Become A Rules Official

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 in the field. 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.

CLICK HERE to begin Level 1

Please note when you register to participate in the R&A Rules Academy through the Academy’s R&D Rules website, your contact information and other relevant information, including exam results, will be shared with Golf Canada. Golf Canada reserves the right to use this information to communicate with you about rules training, golf education, volunteer opportunities and golf events. We will use this information to promote and develop golf in Canada. For more information on how we can use and protect your personal information, please see our privacy policy by clicking here.

Provincial level seminars are conducted by the provincial golf associations (PA), 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 along while also implementing on-course demonstrations. The Provincial level is designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.

Eligibility:

• Level 1 certified (online)

Requirements to be Provincially Certified:

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

For National accompanying opportunities in your area, please see the Golf Canada Competitions schedule or contact your Provincial Association for more information.

National level seminars consist of a three-day seminar 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 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, including 10 of those hours accompanying a current Nationally certified Referee.

The 2023 Level 3 Rules Seminars focus on the Rules of Golf, emphasis on the changes, and clarifications. After the education portion of the session, participants will be encouraged to bring their questions to a discussion portion at the end of session.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Fully certified Level 2 Provincial or Level 3 National Referees may attend these seminars.

• Each Session: Maximum of 30 people
• Cost: $150/seminar
• Registration fee includes a 2023 Rules of Golf and Officials Guide

Individuals must meet one (1) of the following criteria to participate:

• Level 2 Provincial Certification
• Level 3 National Certification
• PGA/USGA Rules Exam (100-question exam only)
  • Achieved a minimum of 70% or better on the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Examination between 2020 – 2022.

Due to the number of changes and new information contained in the 2023 Rules of Golf, it is important Referees attend one of the seminar options offered. All Referees wishing to work a Golf Canada competition in 2023 must attend a Rules seminar.
As a reference, the R&A and USGA are mandating all Referees write the exam, regardless of the Referee’s certification date prior to 2023.

Register for the Online Rules Seminar here.

Schedule

The exam preparation webinars are designed to prepare Level 3 officials to write the exam.  The webinars will focus on randomly reviewing the Rules, Definitions, Interpretations, and Committee Procedures.  Each session will have a combination of question-and-answer periods where participants identified before the session will be responsible for answering questions from the instructors, and open discussion on topics or questions raised by the participants. This session may also be audited where a participant will not engage in the question-and-answer portion but may observe.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Referees who are registered to write the Level 3 Rules of Golf Exam.

• Active Participants: 20 people
  Cost: $100/webinar
• Audit Session: 20 people
  Cost: $50/webinar

Individuals must meet one (1) of the following criteria to participate:

• Level 2 Provincial Certification
• Level 3 National Certification
• PGA/USGA Rules Exam (100-question exam only)
  • Achieved a minimum of 70% or better on the PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Examination between 2020 – 2022.

Register for the Exam Preparation Webinar here.

Schedule

Level 3 Exams may be written online or in person with the schedules listed below for each.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Referees who are registered to write the Level 3 Rules of Golf Exam.

Cost: $100 to write online or in-person.

Register to write the Level 3 Exam here.

Online Schedule

The exam may be written online on any of the following dates:

• Sunday, April 2^nd
• Monday, April 3^rd
• Tuesday, April 4^th
• Wednesday, April 5^th

*Please note that Golf Canada online/IT support will be available only between 9:00am – 9:00pm ET.

A passing mark for the Level 3 Exam is 80%.  Anyone who achieves this mark will be certified for four (4) years.

If a Referee writes the Level 3 Exam before their certification is up, and does not meet the passing mark, this does not affect their current certification.

In-person Schedule

The Regional TARS is a workshop for referees at the National Level who are either just beginning their journey, or already on their journey, and who would benefit from attending. Referees will receive hands-on experience to learn the duties of a tournament rules chair by setting up a championship course. Priority would be given to those who do not have vast experience to attend these sessions.

Entry Requirements & Eligibility
Fully certified Level2 (Provincial) or Level 3 (National) referees along with PGA of Canada members can attend the in-person seminars.

Cost: $300/person (Includes breakfast, lunch, and a dinner.)

Register for the Regional TARS here.

Schedule