Let's discuss the caddy/kids rule

[VictorB]

In light of the ruling made last weekend at Champions Cup (Kristin was told her 9 year old daughter could no longer follow with her and had to move to the spectator crowd) let's discuss caddy rules. The ruling was made part way through the round, and almost definitely had some impact on Kristin's mental state. Relevant section of 3.05 in the competition manual for those reading along at home, additionally 1.13 "Youth Safety" section could be applicable here.

Do caddys have to check in at the start of the round with the player? I have played 2 silver series events but never used a caddy. At a Major, wouldn't it be advisable that everyone on the card checks in - caddy included - and is aware of the rules at the start? Thus, if there's anything that is out of sorts it can be addressed at the start of the round, and so that each situation can be 'approved' by the TD prior to going on the course?

I think that this 1. could have easily been avoided and 2. should not have been addressed mid-round.

What are your thoughts?

[seedlings]

I wondered what happened, and would like to know who initially brought the situation up. These would be the same tournament authorities who almost assisted Sarah Hokom in making an illegal throw (crowd control fence)? Or was it a player who complained?

[R-Ogre]

Doesn’t seem like there’s much to discuss. Was the call proper by the rules? Yep. Does it make any sense to wait until the middle of the final round to call it? Nope.

[VictorB]

Originally Posted by R-Ogre

Doesn’t seem like there’s much to discuss.

I suppose I'm more interested in discussion about why this wasn't discovered before the round, and what can be done to make sure it doesn't happen again. The ruling was 'letter of the law', but if the approved state of the group to tee off/begin the round was found to be in violation of something at a later point, why was it approved in the first place? Why can people time calling violations to points where it may benefit themselves? Why were the other players on the card not penalized for not calling the ruling earlier?

I don't want to speculate on who made the call or had to enforce it, even though I have strong feelings about it.

[seedlings]

Gannon Buhr is a minor. Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the PDGA minimum standard for ‘youth’?

[biscoe]

Requiring caddies to be "checked in" seems like a good idea.

[biscoe]

Originally Posted by seedlings

Gannon Buhr is a minor. Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the PDGA minimum standard for ‘youth’?

under 13

[VictorB]

Originally Posted by seedlings

Gannon Buhr is a minor. Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the PDGA minimum standard for ‘youth’?

it seems their arbitrary cutoff is 13 years old

Gannon is quite mature for 16

Nikko is quite immature for 33

Age obviously doesn't correlate to maturity levels no matter what age the PDGA calls 'youth'

[Streets]

I'll echo:

1. Should have checked in pre-round to avoid the whole situation
2. Complete chicken**** to enforce mid-round. Shame on the PDGA and whoever called the "violation."

[Dingus]

To play devil's advocate, could the allowed violation of the rule lead to liability issues for the TD and possibly void of the insurance should something happen to the kid?