There are few more important challenges for golf clubs than ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of their members & customers by aspiring to provide a safe & inclusive environment.

By utilising robust policies & procedures it ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, but most importantly, demonstrates a commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for all.

England Golf support clubs to achieve and maintain the SafeGolf accreditation, in order that the golf community can collectively ensure minimum safeguarding standards are met, as recommended by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).

For specific resources to help you achieve the SafeGolf accreditation click here.

In our modern, well-informed society, it is vital that the make-up of our golf club Boards and Committees is reflective of its membership, and that the users of the club reflect the community that it serves.

By having a suitable, up-to-date ED&I policy, clubs can set expectations of inclusive behaviour, processes & standards, and promote their adherence to the Equality Act (2010), alongside documenting their commitment to tackle any form of discrimination.

England Golf help by providing a template policy and supporting resources to guide clubs on what must be included. A club's ED&I policy is more than just an essential document, it determines the future growth of your golf club.

To see these resources and additional support with club policies, click here.

Members, at both member-owned and proprietary golf clubs will agree to abide by the club’s rules and regulations when they join and renew each year, and whilst the majority of members will respect and adhere to these, there will be occasional transgressions.

It is therefore essential that your club has a robust and repeatable set of disciplinary procedures which documents how these matters should be handled, ensuring that issues can be dealt with effectively and consistently.

England Golf support clubs in providing guidance as to what should be included in a disciplinary procedure and have a full template available to ensure the criteria is met.

To see these resources and additional support with club policies, click here.

It is widely recognised that one of the unique and most enjoyable aspects of the sport is the ability for golfers with different levels of skill to enjoy a social or competitive game together.

Within club rules and/or their governing documents, clubs must agree to comply with the WHS™ rules of handicapping and any conditions/discretions imposed within the system by England Golf.

By agreeing to follow the same set of rules, all affiliated clubs support the enjoyment of the game for golfers playing at any facility, with any other golfer, at any time.

Within club rules and/or their governing documents, they must agree to recognise The R&A as the body responsible for the rules of golf and amateur status, and to abide by them in the competitive playing of the game.

Where breaches of the rules take place, county bodies and England Golf are part of the appeal process, as set out in the disciplinary procedures documents.