The Role of Walking Scorer

[Man In The Miura]

for 11 year olds

I was the walking scorer for a group of 11 year old girls. They're pretty good golfers, but are prone to errors in score reporting, rules, etc. My job is to keep a tally sheet of strokes and make sure that scores reported amongst players are accurate, and that their math is correct. This is all rechecked at the scorers table at the end of the event as well. My question deals with what the level of involvement should be regarding the walking scorer and rules. Should the scorer stand by and watch a player violate a rule, or should he chime in and preempt the player to take correct action? For example, if a kid marks their ball on the green then moves the mark, but forgets to move the mark back before replacing the ball, what should the scorer do? In this case I asked if the ball was in the correct spot, then the player remembered and took corrective action before addressing the ball and making a stroke. On the other hand, I've seen walking scorers for young kids let them tee off from the wrong set of tees then assess penalties.

I get it that it's all for fun, and kids need to learn the rules, but I don't like to be in the position of rules official. Any guidance?

[DCott]

I think kids are better served at that age by guidance instead of punishment. Point them in the right direction instead of letting them do the wrong thing and penalizing them for it.

[generaljhc]

I agree with DCott. Teach them the rules of the game. If they have trouble keeping score, they most likley do not know all of the rules. You might also ask the tournament director. The tournament director really should get the walking scorers together and explain their job...or provide an information sheet as each group tees off.

[KevCarter]

I always looked at my role when a rules official at Junior events as preemptive, help the kids avoid rules problems...

That being said, you need to speak with the Tournament Director to find out what is expected. There may be some scorers who know the rules, and some who have no idea on the rules. If the scorers who know the rules really get involved, that would leave the other players at a distinct disadvantage. You want to make sure there is a level, fair, playing field for all contestants.

Kevin

[Man In The Miura]

I got in touch with the tourney director. He said walking scorers have no responsibility to interpret the Rules of Golf. I scrounged through the state association's web site and it also defines the scorer's position as having no (bold and capitalized) rsponsibility to interpret or enforce rules. Rules Officials are available by radio.

I guess the problem I see is that the scorers I've seen are quite different in their approaches. Some do enforce rules, and others do preempt violations, so it seems one group could have and advantage/disadvantage over another based on a supposedly non-involved adult supervisor.

Oh well. I know my role better now.

[garth.diesel]

I definitely think that at that age, intervening in times of wrongdoing is the best way to go. I have played in high level provincial and national tournaments and I have never met a rules official that will let you do something wrong then assess a penalty if he is watching. He will always assist in you following the rules.