G o l f Q u é b e c

Rules Education

Information on training in the field of rules

In addition to publishing the Rules of Golf, Golf Canada is committed to training and educating all golfers in hopes they may ultimately lead to national certification as a Referee.

Since 2019, Golf Canada has adopted the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency around the world in many facets of the rules of golf, including educating and training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use, and the certification based on marks obtained will be consistent throughout the countries allied to the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

While Golf Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules Education program consists of a three-tiered approach, which similarly Golf Québec and Golf Canada have also adopted. Level 1 is the introductory level to Golf Canada’s Rules Education program, which then proceeds into separate programming for individuals to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at the provincial and national level.

  • Level 1

     
    This level is only available online. To register, click here.
    Level 1 is an easy and interesting way to learn the basics of golf. This level focuses on the game’s etiquette, key definitions, and the most common situations on the course. As part of the Level 1 program, students can put their knowledge to the test by answering summary questions at the end of each section, before tackling the Level 1 online certification exam. 
  • Provincial Level

     

    Level 2 webinars are conducted by the provincial golf associations, and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Rules of Golf book or the Official Guide on the Rules of Golf are introduced. The Provincial level is designed for individuals who are already involved in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.

    Eligibility:

    • Level 1 certified (online)

    Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

    • Attend all webinars and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam.
    • Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
    • Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

     

    Upon registration, you will receive a copy of the complete Rules of Golf and the Official Rules of Golf Guide.

    To register for Golf Québec's provincial-level preparation webinars, click here. Please note that the training sessions will be conducted in French. Should you wish to attend rules training sessions in English, it is possible to do so through Golf Ontario.

    For those who have difficulty registering for the provincial-level training, please do not hesitate to contact Samuel Chainey.

    To complete the level 2 certification in English:

     

    1. You can register with Golf Ontario and select the webinars only option to complete the exam in one of the Golf Québec exam locations (in this case, the exam would be provided in English). To gain access to the Golf Ontario webinars, click here will also need to contact Samuel Chainey at schainey@golfquebec.org if you wish to complete your exam at a Golf Québec location.
    2. You can register with Golf Ontario and select the webinars & workshop option to complete all of the certification requirements via Golf Ontario. Once your seminar is completed and that you have written your exam, please inform Samuel Chainey at schainey@golfquebec.org that you have completed your exam.
  • National Level

     

    The Level 3 Rules education program consists of an eight-week online webinar run by Golf Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest level. This program is intended for experienced Referees who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a referee.

    Eligibility:

    • Provincial level certification (written and practical components completed)

    Requirements to be Nationally Certified:

    • Attend all webinars and achieve a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
    • Complete 100 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
    • Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.

     

     


Become a rules official – Golf Canada 

 

 

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