Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

SGA Secretariat

April 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Code of Conduct applies to National, Junior National, Development and Junior Development Squad members participating in all overseas and local tournaments, championships, major activities, events and competitions organized or sanctioned by the SGA. This is in addition to any other requirements expected of players as laid out in the tournament conditions, local rules or bye-laws of hosting clubs.

 

2. CODE OF CONDUCT

  • General
  1. Members of the National, Junior National, Development and Junior Development Squad shall adhere to commonly accepted standards of golfing etiquette and sportsmanship whenever they participate in a competition.
  2. In order to ensure proper standards of behaviour at all times, a player who commits an offence under this Code is liable to face disciplinary proceedings.

 

3. Definitions and Interpretation

3.1 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:

a. “SGA” means the Singapore Golf Association;

b. “accused player” means the player accused of an offence under this Code;

c. “Code” means this Code of Conduct;

d. “Organising Committee” means the committee appointed by SGA to organize a competition;

e. “competition” means an overseas or local championship, event, competition, practice session or major activity organized or sanctioned by SGA;

f. “Investigating Officer” means a person appointed by the SGA to investigate a report;

g. “report” means any oral or written statement by any person of an alleged offence by a player under this Code;

h. “player” means a player or participant in a competition;

i. “Disciplinary Board” means the SGA Disciplinary Working-Group, appointed by the Executive Board of SGA, which will convene to consider, hear and determine a report referred to the Disciplinary Working-Group under this Code;

j. “Executive Board” refers to the Executive Board of the SGA.

k. An act is deemed to occur:

i. when traveling to or from a competition/training;

ii. on any qualifying or practice day for a competition/training; or

iii. on any day during which the competition/training is conducted.

l. “Athlete life development” means the Athlete’s education, career and personal Development

m. “Coach” means pathway development coach, youth team coach and any other coach who is engaged/appointed by the NSA into train and develop the Athlete.

n. “High Performance Sport development plan” for athletes means a comprehensive strategy and operational plan designed to optimize the athletic performance and development of individual athletes or teams, to maximise their potential in pursuit of elite athletic achievement. It typically comprises the yearly planning instrument for the athlete (i.e. training and competition plans), athlete life planning, and sport science support etc.

o. “High Performance Sport personnel” refers to coaches, trainers and other professionals appointed by the NSA who provide support to the athletes to perform at the elite level.

p. “Safe Sport Unified Code” shall mean the code that defines the forms of abuse and harassment which may take place in the sporting environment, as set out at www.safesport.sg/safe-sport-programme/unified-code and as may be amended from time to time.

q. “Safe Sport Programme” is a framework for applying, implementing and enforcing the Safe Sport Unified Code.

r. “National Sports Association” or “NSA” refers to the sports association recognised by Sport Singapore and the International Federation as the local governing body for the sport.

s. “Prohibited Substances and Methods” means whether particular substances or methods are banned in particular sports, as the listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on WADA’s website at: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list. The list is updated by WADA annually and is the International Standard defining what is prohibited In-Competition and Out-of-Competition. WADA reviews and updates the List annually. The updated Prohibited List comes into effect on 1 January every year.

t. “World Anti-Doping Code” refers to the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. It works in conjunction with the International Standards that aim to foster consistency among anti-doping organizations in various areas.

u. “Testing Pools” means the groups of athletes who are subject to doping control testing.

v. “Therapeutic Use Exemption” or “TUE” allows an Athlete with a medical condition to use a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, but only if the conditions set out in Article 4.4 of the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions are met. The authorisation for an athlete to take a medication that is used for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes, comes with prior approval granted by an independent TUE Committee as assigned by the ADS.

 

4. Athlete’s high performance and athlete life development

4.1       The Athlete shall: 

a. Collaborate and take active ownership with the coach, NSA and/or SportSG for both his High-Performance Sport development and athlete life development.

b. For High Performance Sport development, ensure that his coach collaborates with the NSA’s high-performance personnel and SportSG to fulfil his High-Performance plan.

c. Comply with his High-Performance Sport development plan to the best of his abilities.

d. Provide regular updates on his performance progress and personal development to the NSA. This includes the submission of achievements and receipts where necessary.

e. Promptly inform the NSA regarding any changes to personal and medical particulars, as well as training, competition and personal development plans.

f. Represent the Republic of Singapore in all NSA designated training camps, competitions and events. If the Athlete is unable to attend, he must inform the NSA within 3 days of being notified of such camp, competition or event, citing reasons and documentary proof (exams, overseas, etc).

g. Refrain from participating in any competition that is not permitted under the policies of the NSA.

 

5. Medical & Physical Fitness, Information and Research.

5.1       The Athlete agrees and consents to: 

a. Maintain the highest possible level of health and physical well-being. The Athlete should:

 i. Immediately notify the Coach and NSA as soon as he is injured or ill, if his training will be interrupted for three (3) or more consecutive days.

ii. Keep NSA updated on changes to his health and physical condition for the duration of this Agreement.

 

6. Compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code

6.1       The Athlete agrees to: 

a. Recognise Anti-Doping Singapore (ADS) as the national anti-doping organisation of Singapore possessing the primary authority to adopt and implement anti-doping rules, direct the collection of samples, manage test results, and conduct disciplinary hearings, at the national level.

b. Be familiar with the rights and responsibilities of an athlete, in the context of anti-doping in sport as stipulated in Anti-Doping Policy of Singapore and the ADS Anti-Doping Rules adopted and implemented in pursuant to the Code.

c. Submit to unannounced doping controls tests when required by ADS, the NSA, SportSG, the International Federation, the International Olympic Committee or any other anti-doping organisation.

d. Provide prompt and accurate whereabouts information when included into the Testing Pools of ADS or their International Federation, or whenever required by any other antidoping organisation.

e. Submit timely Therapeutic Use Exemption applications to ADS or the International Federation, where relevant, as soon as a medical condition requiring the use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for treatment is diagnosed.

f. Take responsibility to ensure he receives anti-doping education by completing appropriate resources provided by ADS and/or other Anti-Doping Organizations. (eg. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s Anti-Doping Education & Learning (ADEL) platform.

 

6.2 The submission of personal and medical information and data to ADS in accordance with the ADS Anti-Doping Rules shall be deemed to have been made with the agreement by the Athlete that such information and data may be utilised by ADS, such organisation or person for the purposes of the implementation of the ADS Anti-Doping Rules.

 

6.3 The provisions of this section are in addition to and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the obligations set out in the Anti-Doping Policy of Singapore, the ADS Anti-Doping Rules or to define the ambit of the ADS Anti-Doping Rules.

 

7. Apparel & Equipment

7.1       The Athlete agrees to: 

a. Wear and use designated team clothing and equipment whilst competing or carrying out any sports-related activities required by the NSA.

b.Neither use nor permit the use of such designated team clothing and equipment for any commercial purpose without prior written consent of the NSA and SportSG.

c. Not wear a political emblem when the Athlete may be identified as a national athlete of Singapore, or when the Athlete is participating in any sporting competition.

 

8. National Representative, Sports Ambassador & Role Model

8.1       The Athlete recognises that his/her behaviour will reflect on the country, NSA and SportSG. The Athlete is expected to: 

a. Display responsible and exemplary behaviour, at all times, on or off field.

b. Maintain good conduct and sportsmanship in training, competition or on duty as a sports ambassador in a manner that does not bring SportSG, the NSA or Singapore into disrepute and tarnish the image of the Sport.

c. Compete fairly and abide by rule and the spirit of his sport,and accept victory and defeat with dignity and grace.

d. Behave and dress in a respectable, professional and sporting manner when representing Singapore both in and out of competition.

e. Be responsible for maintaining an environment which is fair, supportive, equitable and free from harassment and abuse.

f. Not engage in any the sexual, physical and/or psychological misconduct under Article 4 of the Safe Sport Unified Code.

g. Not engage in activities that may violate the laws of Singapore or that of any other country where training or competition is held.

h. Obtain prior consent and approval of the NSA and SportSG before engaging directly/indirectly in any occupation, business or trade including product endorsements and sponsorship agreements.

i. Not make any public statement which is derogatory of SportSG, the NSA or any of the bodies working to promote sport in Singapore, nor make any critical statement or disparaging remarks in respect of another sporting competitor on a personal basis. Fair comment about a fellow competitor made honestly and without the use of offensive language and related to the sporting event/competition or the sport where the substance of the comment is known (or can be shown) to be true will not constitute a critical statement or disparaging remark for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

9. Compliance with the Safe Sport Unified Code

9.1       In playing his part to maintain an environment that is free from abuse and harassment, the Athlete agrees: 

a. To be responsible for knowing the behaviours which constitute misconduct under the Safe Sport Unified Code, the Athlete’s Code of Conduct and relevant Safe Sport policy (e.g. NSA, Singapore National Olympic Council, Singapore National Paralympic Council).

b. To comply with his obligations and avoid any behaviours which would constitute misconduct under the codes and policies at Clause 9.1(a) above.

c. To complete the Safe Sport training and education required from time-to-time by SportSG, the Singapore National Olympic Council and/or the Singapore National Paralympic Council.

d. To submit to the processes for the resolution of any alleged breach of the Safe Sport Unified Code, which have been delegated by SportSG, NSA and/or the Singapore National Olympic Council to the designated investigative or disciplinary bodies under the Safe Sport Programme.

e. That SportSG shall have the discretion to recognise decisions, measures and/or sanctions imposed through the processes set out in the Safe Sport Programme in determining the appropriate action to be taken in the event the Athlete breaches the Safe Sport Unified Code.

 

10. Offences

Please Click Here to view the Code of Conduct Offences

 

11. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Discipline procedures

First Warning:

  • Written warning shall be issued by coach via email to squad member.
  • 1 minute plank, 20 push ups and a run for entire training squad at that session
  • Examples include, but are not limited to:
    1. Being Late
    2. not doing your warmup
    3. leaving facilities in a mess
    4. Not using a sand bottle/bag when on course
    5. Being asked to put your phone away more than once

YELLOW CARD

  • Written notice shall be issued by coach via email to squad member.
  • Up to 3-months suspension from ALL SGA activities
  • 2 written warnings (within 3 months) = 1 yellow card
  • Compulsory Meeting with the SGA HP Team
  • Immediate Yellow card offences include, but are not limited to:
    1. Not Showing up, without giving notice
    2. Statistics on Upgame not input within 2 days of a tournament round
    3. Tournament Reflection form not completed within 2 days of tournament ending
    4. Tournament results not submitted by the 5th of the month for OOM calculation.

 

RED CARD

  • Written notice shall be issued by coach via email to squad member.
  • Up to 12-months suspension from ALL SGA activities
  • 2 yellow cards = 1 red card
  • Compulsory Meeting with the SGA HP Team & T&D Committee
  • Automatic Red card offences include, but are not limited to:
    1. Deliberately breaks the Rules of Golf
    2. Deliberately returns false score
    3. Found in the accommodation of a player of an opposite gender, unless allowed

Expulsion (2 Red Cards in a year = Expulsion)

  • Written notice shall be issued to squad member.
  • Immediate suspension and meeting with disciplinary committee from SGA to decide if the severity of the offence is such that an immediate Expulsion is appropriate.
  • ANY red card offence can lead to Expulsion if the severity is deemed high enough.

 

12. Reporting and Consideration

a. Any report made to the SGA or the Organising Committee during or after the competition shall be referred to an Investigating Officer.

b. The Investigating Officer shall carry out a preliminary investigation and gather all the facts of the complaint. These may include interviewing the accused player and getting a written report from him.

c. The Investigating Officer shall present this initial report to the SGA Training and Selection Sub-Committee which shall then deliberate whether:

i. No further action should be taken; or

ii. To refer the report to the Disciplinary Working-Group.

d.Upon receiving a report, the Disciplinary Working-Group shall determine whether:

i. To dismiss the report; or

ii. To convene a hearing in relation to the report.

e. If the Disciplinary Working-Group determines to convene a hearing in relation to the report, it shall give at least 7 days written notice to the accused player stating:

i. The date, time and place at which it shall hear and determine the report;

ii. Brief of the report;

iii. That the accused player is entitled to be assisted or represented by another person.

 

13. Disciplinary Hearing

a. At the commencement of the hearing, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Working-Group shall read out the report and the alleged offence by the accused player under this Code.

b. If the accused player is not present at the hearing, the Disciplinary Working-Group shall:

i. Proceed to hear and determine the report and the penalty (if any) to be imposed;

or

ii. Adjourn the hearing of the report for such period determined by the Disciplinary Working-Group and shall give written notice of the time and place when the hearing shall resume.

c. If the accused player is present, the Chairman shall ask the accused player whether he wishes to admit or deny the alleged offence.

d. If the accused player admits the alleged offence, the Disciplinary Working-Group shall deliberate the penalty and then announce the penalty to be imposed on the accused player.

e. If the accused player denies the alleged offence, he shall give evidence and bring any relevant witnesses to support his case.

f. After the presentation of evidence and hearing any final submissions by the accused player, the Disciplinary Working-Group shall determine whether the accused player is guilty of an offence under this Code and the penalty shall be imposed on the accused player.

g. The Disciplinary Working-Group shall then announce its decision to the accused player.

 

14. Right of Appeal

a. A player may appeal the decision of the Disciplinary Working-Group to the Executive Board by giving written notice to SGA within 7 days of the date of decision by the Disciplinary Working-Group.

b. In the event of an appeal, the Executive Board shall re-hear the report at such a time and in such a manner as the Executive Board deems appropriate. A quorum of at least three members of the Executive Board shall be present to hear an appeal.

c. Upon re-hearing a report, the Executive Board shall affirm, vary or substitute the decision as it may deem appropriate.

d. The Executive Board’s decision is final.

 

15. Penalties

a. In the event that a player is found guilty of an offence under this Code, one or a combination of the following penalties shall be imposed:

i. Expelled from the National, Junior National, Development and Junior Development Squad

ii. Deprived of benefits that are given as part of National, Junior National, Development and Junior Development Squad member for a given period of time;

iii. Suspended from representing the country for a number of tournaments or a period of time (the number and period to be decided by the Disciplinary Board);

iv. Disqualified from a tournament;

v. Given a severe reprimand.