Visitors

GOLF COURSE HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION

Introduction

This webpage provides an assessment of the risks identified for players, staff and officials at Copt Heath Golf Club whilst on the golf course.

It is the responsibility of all players to ensure that they are adequately insured to cover all risks whilst on the course and at the club.

Mobile phones may only be used in the Clubhouse foyer and in the car park.  Mobile phone use in all other areas is not permitted except to summon help in the case of an emergency.  In such a case, call the Professional Shop on 01564 731620 or the Emergency Services on 999 and inform the Competition Organiser and/or the Clubhouse on 01564731620

Players are always expected to be aware of the risks to others and to themselves whilst playing golf.

CARE MUST BE TAKEN AT ALL TIMES TO AVOID ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES TO ONESELF AND TO OTHER PLAYERS, STAFF AND OFFICIALS.

All accidents MUST be reported to the Secretary or the Competition Official on duty for entry into the Accident Book.

T:01564 731620

tony@coptheathgolf.co.uk

Professional Shop

THE COURSE

The Golf Course Assessment is carried out on a hole by hole basis.

As a rule, players should not strike a golf ball when there is a risk of endangering another player or member of the green staff.

PUBLIC FOOTPATH. A public footpath crosses the course through the middle of holes 16 and 17, and across holes 3, 7, 11 and 15.

PLAYERS MUST GIVE WAY TO THE PUBLIC USING THIS FOOTPATH.

USE OF BUGGIES

The use of single seat ride on buggies is permitted only by prior application to the Secretary. All buggies must be operated in accordance with normal practice and players must have appropriate insurance cover.

EMERGENCY ACCESS AND NUMBERS

Access to the course and practice facilities is by the main entrance on the Warwick Rd. The bollard always works with the club card. is locked overnight.

Paramedic & Police 999 

Secretary / Clubhouse 01564 731620 - Option 2

Professional Shop 01564 731620 —Option 1. 

Defibrillator—are positioned in the clubhouse in the cloakroom

SUSPENSION OF PLAY

Players must protect themselves in Health and Safety matters especially when there is a danger from lightning when play MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY.

Rule 6– 8 of the Rules of Golf makes it quite clear that a player is entitled to discontinue play if the player believes that there is a danger from lightning.

All players MUST adhere to the following Suspension of Play Procedure.

DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES

A suspension of play for a dangerous situation (e.g. lightning) will be signalled by a prolonged single blast on a klaxon operated from the Pro Shop.  In such circumstances the players shall discontinue play immediately and shall not resume until authorised to do so by the Competition Committee or Professional.

During a Competition, the Competition Organiser is responsible for the sounding of the klaxon. However, even if the klaxon is not sounded and the player believes there is a real risk of, or danger from, lightning then the player is entitled to proceed under the provision of Rule 6—8 and discontinue play.

During casual play players must proceed under Rule 6—8. This makes it the players own responsibility to discontinue play when in her/his opinion a danger from lightning exists. It is unreasonable to expect the Club to monitor the course every hour of every day.

If the klaxon has been sounded, then a player is not entitled to override that decision and continue play. When the klaxon has been sounded for play to be suspended, players must discontinue play immediately and make their way from the course.

BE AWARE YOUR LIFE MAY BE IN DANGER

Every effort will be made to ensure the warning is sounded with enough time to allow all competitors, caddies, spectators, club employees and officials to evacuate the course prior to an electric storm striking the course.

Upon the signal being given all people on the course must comply with this warning and decision.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF THIS IS DISQUALIFICATION

NON-DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES—REFER TO RULE 6—8

In a Competition, suspension of play for any reason other than a dangerous situation shall be signalled by A LONG BLASTS on the klaxon.

When play is suspended by the Competition Committee:

When the players in a group are between the play of two holes they shall not resume playing until the Committee has ordered a resumption.

If they are in the process of playing a hole, they shall discontinue play immediately and shall not thereafter resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption.

EVACUATION OF THE COURSE

It may be that there is enough time to allow for all players, caddies, spectators, club officials and employees to evacuate the course without the need to shelter. That being the case the Competition Organiser will make the fact known and request that all should leave the course.

Where there is insufficient time to evacuate the course all people on the course should comply with the following procedure:

MARK THE POSITION OF YOUR GOLF BALL.
LEAVE YOUR GOLF EQUIPMENT WHERE IT IS AND STAND AWAY FROM IT.
KEEP AS LOW TO THE GROUND AS POSSIBLE. IDEALLY CROUCH DOWN IN THE NEAREST BUNKER.

DO NOT;

Stand near golf clubs or trolley.
Stand under any overhead power lines.
Seek cover in wooden shelters wherever they are located unless the shelter is fully enclosed and is properly earthed. (There are shelters on the course, none of which are fully enclosed nor are they properly earthed).
Shelter under trees or on high ground.
Make your way off the course or to shelters by walking under trees.
Use a mobile’ phone—make sure that it is switched off.
Put up your umbrella under any circumstances.

RESUMPTION OF PLAY

Players shall not resume play until the Committee has ordered a resumption of play.  Players, whether they be on the course or in the Clubhouse will be informed that play will restart and will be given enough time to reach the point on the golf course where they were when played was suspended.

Players will be notified when it is safe to resume play by two short blasts on the klaxon.  No player shall resume play until the klaxon has sounded.

PENALTY for breach of this condition is DISQUALIFICATION

TOILETS ON THE COURSE

There is a toilet situated on the course behind the Halfway House which is accessible when walking from the 9th green to the 10th tee.

OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Fertiliser and Insecticide, etc., on the ground

Do not lick golf balls or fingers.  The Head Greenkeeper will advise by a notice outside the Pro Shop immediately below the course information board what chemicals have been used.  Players are advised to take heed of the warnings and protect themselves.

Footwear

Ensure that you are wearing suitable footwear—you have a responsibility to yourself to avoid slipping on slopes and other awkward places.  Beware of timber sleeper steps, especially when wet.

Rabbit & Badger Holes

Report all instances to Club Secretary or Professional.

Green-keeping staff always have priority

The green staff have priority on the course.  Always make sure that they are aware of your presence BEFORE you play your shot.  The Green-keeping staff are instructed to signal to you when it is safe to play.

Inclement Weather - Darkness, Rain, Fog and Ice

During inclement weather the fact that the course has not been officially closed does not warrant that it is fit for play.  Therefore, members and visitors should themselves determine whether they consider it safe to play. A ball should not be played when visibility is less than the intended distance of the shot. Players have a duty of care to behave in such a way that others may not be injured by their actions.  They also have a duty of care to ensure that they do not injure themselves.

Please see Fog policy

All players play at their own risk and should do nothing to jeopardize the safety of themselves or others.