The ALPS TOUR, part of the Satellite (Third Level) Tour, has been created to give young professionals the opportunity to play and to get a category on the European Challenge Tour or/as well as exemptions from Stage 1 of the European Tour Qualifying School.

As past years, the Alps Tour events will be played in Austria, France, Italy, Morocco and Switzerland. Other countries could be host of events if they fulfil the conditions defined by the Alps Tour Committee.
In front of the growing number of requests for participation from players of various nationalities, the Alps Tour Committee decided to open this Tour to all professionals through the organization of a Qualifying School.

Preamble

Alps Tour Golf Association
The Alps Tour Golf Association gathers two Councils: the Federations’ Council (formed by one representative of each country organizing an Alps Tour event) and the Players’ Council (formed by the players’ members of the Alps Tour).

The Alps Tour Golf Association is managed by a Board of Directors composed of:
- the representative of each member Federation
- the Chairman of the Players’ Committee
- the Chairman of the Ethics Committee.
The Board of Directors:
- establishes, advises and controls the general policy of the association
- may install all Committees which would not be provided in the statutes
- approves the Regulations of the Alps Tour and of the Alps Tour Golf Association.
Members of the Board of Directors appoint a Chairman and a General Secretary among them.

The Board of Directors has delegated its power to the Directors of Tour Operations to administer, amend, repeal or alter these Regulations in their absolute discretion and delegate to the Directors of Operations, Tournament Directors and Tournament Committees its power to administer all golf tournaments held under the auspices of the Alps Tour.

Players’ Committee
Composed of 8 players elected by the Players’ Council including one representative from Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland each, however, if there iq no valid election or there are not enough candidates, the Players’ Committee will be composed of 4 players with one player each designated by Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland and one further international player designated by the Board of the Alps Tour.
This committee proposes and suggests the means of development of the various Rules and Regulations: Sports, Ethics, Doping…

Ethics Committee
Composed of 5 members: 2 members nominated by the Federations’ Council and 3 members nominated by the Players’ Council.
Its Chairman is selected amongst the 3 players.


Definitions

Alps Tour countries are those who founded or joined the Alps Tour. In 2008, they are: Austria, France, Italy, Morocco and Switzerland.

Alps Tour Approved Tournaments shall mean all those tournaments run under the auspices of the Alps Tour.

Alps Tour Rankings Tournaments shall mean those Alps Tour approved tournaments which are nominated by the Alps Tour Committee to carry Official Money.

Regular Alps Tour Tournaments shall mean full field Alps Tour approved Ranking Tournaments.

Alps Tour Order of Merit shall mean a table listing Full Members of the Alps Tour in order of priority according to the Order of Merit points gained in each official season by them in Alps Tour Ranking Tournaments.

Alps Tour Official Season shall commence with the first event to carry official money on that season’s Rankings and conclude on the day following the final event to carry official money on that season’s Rankings.

Official Money will be calculated in euro and will be based on money won by players participating (except members of European Tour and Seniors Tour - all categories and members of European Challenge Tour – categories 1 to 10) in Alps Tour Ranking Tournaments. Where prize money is contracted in another currency, the euro equivalent will be calculated using exchange rate on the Monday of the tournament week in question.


A. MEMBERSHIP REGULATIONS

I General
a) An eligible member of the Alps Tour (as defined in AII(a) below will be regarded as a Full Member for the current official season upon receipt of the completed Membership application form.

b) Players who are eligible for membership should be a member of a PGA recognized by the European Tour or the PGA of Europe or equivalent professional governing body (or be a member of his Federation resp. affiliated club when an amateur).

c) To obtain full membership rights, players who are eligible for membership in categories 0, 1 (season 2007), 4, 6, 7 and 8 must have paid their membership fee prior to competing in their first Alps Tour Ranking Event.
A player joining the Alps Tour after this date shall not obtain full rights during the season he joins.

Players who are eligible for membership in other categories must have paid their membership fee prior to competing in their second Alps Tour Ranking Event.
A player joining the Alps Tour after this date shall not obtain full rights during the season he joins.

Membership Fee for the 2008 season: 250 Euro.

d) To obtain inclusion in the final 2008 Order of Merit and to participate in such benefits derived from, a full member must compete in a minimum of six Alps Tour Rankings tournaments in the 2008 official season encompassing at least three different countries.

NOTE:
In the event of a non-member winning an Alps Tour Ranking Event and becoming immediately eligible for membership in Category 1, the following will apply:
If he wishes to take up his membership for the current Official Season, he must do so either within 14 days of his victory or before computation of the Order of Merit following the penultimate Alps Tour Event of the relevant Official Season, or before competing in his next Alps Tour Ranking Event, whichever is the sooner.
If he fails to do so, he still retains the right to commit to membership for the following Official Season, provided he still has at least three months of that exemption remaining.
He will only be included in the Order of Merit for the current Official Season, once he has taken up membership and his ranking position will reflect only his earnings from his victory onwards. ie. unless he was already an unranked member, earnings from Alps Tour Ranking Events prior to his victory will not be credited to his ranking position for that Official Season.

AMATEURS
If an amateur who played the right number of tournaments in the right number of countries or won a tournament wants to obtain rights (category) when he turns professional, he must pay the membership fee of the concerned season and the membership fee of the current season.
According to Note to Rule 2-3 of Amateur Status, if an amateur who obtains the category 6 or 8 following his participation of Qualifying School pays his membership fee to the Alps Tour, he will not loose his amateur status.


II Eligibility - Full Membership
Only Alps Tour members will qualify for inclusion in the Alps Tour Order of Merit.

The following persons are eligible for full membership of the Alps Tour:
i) Winners of the Final Alps Tour Order of Merit (3 years exemption)
ii) Winners of Alps Tour Ranking Tournaments listed on the 2007/2008 Alps Tour Schedule for one calendar year, including amateurs who turn pros. This does not apply to winners who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all categories of members of the European Tour and Seniors Tour.
iii) The leading 25 full members (plus amateurs who turn pros), finishing within these positions in the final Alps Tour Order of Merit of the previous official season. This does not apply to players who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all categories of members of the European Tour and Seniors Tour.
iv) Players entered by their federations or governing body through the Alps Tour wild cards category.
v) The Top 35 from the 2007 Alps Tour Qualifying School
vi) Players entered by their federation or governing body through the national field.
vii) The 26th to 40th placed full Alps Tour members (plus amateurs who turn pros) in the Final Alps Tour Order of Merit of the previous official season.
viii) Players finishing between the 36th and 65th position (inclusive) at the 2007 Alps Tour Qualifying School.

Temporary Membership
Persons other than Full Members of the Alps Tour who participate in an event held under the auspices of the Alps Tour for the duration of that event.

Medical Extension Membership
Members will not, in the majority of situations, be given an extension of their membership because they have been prevented from playing due to illness or injury. However, in exceptional circumstances, the Board of Directors may in its absolute discretion grant an extension to a Member’s playing rights, where the member has suffered from serious illness or injury that has prevented him from competing in Alps Tour Ranking Events.

Note: In all cases, applications for medical exemptions must be submitted in writing prior to the conclusion of the Alps Tour Qualifying School held for the calendar year in which the member seeks to resume play.


III Termination of Membership
A player eligible to be a Full Member of the Alps Tour as defined in Regulation A(II) above shall not become or will cease to be a Member on the occurrence of one or more of the following:

i) Failure to pay the Membership Fee before participation in their second Alps Tour Ranking event in the relevant year.
ii) Resignation by the Member.
iii) A member failing to compete in the minimum number of Alps Tour Ranking tournaments for inclusion in that season’s Order of Merit.
iv) The Member no longer being eligible for Membership to the Alps Tour under Regulation A(II) above.
v) Serious breach of Code of Ethics.


B. FINAL ALPS TOUR ORDER OF MERIT
To obtain exemptions for Stage 1 of European Tour Qualifying School and for category 10 Challenge Tour, the player should be a member of a PGA recognised by the European Tour or PGAE or equivalent professional governing body.

Amateurs:
The category 10 Challenge Tour will be given to an amateur if he decides to turn professional at the end of the season.

a) The leading 5 players (including amateurs who turn pros) from the final 2008 Alps Tour Order of Merit, up to 10, not otherwise exempt, will be eligible for category 10 membership of the 2009 European Challenge Tour.
b) The leading 5 players (including amateurs) from the Alps Tour Order of Merit dated on TBA, up to 20, not otherwise exempt, will get an exemption for the Stage 1 of the 2008 European Tour Qualifying School.
It is the responsibility of all players concerned by this exemption to make sure their entries have been received by Entries Department of European Tour before the closing date.
c) Players who are full members of European Tour (all categories), European Seniors Tour (all categories) and of European Challenge Tour (cat. 1 to 10) will not be included in the Alps Tour Order of Merit.


C. ALPS TOUR EVENTS

The Alps Tour reserves the right to change or amend the format, conditions and schedule of play of any tournament.
If the number of entries is lower than that provided by the tournament regulation, the Tournament Committee AND the Alps Tour Board of Directors reserve the right to reduce the number of players qualified for the cut.

The following conditions are applicable to Alps Tour events.

1. Format
Tournaments will be held over 54 or 72 holes, depending on prize money.
From a prize money of 45,000 Euros onwards, tournaments may be held over 72 holes. Under this amount, tournament must be held over 54 holes.

2. Tournament Field
The field depends on season and daylight. Maximum 132 players (except for “special” events). The number of players qualified for the final round(s) depends on prize money.
For each event, the number of national/invitational players will be 52 (40% of the field), including amateurs. Each country will decide on the number of professional and amateur players and invitations for its field.
Amateurs: maximum handicap 2.

a) Regular Alps Tour Ranking events:
The normal starting field for an event with a two-tee start will be 132 players. Players will play one round on each of the first two days, after which the leading 40 and those who tie for 40th place will normally go forward to the third and the fourth rounds. When amateurs participate they will be included within the field sizes of 132.
If the prize fund is 60,000 Euros and more (and only in this case), the cut will be fixed at the leading 50 players and ties.

"Reduced" Alps Tour Ranking events:
The field may be reduced in accordance with available daylight.
Same dispositions are applicable regarding prize money level.
In such circumstances, the number of Alps Tour wild cards, national field and amateurs will be reduced accordingly.

b) For each event the maximum number of Alps Tour wild cards will be determined (see Administration and Conduct of Tournaments-E). Where places are not used, these will go to the Alps Tour field, then to the national field.

3. Eligibility
Entries will be accepted in category order. (see Administration and Conduct of Tournaments-E).

4. Ties
In the event of a tie for first place, there will normally be a “sudden death” play-off to determine the winner. If a play-off involves more than two players, those other than the winner will be deemed to have tied for second place regardless of their scores.
In any case of a “sudden death” play off with six players or more, they will be divided in matches of no more than five players each.

5. Taxes
All prize money in these Conditions and Regulations is shown prior to the deduction of any local withholding taxes.

6. Pre-Tournament Pro-Ams
A minimum of 5 spots will be reserved for Alps Tour wild cards.
FIELD: the pro-am field will be shared between Alps Tour players (50%) and National players (50%). Alps Tour members will be selected in category order (cat 0 and 1) then in following the current Order of Merit for the balance of the field.

7. Post-Tournament Pro-Ams
Field will be established by the promoter accordingly with the Alps Tour Tournament Director.
Minimum prize money: 200 euro.
FIELD: to be specified in the Tournament Conditions and Regulations.

8. Prize Money
The following approved breakdown percentages are applicable to regular Alps Tour events. If the prize money is contracted in a currency other than the euro, the exchange rate on the Monday of the tournament week will be used to convert to euro.

The minimum prize money for Alps Tour Ranking events will be 37,500 Euros.

9. Points
The points will be attributed for the Order of Merit by converting euro in points (1 euro = 1 point).
To avoid encroaching upon professional's rights, amateurs will receive points corresponding to their place in the Final Result.
Reserve Money: See Administration and Conduct of Tournaments-E .17


D. ALPS TOUR SCHEDULE
Events may be added to the list from time to time, provided sufficient notice can be communicated to the members.


E. ADMINISTRATION AND CONDUCT OF TOURNAMENTS

1. Tournament Administration
The Tournament Director or such other person whom the Board of Directors delegates authority shall administer the Tournament in accordance with Regulations laid down in these Conditions or as supplemented or amended by any subsequent regulation. He may refer any matters to the tournament committee. Any player has the right to appeal at the next tournament committee meeting on matters other than decisions given under the Royal & Ancient Rules of Golf, current European Tour Conditions of Competition and Local Rules, and the Local Rules of the Host Club as approved by the Alps Tour Tournament Director, or Chief Referee.

NOTE: a) The Alps Tour shall be responsible for advising its players on its website (www.alpstourgolf.com) of calendars, conditions and regulations of the Alps Tour.
b) Each country shall be responsible for advising its players of calendars, conditions and regulations of the Alps Tour.
c) The Alps Tour will be responsible for computation of the Order of Merit and publishing same to the Alps Tour countries, Press and players. OOM available on the website.

2. Starting Fields for Alps Tour Ranking Tournaments for 2008
The categories of persons listed below shall be eligible to enter Alps Tour Ranking Tournaments and in the event that the maximum number of places available to players wishing to enter the Tournament is exceeded then priority will be given sequentially from the following categories:

CATEGORY
(0) Winners of the Alps Tour Final Order of Merit. (3 years exemption).

(1) Winners of regular Alps Tour Ranking tournaments listed on the 2007/2008 Alps Tour schedule for one calendar year (including amateurs who turn pros). This does not apply to winners who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all category members of European Tour and Seniors Tour.

(2) National Field (including invitations and amateurs)

(3) The leading 5 and tied players (including amateurs) not otherwise eligible or previously entered finishing positions 1-10 only in a regular Alps Tour Tournament will qualify to play in the following regular Alps Tour tournament within the same Official Season.
Players wishing to take up this opportunity must confirm their intention to do so by 12 noon on the day following the completion of the tournament from which they have qualified.

(4) The leading 25 full members (plus amateurs who turn pros), finishing within these positions in the final Alps Tour Order of Merit of the previous official season. This does not apply to players who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all categories members of the European Tour and Seniors Tour.

(5) Alps Tour wild cards & Alps Tour Director’s invitations
- A minimum of 10 spots will be shared between Alps Tour countries.
If a country of the Alps Tour does not use all its wild cards, they can be offered to the other Alps Tour countries and finally they will be given back to the organizing country, not later than one week prior the beginning of the tournament so as to enable all the possible replacements. If all players in categories 0, 1, and 3 do not enter in the field, spots available will be reported in the Alps Tour field.
- The Directors of Alps Tour have 4 spots at their disposal on each event.

(6) The Top 35 (and ties) from 2007 Alps Tour Qualifying School. From 2009 season, this does not apply to winners who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all category members of European Tour and Seniors Tour.

(7) The 26th to 40th placed full Alps Tour members (plus amateurs who turn pros) in the Final Alps Tour Order of Merit of the previous official season. From 2009 season, this does not apply to winners who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all category members of European Tour and Seniors Tour.

(8) Players finishing between the 36th and 65th position (inclusive) at the 2007 Alps Tour Qualifying School who will also be subject to the 2008 re-rank policy. From 2009 season, this does not apply to winners who are category 1-10 members of the European Challenge Tour and all category members of European Tour and Seniors Tour.

Re-Rank:
Players in category 8 will be re-ranked in order of their Official Money won on the 2008 Alps Tour Order of Merit on (date TBA – middle of season).
NOTE 1: A number of events may have slightly different eligibility regulations and these will be communicated separately to the members.
NOTE 2: Swiss Event - Memorial Olivier Barras:
The field of 132 players will be shared as follows:
a) 72 spots for Alps Tour categories
b) 60 spots for national field including a maximum of 50% amateurs with maximum handicap of 2.


3. Entry Regulations and Procedures

a) Entry Procedures TO BE ANNOUNCED
Each Member (categories 0-1-4-6-7-8) wishing to enter a tournament MUST contact the Alps Tour Office:
Tel : +33 1 41 49 77 78
Fax : +33 1 41 49 77 22
e-mail : alpstourgolf@ffgolf.org

Players from Categories 2 and 5 wishing to enter a tournament shall contact the entries administration of their countries.
Players who request invitations shall contact the promoter of each event or the representative of the host country.

Austria
www.golf.at
Waltraud Neuwirth
Österreichischer Golf-Verband
Marxergasse 25
A-1030 Wien - Austria

Tel: +43 664 281 6881 (mobile)
Fax: +43 1 585 48 72
e-mail: neuwirthw.oegv@golf.at

France
www.ffgolf.org
Estelle Richard
Federation Francaise de Golf
68 rue Anatole France
92309 Levallois Perret Cedex - France

Tel: +33 1 41 49 77 78 (office)
Tel: +33 6 84 63 81 72 (mobile)
Fax: +33 1 41 49 77 22
e-mail: alpstourgolf@ffgolf.org

Italy
www.pga.it
Alessandro Rogato
Madness Golf S.r.L.
C/o Castello di Tolcinasco Golf & Country Club
Loc. Tolcinasco – 20090 Pieve Emanuele
Milano - Italy

Tel: +39 02 904 288 20
Tel: +39 347 711 2771 (mobile)
Fax: + 39 02 904 200 53
e-mail: alealps@libero.it

Morocco
David Toledano and Karim Guessous
Federation Royale Marocaine de Golf
Royal Golf Dar Es Salam
Route des Zaers
Rabat - Maroc

Tel: +212 37 75 56 36 / 75 59 60
Fax: + 212 37 75 10 26
e-mail: dtoledano1@hotmail.com / karimguessous@yahoo.fr

Switzerland
www.asg.ch
Christian Barras
Agence Barras
BP 112
3963 Crans sur Sierre - Switzerland

Tel: +41 27 481 27 02 (office)
Tel: +41 79 220 37 17 (mobile)
Fax: +41 27 481 46 71
e-mail: christianbarras@agencebarras.ch

b) Confirmation of Entry
A confirmation of entry slip will be sent to the Member at his email address as detailed on his Membership Subscription and Declaration form, or any updated address as may be advised to his Federation or Governing Body.

c) Entry Closing Date
Entries must be received by the respective organising Alps Tour country at the closing date listed in the Alps Tour Calendar, normally 14 days before the start of the Tournament.

d) Entry Fee
The entry fee of 85 € (or local equivalent) must be paid before the player commences the tournament. Failure to pay on time will result in the entry fee being doubled.
Alps Tour members: the Alps Tour Office will debit player’s credit card the following day after the closing date of entries.
National field players: payment trough the Tournament Office. (except in France for French players – the Alps Tour Office will debit player’s credit card as soon as the player’s entry is confirmed.
Alps Tour members will be fined by the Board of Directors. National players will be fined by their corresponding Federation.

e) PLAYERS' RESPONSIBILITY
THE ONUS IS ON THE PLAYER TO MAKE SURE HIS ENTRY HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY THE ENTRIES ADMINISTRATION OF HIS RESPECTIVELY THE ORGANISING COUNTRY BY THE CLOSING DATE AND TO CHECK HIS CURRENT QUALIFICATION STATUS FOR EACH EVENT.

4. Tournament Reserve
The wild cards of each country may be substituted until TWO days prior to the beginning of the tournament. After that, any withdrawal will be at the organizing country's disposal.
Each country of the Alps Tour can inform the organizing country of any reserve players willing to play, and it will be up to the organizing country to give those players an order.

5. Withdrawals
Withdrawals from tournaments must be notified as follows:
- for Alps Tour members: to the Alps Tour Office
- for the national field players: to the Entries Administration of their country.
Only exception: Qualification for corresponding European Challenge Tour event.

a) Pre-Tournament
A player who withdraws after the closing date will automatically forfeit his entry fee.
- for Alps Tour members: an invoice will be sent by the Alps Tour Office.
- for the national field players: an invoice will be sent by their corresponding Federation.
Only exception: Qualification for corresponding European Challenge Tour event.

Late withdrawal:
If a player withdraws within the last 3 days before the first round, he will have to pay double entry fee.
- for Alps Tour members: an invoice will be sent by the Alps Tour Office.
- for the national field players: an invoice will be sent by their corresponding Federation.
Only exception: Qualification for corresponding European Challenge Tour event.

b) During Tournament
i) A player who is absent on the tee may be fined 200 Euros. It is emphasized that the only exception to this rule is for extreme personal circumstances.
ii) A competitor is entitled to withdraw from a tournament at the conclusion of his 2nd or 3rd round provided that he informs the Tournament Director before close of play each day.
iii) A competitor is not entitled to withdraw at the conclusion of the first round or during the play of any round of a tournament. Exception: emergency reasons or medical circumstances deemed reasonable by the Tournament Director. Written evidence of medical circumstance must be immediately forwarded. Penalty: 150 Euros.
The medical certificate must be sent to the Alps Tour Office within 14 days following the withdrawal. After this date, the fine will be applied.

6. Registration
a) ALL COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR EACH TOURNAMENT BY 1800 HOURS LOCAL TIME TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE 1ST ROUND. THIS CAN BE DONE IN PERSON AT THE TOURNAMENT OFFICE ON SITE, OR BY TELEPHONE TO THE TOURNAMENT OFFICE STATING INTENTION TO ATTEND. PARTICIPATION IN THE PRE-TOURNAMENT PRO-AM WILL BE RECOGNISED AS REGISTRATION, PROVIDED THAT IT IS PLAYED BEFORE THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE.
Remember - Failure to register: penalty 100 Euros.

b) A player who is entered for a tournament but only becomes exempt after close of entries will be contacted directly or left a message by the entries department of his country on his contact telephone number(s) provided. THE PLAYER IS THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR CONFIRMING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE whether or not he is taking the opportunity to play.
At any time after 12.00 noon on the Monday of a tournament week the Tournament Director may impose a 3 hour response deadline and at any time on the day before the first tournament day he may impose a 1 hour response deadline.

c) All competitors are required to attend the Tournament Office or registration desk immediately on arrival at the tournament venue and to provide their local address and/or telephone number for Alps Tour personal records only.

d) PLAYERS WHO FAIL TO MEET THE 18.00 HOURS LOCAL TIME DEADLINE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST AND REPLACED WITH THE FIRST AVAILABLE NATIONAL FIELD PLAYER.

7. Play Foreshortened or Cancelled - Guidelines
a) If, in the judgment of the Tournament Director, adverse weather conditions or any other occurrence beyond the control of the Alps Tour renders the commencement or continuation of the tournament impracticable, play shall be postponed until such time as the Tournament Director, after consultation with the Sponsor, considers that play can be continued. The Tournament Director has absolute discretion to implement whatever procedures necessary in order to ensure the continuation and completion of the Tournament. Where possible, the following guidelines will be considered:

i) Rounds 1, 2 and 3 (if 72 holes event)
As a general principle, once a stroke has been played it shall count.

ii) Final Round
If the round cannot be finished then a result will be declared over that number of rounds completed by all players.

iii)
a) Bearing in mind that the prime objective on all occasions is to complete the stipulated 54 or 72 holes within the three or four days, the final 18 or 36 holes may be played on the last day.
b) In the event that 54 or 72 holes is deemed to be unattainable in the time available, then completion of 36 or 54 holes will become the prime objective. To achieve this objective a cut may be introduced after 18 holes to the leading 25, 30 or 40 and ties.

b) Suspension of Play
i) If during a tournament it becomes necessary to suspend play, 3 short blasts will be sounded on a klaxon or notification will otherwise be communicated to the players. On being advised of suspension, competitors may either cease play immediately OR complete the hole they are playing. Competitors must not play any shot from the teeing ground unless any player in his group has commenced play on the hole.
ii) If during a tournament it becomes necessary to suspend play for a dangerous situation (eg. lightning) players must discontinue play IMMEDIATELY. A suspension for a dangerous situation will be signaled by a prolonged note of the klaxon. If a player won’t discontinue play immediately, he will be disqualified (R. 6-8b)

c) Resumption of Play
As soon as conditions allow play to be resumed, 2 short blasts on the klaxon will be sounded or notification otherwise communicated to the players. On being advised of resumption, play will be resumed immediately by all competitors on the course.
Penalty for breach of this condition: disqualification (R. 6-8b)

d) Prize money
In the event of bad weather not allowing the normal course of an event, the Alps Tour will be able in agreement with the sponsor, either to postpone the event, or if two full rounds could be played, to declare the tournament completed. In this case, 75% of the prize money will be then distributed.
If the event is postponed due to bad weather, the promoter will have to refund the expenses engaged by the players to go and stay on the venue of the tournament.

e) Status of cancelled event
When an event is cancelled for any reason, after close of entries only, it will be regarded as a counting event for all members appearing on the entry list within the cut off point at time of cancellation.

8. Prize Presentation
The three leading players (and ties) must be present at the prize presentation. In Pro-Ams tournaments (pre or post events) only the leading player (and ties) in the Team (gross and net) and Individual events shall be required to be present.
Penalty 150 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

9. Pre Tournament Professional/Amateur Events
a) Practice
Practice strokes are NOT permitted during a Pro-Am (Rule 7-2). Exception: practice chipping and putting around the green of the hole played is permitted ONCE THE HOLE HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY ALL PLAYERS IN THE TEAM BUT ONLY IF THE TEAM BEHIND IS NOT WAITING TO PLAY.
Penalty: 100 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

b) Releases
Entries for tournaments with a preceding Pro-Am commit the player to participate in the Pro-Am (if invited) unless prior written release is granted by the Tournament Director.
A release may be requested so long as it is submitted by Thursday 1200 hrs, the week prior to the tournament week.
Maximum number of releases per season is two. All release requests however will require the approval of the event promoter in discussion with the Tournament Director and will generally be given ONLY in exceptional circumstances.

c) Withdrawals
Any player withdrawing from a pre tournament Pro-Am, without an approved release, will incur an automatic fine of 100 Euros. Exception: if the reason for such a withdrawal leads to a withdrawal from the tournament itself prior the first round.

d) Driving Range
For a period of one hour prior any shotgun start Pro-Am, the use of all practice facilities is restricted to competitors in that Pro-Am only (Professional and Amateur).

e) Pro-Am Lunch or breakfast
If invited to do so by the promoter and proper notification through either the official notice board or individual invitation has been given, all participating professionals are expected to attend either the Pro-Am breakfast or lunch with their amateur partners.

10. Post Tournament Professional/Amateur Events
a) Releases
Entries for tournaments with a closing Pro-Am commit the player to participate in the Pro-Am if qualified for final round or invited. Number of required players must be announced in the players’ information sheet.
No release will be granted. Fine: € 300.

b) Withdrawals
Any player withdrawing from a closing Pro-Am will incur an automatic fine of 300 Euros, except if he was not qualified for the pro-am event.

c) Pro-Am Lunch or breakfast
If invited to do so by the promoter and proper notification through either the official notice board or individual invitation has been given, all participating professionals are expected to attend either the Pro-Am breakfast or lunch with their amateur partners.

11. Official Recorders
Players must co-operate when asked for details of their scores by the Official Recorders on the Course. Official Recorders include Scoring Officials and TV Recorders on the Course.
Penalty: 100 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

12. Media and Public Relations
a) The favourable public reputation of the Alps Tour and its tournaments are valuable assets and create tangible benefits for all Alps Tour members. Accordingly, it is an obligation of membership to refrain from comments to media that attack, disparage or criticize tournament sponsors or promoters, fellow competitors, the Alps Tour or its officials. Responsible expressions of legitimate disagreement with Alps Tour policies are not prohibited. However, public comments that a member knows, or should reasonable know, will harm the reputation or interests of a tournament sponsor, promoter, player, the Alps Tour or its officials are prohibited.
Penalty: 250 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

b) To ensure maximum goodwill, it is essential that competitors make every effort to support all public relations and media activities which among other things include compliance with reasonable requests from the Tournament Press Officer to attend the Press/Media Centre to co-operate with the media immediately following completion of a Tournament Round.

13. Practice Regulations
a) Practice shall be permitted in designated areas only and at designated times.
i) If play is suspended for a dangerous situation or in the event that such a situation (as signaled by the Chief Referee or Tournament Director) occurs outside the hours of play, players must cease from using all practice facilities immediately. Notification of all practice facilities re-opening after closure will be issued either by a member of the Alps Tour field staff or through the official notice board.

b) During practice rounds only one ball shall be in play with the following exceptions:
(i) If a player misses the green with his shot to the green, he may play one additional shot.
(ii) Not more than three chip shots may be played from beside the green provided such practice does not damage the course.
(iii) Only one bunker shot may be played towards the green from a green side bunker. All other practice bunker shots must be played away from the green.
(iv) Only three practice putts are permitted.

c) In any case notwithstanding the above regulations no additional practice strokes shall be played if the group behind is waiting to play.

d) The penalty for breach of the above regulations is 100 Euros, doubling for subsequent offences.

14. Film, Media and Other Property Rights
The television, radio, film, statistical data and information and all other electronic media rights of all players participating in events forming part of the Alps Tour or any other golf event run in conjunction with, or under the auspices of the Alps Tour shall be assigned to the Alps Tour. No person is authorized to make any use, commercial or otherwise, of the Alps Tour name or logo without the advance written approval of the Alps Tour.

15. Note on Conditions of Competition and European Tour Local Rules
All competitors should secure a copy of the European Tour Conditions of Competition and Local Rules card. This explains any Rule that affects or modifies a Rule of Golf. They are not reprinted herein as they are subject to change and alteration.

Rules Governing Play shall be:
a) The current R & A Rules of Golf.
b) The current R & A Decisions on the Rules of Golf
c) The current European Tour Conditions of Competition and Local Rules. Please note that the Pace of Play penalties are adjusted for Alps Tour as follows:
  a. One bad time Verbal warning from Official
  b. Two bad times One stroke penalty and 100 Euros fine
  c. Three bad times Two stroke penalty and 200 Euros fine
  d. Four bad times Disqualification
d) The Local Rules of the Host Club, as approved by the Tournament Director.
In exceptional circumstances, the Tournament Director may declare part of the competition course as a practice area.

16. Standard of Dress
During any Alps Tour Event, at the tournament venue, players shall present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. Whilst it is difficult to be specific, the following provides guidelines around which the Tournament Director will interpret this regulation.
i) Shirts: Collarless, sleeveless, shirts of a transparent material/design or shirts worn outside trousers are NOT acceptable.
ii) Trousers: Jeans of any colour or shorts are NOT acceptable. Furthermore trousers may not be worn tucked into socks.
iii) Caps: the wear of caps is strictly prohibited in Tournament Offices and Club-Houses.
Penalty 100 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

17. Alcohol Consumption
The consumption of alcohol on the course during any round of an Alps Tour Approved Tournament is not permitted. Penalty 150 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

18. Caddie Regulations
Caddies are the responsibility of the player employing them. Any breach of the following regulations will be deemed to be a breach by the player.
Minimum penalty: 100 Euros, doubling up for subsequent offences.

i) Caddies will not be permitted to wear shorts, jeans or sandals (except on decision of Tournament Director) and shoes with spikes OR soft spikes.
ii) Misbehaviour by caddies of a personal nature which is generally unacceptable by normal social standards.
iii) Caddies are required to wear and display the appropriate caddie "bib" or uniform for the duration of the round.
iv) No Full Member of the Alps Tour may caddie for any competitor in an Alps Tour Approved Tournament.
v) Caddies are not permitted to mark players’ scorecards.
vi) Other than in practice rounds, caddies are not permitted to test the surface of the putting greens on the course.

19. Reserve Money
Reserve money will be paid to all players making the cut with a minimum of 200 euro by player.
Each promoter will be responsible for the use of the reserve money. The Alps Tour suggests to save a maximum of 1,500 Euros at each tournament, in order to cover that further expense, should the need arise…
Breakdown in points: 41st place will be calculated at 1.00% of the total and will be reduced by 0.02% for each subsequent place.

20. Pace of Play
A player who has been timed under the Alps Tour Pace of Play conditions, on a minimum of 3 different occasions, will incur a fine of 150 Euros on his third bad time (unless it coincides with a fine for a breach of Pace of Play conditions).
For a player who has been timed on a minimum of 10 different occasions, this fine will be incurred on his second bad time and the level of the fine will be in accordance with the item below.
Each subsequent “bad time” will incur a fine double that of the previous fine.

The Alps Tour Office will record all timed groups and all bad times after each event and publish updated information on official notice board on every tournament.

Note 1: a group who have regained position after being timed, but subsequently have to be timed again in the same round, will have that count as a further session of timing.
Note 2: a session of timing will only be recorded if it extends into a second hole.
Note 3: any player wishing to question any “bad time” applied to him must do so with the Chief Referee/Tournament Director no later than 30 minutes after the completion of his round. After this time the “bad time” will stand.

21. Use of Tournament Facilities by Non Participants
Any player (other than an immediate tournament reserve) not participating in the tournament in question will not be entitled to use the tournament facilities (e.g.: Practice Range, Players’ Lounge) other than in exceptional circumstances, authorized by the Tournament Director.


F. CODE OF ETHICS, DISCIPLINARY AND FINE PROCEDURE
This procedure is designed to help the Management of the Alps Tour and its Members to identify the conduct and ethics that are expected from the Alps Tour’s Members and to set out the procedure to be followed where there may have been a breach of the same.

The Ethics Committee and the Board of Directors will be responsible for the management of fines for all Alps Tour members; for national players, each corresponding country will be responsible.

1. Code of Ethics

a) General
On becoming a Member of Alps Tour, each person voluntarily submits himself to standards of behaviour and ethical conduct which will gain respect for the profession.
Each member will at all times maintain the Alps Tour’s reputation for honesty, fair dealing, courtesy and sportsmanship whether on or off the golf course.
Each member’s professional integrity and loyalty to the game of golf and sense of responsibility to Sponsors, employers and employees, manufacturers, clients must always transcent thought of material gain.

It would be impossible to define exactly the standard of conduct expected from Alps Tour Members in all circumstances or to list all acts which would amount to a breach of the Code and lead to disciplinary sanctions. In most cases common sense should tell the Member the standard of behaviour that is required. Any member who has any doubt as to the conduct which is expected of him should contact the Office for advice.

b) Guidelines
In most circumstances, the following acts or omissions will be considered to be contrary to the code and if established will lead to a penalty being imposed.

1. Etiquette
Failure to comply with normally accepted standards of courtesy and golf etiquette.

2. Crime
Conviction of a criminal offence by a court of law.

3. Misbehaviour
Misbehaviour of a personal nature which is generally unacceptable by normal social standards.

4. Injurious conduct
Conduct likely to injure or discredit the reputation of the Alps Tour or any of its Members or conduct which is contrary to the Alps Tour’s Memorandum and Rules and Regulations made pursuant thereto.

5. Failure to report Breach of the Code
Failure to report breach of the Code by another Member of the Alps Tour when the breach is known to the Member or he should reasonably have realized that a breach may have occurred and to co-operate in any enquiry.

6. Rules of Golf
(i) Members must comply with the Rules of Golf as amended by Local Rules in force at any tournament and further comply with Conditions of Competitions Regulations or other rules, by laws, directions and instructions as specified by the Alps Tour which shall be deemed to incorporate the relevant provisions of this Code.
(ii) Deliberate breaching of the Rules of Golf in order to gain advantage.

7. Goodwill
Members must act at all times in the best interests of the Alps Tour and the game of golf and try to enhance the goodwill which attaches to the same.

8. Breach of Regulations
Breach of Alps Tour General Regulations as here published.

c) Structure of Fine Level
The fine levels approved by the Board of Directors for the 2008 Season.

Description of Fine
1. Upper limit for MINOR BREACH - € 1.000
2. Withdrawal – after closing date - € 80 (entry fee)
3. Late withdrawal – within the last 3 days before the first round - € 160
(double entry fee)
4. Withdrawal during play for unacceptable reason or non certificated medical reason ** - € 150
5. Withdrawals from pre-tournament pro-ams - € 100
6. Withdrawals from post-tournament pro-ams - € 500
7. Failure to register - € 100
8. Absent on tee - € 200
9. Non attendance at prize presentation ** - € 150
10. Breach of practice regulations ** - € 100
11. Breach of standard of dress regulation ** - € 100
12. Alcohol consumption on course ** - € 150
13. Breach of caddie regulations ** - € 100
14. Breach of pace of play regulation ** - € 100
15. Non raking of bunker ** - € 150
16. Club abuse / smashing of a tee marker ** - € 100
17. Audible obscenity ** - € 100
18. Failure to give scores to official recorders ** - € 100
19. Breach of Media and Public Relations ** - € 250
** Those fines that will double for subsequent offences of the same nature.


2. Disciplinary Procedure

a) Minor Breach
Where it appears that a Member may have committed a breach of Tour Regulations or the Code of Ethics it may be considered that a reprimand only or the stated Disciplinary Action within Tour Regulations should be applied by the Tournament Director or the Director of Tour Operations.
Notification shall be given to the Member in writing by post, fax or e-mail to the relevant contact details supplied by the Member to the Tour or to the next applicable tournament and shall be within forty-five (45) days of the date of the breach.
Payment of the fine should be made within forty-five (45) days of the date of the notification. If the Member is dissatisfied with the decision he may appeal in writing to the Director of Tour Operations (providing he was not acting as Tournament Director at the time of the incident in question) within fifteen (15) days of the date of notification of the fine.
The Director of Tour Operations shall tender his decision on the Appeal within thirty (30) days of his receipt of the Appeal and his decision in the matter shall be final.

However, if in the opinion of the Director of Tour Operations the Appeal requires further consideration he may refer the matter to the Ethics Committee for advice and guidance prior to notification of his final decision.

On receiving written notification of such a fine, the Member is responsible for advising the Alps Tour Office of how he wishes to settle the amount.
If the player has not appealed the fine and no such notification has been received within thirty (30) days of the date of the fine letter then the fine will be automatically deducted from the member’s nominated credit card.
Failure to pay the fine within the prescribed time will result in exclusion from Alps Tour Approved and Ranking Tournaments until such time as the fine has been paid in full.

Note: Disciplinary Action incurred under Regulation D.20, Pace of Play Policy, will be applied as soon as practicable at the discretion of the Director of Tour Operations and will not be subject to the specified time frames within the Disciplinary Procedure above.

b) Serious Breach
If it is considered that any breach be regarded as a Serious Breach of the Code of Ethics and/or may warrant the imposition of a penalty greater than the stated Disciplinary Action within Tour Regulations, the case will be referred to the Ethics Committee by the Chairman of the Alps Tour Golf Association.

He will inform the Member that a procedure has been started against him. The written notice is a summons and is sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt at least fifteen days before the sitting of the Committee.

The notice includes the grievances set forth, details the list of penalties extending from the plain warning up to the expulsion. It informs the Member of the possibility of being helped or represented by a person that he may choose and also that he may present his remarks written or oral to the Committee.

The Ethics Committee deliberation is valid only if the decisions are taken with the majority of the members attending and if three of its members at least are sitting. Its decisions must be motivated and are binding.