Golf Rules Unit I

Bill Cleland - NMAA Assistant Director
Office Phone - (505) 923-3271
E-Mail: bcleland@nmact.org

Greetings from the NMAA and welcome to the Spring golf season. I hope that you had a restful and enjoyable winter and that you are excited about, and preparing for, a great season leading up to the State Championships in May 2010.

As you begin planning for this season, please be aware of the following Important Dates:
Monday, February 8, 2010 - First Spring competition date
Sunday, February 28, 2010 - Coaches deadline for completion of Online Rules Clinic
Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Roster for Eligibility due to NMAA at www.nmact.org
Thursday, April 1, 2010 - Team Photos due to NMAA at www.nmact.org
Wednesday, May 5, 2010 - Entry forms due in the NMAA office by 10:00 AM.
Sunday, May 9, 2010 - Practice rounds followed by banquet at all sites
Monday, May 10, 2010 - NMAA State Golf Championships First Round
- 5A at UNM, 4A at NMSU, A/3A at NM Tech
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - NMAA State Golf Championships Final Round
- 5A at UNM, 4A at NMSU, A/3A at NM Tech

Three years ago the NMAA adopted online rules clinics in an effort to reach all coaches and to reduce travel time and costs associated with district clinics. Last year was the first time that golf utilized this format. In light of the economic conditions we all face, it makes sense to continue in this manner. However, we still intend to have golf workshops in the future as conditions allow. NOTE: Head coaches are required to have an approved MVP account to receive credit for attending the online clinic. Please check with your school AD if you are unsure about this. Other coaches/individuals are invited to take the rules clinic as well.

As always, I urge you to make a commitment to the NMAA’s “Pursuing Victory with Honor” initiative. Each of us adults must do our part to ensure that the young people we interact with realize the crucial role of the six pillars of character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) in their lives. Please don’t miss out on any opportunity to set an example and to make a difference!
Finally, I’d like to leave you with a quote from “Two Years in St. Andrews” by George Peper, former Editor in Chief of Golf Magazine. Regarding the great game of golf he said, “It’s a game you play simply and honorably, without delay or complaint – where you respect your companions, respect the rules, and respect the ground you walk on. Where on the 18th green you remove your cap and shake hands, maybe just a little humbler and a little wiser than when you began”.

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Good luck this season.

Bill Cleland
NMAA Assistant Director

PROCEED TO UNIT II