FEDERATION FOR
INTERNATIONAL
FOOTGOLF

4. FIFG COMPETITION REGULATIONS

 

4.1 PLAYER TYPES

Players will choose what category they want to represent at the moment they purchase their World Tour

License. A category will be open with a minimum of 150 players. Regions may add subcategories to their

Rankings.

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Men              All male players, excluding those in other categories.

Senior 45+  Male players born in 1977 and before.

Senior 55+  Male players born in 1967 and before.

Women        All female players

Juniors*      All players born in 2005 and after.

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*There will be no Junior ranking, however, Juniors are eligible to compete within the general classification if

they have an exemption authorized by FIFG and FIFG Member Country.

 

Points         Allocated to the category the player belongs to.

Prizes         For each category.

Flights        Can be mixed except for final round where there should be final flights for each category.

Tee Zones  Different for Senior, Senior Plus and Women is optional on a Regional basis.

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4.2 FIFG WORLD TOUR LICENSE

To play FIFG 100/FIFG 250/FIFG 500/FIFG MAJOR/FIFG MASTERS/FIFG WORLD CUP competitions, players

must be affiliated to the FIFG Member in their Country of birth or permanent residency and hold a World Tour

License.

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A World Tour License of 20.00 euro is required for any tournament with FIFG Ranking points.

 

Registration for FIFG competitions will be open all year round. A player’s ranking will be activated after they

obtain their membership. Tournaments prior to activation will not count.

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Players from non-FIFG countries must contact the FIFG directly and register as a guest player.

If a player´s situation is not completely clear in terms of registration, or any sort of penalty, they will be able to

present a query to the FIFG committee in order to perform an analysis of the situation for proper arbitration.

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4.3 TOURNAMENT TYPES

Different type of tournaments are categorized globally with the intention of simplifying the opportunities for

Member Countries and Players around the world to develop a stronger united FIFG.

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Our aim is to create a pyramid of competitive play globally that all of our Member Countries (MC) and Member

Players can access.

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T1        FIFG World Tour or FIFG Regional Tour events that use the global tournament system; Open to FIFG Members

            ONLY

T2       FIFG Member Country Tournaments (National Tours or tournaments that form part of a ranking system).                     Open to FIFG Members and members of FIFG Member countries

T3       FIFG or FIFG Member Country Affiliated Tournaments: Other tournaments at facilities recognized by MC.

T4       Non-Sanctioned Tournaments. Tournaments hosted by MC or held within MC that are not hosted by

            or staged at affiliated bodies.

T4.1 FIFG World Tour or Regional Tour events hosted by MC that accept participation of non-FIFG Members.

T4.2 NST hosted by FIFG Member that accept participation of non-FIFG Members

T4.3 NST hosted by FIFG Member that are not communicated or clash with other FIFG tournaments.

T4.4 NST hosted by non-affiliated body

 

Player Sanctions:

Type 4.1 None

Type T4.2 None / MC restrictions

Type T4.3 None / MC restrictions

Type T4.4 None

 

FIFG Member Sanctions:

Type T4.1 Cancel all future tournaments

Type T4.2 Removal of ALL current season tournaments from ranking

Type T4.3 Removal of opportunity to rank

Type T4.4 None

 

MC who are organizing tournaments in other countries must have official approval of the country where the

event is taking place.

 

Review Process:

Any sanction is subject to FIFG Member Country dispute and finalized by FIFG Board

 

MC Restrictions:

Member Country restrictions are supported by FIFG. Any restriction must be communicated with FIFG

board@fifg.org.

 

4.4 TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES & APPLICATIONS

FIFG Member countries can apply to host subject to guidelines set by WT committee.

 

4.4.1 TOURNAMENT HOSTING

MASTERS

The location of FIFG Masters will be decided by the FIFG Board.

 

MAJORS

The location of FIFG Majors will be recommended by each region and approved by the FIFG Board.

 

FIFG 500

The location of FIFG 500 will be decided by each Region.

 

FIFG 250

FIFG250 allocated to all eligible FIFG MC. This level tournament must follow 4.4.2 and 4.4.3

 

FIFG 100

FIFG100 allocated to all eligible FIFG MC. This level tournament must follow 4.4.2 and 4.4.3

 

4.4.1.1 Application Process

Email to board@fifg.org

 

4.4.2 REALLOCATION

MASTERS

In the event that a ‘Region’ cannot fulfil their allocation, other Regions will be entitled to submit a request to

host to complete the annual allowance

 

MAJORS

In the event that a ‘Region’ cannot fulfil their allocation, other Regions will be entitled to submit a request to

host to complete the annual allowance

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OTHER TOURNAMENTS

FIFG 500-250-100 tournaments will be entitled to reallocate within each regions and according to the

parameters set forth in 3.1.

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4.4.3 TOURNAMENT CLASHES

Masters/World Cup   No clashes permitted

                        FIFG100     FIFG250     FIFG500     FIFG Major

FIFG Major    YES*  OTHER REGION*  NO             NO

FIFG500        YES          YES           NO             NO

FIFG250        YES          YES          YES      OTHER REGION

FIFG100        YES          YES          YES            YES

 

*NEW FIFG Member Countries are not permitted to clash with FIFG Majors.

 

In case an organizer moves for any reason to a high ranked (FIFG 250 or higher) tournament, clashes should be

avoided if possible.

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4.4.4 TOURNAMENT REQUIREMENTS

For detailed requirements please see FIFG Standards.

 

4.4-5 TOURNAMENT POINTS

PLAYERS WILL BE AWARDED 92% OF THE PRECEEDING POSITION

 

FIFG100

1               100

2                 92

3                 85

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FIFG250

1               250

2              230

3              212

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FIFG500

1               500

2               460

3               423

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FIFG1000

1             1000

2               920

3               846

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FIFG MASTERS1500

1 1500

2 1380

3 1270

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4.4.6 TOURNAMENT FUNDING

Tournament fees paid by FIFG member countries to FIFG

 

                                                               Payable TO

FIFG100             25.00 – 50.00 Euro*      Regional Fund

FIFG250                   250.00 Euro               Global Fund

FIFG500                  500.00 Euro               Global Fund

FIFG Major            1000.00 Euro               Global Fund

 

A prize pool for end of season trophies and awards will be budgeted by FIFG.

60% Prize fund of Tournament Fees for player credit/prize.

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Trophies for previous year WT POYs, to be given at The Masters or at the last Major.

*Decided and collected by Region.

 

FIFG Tournament Fees

Fees will be invoiced on June 30th for the period 1.1 to 30.6 and on December 31st for the period 1.7 to 31.12.

FIFG Member countries missing this first payment will be unable to host further tournaments until debt

cleared.

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4.4.7 PRIZE FUND

Minimum Prize Fund

                          MINIMUM (EURO)    MAXIMUM (EURO)

FIFG MAJOR          7500.00              NO Maximum

FIFG500          Use Entry Fee v Prize Pool Table as guidance

 

Entry Fee v Prize Pool

A minimum of TEN percent of the entry fee will be allocated as a minimum to a tournament prize pool of the

players’ entry fee for FIFG500.

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The entry fee and tournament prize fund are decided by the tournament host.

 

Example MINIMUM Prize Pool (Euro)

 

Entry Fee                         100         200         300

LOW LIMIT (100)           1000       2000      3000

150 Players                     1500       3000      4500

200 Players                    2000      4000      6000

HIGH LIMIT                     2000      4000      6000

 

The LOW limit represents the minimum prize pool created by entry fee contribution according to 0-100

players registered.

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The HIGH limit represents the maximum prize pool created by entry fee contribution.

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An organizer can increase the Prize Pool at their discretion.

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4.4.7.1 PAYMENTS

Organizers are entitled to a maximum period of 30 days to make the payment to players.

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Furthermore, only effective real money can be used to pay the cash prize. The organizing country will receive

a 500 Euro penalty if they do not comply with this rule.

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ALL organizers MUST communicate the payment procedure of their cash prizes to the players BEFORE

opening registration.

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4.4.7.2 WORLD RANKING & REGIONAL RANKING PRIZE MONEY CREDIT

The prize money would be distributed for the top players at the World Masters and/or as a credit to be used

during FIFG tournaments the following year. As a reference, these were the places and amounts for 2022:

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4.4.8 TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BLUEGOLF:

In 2023, BlueGolf will be the console used by the FIFG for the World Ranking and Regional Rankings. BlueGolf

can also be used by Member Countries for their ‘National Tour’. It can also be used for live scoring and player

statistics. The FIFG Tournament Control Team will be available for all MC.

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A fee of 1.57 Euro per player per registration is paid direct to BlueGolf. Stripe Merchant fee will be 2.9% of the

registration fee plus a transaction fee of 0.30 euro. The FIFG will invoice monthly for BlueGolf registration

fees.

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BlueGolf Registration Fees:

Invoice                     1st of each month

Payment                 20th of each month*

 

*Penalty for late payments

 

21st to 19th of the following month               10% of total invoice

20th +                                                                20% of total invoice

 

BlueGolf Service for Member Countries: 

BlueGolf has identified a solution that would allow FIFG Member Countries to utilize their own BlueGolf

console using their TM service. This service is a light version of the BlueGolf 360 product that FIFG utilizes, but

packs a ton of great features that will deliver great value. The service includes member management, online

registration, payments in local currency and a full suite of tournament management services.

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The cost for the service is a fee of $1,195 USD per year (flat fee, no additional €1.57 per registered player) plus

a one-time setup fee of $399. As a special offer to FIFG member countries, BlueGolf will waive the $399 onetime

setup fee for all countries that sign on for services by May 1, 2023. Credit Card fees would be paid to

Stripe and charged at your local rate. The tournament system will also take registrations in any currency.

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4.4.9 TOURNAMENT CONTROL

CONTROL TEAM:

The FIFG Tournament Control Team will create ALL tournaments within the system for Member Countries

subject to completion of MASTER FILE.

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Every Member Country is responsible for updating their ‘MASTER’ tournament calendar, location and FIFG

points using the excel document provided at Season Zero.

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Season ZERO    15 January    Members to declare number of tournaments to host

Deadline ONE    31 January    FIFG MAJOR / FIFG 500

Deadline TWO   28 February  FIFG 250 / FIFG 100

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The FIFG TCT will award the points to the rankings of the previous week every Wednesday.

 

TOURNAMENT EVALUATION:

Players will receive objective evaluation form through e-mail to inform the FIFG about the tournaments being

held by Member Countries, in order to improve player experience and send feedback to organizers.

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TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR:

The FIFG may appoint an official to oversee each Major, 500 and 250 to ensure the global parameters are met

remotely or in person (costs apply).

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4.5 GENERAL RULES

4.5.1 PLAYER REPRESENTATION

Players can represent an FIFG Member Country based on

 

- Passport

- Residency (Minimum period of 2 years)

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A player who previously played in any FIFG World Cup, Continental Championship or FIFG World/Regional

Tour representing a FIFG Member country may change to another country if:

 

- Player has multiple passports.

- Player shows Proof of Residence in the country he wishes to play for, for a period of 2 years

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A change of country they represent can only be done ONCE.

 

Acceptance of Nationality amendment is subject to written approval from FIFG Board and both residing

Presidents of FIFG Member countries involved.

 

The player and requesting FIFG member country must make the request in writing. A period of 60 days will be

actioned from the original letter date until final approval.

 

On all occasions the FIFG Board may take decisions of a general or individual nature with regard to issues

resulting from nationality, citizenship, domicile or residence of any competitor including the duration of any

waiting period.

 

In this unique situation the regulation of one single change per lifetime would remain.

 

Exception applies if any FIFG Member country unifies with another FIFG member country at any point.

 

4.5.2 PLAYER CONDUCT

Players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity, showing consideration to others,

and taking good care of the course. The organizers and head marshal have authority to disqualify a player for

any serious misconduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game and in accordance with FIFG or local

tournament rules.

 

The use of alcohol, illegal drugs and smoking are STRICTLY PROHIBITED at FIFG official competitions.

 

Players must be respectful, and organizers reserve the right to remove a player from the competition at any

time for any reason.

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4.5.3 TIES

In case of a tie, the organizer must stage a playoff for minimum 1st place across all categories (exceptions in ‘force majeure’ cases) with the option to add a playoff for second and third place or cash and prize positions at their discretion which must be notified before the tournament. If the organizer chooses to not playoff for positions 2+ then countback will be used to split 2nd and 3rd with 4th and below tied. Places 1-3 receive full points, starting in 4th places ties, points will be split.

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After the third place, all players involved in a tie will be awarded the average number of points of the positions they hold (If three players tie in 10th position, these players would eventually be in positions 10, 11 and 12. The number of points for these three positions will be added and divided by 3 and this score will be awarded to the three players.)

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For all FIFG tournaments (MAJORS / FIFG 500 /FIFG 250 / FIFG 100), the playoff will be played on a minimum of one hole and a maximum of three holes for the title. If the players are still tied after the playoff, additional holes may be played or proceed to penalty putts (five putts/players from a minimum of 5 meters) followed by a sudden death penalty shootout if necessary.

 

If for any reason (climate conditions, lack of sunlight, safety, etc.) the playoff cannot take place, the organizer and marshal will proceed this way: 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions will be decided by the last 18 holes (final round) for a 36- or 54 or more-holes tournament, or by the back 9-6-3-2-1 for 18 holes tournament.

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4.5.4 DISPUTES, DECISIONS & PENALTIES

If a protest is submitted, the Committee shall bring its decision within 30 days. Players cannot agree on eliminating the validity of any of the rules, or to disregard any of the issued penalties; if they still do so, the penalty for the breach of the rule, involving disqualification, shall be made without any time limitation.

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In case the disputable affair is not being solved between the organizing Committee and the complaining player, they may both submit a request, to reach a mutually approved statement, to the Rules Committee acting as an official FIFG authority, so that they can express their opinion about the fairness of the brought decision. In the event that a decision cannot be reached, the Court of Arbitration for Sport can be consulted. A maximum deadline of 30 days will be given for a player to submit a protest.

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If any player is penalized retrospectively, the leaderboard will be updated and any prize money or award must be returned to the organizer to be re-allocated to the corresponding players after the tournament is over. The time limit for any penalization is set on 30 days after the tournament has finished.

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4.5.5 BAD WEATHER

If weather conditions force the organizer to suspend the tournament, full points will still be allocated and the result based on the number of completed rounds if the total number of holes played is at least 50% of the total number of holes.

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Before the game, if for any reason (flooding, animal damages, etc.) a hole is declared unplayable, it has to be replaced by another similar hole (same par, similar distance) or cancelled. If more than three holes are declared unplayable, then the entire course could be considered as unplayable and therefore the round may be cancelled.

 

If this happens during the game (flooding, animal damages, etc.), the tournament director has the authority to make the decision to cancel the hole and give all the player the score of the par in accordance to the approved FIFG Local Rule as outlined below. If more than three holes are declared unplayable during the game, the entire course could be considered as unplayable and the general rules of bad weather applies.

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4.5.6 COURSE DESIGN

The designer must take natural weather conditions (strong wind or heavy rain) in consideration when they design in order to prevent unplayable holes. They also have the responsibility to design a course that assures a decent pace of play for the players, especially when setting the pin position.

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It is the responsibility of the designer and tournament director to set DROP ZONES and objects to reach the ball easily on the holes which can represent a danger for the pace of play (if there is a big water obstacle to cross for example).

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4.5.7 REGISTRATION POLICIES

Players should clearly understand the terms and conditions of each competition before they register for the event.

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Players are reminded to check in advance the cancellation policy for all tournaments by contacting the organizer directly. The FIFG accepts no responsibility for loss incurred to FIFG members or players for cancelled tournaments. Players who do not follow the registration and cancellation policy can be blocked on the suggestion of a MC to the Competitions Committee for future tournaments.

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4.5.8 LOCAL RULES

Organizers are permitted to introduce local rules approved by FIFG Rules Committee and must notify players in advance.

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FIFG APPROVED LOCAL RULES:

The FIFG Rules Committee has the following list of approved local rules that do not require prior consent.

These local rules may or may not be applied by the organizers.

 

‘Unplayable’ Hole

Score average versus PAR: In addition to Rule 1-3-4 and as outlined below under the section Bad Weather, when declaring a hole unplayable based on score, the organizer must use the statistics to review the average score.

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Hole average per category per round:

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+1.00 v PAR             Tournament Committee to review

+1.50 v PAR             Hole may be declared unplayable and PAR awarded to all players within category affected

 

Bad weather

In addition to FIFG Rules and as outlined above under the section Bad Weather, when declaring a hole unplayable due to inclement weather, the organizer is entitled to use a wind measuring device or gauge but must announce the speed and timeframe of such a decision before play.

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Furthermore, a pace of play guide can be used to remove any hole deemed to create a disturbance to the overall tournament pace of play. Again any information must be shared before play.

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Footwear and Clothing

In addition to FIFG Rules, weather specific clothing, calf type socks (as long as they are worn with regular socks underneath), Soccer cleats (Strictly subject to venue), and religious or cultural attire may be accepted should the organizer decide.

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‘Seeded’ Draw

Tournament organizers must use an approved ‘Seeding’ draw model for FIFG Majors, FIFG500 and FIFG250 for the FIRST tournament round in order to make sure that Top ranked players are in the same group/timeframe. Subsequent rounds must follow ranking order. Seeded players should represent 25% of the total field (maximum 50 players) with a four ball featuring a minimum of TWO seeded players in each flight.

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Seed Model EXAMPLE:

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1. FORMER WINNERS

2. MAJOR CHAMPIONS

3. FIFG WORLD TOUR PREVIOUS SEASON

4. FIFG WORLD TOUR CURRENT SEASON

5. FIFG REGIONAL TOUR PREVIOUS SEASON

6. FIFG REGIONAL TOUR CURRENT SEASON

7. NATIONAL RANKINGS PREVIOUS SEASON

8. NATIONAL RANKING CURRENT SEASON

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4.5.9 ORGANIZER CONDUCT

Organizers must report the name of the Tournament Director and the name of the Head Marshals before the

beginning of the competition.

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Each organizer has the authority to adopt their own Code of Conduct for their tournaments if it still respects the FIFG rulebook guidelines about etiquette and behavior.

 

Any FIFG Member Country with outstanding debt (membership fees or tournament fees) from the previous season will be unable to stage ANY FIFG tournament until the payment is cleared

 

4.5.10 FIFG LOGOS

Players must request the FIFG World Tour logo from their FIFG Member Country.

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The FIFG World Tour logo must be used in conjunction with the logo of the national organization (FIFG Member Country).

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If authorization is not given, players are not allowed to use the FIFG logo or FIFG World Tour logo on their uniform. Uniforms with FIFG Member/World Tour Logos combination can be used to compete in FIFG World Tour/FIFG Member Countries events only. Reported players will lose their points on that specific tournament.

 

Each FIFG Member Country is responsible for providing authorization and the correct file to players.

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FOOTGOLF LOGOS NOT ASSOCIATED TO THE FIFG ARE PROHIBITED. SANCTION COULD

POTENTIALLY REACH PLAYER DISQUALIFICATION.