Irish Blind Golf
Rules and Regulations
Effective 11th December 2021
The following rules and regulations apply to competitions organised by Irish Blind Golf, and to competitions at which Irish Blind Golf is represented by its members.
1.Rules of Golf
The game shall be played in accordance with
a) R&A Rules of Golf
b) Modifications to the Rules for Golfers with Disabilities
c) Golf Ireland
2. Handicap
A golfer must have a handicap in accordance with Irish Blind Golf handicap policy.
3. Aides (Guides/Caddies)
A golfer must have an aide (caddy) to participate in IBG qualifying events.
Aides (guide/caddy) are not permitted to play golf at IBG qualifying events.
We have a number of aides willing to help out if need be.
HOWEVER PLENTY OF NOTICE IS REQUIRED.
4. Visual Aids
The use of visual aids is permitted for aides only at IBG events, Players who are found using a
visual aid will attract disqualification or suspension. No exemptions are made by Irish Blind
Golf by way of local rules.
5. Eligibility/handicaps
a) All new players must be registered with the NCBI or RNIB in order to become a
member of IBG.
b) All new members must play 3 qualifying rounds in an IBG home event to attain an IBG
handicap.
c) To be eligible to win the Captain’s Day prizes, a member must have an IBG handicap, and
must have played at least 3 other qualifying rounds in IBG home events in the current year.
d) To enter an international Blind open golf event, a member must play at least 4 qualifying rounds in
IBG home events in the 12 months prior to closing date for receipt of entry form of the
international event being applied for.
6) Scorecards
In accordance with the terms and conditions of registration with the Golf Ireland.
Irish Blind Golf must return all scores which equal or better the S.S.S to a player’s
Home Club immediately after each competition (Bye-Law 14.1.6 GUI).
In accordance with the terms and conditions of registration with the Golf Ireland.
Irish Blind Golf must ‘immediately following a competition forward to a players Home
Club the original card of such player if it records a score (i) equal or better than the S.S.S., (ii) 36 or
more Stableford points or (iii) all square or better against par” (Bye-Law 15.1.4 GUI).
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Rules and Regulations
Effective 11th December 2021
The following rules and regulations apply to competitions organised by Irish Blind Golf, and to competitions at which Irish Blind Golf is represented by its members.
1.Rules of Golf
The game shall be played in accordance with
a) R&A Rules of Golf
b) Modifications to the Rules for Golfers with Disabilities
c) Golf Ireland
2. Handicap
A golfer must have a handicap in accordance with Irish Blind Golf handicap policy.
3. Aides (Guides/Caddies)
A golfer must have an aide (caddy) to participate in IBG qualifying events.
Aides (guide/caddy) are not permitted to play golf at IBG qualifying events.
We have a number of aides willing to help out if need be.
HOWEVER PLENTY OF NOTICE IS REQUIRED.
4. Visual Aids
The use of visual aids is permitted for aides only at IBG events, Players who are found using a
visual aid will attract disqualification or suspension. No exemptions are made by Irish Blind
Golf by way of local rules.
5. Eligibility/handicaps
a) All new players must be registered with the NCBI or RNIB in order to become a
member of IBG.
b) All new members must play 3 qualifying rounds in an IBG home event to attain an IBG
handicap.
c) To be eligible to win the Captain’s Day prizes, a member must have an IBG handicap, and
must have played at least 3 other qualifying rounds in IBG home events in the current year.
d) To enter an international Blind open golf event, a member must play at least 4 qualifying rounds in
IBG home events in the 12 months prior to closing date for receipt of entry form of the
international event being applied for.
6) Scorecards
In accordance with the terms and conditions of registration with the Golf Ireland.
Irish Blind Golf must return all scores which equal or better the S.S.S to a player’s
Home Club immediately after each competition (Bye-Law 14.1.6 GUI).
In accordance with the terms and conditions of registration with the Golf Ireland.
Irish Blind Golf must ‘immediately following a competition forward to a players Home
Club the original card of such player if it records a score (i) equal or better than the S.S.S., (ii) 36 or
more Stableford points or (iii) all square or better against par” (Bye-Law 15.1.4 GUI).
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IRISH BLIND GOLF
TRAVEL/COMPETITION POLICY
Effective 11th December 2021
All players must inform the current Management Committee of their intention to participate in an international open golf event before submitting their entry form.
ELIGIBILITY
All players must have current IBG handicap to avail of funding and be a fully paid member of IBG.
To enter an international Blind Golf event, all NEW members must have one year membership with IBG and a minimum
of 4 rounds of golf in order to participate in International Blind Golf Events.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The player is responsible for all payments in relation to travel, accommodation, insurance and other expenses.
IBG will endeavour to cover the competition entry fee, transport of golf equipment and flight costs for aides, subject to current budget. The current caps are as follows –
UK events – a cap of 100 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
European events – a cap of 150 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
Outside of Europe events – a cap of 500 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
The player must wear IBG clothing when participating in international Blind golf competitions.
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
IBG will support any members who wish to play in international Blind open golf events subject to the travel budget set by the IBG Committee for the current year. IBG will endeavour to support its members on a fair and equal basis.
EXCEPTIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Financial support will NOT be provided to a member, who receives financial subsidy from another organisation to participate in the international Blind golf event being applied for.
INSURANCES
Players are responsible for their own insurances for travel, accidents, illness, loss or theft.
IBG are not responsible or liable for loss or damage of any description.
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TRAVEL/COMPETITION POLICY
Effective 11th December 2021
All players must inform the current Management Committee of their intention to participate in an international open golf event before submitting their entry form.
ELIGIBILITY
All players must have current IBG handicap to avail of funding and be a fully paid member of IBG.
To enter an international Blind Golf event, all NEW members must have one year membership with IBG and a minimum
of 4 rounds of golf in order to participate in International Blind Golf Events.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The player is responsible for all payments in relation to travel, accommodation, insurance and other expenses.
IBG will endeavour to cover the competition entry fee, transport of golf equipment and flight costs for aides, subject to current budget. The current caps are as follows –
UK events – a cap of 100 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
European events – a cap of 150 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
Outside of Europe events – a cap of 500 Euro will be paid for one return flight for the aide only.
The player must wear IBG clothing when participating in international Blind golf competitions.
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
IBG will support any members who wish to play in international Blind open golf events subject to the travel budget set by the IBG Committee for the current year. IBG will endeavour to support its members on a fair and equal basis.
EXCEPTIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Financial support will NOT be provided to a member, who receives financial subsidy from another organisation to participate in the international Blind golf event being applied for.
INSURANCES
Players are responsible for their own insurances for travel, accidents, illness, loss or theft.
IBG are not responsible or liable for loss or damage of any description.
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Irish Blind Golf
Constitution
Effective 11th December 2021
1.0 Name
The name of the body is “Irish Blind Golf" (hereinafter referred to as “the body”.
2.0 Objectives
The main object for which the body is established is to encourage totally blind and visually impaired persons to participate in the game of golf and to encourage former golfers who have suffered loss of vision to renew their interest in the game.
This will be achieved by –
a. Promoting Blind Golf throughout the country of Ireland as a sport and recreation for blind
persons and visually impaired person. This promotion will occur, but not limited to, within
the blind and visually impaired communities and the golfing communities throughout Ireland.
b. Raising monies from membership subscriptions.
c. Organising fundraising events to financially support the activities of Irish Blind Golf.
d. Arranging every year an order of merit competition, based on organised qualifying
tournaments in various locations around Ireland for blind and visually impaired golfers to
play golf.
e. To offer financial support, where possible, to the members of Irish Blind Golf to participate
in international Blind golf events.
f. To offer financial support for golf coaching, where possible, to the members of Irish Blind
Golf to learn and develop their golfing skills.
g. To apply for national grant aid funding.
h. Where possible, to work with other organisations or committees to promote blind and
visually impaired golf as appropriate.
3.0 Membership
Membership of Irish Blind Golf will consist of blind and visually impaired golfers and their aide(s). New members must provide written evidence of blind or visual impairment registration from the NCBI or RNIB.
Membership shall be open to all individuals, male or female, over the age of 18.
All new members must play 3 Irish Blind Golf qualifying rounds in order to attain a handicap with Irish Blind Golf.
Application for membership will be deemed as understanding and acceptance of the body’s Constitution, Terms and Conditions of Membership, Rules and Regulations, Policies and Code of Conduct.
4.0 International Blind Golf Events
For blind and visually impaired golfers who wish to seek financial subsidy to play in an international Blind open golf events , the following conditions will apply:
a . A member must have paid their membership subscription in full; and
b. A member must satisfy the eligibility criteria required for entry to the international event
being applied for; and
c. All NEW members must have One Year membership with IBG and a minimum of 4 rounds of golf in order to Participate in International Blind Golf events.
d. The Management Committee of Irish Blind Golf will have the right to disregard above
mentioned clause c. where a member has been injured or ill.
5.0 Subscriptions
Membership fees are payable in full by the blind and visually impaired golfing members of Irish Blind Golf before the first order of merit round of the year. Aides do not pay a membership fee.
Membership fees are approved by the members at each annual general meeting.
7.0 Management Committee
The Management Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, Captain and Handicap & Competition Secretary. Other positions may be created in order to fulfil the work of Irish Blind Golf, i.e. Assistant Secretary, Public Relations etc.
The affairs of Irish Blind Golf will be vested in a management committee, to be elected each year, at the annual general meeting, by the members present.
The management committee shall consist of a chairman, secretary and treasurer.
The captain shall be an ex oficio officer of the management committee so as to advise the Committee, as required.
The quorum of the management committee shall be at least four members.
The management committee shall have the power to co-opt members and also to set up sub committees.
The management committee shall meet as and when required but not less than once a year.
Casual vacancies that occur through resignations or otherwise may be filled by the management committee as co-opted members until the next annual general meeting.
The members of Irish Blind Golf shall appoint a captain-for a two year period at the annual general meeting.
8.0 Meetings
8.1 Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting shall take place within three months of the end of the financial year.
Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
Proposals for amendments to the Constitution must be received by the Secretary at least 7 days in advance of the Annual General Meeting.
Notice may be given in writing.
Notice may be communicated by email, and not by any other electronic means, for example via social media, website or phone applications.
Advance notice for proposals for non-constitutional changes is not required.
The quorum for the annual general meeting shall be at least half of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
Minutes of all meetings must be signed and kept as true records.
8.2 Extraordinary General Meeting
An extraordinary general meeting may be called by the management committee or by the secretary having received a request in writing to do so, by not less than one third (1/3) of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
Notice may be given in writing.
Notice may be communicated by email, and not by any other electronic means, for example via social media, website or phone apps.
The quorum for an extraordinary general meeting shall be at least half of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
An Extraordinary General Meeting deal specifically with the purpose for which it was called and no other business will be valid.
Minutes of all meetings must be signed and kept as true records.
8.3 Voting
Only those members who have paid their membership subscription in full during the previous year are entitled to vote at an annual or extraordinary general meeting.
Only one aide per golfer is entitled to vote at an annual or extraordinary general meeting, provided that the golfer’s annual subscription has been paid in full.
All members shall be entitled to a proxy vote in the event of their absence at an annual general meeting. Proxy must be delivered to the Secretary 7 days in advance of the date of the meeting either by post or email. No proxy voting will be permitted for Extraordinary General Meetings.
Any decision put to the vote shall be decided by a simple majority of eligible members, present and by proxy. In the event of a tied vote, the chairman shall be entitled to a casting vote.
9.0 Finance
The financial year shall be from January first to December thirty first.
The funds of the body shall be kept at a bank or similar institution.
All cheques shall be signed by the treasurer and one other office bearer.
The Treasurer shall keep proper accounting records and prepare accounts annually and at such intervals as the Management Committee shall direct.
A balance sheet must be presented by the treasurer at each management committee meeting.
Annual accounts shall be kept in accordance with statutory requirements and made available to the revenue commissioners or any institution on request.
10.0 Income and Property
The income and property of the body shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its main object and subsidiary objects as set out in this constitution. No portion of the societies income and property shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise, howsoever, by way of profit, to the members of the body. No officer, paid by salary or fees, shall be appointed to any office of Irish Blind Golf, or receive any remuneration or other benefit in money or moneys worth from Irish Blind Golf. However, nothing shall prevent any payment in good faith by the body of reasonable and proper remuneration to any member of the body for any services rendered to Irish Blind Golf.
Interest at a rate not exceeding five percent per annum on money lent by officers or by other members to the Society to the body.
Reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses incurred by any officer in connection with their attendance of any matter affecting the body. Fees, remuneration or other benefit in money or moneys worth to any body of which an officer may be a member holding not more than one hundredth part of the issued capital of such body.
11.0 Discipline
If any member shall be guilty of any conduct which shall in the absolute discretion of the management committee be considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interest of the body then the management committee of Irish Blind Golf by a simple majority shall have the power to invoke disciplinary procedures as defined in the body’s Code of Conduct. In summary, these shall consist of three classes –
a) Conditional suspension
b) Full suspension
c) Termination of membership.
The member shall have the right to be heard or represented in front of the management committee if he or she so wishes.
12.0 Winding Up
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the body there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, it shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of Irish Blind Golf. Instead, such property shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution or institutions having main objects similar to the main objects of Irish Blind Golf. The institution or institutions to which the property is to be given or transferred shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income or property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the body under or by virtue of clause 11 hereof. Members of the body shall select the relevant institution or institutions at or before the time of dissolution at a special general meeting, and if and so far as effect cannot be given to such provisions, then the property shall be given or transferred to some charitable object.
13.0 Additions Alterations or Amendments
No addition alteration or amendment shall be made to or in the provisions of this constitution for the time being in force unless the same shall have been previously approved in writing by the majority of members.
Proposed amendments to the constitution must first be submitted to the secretary in writing or to whoever the management committee have appointed.
Constitution
Effective 11th December 2021
1.0 Name
The name of the body is “Irish Blind Golf" (hereinafter referred to as “the body”.
2.0 Objectives
The main object for which the body is established is to encourage totally blind and visually impaired persons to participate in the game of golf and to encourage former golfers who have suffered loss of vision to renew their interest in the game.
This will be achieved by –
a. Promoting Blind Golf throughout the country of Ireland as a sport and recreation for blind
persons and visually impaired person. This promotion will occur, but not limited to, within
the blind and visually impaired communities and the golfing communities throughout Ireland.
b. Raising monies from membership subscriptions.
c. Organising fundraising events to financially support the activities of Irish Blind Golf.
d. Arranging every year an order of merit competition, based on organised qualifying
tournaments in various locations around Ireland for blind and visually impaired golfers to
play golf.
e. To offer financial support, where possible, to the members of Irish Blind Golf to participate
in international Blind golf events.
f. To offer financial support for golf coaching, where possible, to the members of Irish Blind
Golf to learn and develop their golfing skills.
g. To apply for national grant aid funding.
h. Where possible, to work with other organisations or committees to promote blind and
visually impaired golf as appropriate.
3.0 Membership
Membership of Irish Blind Golf will consist of blind and visually impaired golfers and their aide(s). New members must provide written evidence of blind or visual impairment registration from the NCBI or RNIB.
Membership shall be open to all individuals, male or female, over the age of 18.
All new members must play 3 Irish Blind Golf qualifying rounds in order to attain a handicap with Irish Blind Golf.
Application for membership will be deemed as understanding and acceptance of the body’s Constitution, Terms and Conditions of Membership, Rules and Regulations, Policies and Code of Conduct.
4.0 International Blind Golf Events
For blind and visually impaired golfers who wish to seek financial subsidy to play in an international Blind open golf events , the following conditions will apply:
a . A member must have paid their membership subscription in full; and
b. A member must satisfy the eligibility criteria required for entry to the international event
being applied for; and
c. All NEW members must have One Year membership with IBG and a minimum of 4 rounds of golf in order to Participate in International Blind Golf events.
d. The Management Committee of Irish Blind Golf will have the right to disregard above
mentioned clause c. where a member has been injured or ill.
5.0 Subscriptions
Membership fees are payable in full by the blind and visually impaired golfing members of Irish Blind Golf before the first order of merit round of the year. Aides do not pay a membership fee.
Membership fees are approved by the members at each annual general meeting.
7.0 Management Committee
The Management Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, Captain and Handicap & Competition Secretary. Other positions may be created in order to fulfil the work of Irish Blind Golf, i.e. Assistant Secretary, Public Relations etc.
The affairs of Irish Blind Golf will be vested in a management committee, to be elected each year, at the annual general meeting, by the members present.
The management committee shall consist of a chairman, secretary and treasurer.
The captain shall be an ex oficio officer of the management committee so as to advise the Committee, as required.
The quorum of the management committee shall be at least four members.
The management committee shall have the power to co-opt members and also to set up sub committees.
The management committee shall meet as and when required but not less than once a year.
Casual vacancies that occur through resignations or otherwise may be filled by the management committee as co-opted members until the next annual general meeting.
The members of Irish Blind Golf shall appoint a captain-for a two year period at the annual general meeting.
8.0 Meetings
8.1 Annual General Meeting
The annual general meeting shall take place within three months of the end of the financial year.
Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
Proposals for amendments to the Constitution must be received by the Secretary at least 7 days in advance of the Annual General Meeting.
Notice may be given in writing.
Notice may be communicated by email, and not by any other electronic means, for example via social media, website or phone applications.
Advance notice for proposals for non-constitutional changes is not required.
The quorum for the annual general meeting shall be at least half of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
Minutes of all meetings must be signed and kept as true records.
8.2 Extraordinary General Meeting
An extraordinary general meeting may be called by the management committee or by the secretary having received a request in writing to do so, by not less than one third (1/3) of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
Members shall be given at least 14 days notice.
Notice may be given in writing.
Notice may be communicated by email, and not by any other electronic means, for example via social media, website or phone apps.
The quorum for an extraordinary general meeting shall be at least half of the total membership of Irish Blind Golf.
An Extraordinary General Meeting deal specifically with the purpose for which it was called and no other business will be valid.
Minutes of all meetings must be signed and kept as true records.
8.3 Voting
Only those members who have paid their membership subscription in full during the previous year are entitled to vote at an annual or extraordinary general meeting.
Only one aide per golfer is entitled to vote at an annual or extraordinary general meeting, provided that the golfer’s annual subscription has been paid in full.
All members shall be entitled to a proxy vote in the event of their absence at an annual general meeting. Proxy must be delivered to the Secretary 7 days in advance of the date of the meeting either by post or email. No proxy voting will be permitted for Extraordinary General Meetings.
Any decision put to the vote shall be decided by a simple majority of eligible members, present and by proxy. In the event of a tied vote, the chairman shall be entitled to a casting vote.
9.0 Finance
The financial year shall be from January first to December thirty first.
The funds of the body shall be kept at a bank or similar institution.
All cheques shall be signed by the treasurer and one other office bearer.
The Treasurer shall keep proper accounting records and prepare accounts annually and at such intervals as the Management Committee shall direct.
A balance sheet must be presented by the treasurer at each management committee meeting.
Annual accounts shall be kept in accordance with statutory requirements and made available to the revenue commissioners or any institution on request.
10.0 Income and Property
The income and property of the body shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its main object and subsidiary objects as set out in this constitution. No portion of the societies income and property shall be paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise, howsoever, by way of profit, to the members of the body. No officer, paid by salary or fees, shall be appointed to any office of Irish Blind Golf, or receive any remuneration or other benefit in money or moneys worth from Irish Blind Golf. However, nothing shall prevent any payment in good faith by the body of reasonable and proper remuneration to any member of the body for any services rendered to Irish Blind Golf.
Interest at a rate not exceeding five percent per annum on money lent by officers or by other members to the Society to the body.
Reasonable and proper out of pocket expenses incurred by any officer in connection with their attendance of any matter affecting the body. Fees, remuneration or other benefit in money or moneys worth to any body of which an officer may be a member holding not more than one hundredth part of the issued capital of such body.
11.0 Discipline
If any member shall be guilty of any conduct which shall in the absolute discretion of the management committee be considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interest of the body then the management committee of Irish Blind Golf by a simple majority shall have the power to invoke disciplinary procedures as defined in the body’s Code of Conduct. In summary, these shall consist of three classes –
a) Conditional suspension
b) Full suspension
c) Termination of membership.
The member shall have the right to be heard or represented in front of the management committee if he or she so wishes.
12.0 Winding Up
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the body there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, it shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of Irish Blind Golf. Instead, such property shall be given or transferred to some other charitable institution or institutions having main objects similar to the main objects of Irish Blind Golf. The institution or institutions to which the property is to be given or transferred shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income or property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the body under or by virtue of clause 11 hereof. Members of the body shall select the relevant institution or institutions at or before the time of dissolution at a special general meeting, and if and so far as effect cannot be given to such provisions, then the property shall be given or transferred to some charitable object.
13.0 Additions Alterations or Amendments
No addition alteration or amendment shall be made to or in the provisions of this constitution for the time being in force unless the same shall have been previously approved in writing by the majority of members.
Proposed amendments to the constitution must first be submitted to the secretary in writing or to whoever the management committee have appointed.
