FEDERATION FOR
INTERNATIONAL
FOOTGOLF

1. OVERVIEW & MISSION STATEMENT

 

1. OVERVIEW & MISSION STATEMENT 

The FIFG World Tour 2024 is based on an aspirational concept in which every player would be able to play and compete according to their possibilities, on a global (World Ranking), regional (Regional Rankings) and national scale (National Rankings).

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FIFG’s World Tour mission is to foster friendship, camaraderie and competitiveness between all players throughout the world by providing the platform for all Member Countries (MC) to offer different competitions.

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1.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

The FIFG World Tour will be played entirely under the rules of the Federation for International FootGolf. Each tournament will follow the official rules of the sport, although local rules may apply. All local rules must be available for players before the start of each tournament.

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The World Tour encompasses two rankings: World Ranking and Regional Rankings. 

 

1.2 AMENDMENTS FOR 2024

1. Separate categories for the World Ranking (Men, Senior, Senior Plus and Women); players must choose their division at the beginning of the year. 

2. Different Tees for Women, Senior and Senior Plus are optional. 

3. See changes in 3.1 regarding assigned tournaments for regions and flex tables. 

4. Three Majors in Europe 

5. Women Senior Category 

6. Tournament Types sanctions updated

2 REGIONS

 

Region 1    North, Central America

                    & Caribbean Nations

                    North American Tour                           

 

Region 2    South America

                    South American Tour                                             

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Region 3    Europe

                    EuroFootGolf Tour

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Region 4    Asia & Oceania

                    Asia-Pacific Tour

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Region 4    Africa

                    TBD

3 FIFG WORLD TOUR & REGIONAL TOURS

 

3.1 TOURNAMENT TYPES & ALLOCATION

 

FIFG WORLD MASTERS

Will be played between January and May 2024. The World Masters Championship will be played with qualifications of 2023 rankings. Qualifications of 2024 season will be for World Cup 2025 (TBA). 

 

1 Rotating Masters

In World Cup years the Individual World Cup will count as the Masters.

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FIFG MAJORS

6 Majors

REGION 1         1

REGION 2        1

REGION 3        3

REGION 4        1

REGION 5        0

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FIFG500

Region         Base 

Region 1        2-4* 

Region 2        2-4* 

Region 3.        10 

Region 4        2-4*

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* Additional flex in regions 1, 2, and 4 due to distances within countries. 

 

A MC that organizes a 1000 cannot host a 500, except if they have more than 12% of the total World Tour Licenses or more than 350 WT Licenses based on previous year. 

 

Additional FIFG 500’s (special sponsored or promotional events) can be approved by the Board on a suggestion by the Competitions Committee. A full application has to be delivered in order to apply. 

*Maximum TWO per FIFG Member 

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FIFG250

Flex: 

If a country was not awarded with a 1000 or a 500 it has the right to organize a 250. 

If 100 WT Licenses or more can organize two 250’s. 

If 150 WT Licenses or more can organize thee 250’s 

First year MC gets a FIFG250. 

2nd year gets FIFG 250 with minimum 30 WT Licenses 

3rd year gets FIIFG 250 with minimum 50 WT Licenses 

Same criteria above applies for MCs with more than one year. 

 

FIFG100

FIFG Countries can flex up to a maximum of 14 100s, depending on the World Tour Licenses. A minimum also applies (see chart below), if MC doesn't meet this criteria it can not bid in the following season for 1500, 1000 and 500.

 

FLEX TABLE              MAX   MIN

Licenses        250+       14      10      

                        180+       13       9

                        150+       12       8

                        100+        9       7

                          60+        8       6

                          40+        6       5

                          40-         5       2

 

Notes:

First year FIFG Members are entitled to a maximum of 4 FIFG 100 and 1 FIFG250. No minimum applies.

 

Multi-Contest: FIFG Member Countries are NOT permitted to host FIFG ranking tournaments within multi- round FIFG tournaments. Example: A member hosting FIFG250 over 36 holes cannot host Round 1 FIFG100and/or FIFG100 during Round 2. Subject to REGION review. No exceptions.

 

It is not allowed to host a local tournament on the same day and course together with an FIFG tournament, except for promotional tournaments that needs to be approved by Competitions Committee.

 

Holes played/day: FIFG Member Countries are allowed to stage more than 18 holes per day including 27 or36 holes.

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3.2 WORLD RANKING

A global ranking encompassing FIFG World Tour and FIFG Regional Tour competitions based on points scored over the last 12 months on a rolling basis using the following: 

 

One (1) - Masters/World Cup 1500 point tournament

Two (2) - Major 1000 point tournaments (1 max per region) 

Three (3) - 500 point tournaments 

Four (4) - 250 point tournaments 

 

          Total: Ten (10) -  FIFG competitions played within ANY region

 

3.3 REGIONAL RANKINGS

A regional ranking encompassing FIFG Regional Tour competitions based on points scored using the following: 

One (1) - Major 1000 point tournament

Two (2) -  500 point tournaments

Three (3) - 250 point tournaments

Four (4) -  100 point tournaments

 

Total: Ten (10) - FIFG competitions played within the region.

4. FIFG COMPETITION REGULATIONS

 

4.1 PLAYER TYPES

Players will choose what category they want to represent at the moment they purchase their World Tour License. A new category will be open with a minimum of 150 players.

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Men                  All male players, excluding those in other categories.

Senior 45+      Male players born in 1978 and before. 

Senior 55+      Male players born in 1968 and before. 

Women            All female players, excluding those in other categories.

Women 45+    Female Player born in 1978 and before. 

Juniors           All players born in 2006 and after.

 

Juniors are eligible to compete within the men or women classification if

they have an exemption authorized by FIFG and FIFG Member Country.

 

Points         Allocated to the category the player belongs to. 

Prizes         For each category.

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4.2 FIFG WORLD TOUR LICENSE

To play FIFG 100/FIFG 250/FIFG 500/FIFG MAJOR/FIFG MASTERS/FIFG WORLD CUP competitions, players must be affiliated to the FIFG Member in their Country of birth or permanent residency and hold a World Tour License.

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A World Tour License of 20.00 euros is required for any tournament with FIFG Ranking points and you will be able to attend all FIFG events without any additional licenses or memberships fees other than from the country you have your World Tour License through (for example: if playing in a foreign country you do not need to purchase that countries license). 

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Recreational License: 10.00 euros. Allows a player to participate in up to two FIFG 100s. 

A player is able to upgrade to a World Tour License by paying the difference. 

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* All World Tour License are for a Calendar Year and are renewable in January of the new year regardless of what month you obtain your license. 

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Registration for FIFG competitions will be open all year round. A player’s ranking will be activated after they obtain their membership. Tournaments prior to activation will not count.

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Players from non-FIFG countries must contact the FIFG directly (support@fifg.org) and register as a guest player.

 

If a players situation is not completely clear in terms of registration, or any sort of penalty, they will be able to present a query to the FIFG committee in order to perform an analysis of the situation for proper arbitration. 

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4.3 TOURNAMENT TYPES

TOURNAMENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND SANCTIONS FRAMEWORK

In our effort to create a more cohesive FIFG community, we have developed a comprehensive system for categorizing different tournaments globally. The key goal is to establish a pyramid of competitive play that is accessible and beneficial to all Member Countries (MC) and Players. 

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T1        FIFG World Tour or FIFG Regional Tour Events: These events utilize the global tournament system and are 

            exclusively open to FIFG Members. 

T2       FIFG Member Country Tournaments: This category includes National Tours or tournaments integrated into a

            ranking system, and they are open to both FIFG Members and members of FIFG Member countries. 

T3       FIFG or FIFG Member Country Affiliated Tournaments: This includes tournaments held at facilities recognized

            by Member Countries. 

T4       Non FIFG Sanctioned Tournaments (NST): Non sanctioned tournaments hosted by Member Countries                            or within their borders.

T4.1 FIFG World Tour or Regional Tour events hosted by Member Countries, allowing participation of non-FIFG Members.

T4.2 NST hosted by FIFG Members, permitting non-FIFG Member participation (subject to non- approval by CC and Board). 

T4.3 NST hosted by FIFG Members, not communicated or conflicting with other FIFG tournaments.

T4.4 NST hosted by non-affiliated bodies.

T4.5 Tournaments organized or co-organized by a Member Country and a non-approved competing tour.

T4.6 Tournaments organized by a Member Country with a tournament fee exceeding 150 EUR or prize money exceeding 5,000 EUR without FIFG points, unless pre-approved by CC or Board. Must not clash with FIFG 1500, 1000, 500. 

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Player Sanctions:

T4.1: No sanctions.

T4.2: No sanctions; however, there may be restrictions imposed by the Member Country.

T4.3: No sanctions; however, there may be restrictions imposed by the Member Country.

T4.4: First tournament warning; a second tournament violation results in the player leaving the FIFG tournament structure. Detailed procedures will be outlined in the FIFG disciplinary documentation. 

 

FIFG Member Country Sanctions:

T4.1: Investigation initiated with tournaments placed on hold; fees may be applicable.

T4.2: Investigation initiated with tournaments placed on hold; fees may be applicable.

T4.3: Removal of the opportunity to rank; fees may be applicable.

T4.4: No specific sanctions.

T4.5: Investigation initiated with a hold on all future MC tournaments and suspension of the MC until the 

                    investigation is completed.

T4.6: Investigation initiated with a hold on all future MC tournaments until the investigation is completed. 

 

MC Hosting Tournaments Abroad:

MC organizing tournaments in other countries must secure official approval from the host country. The agreement must be submitted to the CC and the board at least one board meeting before the event.

 

Review Process:

Any sanction is subject to FIFG Member Country dispute and is finalized by CC and the FIFG Board. 

 

Board MC Restrictions: 

Member Country restrictions are supported by FIFG. Any restriction must be communicated with FIFG board@fifg.org. 

 

 

4.4 TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES & APPLICATIONS

FIFG Member countries can apply to host subject to guidelines and bid documents set by CC committee. 

 

4.4.1 TOURNAMENT HOSTING

MASTERS

The location of FIFG Masters will be decided by the FIFG Board. 

 

MAJORS

The location of FIFG Majors will be recommended by each region and approved by the FIFG Board. 

 

FIFG 500

The location of FIFG 500 will be decided by each Region. 

 

FIFG 250

FIFG 250 allocated to all eligible FIFG MC. This level tournament must follow 3.1. 

 

FIFG 100

FIFG 100 allocated to all eligible FIFG MC. This level tournament must follow 3.1. 

 

Application Process Email to

board@fifg.org 

 

4.4.2 REALLOCATION

MASTERS

In the event that a ‘Region’ cannot fulfil their allocation, other Regions will be entitled to submit a request to host to complete the annual allowance.

 

MAJORS

In the event that a ‘Region’ cannot fulfil their allocation, other Regions will be entitled to submit a request to host to complete the annual allowance.

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OTHER TOURNAMENTS

FIFG 500-250-100 tournaments will be entitled to reallocate within each regions and according to the parameters set forth in 3.1.

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4.4.3 TOURNAMENT CLASHES

Masters/World Cup   No clashes permitted

                        FIFG100     FIFG250     FIFG500     FIFG Major

FIFG Major    YES    OTHER REGION*  NO             NO

FIFG500        YES          YES           NO             NO

FIFG250        YES          YES          YES      OTHER REGION

FIFG100        YES          YES          YES            YES

 

In case an organizer moves for any reason to a high ranked (FIFG 250 or higher) tournament, clashes should be avoided if possible.

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4.4.4 TOURNAMENT REQUIREMENTS

For detailed requirements please see FIFG Standards.

 

4.4-5 TOURNAMENT POINTS

PLAYERS WILL BE AWARDED 92% OF THE PRECEEDING POSITION

 

FIFG100

1               100

2                 92

3                 85

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FIFG250

1               250

2              230

3              212

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FIFG500

1               500

2               460

3               423

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FIFG1000

1              1000

2               920

3               846

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FIFG MASTERS1500

1               1500

2               1380

3               1270

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Tournament points need to be delivered to the official tournament software of FIFG, three (3) days after the tournament. Penalties: Each week 50% of the tournament funding fee. After 3 weeks the MC will not be allowed to bid for FIFG 1500, 1000 and 500 for two years. In case of technical issues the support team must be contacted before the first deadline (support@fifg.org). 

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4.4.6 TOURNAMENT FUNDING

Tournament fees paid by FIFG member countries to FIFG

 

                                                               Payable TO

FIFG100             25.00 – 50.00 Euro*      Regional Fund

FIFG250                  250.00 Euro               Global Fund

FIFG500                  500.00 Euro               Global Fund

FIFG Major            1000.00 Euro               Global Fund

 

A prize pool for end of season trophies and awards will be budgeted by FIFG.

60% Prize fund of Tournament Fees for player credit/prize.

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Trophies for previous year WT POYs, to be given at The Masters or at the last Major.

*Decided and collected by Region.

 

FIFG Tournament Fees

Fees will be invoiced on a monthly basis. FIFG Member countries missing this first payment will be unable to host further tournaments until debt is cleared.

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4.4.7 PRIZE FUND

Minimum Prize Fund

                          MINIMUM (EURO)    MAXIMUM (EURO)

FIFG MAJOR          7500.00              NO Maximum

FIFG500          Use Entry Fee v Prize Pool Table as guidance

 

Entry Fee v Prize Pool

A minimum of TEN percent (10%) of the entry fee will be allocated as a minimum to a tournament prize pool of the players’ entry fee for FIFG500.

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The entry fee and tournament prize fund are decided by the tournament host.

 

Example MINIMUM Prize Pool (Euro)

 

Entry Fee                         100         200         300

LOW LIMIT (100)           1000       2000      3000

150 Players                      1500       3000      4500

200 Players                     2000      4000      6000

HIGH LIMIT                     None

 

The LOW limit represents the minimum prize pool created by entry fee contribution according to 0-100 players registered.

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4.4.7.1 PAYMENTS

Organizers are entitled to a maximum period of 30 days to make the payment to players.

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Furthermore, only effective real money can be used to pay the cash prize. The organizing country will receive a 500 Euro penalty if they do not comply with this rule. Potential taxes in MCs are included in the prize money fund, it is the responsibility of the MC to know the reporting requirements or the requirement to submit taxes to the proper authority and to withhold and pay the tax or file the required form. 

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ALL organizers MUST communicate the payment procedure of their cash prizes to the players BEFORE opening registration. 

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4.4.7.2 WORLD RANKING & REGIONAL RANKING PRIZE MONEY CREDIT

The prize money would be distributed for the top players at the World Masters and/or as a credit to be used during FIFG tournaments the following year. Regions can decide if the prize fund is given through Regional ranking or an additional final tournament. As a reference, these were the places and amounts for 2023: 

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Prize money credit will be given to categories above 150 players.

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4.4.8 TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL SYSTEM 

OFICIAL SYSTEM:

In 2024, Official System will be the console used by the FIFG for the World Ranking and Regional Rankings. Official System can also be used by Member Countries for their ‘National Tour’. It can also be used for live scoring and player statistics. The FIFG Tournament Control Team will be available for all MC.

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A fee of 1.57 Euro per player per registration is paid direct to Official System. Stripe Merchant fee will be 2.9% of the registration fee plus a transaction fee of 0.30 euro. The FIFG will invoice monthly for BlueGolf registration fees. 

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Official System Registration Fees:

Invoice:           1st of each month

Payment:        20th of each month

 

*Penalty for late payments

 

21st to 19th of the following month               10% of total invoice

20th +                                                                20% of total invoice

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Exact Fees TBA.

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4.4.9 TOURNAMENT CONTROL

CONTROL TEAM:

The FIFG Tournament Control Team will create ALL tournaments within the system for Member Countries subject to completion of MASTER FILE.

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Every Member Country is responsible for updating their ‘MASTER’ tournament calendar, location and FIFG points using the excel document provided at Season Zero. 

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Deadline ONE           4 December            FIFG MAJOR / FIFG 500 

Deadline TWO         15 December           FIFG 250 / FIFG 100 

 

TOURNAMENT EVALUATION:

Tournaments will be evaluated by the regions they correspond to.

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TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR:

The FIFG may appoint an official to oversee each Major, 500 and 250 to ensure the global parameters are met remotely or in person (costs apply to MC).

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4.5 GENERAL RULES

4.5.1 PLAYER REPRESENTATION

Players can represent an FIFG Member Country based on 

• Passport 

• Residency (Minimum period of 2 years) 

 

A player who previously played in any FIFG World Cup, Continental Championship or FIFG World/Regional Tour representing a FIFG Member country may change to another country if: 

• Player has multiple passports. 

• Player shows Proof of Residence in the country he wishes to play for, for a period of 2 years. A change of country they represent can only be done ONCE. 

 

Acceptance of Nationality amendment is subject to written approval from FIFG Board and both residing Presidents of FIFG Member countries involved.

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The player and requesting FIFG member country must make the request in writing. A period of 60 days will be actioned from the original letter date until final approval. 

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On all occasions the FIFG Board may take decisions of a general or individual nature with regard to issues resulting from nationality, citizenship, domicile or residence of any competitor including the duration of any waiting period. 

 

In this unique situation the regulation of one single change per lifetime would remain.

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Exception applies if any FIFG Member country unifies with another FIFG member country at any point. 

 

4.5.2 PLAYER CONDUCT

Players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity, showing consideration to others, and taking good care of the course. The organizers and head marshal have authority to disqualify a player for any serious misconduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game and in accordance with FIFG or local tournament rules.

 

The use of alcohol, illegal drugs and smoking are STRICTLY PROHIBITED at FIFG official competitions.

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Players must be respectful, and organizers reserve the right to remove a player from the competition at any time for any reason.

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4.5.3 TIES

In case of a tie, the organizer must stage a playoff for minimum 1st place across all categories (exceptions in ‘force majeure’ cases) with the option to add a playoff for second and third place or cash and prize positions at their discretion which must be notified before the tournament. If the organizer chooses to not playoff for positions 2+ then countback will be used to split 2nd and 3rd with 4th and below tied. Places 1-3 receive full points, starting in 4th places ties, points will be split.

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After the third place, all players involved in a tie will be awarded the average number of points of the positions they hold (If three players tie in 10th position, these players would eventually be in positions 10, 11 and 12. The number of points for these three positions will be added and divided by 3 and this score will be awarded to the three players.)

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For all FIFG tournaments (MAJORS / FIFG 500 /FIFG 250 / FIFG 100), the playoff will be played on a three hole playoff for the title. If the players are still tied after the playoff, additional holes may be played or proceed to penalty putts (five putts/players from a minimum of 5 meters) followed by a sudden death penalty shootout if necessary.

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If for any reason (climate conditions, lack of sunlight, safety, etc.) the playoff cannot take place, the organizer and marshal will proceed this way: 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions will be decided by the last 18 holes (final round) for a 36- or 54 or more-holes tournament, or by the last 9-6-3-2-1 for 18 holes tournament. 

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4.5.4 DISPUTES, DECISIONS & PENALTIES

If a protest is submitted, the Committee shall bring its decision within 30 days. Players cannot agree on eliminating the validity of any of the rules, or to disregard any of the issued penalties; if they still do so, the penalty for the breach of the rule, involving disqualification, shall be made without any time limitation.

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In case the disputable affair is not being solved between the organizing Committee and the complaining player, they may both submit a request, to reach a mutually approved statement, to the Rules Committee acting as an official FIFG authority, so that they can express their opinion about the fairness of the brought decision. In the event that a decision cannot be reached, the Court of Arbitration for Sport can be consulted. A maximum deadline of 30 days will be given for a player to submit a protest. 

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If any player is penalized retrospectively, the leaderboard will be updated and any prize money or award must be returned to the organizer to be re-allocated to the corresponding players after the tournament is over. The time limit for any penalization is set on 30 days after the tournament has finished. 

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4.5.5 BAD WEATHER

If weather conditions force the organizer to suspend the tournament, full points will still be allocated and the result based on the number of completed rounds if the total number of holes played is at least 50% of the total number of holes. 

Before the game, if for any reason (flooding, animal damages, etc.) a hole is declared unplayable, it has to be replaced by another similar hole (same par, similar distance) or cancelled. If more than three holes are declared unplayable, then the entire course could be considered as unplayable and therefore the round may be cancelled.

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If this happens during the game (flooding, animal damages, etc.), the tournament director has the authority to make the decision to cancel the hole and give all the player the score of the par in accordance to the approved FIFG Local Rule as outlined below. If more than three holes are declared unplayable during the game, the entire course could be considered as unplayable and the general rules of bad weather applies. 

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4.5.6 COURSE DESIGN

The designer must take natural weather conditions (strong wind or heavy rain) in consideration when they design in order to prevent unplayable holes. They also have the responsibility to design a course that assures a decent pace of play for the players, especially when setting the pin position.

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It is the responsibility of the designer and tournament director to set DROP ZONES and objects to reach the ball easily on the holes which can represent a danger for the pace of play (if there is a big water obstacle to cross for example). 

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A new course design standards will be published before the season starts. 

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4.5.7 REGISTRATION POLICIES

Players should clearly understand the terms and conditions of each competition before they register for the event.

 

Players are reminded to check in advance the cancellation policy for all tournaments by contacting the organizer directly. The FIFG accepts no responsibility for loss incurred to FIFG members or players for cancelled tournaments. Players who do not follow the registration and cancellation policy can be blocked on the suggestion of a MC to the Competitions Committee for future tournaments. 

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4.5.8 LOCAL RULES

Organizers are permitted to introduce local rules approved by FIFG Rules Committee and must notify players in advance (rules@fifg.org). For FIFG 1000-500, countries must send their local rules for approval.

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FIFG APPROVED LOCAL RULES:

The FIFG Rules Committee has the following list of approved local rules that do not require prior consent. These local rules may or may not be applied by the organizers.

 

‘Unplayable’ Hole

Score average versus PAR: In addition to Rule 1-3-4 and as outlined below under the section Bad Weather, when declaring a hole unplayable based on score, the organizer must use the statistics to review the average score.

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Hole average per category per round:

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+1.00 v PAR             Tournament Committee to review

+1.50 v PAR             Hole may be declared unplayable and PAR awarded to all players within category affected

 

Bad weather

In addition to FIFG Rules and as outlined above under the section Bad Weather, when declaring a hole unplayable due to inclement weather, the organizer is entitled to use a wind measuring device or gauge but must announce the speed and timeframe of such a decision before play.

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Furthermore, a pace of play guide can be used to remove any hole deemed to create a disturbance to the overall tournament pace of play. Again any information must be shared before play. 

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Footwear and Clothing

In addition to FIFG Rules, weather specific clothing, Soccer cleats (Strictly subject to venue), and religious or cultural attire may be accepted should the organizer decide.

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‘Seeded’ Draw

To be announced in the tournament Guide.

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4.5.9 ORGANIZER CONDUCT

Organizers must report the name of the Tournament Director and the name of the Head Marshals before the beginning of the competition. 

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Each organizer has the authority to adopt their own Code of Conduct for their tournaments if it still respects the FIFG rulebook guidelines about etiquette and behavior. 

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Any FIFG Member Country with outstanding debt (membership fees or tournament fees) from the previous season will be unable to stage ANY FIFG tournament until the payment is cleared.

 

4.5.10 FIFG LOGOS

Players must request the FIFG World Tour logo from their FIFG Member Country.

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The FIFG World Tour logo must be used in conjunction with the logo of the national organization (FIFG Member Country).

 

If authorization is not given, players are not allowed to use the FIFG logo or FIFG World Tour logo on their uniform. Uniforms with FIFG Member/World Tour Logos combination can be used to compete in FIFG World Tour/FIFG Member Countries events only. Reported players will lose their points on that specific tournament. Each FIFG Member Country is responsible for providing authorization and the correct file to players. 

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FOOTGOLF LOGOS NOT ASSOCIATED TO THE FIFG ARE PROHIBITED. SANCTION COULD POTENTIALLY REACH PLAYER DISQUALIFICATION.