SAKG allows caddies to support our goal of creating a fun experience for junior players. SAKG is committed to providing a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all junior golfers. The safety and well-being of everyone involved, including players, officials, families, spectators, and host club officials, are central to furthering SAKG’s mission of supporting junior golf development. To achieve this, SAKG has developed the Caddie Code of Conduct and Rules to outline the expectations, responsibilities, and standards of behaviour for individuals performing caddie duties at any SAKG event. A caddie is defined as a person who assists a golfer during a round by carrying their clubs, offering advice, and providing general support. Caddies play a vital role in helping junior golfers learn the rules, etiquette, and values of the game. They contribute to the development of sportsmanship by demonstrating respect for others, fair play, honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, and grace in both victory and defeat, while encouraging and supporting all players.
CADDIE CODE OF CONDUCT
Caddies are representatives of SAKG and play an essential role in maintaining the organisation’s reputation and securing access to quality venues, players, and sponsors. The conduct and behaviour of caddies are therefore of utmost importance. SAKG requires all caddies to adhere to the following code of conduct during any SAKG event:
• Abide by the rules of golf and SAKG event rules and regulations.
• Wear the SAKG caddie bib for the duration of the round.
• Ensure their player treat other players, officials, spectators, and host club staff with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, gender or ability.
• Recognise that junior golf is for the enjoyment and development of young players.
• Be a positive role model by displaying sportsmanship, courtesy, and encouragement toward all players, officials, spectators, and host club staff.
• Teach their player that personal effort and improvement are more important than winning.
• Prioritise the emotional and physical well-being of their player and others over any desire to win.
• Encourage their player to play by the rules and resolve conflicts respectfully.
• Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including cheating, club or ball throwing, abusive language, littering, or any behaviour deemed inappropriate by SAKG.
• Ensure that spectators do not interfere with players and maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from players and caddies during the round.
• Avoid any behaviour that could compromise the health, safety, or well-being of players, officials, spectators, or host club staff.
• Never ridicule or verbally abuse any player for mistakes or poor performance.
• Respect the decisions of officials and discuss concerns in an appropriate manner at an agreed-upon time and place.
• Maintain an environment free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol during tournaments.
• Inform SAKG of any health issues that may affect their ability to caddie safely.
• Comply with the Caddie Rules outlined in this document.
CADDIE RULES
Caddies play a vital role in upholding the standards and traditions of the game of golf. The following rules are designed to ensure that all caddies conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the integrity of the game, supports the enjoyment of all participants, and preserves the quality of the course including that a caddie:
• Must have knowledge of golf rules.
• Should support their player by helping with carrying/pushing the player’s bag, club selection, etiquette, raking the bunkers, ensure divots are repaired and assisting with accurate score keeping.
• Adhere to all local rules about course maintenance and etiquette.
• Ensures that a player has one caddie at any given time.
• Must wear the SAKG caddie bib throughout the entire round.
• May not coach players during the round. Caddies should offer support, but not provide technical instruction.
• Is not permitted to stand behind the player when the player takes their stance or while they make a stroke
• Can assist with alignment for players aged 5 to 10.
• Is not permitted on the greens for players aged 11 to 18 years.
• Is not allowed for Boys aged 13 to 18 years. Players in this category must carry own bag or use a pushcart. Remote-controlled carts are permitted.
• Must keep up with the group to ensure the pace of play is not disrupted
• Should not spend excess time attempting to retrieve golf balls in penalty areas penalty areas to maintain the pace of play.
• Can use distance-measuring devices are allowed, but only for measuring distance. Devices that measure wind, slope, or other conditions are not permitted.
• Can use a golf cart where a players or caddie has submitted a medical certificate prior to the event and permission has been granted. In the case of the caddie having a medical certificate, only the caddie can be on the cart. No spectator is permitted to be on the cart where a caddie or player have been granted permission to use a cart for medical purposes.
• Must be aware of weather conditions and lightning alerts; always prioritise safety.
BREACH OF CADDIE CODE OF CONDUCT OR RULES
Any violation of the SAKG Caddie Code of Conduct or Caddie Rules may result in disciplinary action. Depending on the severity and nature of the breach, SAKG reserves the right to impose one or more of the following sanctions on the caddie and/or player:
• Verbal or written warning issued to the caddie and/or player.
• Apply appropriate stroke penalty based on the severity of the violation.
• Disqualification of the player from the event.
• Removal of the caddie from the event.
• Suspension of the player and/or caddie for part of or the remainder of the tournament season.
• Indefinite suspension of the player’s membership.
• Indefinite suspension of the caddie’s privileges.
A written record of all incidents will be kept on file by SAKG. Any safeguarding violations—defined as any action or inaction causing harm, potential harm, or distress to a junior golfer, official, spectator, caddie, or host club staff member (whether intentional or unintentional)—will be reported to the GolfRSA Safeguarding Officer.
DISCLAIMER
SAKG reserves the right to review, amend, and update this Code at any time to ensure that it aligns with our commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our goal is to continually support the growth and development of junior golf, adapting to the evolving needs of participants while upholding the values of sportsmanship, respect, and development in the game of golf. Any changes made will be communicated promptly to all involved to maintain transparency and clarity.
SAKG CADDIE CODE OF CONDUCT AND RULES
Revised February 2025
