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.

Kooindah Waters Golf Club Code of Conduct Policy

1. Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure that all members, guests, visitors, staff, and contractors of Kooindah Waters Golf Club (KWGC) behave in a respectful, responsible, and sportsmanlike manner always. This policy outlines the standards of behavior expected and the consequences of any breach.

2. Scope
This Code of Conduct applies to:
– All members of KWGC
– Visitors and guests on club premises
– Employees and contractors
– Participants in club competitions and events
– Users of KWGC’s facilities and social media platforms

3. General Behaviour Expectations
All individuals must:
– Act with integrity, honesty, and fairness
– Treat fellow members, guests, staff, and the public with courtesy and respect
– Abide by all club rules, local laws, and the rules of golf as defined by the R&A and Golf Australia
– Avoid offensive, discriminatory, aggressive, or abusive language or behaviour
– Display sportsmanship and respect the decisions of management, staff and club officials.

4. On-Course Behaviour
Players must:
– Follow pace-of-play guidelines
– Repair divots, pitch marks, and rake bunkers
– Adhere to dress code and equipment standards
– Respect the golf course, facilities, and environment
– Refrain from club throwing, excessive swearing, or damage to course property

5. Off-Course & Resort Conduct
Members and visitors must:
– Show courtesy to all staff and fellow patrons
– Comply with the Resort dress code and etiquette
– Consume alcohol responsibly
– Not bring the club into disrepute through words or actions, either in person or via social media

6. Social Media Conduct
Online activity involving the club must:
– Be respectful and not damage the club’s reputation
– Not include bullying, harassment, or inappropriate comments
– Avoid sharing confidential club information

7. Disciplinary Action
Breaches of this Code may result in:
– Verbal or written warnings
– Temporary suspension of membership or playing rights
– Permanent expulsion from the club
– Reporting to relevant external authorities where required

All disciplinary actions will be handled by the Club’s General Manager and/or Head Professional in accordance with our disciplinary procedures.

8. Reporting Misconduct
Any person wishing to report a breach of this Code should do so in writing to the General Manager or Head Professional. All reports will be handled with discretion and fairness.

9. Acknowledgement
By attending or participating in activities at Kooindah Waters Golf Club, individuals acknowledge and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Dave P Stretton

General Manager Kooindah Waters Golf Club