SSBGC Constitution and Bylaws

As an affiliate member of the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), the Club welcomes and accepts applications from any person wishing to join a “senior” oriented golf club. Persons seeking membership must be at least 50 years of age at the time they apply. On a “limited membership” basis, the Club also accepts applications from individuals who do not meet the “senior” qualification age. 

Memberships in the Club are for one year from the date of sign-up. As of November 2019 the way to register and renew one's membership is through the SCGA website.

All Members in good standing shall have equal rights, and access to all Club activities and privileges.

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Fees:

The fee to join and maintain membership in the club is $75 per year.  This fee may change from year to year, but not within the same year. This fee includes the cost charged to the SSBGC by the SCGA for membership in their association which is $36 per member. This fee also includes the annual $5 hole in one insurance every member pays annually that helps build the hole in one pot when one member makes history. This is so the lucky member can offset the cost of the unwritten rule of buying a drink for everyone at the tournament for achieving the milestone. The $34 left over is to help pay for the costs of running the club and tournaments (i.e. the printing of scorecards and tournament materials, the cost of the website, trophies and engraving, tee prizes, Club Champion green fee for SCGA tournament, and help offset costs of monthly tournaments when possible such as paying for range balls or lower monthly tournament fees.). 

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Sanctions:

Sanctions for Conduct Uncivil, Unsportsmanlike or Unbecoming of a Member

Authority for Sanctions - The Club, represented by its Officers, possesses the authority to impose sanctions on any of its members for conduct deemed uncivil, unsportsmanlike or unbecoming of a member during participation in a Club-sponsored golfing event or function or interactions amongst members, guests, or golf course employees

            1. Definition of Conduct deemed uncivil, unsportsmanlike or unbecoming of a member – are actions or

            behaviors that are contrary to the values, principles, or standards expected of members within the Club

            community. This may include but is not limited to:

                          - Behavior that is disrespectful, offensive, or discriminatory towards other members or individuals.

                          - Actions that damage the reputation or integrity of the Club.

                          - Violation of Club rules, policies, or codes of conduct.

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             2. Authority for Imposing Sanctions:

                 Types of Sanctions: Sanctions may vary based on the severity of the conduct and are at the discretion of

                 the Officers. Potential sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

                            a) Verbal or written warnings.

                            b) Suspension of membership privileges for a specified period.

                            c) Probationary status, with conditions for reinstatement.

                            d) Expulsion from the Club.

The decision-making process should be fair, impartial, and conducted in accordance with Club bylaws and established procedures.

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               3. Criteria for Sanctions: Sanctions will be imposed based on an evaluation of the member's conduct and

               its impact on the Club's reputation and the experience of other members. Conduct considered uncivil or

               unsportsmanlike may include, but is not limited to:

                         - Violation of Club rules and policies

                         - Disruptive behavior

                         - Use of offensive language or gestures

                         - Intentional damage to Club property

                         - Any behavior that undermines the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie within the Club

The decision to impose sanctions should consider factors such as the nature and severity of the conduct, any previous incidents, and the potential impact on the Club community. Sanctions should aim to address the behavior effectively while promoting accountability, rehabilitation, and the maintenance of a positive Club environment.

                4. Appeal Process: Members subject to sanctions have the right to appeal the decision.

                   The appeal process will be:

                           1. A written statement by the offender to the membership explaining why he feels the Executive

                              Board ruled unfairly and thus the reason for his appeal.

                           2. From that statement a majority vote will be taken by the membership if they want to hear the

                               appeal. If the majority elects to hear the appeal, then a special meeting will take place and the

                               offender may state his case for appeal with a rebuttal by the board. 

                           3. A vote will be had by all members in attendance at that meeting and the result of that vote will

                               be the final decision on any sanctions that were taken against the member.

                 5. Enforcement

                      The Club's Officers are responsible for enforcing these sanctions in a fair and consistent manner.

                      Sanctions will be communicated to the member in writing, outlining the reasons for the decision and

                      the duration of the sanction. Clear communication helps ensure understanding and compliance with                         the sanctions imposed.

Note: This policy is established to uphold the standards of behavior and professionalism expected of all members within the Club community, promoting a positive and respectful environment for all participants.

ARTICLE III - CLUB DIRECTORS

Election of:

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In November of each year, the Club shall vote to elect five individuals from the General Membership to serve as Directors. It will be the responsibility of these Directors to operate the Cub in an efficient and business-like manner. 

Only SSBGC Members in good standing will be allowed to run or vote in the Board of Directors election. 

Functions of:

Some, but not necessarily all of the functions of the Club Directors should include the overseeing of such activities as: Membership & Handicaps, Tournaments & Rules, Communications & Publishing, Budget & Accounting, Entertainment & Special Events.

Special Committees:

As deemed necessary, the Chairman of the Directors may appoint Special Committees to help accomplish specific Club projects or activities.  Any such committee will be headed by one of the sitting Club Directors.

Installation of:

The Club Directors “elect" will assume office and take over their assigned responsibilities on January 1 of the new year.

Chairman of the Directors:

The Office of Board Chairman will be filled from the ranks of those Members elected in November of each year to serve as the Club Directors.  That process will be left to the determination of the new Board following their installation.

The Board Chairman “elect” will assume office and take over the direction of the Board in January.
 

Duties of the Chairman:

       1. Preserves and enforces the Club’s Bylaws

       2. Insures assigned responsibilities of Club Directors are carried out

       3. Presides at General Membership and Board meetings

       4. Reviews Club operating budget and conducts audits

       5. Acts as Master of Ceremony at Club functions 

Governing Authority:

As a affiliate member of the SCGA, all Club Members will establish their player handicaps in accordance with the rules and procedures of the GHIN/World Handicap System (WHS). This system governs all major amateur competitions throughout the United States.

Posting of Scores:

The accurate and timely posting of scores is essential to the administration of the GHIN/World Handicap System and required of all Club Members. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in Handicap Index adjustments.

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Establishing Handicaps:

A Club Member is not considered to have an "established" handicap index until he has posted 8 scores on the computer generated GHIN/World Handicap System tracking system. A “provisional” handicap index can be established by posting as few as 54 completed holes. Until a "provisional" handicap index is assigned to a Member by WHS, he will have his handicap calculated and assigned to him by the Club’s Membership and Handicap Director. 

Monthly Tournaments:

The Club shall organize and conduct monthly tournaments. To the extent possible these tournaments shall be conducted at different golf courses and include a variety of formats. Selection of courses and teeing grounds shall be at the discretion of the Tournament Committee and based upon “playability” by the membership.

Tournament Participation:

Any Member in good standing may participate in the Club tournaments by contacting the Tournament Director in a timely fashion and sending in his tournament fees. Due to capacity limitations imposed by some golf courses, it may not be possible to accommodate all Members requesting tournament “spots”. Therefore, “spots” will be reserved on a “first paid, first served basis.” 

 
Cancellation and No-show Fees for Club Tournament-

Any Member who registers to play in a tournament and cancels his reservation for that tournament after the due date to register, will be charged and be responsible for the full tournament fee and/or any costs incurred by the club if the club is unable to cancel the member’s spot for no charge or fill the spot with another member or guest. (emergencies excepted determined on a case-by-case basis).

        a) Participation in subsequent Club tournaments may be denied to Members who fail to pay or reimburse

            the club for any outstanding fees or charges the Club incurred based on their cancellation or no-show.

Note: The club reserves the right to enforce these policies to maintain fairness and cover any losses incurred due to member cancellations or no-shows. This policy aims to emphasize the importance of adhering to registration deadlines and to ensure that members are accountable for any financial obligations resulting from their cancellations or failure to attend tournaments.

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Rules of Golf:

SSBGC Members will be expected to follow and adhere to the USGA Rules of Golf, and when applicable “local golf course rules”, whenever and wherever they play. This is especially important during Club Tournaments when competing for prizes. During Tournaments, failure to do so will result in the addition of penalty strokes and depending on the infraction, could result in disqualification.

Tournament Handicaps:
 

Members will compete in Club tournaments using “assigned” tournament handicaps. The maximum handicap allowed any player competing in a Club tournament is 36.

Tournament Flights:
 

The Club shall establish handicap flights and devise procedures for the selection of teams that ensure tournament play is fair and competitive.

Guest Participation in Club Tournaments

Purpose: The following guidelines are established to facilitate the participation of guests in club tournaments while ensuring fairness and adherence to club regulations.

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                  1. In an effort to help members that cancel past the due date from losing their tournament fee,

                   the board may ask the membership to help fill spaces for those members with non-members

                   (guests) that have a verifiable handicap. These guests will be allowed to participate in the wagers if

                   they have a verifiable handicap. If the guest does not have a verifiable handicap, then they still

                   may participate in tournament wagers but will play at the same handicap as the lowest handicap

                   player in the tournament. 

                    2. Filling Spaces for Even Number of Golfers - In circumstances where a golf course requires an

                   even number of golfers to book a reservation, the tournament director and/or board may utilize the

                   criteria outlined above to fill vacant spaces. The same guidelines regarding guest participation in

                   wagers will be applied.

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                    3. Adjustments in Tournament Price for Guests - Guests may be subject to a higher tournament

                    price if the club has subsidized costs such as lower green fees or provided extras like range balls

                    using club funds. The adjustment in tournament price for guests will be determined based on the

                    extent of club subsidy for the tournament, the work required to accommodate guests and any other

                    fees or charges incurred. 

                                      a) Also, any guests that do play and participate in the wagers of a tournament are

                                      only eligible to receive prizes from the tournament they are playing in. Meaning any

                                      rollover of prizes from previous tournaments are not eligible for guests to win including but

                                      not limited to, hole-in-one prize, CTP rollovers, Net Par 3 & 5 pools rollovers, etc. Guests

                                      are only eligible for prizes specific to that tournament.

                     4. Guests may be asked to play on an as needed basis as many times as needed. Guests cannot

                     receive preferential treatment to sign up to play on a regular basis or have any member benefits. If a

                     guest would like to continue to have the right to always be eligible to participate in SSBGC events

                     they are more than welcome to apply for membership.

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                     5. Member/Guest Tournament - Once a year a Member/Guest tournament is scheduled in the

                     hopes of recruiting new members. Even though we accept members and allow guests under the age

                     of 50 on a limited basis, the only guests eligible for prizes in this particular tournament must be 50                            years of age or older unless the guest is a brother, son or grandson of a member. 

Prizes:

As part of the Clubs monthly tournaments, competitions shall be organized and prizes presented to winners in each handicap flight.  In addition prizes may be awarded for team competitions or other exhibitions of golf skills, such as longest drive, low putts, or closest to the pin contest.

Club Championship:

A Club Championship Tournament shall be conducted during the “summer” months each year. This tournament will consist of 4 rounds. The player with the low-net total of the four rounds will be the Club's Individual Low Net Champion.

Participation in this tournament is limited to “senior” Members (50 years of age or older) in good standing who have an established GHIN handicap prior to the first Championship round and who have satisfied all other qualification requirements.

The rules governing this tournament shall be developed by a Special Committee headed by the Club Chairman and distributed to the Membership prior to the first round of the Championship.

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Members qualify by earning points for participation and placing in tournaments. The 32 top point earners will be invited to play in the club championship. If any of those qualifiers refuse the invitation the 33rd point earner will be asked and we will continue to go down the list in order until all 32 places are filled. If two members are tied with their point total, the member with the most seniority in the club will be given first chance to play.

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Points are : 10 points for participating in a tournament.

                     5 more points for 1st place

                     3 more points for second place

                     1 more point for third place

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From the 32 top point earners that accept the invitation to compete for the Club Championship there will be two flights.  

The Champions Flight will which consist of the club's 16 lowest handicap qualifiers.

The Master's Flight which will consist of the next 16 lowest handicap qualifiers.

A perpetual trophy shall be presented by the Club to each flights Low Net Champion at the end of the competition each year. 

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The winner of each flight will be our representative in the SCGA Tournament of Club Champions that usually takes place at the end of November or December. The SSBGC will pay for each Champions entry fee into that tournament. 

S.C.G.A. Club Competitions:

In addition to the regularly scheduled SSBGC tournaments, the Club will support, encourage and help organize participation in the various SCGA competitions open to Affiliated Club Members.

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