
Rules Education

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 designation by marks achieved 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 Canada has 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.
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LEVEL 1
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.
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LEVEL 2 (PROVINCIAL LEVEL)
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.
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LEVEL 3 (NATIONAL LEVEL)
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.
2023 PROGRAM UPDATES
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ONLINE RULES SEMINAR
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
Rules Seminars Seminar Format Time Instructors Monday Sessions Monday, January 30 – Monday, February 27
5-week series: 1-hour session;
30 minutes Q&A
8:00pm – 9:30pm ET Susan White Tuesday Sessions Tuesday, January 31 – Tuesday, February 28
5-week series: 1-hour session;
30 minutes Q&A
7:00pm – 8:30pm ET Nancy Layton Lee Griffin
Wednesday Sessions Wednesday, February 1 – Wednesday, March 1
(French Session)
5-week series: 1-hour session;
30 minutes Q&A
7:00pm – 8:30pm ET Diane Barabé Jacques Nols
Daily Sessions Monday, February 13 – Friday, February 17
1-week series: 1-hour session;
30 minutes Q&A
12:00pm – 1:30pm ET Tom Forestell Adam Helmer
Daily Sessions Monday, February 27 – Friday, March 3
1-week series: 1-hour session;
30 minutes Q&A
12:00pm – 1:30pm ET Jack McDonald Peter Davies
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EXAM PREPARATION WEBINARS
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
Exam Prep Webinars Seminar Format Time Instructors (2 only) Tuesday Sessions Tuesday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 28
4-week series: 1 hour 30 minutes
8:00pm – 9:30pm ET Jack McDonald Nancy Layton
Wednesday Sessions Wednesday, March 8 – Wednesday, March 29
4-week series: 1 hour 30 minutes
7:00pm – 8:30pm ET Susan White Peter Davies
Thursday Sessions Thursday, March 9 – Thursday, March 30
4-week series: 1 hour 30 minutes
8:00pm – 9:30pm ET Jean Stone-Séguin Lee Griffin
Thursday Sessions Thursday, March 9 – Thursday, March 30
(French Session)
4-week series: 1 hour 30 minutes
7:00pm – 8:30pm ET Diane Barabé Jacques Nols
- Active Participants: 20 people
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LEVEL 3 EXAM – ONLINE OR IN-PERSON
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 2nd
- Monday, April 3rd
- Tuesday, April 4th
- Wednesday, April 5th
*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
Exam – In person Dates Vancouver
Point Grey Golf & Country Club
3350 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, BC V6N 3Y9
Monday, April 3rd @ 10:00 A.M. (PST) Victoria
Victoria Golf Club
1110 Beach Drive
Victoria, BC V8S 2M9
Monday, April 3rd @ 10:00 A.M. (PST) Oakville
Golf Canada Offices – Golf House
1333 Dorval Drive, Suite 1
Oakville, ON L6M 4X7
Monday, April 3rd @ 10:00 A.M (EST) Ottawa
Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club
1 Hunt Club Road
Ottawa, ON K1V 1B9
Monday, April 3rd @ 10:00 A.M. (EST) Montréal
La Maison du Loisir et du Sport – 5th Floor
7665 Bd Lacordaire 2e étage
Montréal, QC H1S 2A7
Monday, April 3rd @ 10:00 A.M. (EST) Fredericton
Golf New Brunswick Office
500 Beaverbrook Court – Suite 300
Fredericton, NB E3B 5X4
Monday, April 3rd @ 11:00 A.M. (AST) -
REGIONAL TOURNAMENT ADMINISTRATION & REFEREE SCHOOL (TARS)
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
DATE LOCATION INSTRUCTORS May 8 – 10 Ashburn Golf Club Halifax, NS
Tom Forestell Nancy Layton
May 21 – 23 Club de golf Bromont Bromont, QC
Diane Barabe Jacques Nols
May 26 – 28 Pinebrook Golf & Country Club Calgary, AB
Susan White Peter Davies
May 29 – 31 Riverside Country Club Saskatoon, SK
Jack McDonald Brian Lee
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1. What is the Recertification process given the new Rules code?
- All Officials who intend on working at Golf Canada Championship must attend an Online Rules Seminar.
- Officials not requiring recertify (have certification from 2019-2022): Compulsory attendance at one of the rules seminar options to work Golf Canada events.
- Officials who require certification (expiring certification): Must attend an Online Rules Seminar and write the exam.
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2. I have registered for an Online Rules Seminar and/or Exam Preparation Webinar but am unable to attend one session, can I still register?
- Yes, you may still register but it is encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible to optimize your education.
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3. I would like to take the Exam Preparation Webinar to get ready for the Level 3 exam, is it a pre-requisite to take the Online Rules Seminar?
- No, it is not mandatory to take the Online Rules Seminar to take the Exam Preparation Webinar unless you are not required to recertify (see above on #1).
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4. I am attending a USGA Rules Education workshop, would that count towards my recertification process?
- Yes, Golf Canada recognizes the USGA Rules Education workshop towards the recertification process and would allow you to be work Golf Canada events.
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5. I am writing the USGA exam, if I make the certification mark, does Golf Canada recognize this exam to certify?
- Yes, Golf Canada recognizes the USGA exam and your result would certify you at an equivalent level in Canada. The highest level on the USGA exam (90% and over) would count towards your national certification. Please reach out to your respective provincial association if you need information on provincial recognition. The official does not receive a Golf Canada certificate however, a note is made on their file as a certified Referee.
Should you have any questions regarding the Golf Canada Level 3 Rules of Golf Education Program, please contact Sam Meek, smeek@golfcanada.ca.