Unfortunately I have to write this policy and distribute it to all members and guests. Over the past few months I have had a few allegations brought to my attention and we have had to deal with them within the guidelines of the below policy.

What I really want to bring to your attention is Cheating of any nature WILL NOT BE TOLERATED at Kooindah Waters. It goes against all the values this great game stands for.

However, we live in a different world and all allegations must be backed up with “weight of evidence”.

If you witness a cheating incident, bring it up immediately with your playing partners and try to resolve it with the member involved before the next hole. Generally this is the best course of action.

If you still can’t resolve the allegation, REPORT IT STRAIGHT AWAY TO THE GOLF SHOP and put it in writing with weight of evidence and send to either Mark or myself. We have to be able to prove it without reasonable doubt.

We are always here to assist.

Kooindah Waters Golf Club

Cheating & Integrity Policy – Disciplinary Actions

1. Purpose

Kooindah Waters Golf Club is committed to upholding the integrity of the game of golf. All players — members and guests — are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, and respect for the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the R&A and Golf Australia. Cheating, in any form, compromises the spirit of the game and the reputation of our club.

2. Definition of Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

• Knowingly recording incorrect scores.
• Failing to count penalty strokes.
• Deliberately improving lie or position outside of permitted rules.
• Misrepresenting a handicap to gain an unfair advantage.
• Manipulating match outcomes (e.g. sandbagging or collusion).
• Any act intended to deceive fellow players, competition officials, or the club.

3. Reporting and Investigation

a. Reporting Suspected Cheating

• All efforts need to be exhausted prior to making the allegation. Ie; If you see a member cheating or are not happy with something they may have done during play, please bring this up on the hole/course and try to resolve the situation to avoid taking it to management level. Most situations can be resolved by civil discussion.

It’s your responsibility as the marker to ensure your partner signs off on the correct score.

• Any member who witnesses or suspects cheating should report the matter in writing to the Golf General Manager straight after the round.
• Anonymous reports may be considered but must include sufficient detail for review, weight of evidence is essential.

b. Investigation Process

• The Golf Operations Team, in consultation with the General Manager, will conduct a confidential review of the incident.

• All parties involved will have an opportunity to provide their account.
• The club’s decision will be based on the balance of evidence and intent.

4. Disciplinary Actions

Cheating is a serious offence. Disciplinary action may include one or more of the following, based on the nature and severity of the incident: UPDATED June 2025.

Offence Level	Description	Potential Action
First Offence (Minor)	Suspected or isolated act with unclear intent.	Formal warning and education. May include competition disqualification.
First Offence (Clear Intent)	Confirmed act of cheating with clear awareness.	Immediate disqualification from competition, written warning.
Repeated or Serious Offence	Repeat cheating or flagrant violation of rules.	Suspension from club competitions for 3 -12 months.
Gross Misconduct	Deliberate fraud or misconduct damaging to the club.	Termination of membership or ban from future participation and reported to CCDGA.

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5. Appeals Process

Members may appeal disciplinary decisions in writing within 7 days of notification. Appeals will be reviewed by the Golf Operations Team and General Manager, whose decision is final.

6. Confidentiality

All reports, investigations, and disciplinary actions will be handled confidentially and respectfully to protect the integrity of the club and its members.

7. Code of Honour

Members of Kooindah Waters Golf Club are reminded that golf is a game of honour, and it is every golfer’s responsibility to protect the field, the fairness of competition, and the reputation of the club.

Yours truly,

David P Stretton

General Manager  Kooindah Waters Golf Club 

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