The RCGA offers several programs to learn the Rules of Golf. The RCGA Education Program is designed for all golfers wishing to improve their level of knowledge of the Rules of Golf including recreational golfers, competitive golfers, professionals and rules officials, or those wishing to become a rules official.

Whether you have an interest in learning the basics or wish to pursue national certification as a rules official, the RCGA offers the right program for you. Read about each level of education below and then click on the appropriate link for more information.

LEVEL 1
Level 1 of the program is a beginner program that introduces the basic concepts and language of the Rules of Golf. Examples, videos, animations and exercises are used to introduce the student to the principles of the Rules and how to use the Rules book. The program is ideal for juniors, beginners and golfers who have had no previous experience with the Rules. This program is available online by clicking on the link above.

LEVEL 2
Level 2 of the program builds on the experience of Level 1 and introduces the key reference manual for officials: the Decisions on the Rules of Golf. This complex publication is the key to understanding how the Rules of Golf are applied on the course. In addition to introducing some of the fundamental rules through examples, videos and exercises, Level 2 teaches the student how to use the Decisions book effectively when the Rules book alone does not provide the answer.

Certification:

• Achieve 80% on the Level 2 Exam at www.rulesofgolf.ca
• Complete 20 hours of satisfactory on-course experience as a Starter/Scorer/Official at club, regional or provincial events

LEVEL 3
Level 3 of the program is comprised of a three day seminar conducted by the provincial golf associations. The seminar covers the most common Rules of Golf and includes practical sessions that demonstrate how the Rules apply on the golf course. To be certified at Level 3 an official must successfully pass the exam and meet the minimum practical requirements. The Level 3 program leads to provincial certification as a tournament official. Once Level 3 certified, an official is qualified to attend the Level 4 national certification seminar. To find out about seminars in your area, please contact your provincial golf association by clicking here or the Level 3 link above.

Certification:

• Pre-requiste: Level 2 Certification
• Complete Level 3 Rules of Golf Seminar
• Achieve 85% on Level 3 Exam
• 10 hours accompanying a Certified Rules Official as an observer at a regional or provincial event
• Minimum of 50 hours of satisfactory on-course experience as a Rules Official at regional or provincial events
  Note: Level 3 and Level 4 exams must be written in separate calendar years.

LEVEL 4
Level 4 of the program leads to national rules certification. This is a necessary, but not sufficient qualification to work as a rules official at an RCGA national championship. The Level 4 program is intended for experienced rules officials who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a rules official. Considerable time is spent on the golf course discussing complex issues of the Rules of Golf. The optional 3 ½ hour exam is a rigorous test of the Rules of Golf intended to identify those candidates with the highest level of knowledge. Registration is available online by clicking the Level 4 link above.

Certification:

• Pre-requiste: Level 3 Certification
• Complete Level 4 RCGA Rules of Golf Seminar
• Achieve 85% on the RCGA Rules of Golf exam
• 100 hours of satisfactory on-course experience as a Level 3 Rules Official at regional or provincial events

The SGA offers an annual workshop for volunteers to learn how to become a Course Rater.  Course Raters are provided with a course rating manual in addition to the Men's and Women's Guides.

The 2010 workshop will be held on May 18-19 at The Willows Golf and Country Club in Saskatoon.  The instructor will be Richard Smith.

Rating Teams go out and rate all of the Saskatchewan courses requiring a re-rate in 2010.  New raters will be paired with Experienced raters who will serve as mentors.