During all MJT tournament rounds, it is expected players play without undue delay. Where at all possible, players are encouraged to play ready golf in order to maintain a reasonable pace of play. Groups are considered “in position” if they stay immediately behind the group in front. Pace will be monitored by MJT Marshals and penalty strokes could be accessed to a player or group if they fall out of position.

Future participation in MJT events is conditional on keeping appropriate pace on the course, disciplinary action may be taken should a complaint occur. 

Suspension of Play (Rule 5.7) – The course and all practice areas are closed when play is suspended for a dangerous situation until the Tournament Committee has declared them open.

Practicing in these areas when closed will result in Disqualification

Note: A suspension for a dangerous situation will be signaled by one prolonged air horn note. All other types of suspension will be signaled by three consecutive air horn notes. Resumption of play will be signaled by two short air horn notes.

Practice (Rule 5.2 and 5.5) - Before and between rounds in Stroke Play, Rule 5.2b is modified in this way: A player must not practice on the competition course before or between rounds. Penalty for first breach: General Penalty (applied to the player’s first hole). Penalty for second breach: Disqualification.

During a round, Rule 5.5b is modified in this way: Between the play of two holes, a player must not:

• Make any practice stroke on or near the putting green of the hole just completed, or
• Test the surface of that putting green by rubbing the putting green or rolling a ball.

Transportation – Players must not ride on any form of transportation during a round unless authorized or later approved by the Tournament Rules Committee. A player who will play, or has played, under penalty of stroke and distance is always authorized to ride on motorized transportation for that purpose.

Electric Push Carts - all electric / motorized push carts are not allowed for MJT tournament play

The player gets the General Penalty for each hole during which there is a breach of this Local Rule. If the breach occurs between the play of two holes, it applies to the next hole.

Abnormal Course Conditions (Including Immovable Obstructions) (Rule 16)

Ground Under Repair – Rule 16.1 includes:

• Areas defined by white lines;
• French drains filled with stones;
• Seams of Cut Turf – If a player’s ball lies in or touches a seam of cut turf or a seam interferes with the player’s area of intended swing:
  • Ball in the General Area: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1b.
  • Ball on Putting Green: The player may take relief under Rule 16.1d.

But interference does not exist if the seam only interferes with the player’s stance. All seams within the area of cut turf are treated as the same seam in taking relief. That means that if a player has interference from any seam after dropping the ball, the player must proceed as required under Rule 14.3c (2) even when the ball is still within one club-length of the reference point.

• Immovable Objects – White-lined areas of ground under repair and the artificially surfaced road or path or other identified obstruction they tie into are treated as a single abnormal course condition when taking relief under Rule 16.1.

Integral Objects – The following are integral objects from which free relief is not allowed:

• Wrappings, wires, cables and other similar objects when closely attached to trees;
• Artificial walls and/or pilings which are adjacent to the edge of bunkers;
• Bunker liners in their intended position. Interference by a liner with a player’s stance is deemed not to be, of itself, interference under this Rule.

Permanent Elevated Power Lines or Cables – If a ball strikes a permanent elevated power line or cable, the stroke does not count. The player must play a ball without penalty from where the previous stroke was made (Rule 14.6).

Temporary Immovable Obstructions – Model Local Rule F-23 is in effect. Temporary Immovable Obstructions include, but are not limited to, starting tents and scoring tents.

Penalty Areas (Rule 17) – When a red penalty area is defined on only one side, it is deemed to extend to infinity. When a red penalty area adjoins a boundary, the penalty area edge extends to and coincides with the boundary.

Code of Conduct (Rule 1.2) – The MJT has adopted the Local Rule under Rule 1.2b setting standards of player conduct on the golf course during play at all tournaments. The full policy is available on the MJT’s website.

The MJT Tournament Committee may assess any or all of the following penalties outlined in the structure below, based on the severity and frequency of the violation:

1. Warning
2. One penalty stroke
3. General Penalty
4. Disqualification

Note: Under Rule 1.2a, a Committee may disqualify a player for serious misconduct for acting contrary to the spirit of the game.

Returning Score Card – A player’s scorecard has been returned to the Committee when the player has completely exited the scoring tent, unless the player, prior to leaving, verbally informs the Committee of his intention to leave the scoring area and receives the Committee's permission to do so.

MJT Close of Competition Policy – The competition is deemed closed once all scores have been  attested and when the trophy has been presented to the winner or, in the absence of a prize ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee.  Once closed there will be no review of the scores for any infractions. Any infractions need to be brought up and addressed before the closing of the competition.

Tournament Entry Procedures

Tournament applications are accepted in the order they are received for all events, with the exception of all invitational events.   All MJT events have a limited number of spaces available in each age group.

Events fill quickly! The MJT encourages members to register for all desired events when submitting their membership application, or at least two weeks prior to the first day of each tournament. Late applicants will only be considered when there is no wait list for an event.

If a tournament has maximum capacity registered, the MJT will automatically place entries on a wait list. MJT members will receive priority entry from the wait-list should a spot become available in their division. 

The MJT will return all entry fees to applicants not accepted in requested tournaments due to space and/or non-qualification within 14 days of the tournament event being hosted.

Additionally, players are responsible for confirming their acceptance in each event as well as their tee time in advance of each tournament. Due to transmission problems that can occur with online submissions, players are responsible for following up with the MJT if a registration confirmation is not received within 48 hours. Tee times are posted on the website at least 48 hours prior to the event; players should double-check their tee time on the morning of each round to ensure no adjustments were made from the original posting.

Tournament players are required to report to the registration tent at each event at least 30 minutes prior to their designated tee time. Unless advance arrangements are made for late registration, players who arrive late may be subject to disqualification from the competition at the discretion of MJT officials.

Tournament entry fees are non-refundable unless cancellation is requested in accordance with the Withdrawal Procedure.

Withdrawal & No-Show Policy

Withdrawals and no shows are handled in accordance with the same policies used by Junior Golf Scoreboard which have received unanimous support of US golf tours and college coaches (see letter from GCAA and NGCA here). As a result, withdrawals from tournament with less than 14 days notice will be recorded as follows:

In the event a member fails to notify the MJT of a tournament withdrawal and is a no show, unjustified withdrawal or does not submit a scorecard, the following actions will be taken:

• First Offense: Paid fees are retained by MJT.
• Second Offense: Player relinquishes entry fees into the next event in which they are registered.
• Third Offense: Player will not be allowed to compete in any remaining events for the season and relinquishes all paid tournament entry fees.

Travel & Accommodations

All members are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses for all MJT events. MJT will accept and fulfill requests for host families and/or match players to share accommodations and travel to help reduce the cost of these expenses whenever possible, but does not guarantee the availability of these services.

We also encourage parents to take advantage of fantastic Accommodation Specials:

Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour members receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating Wyndham Hotel Group locations worldwide.  To receive discount, book online or call our special member benefits hotline at 1-800-364-6176 and give the agent your special discount ID number 1000000098 at time of booking.  For online bookings, your discount ID will automatically be entered and your discount displayed.

So whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something along the way, we have the right hotel for you… and at the right price. So start saving now.  

Tie-Breaker Format

If players are tied following 18, 36 or 54 holes, the following tie-breaker shall be used in all MJT events.

Tie Breaker #1 – Sudden Death Playoff

• Only the low medalist position will be broken by sudden-death playoff. (This is at the discretion of Tournament Director on-site, with consideration given to daylight, travel, and course availability.)

If a sudden-death playoff is not possible, or there is a tie for 2nd or 3rd, we will implement the following for breaking ties:

• Tie Breaker #2 Low 18 hole final day score
• Tie Breaker #3 Low back nine score of the final day
• Tie Breaker #4 Low total of the final 6 holes played
• Tie Breaker #5 Low total of the final three holes played
• Tie Breaker #6 Lowest final hole played

All other ties will split the OOM points evenly for those finishing positions.

9 Hole Count Back (lowest score is winner)

• Final 6 holes
• Final 3 holes
• Final hole
• Hardest 1 hole