GAM PACE OF PLAY

In order to enhance the GAM tournament experience there has to be motivation for players to want to play at the prescribed pace or better, walk faster between shots and keep up with the group in front of them. The incentive behind this policy is that penalty strokes will be assessed if participants do not play within this policy’s parameters. 

PACE OF PLAY PRINCIPLES
1. The GAM may time all players at any time
2. Always play ready golf
3. Your position relative to the group in front of you is your responsibility, the group behind you is the GAM’s responsibility

PACE OF PLAY POLICY

At each competition, the Tournament Committee will determine the maximum allotted time (Time Par) each group is permitted to play each hole and the stipulated round.  The stipulated round is complete when the last player in the group completes play of the final hole and the flagstick is replaced. 

LEAD GROUP(S)
The lead group(s) must finish their stipulated round within the maximum allotted time established by the committee.  If they finish over the maximum allotted time each player may be assessed a penalty to their score for the final hole. 
• Exception: If the lead group is held up by play that was sent out before them or that began on the opposite tee, they will be exempt from the pace of play penalty if they finish over their allotted time but less than 13 minutes behind of the group ahead of them. 
• See exemptions from penalty.

FOLLOWING GROUPS 
Any subsequent group must finish their stipulated round within the maximum allotted time established by the committee. If they finish over the maximum allotted time, they must finish not more than 13 minutes behind the group ahead of them.  If they finish over the maximum allotted time and more than 13 minutes behind the group ahead of them, each player in the group may be assessed a penalty to their score for the final hole.

GROUP & INDIVIDUAL WARNING CARDS
Groups that are noted as being over Time Par and out of position during a round will receive Group Warning Cards from a GAM Rules Official. At this point, the group must work to get back under Time Par or in position. In addition, individuals will also be timed. Recorded individual times of over 40 seconds will subject that player to penalty.

In the event that a group is under Time Par and out of position, individuals will be timed and any player that has recorded a time of 40 seconds will receive an Individual Warning Card. Following the issuing of an Individual Warning Card, that player will be subject to penalty for any further recorded times of over 40 seconds. Individual penalties may be assessed during the round.  

TIMING
Timing of a player's stroke will begin when they have had reasonable opportunity to reach their ball, it is their turn to play and they can play without interference or distraction. Time spent determining yardage will count as part of the time taken for the stroke. The GAM will be enforcing the USGA recommendation found in Rule 5.6b, stating that the player make a stroke in no more than 40 seconds after he or she is able to play without interference and distraction. Also per Rule 5.6b, a player should usually be able to play more quickly than that and is encouraged to do so.

EXEMPTIONS FROM PENALTY
If a group does not finish within its Time Par and out of position due to circumstances beyond its control or any other circumstances which the committee deems to be exceptional, the Committee may be justified in waiving the penalty. 

If GAM Staff or a GAM Rules Official identifies that a player or players in the group are a cause of the group failing to maintain pace of play and determines other players are playing well within the requirements of this policy, those meeting the requirements of this policy may be absolved from penalty.

THE GAM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TIME ALL PLAYERS AT ANY TIME
THE GAM RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW ALL PENALTY SITUATIONS