About
the MSGL
The Middle School Golf League is
organized with parents registering their Middle School players through the
South Gwinnett Athletic Association. Players are assigned teams generally based
on middle school attendance and receive golf shirts with their middle school or
feeder high school colors. If there are not enough players from a middle
school to form a team, registered players are assigned as needed to round out
team rosters.
After the instructional golf clinic
for all players, beginning golfers are encouraged to take that knowledge onto
the golf course. In addition, all players and especially beginning golfers are
encouraged to practice ball striking skills between team play. The format for
play is team competition best ball play including during one week “High School
Day” where high school team golfers are invited to play along with their
cluster middle school teams, a week of individual stroke play, where the most advanced
players are invited to play in an invitational individual stroke 9-hole
tournament. The season culminates for everyone with a Drive, Chip and Putt
competition and the MSGL Awards Presentations. Players play from forward or
junior tees based on ability.
League play and/or clinics will be
held mostly on Sundays, normally starting at 4 p.m. or thereafter. The season
officially begins with a clinic for everyone conducted by our golf course
professionals, and for new golfers or players new to MSGL and orientation on
team play, golf rules and golf etiquette.
Each team has a volunteer team
“Marshall” who is responsible for team lineups and supervises the play on the
course. Parents are welcome to walk or purchase carts as available. All spectator
carts must remain on the cart paths.
Our five main host golf courses for regular play are The Chimney’s Golf
Club, Country Club of Gwinnett, Collins Hill Golf Course, Cedar Lake Golf
Course and Bear Creek. Providence Golf Course, Trophy Club of Apalachee and
Monroe Golf Courses may host us as needed. Teams rotate and play on a
different course each week.
2023
Spring Season
On-line registration for the 2023 Spring
season opens Wednesday, February 1 and will close February 24. Registration
is $230. Also, the cost of cart rentals
varies from course to course from $15-$25 for 9-hole cart rentals. Because of golf course availability we will
again limit it to the first 70 registrations. So, if you want to play in the
MSGL this spring, register as soon as we open registration for you! There will
be no exceptions as once we reach 70 that will be it.
According to our golf courses, they
are experiencing increased weekend play. Depending on prior member or guest
play on our scheduled day, there still may be a shortage of available carts due
to cleaning and recharging, not everyone is insured of having a cart available
when our scheduled play begins and players and parents may need to be
prepared to walk the course.
Players
may choose to walk the nine holes and carry their clubs or have a push cart. If
a player walks, they may choose to have a parent or another adult caddie for
them and walk the course, carry the bag or push the cart. If players go on to
play junior tournaments and later high school golf, they will be required to
walk. We have more information on
caddying, walking and pace of play on our FAQs, at the registration website.
Play
is scheduled to begin March 12 and continue every Sunday through May 15 except
for Apr 2 (School Spring Break) and April 9 (Easter). We will use May 14 (Mother’s Day) and May 21
as rain make up dates, if necessary.
When registering, give the player’s
name, and information and you have the option of listing two different email
addresses-- a primary and second contact.
Also, for those interested, please indicate whether you are interested
in being a team marshal. More info is available on marshal duties with our
FAQs. If you have any questions, please contact Les Witmer, MSGL Director, at
Lawitmer@comcast.net
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I register my Middle School son or daughter for
the Middle School Golf League?
A: You can register on line at: https://www.middleschoolgolfleague.com
Q: What is the deadline for registration?
A: Our on-line registration for the spring 2023
season opens February 1 and will close when we reach 70 registrations. If we do
not reach that by February 24 on-line registration will close that day at 5
p.m. Note: Because of golf course
availability we will again limit it to the first 70 registrations.
Q:
What is the cost of registration?
A:
Registration is $230. For parents
registering additional siblings, there is a $20 discount for each additional
child.
Q:
Who may register? Will you take anyone other than middle school students?
A: It is a middle school league. There are other opportunities for younger
golfers with PGA and other junior golf programs. We limit our registration to accommodate our
courses. In the spring we only take
Middle School players in grades 6, 7 and 8. In the fall in preparation for
spring high school tryouts we do allow 9th graders who played in the MSGL in
the spring to play. On occasion we have taken a fifth-grade student to fill out
a team roster (sibling of middle school player, have played golf before, etc.,
on a case-by-case basis approved by the League Director).
Q: Do players need to already know the rules of
golf and be able to play? Does the
league take beginners?
A: We have revised our program to meet more of
the needs of the true beginner young golfer. We focus on the basics—ball
striking and fundamentals and thru team best ball play it gives them a good
understanding of the game of golf. We have an on-course orientation for
beginning golfers or those new to the MSGL.
Also, depending on the availability of range time at the courses --we
would announce when that is—we would have a practice session for beginners and
again that would be optional.
Q: What does the registration fee pay for? What
is provided?
A: There is no other league cost involved
for the players. No greens fees or course fees. However, parents and spectators
may purchase carts as available. Costs for nine holes range from $15-$25
depending on what the course charges. Purchasing range balls for warm up at the
courses is optional—range ball fees also vary from course to course. The registration fee helps us cover the cost
of using the courses, the professional instruction at the clinic, team shirts,
end of year party and awards, and SGAA administration of the program. The
League Director and Marshals are volunteers.
Q: Do players need to provide their own clubs or
golf supplies?
A: Yes. However, we do make available at our
orientation or clinic any clubs that have been donated especially those handed
down from past Middle School players and will let you know of any used clubs
that past players or their parents are selling. But generally, we do not
furnish golf clubs. However, we help make sure the players are playing with
proper equipment. The worst thing that
will hamper the young golfer is to be playing with the wrong sized
clubs—especially trying to play with adult clubs. They now make clubs that are designed for
their size—height of the youngster. And
because kids grow, they will outgrow those clubs. So, first suggestion is don’t
spend a lot of money on clubs. You can
get second hand or used junior golf clubs at places like the PGA Superstore,
Edwin Watts but also at Play it Again Sam, or checking with Craig’s List or on
line at 2nd Swing Golf and eBay. What is needed for beginners is a driver and/or
fairway metal, a mid iron (5 or 7) a pitching wedge and a putter. Additional clubs are okay if the set comes
with them. Players need to supply their own golf balls and tees.
Q: Do players need to have golf shoes?
A: No, in fact we recommend against it as often
with young players the cleats can cause damage to the greens. Sneakers or athletic shoes are fine.
Q: Where can I find out more about the MSGL?
A: At
the close of on-line registration, we will hold our parent orientation. It will either be live or via video
conferencing. We go over in more detail information about the program. After
registration regular emails go out with MSGL information including announcing
time and location of the orientation and later schedules and player information.
At the orientation we will be providing
more information on how we will conduct the orientation. We will go over the
schedule and upcoming season, golf equipment, have shirts for sizing and answer
any questions.
Q: When does the season start?
A: Play is scheduled to begin March 12
and continue every Sunday through May 15 except for Apr 2 (School Spring Break)
and April 9 (Easter). We will use May 14
(Mother’s Day) and May 21 as rain make up dates, if necessary. We’ll start the season for everyone with our
All-Players’ Clinic and New Players Orientation by group sessions. Players will
be notified as to where and when that will take place and which session they
are scheduled to attend. The All-Player’s Clinic will be led by local golf
professional instructors and will include instructions, demonstrations and then
time to practice ball striking and putting. The New Player’s Orientation is
ONLY for players new to the MSGL and will be a team play orientation with an on
course walk thru for players and parents explaining best ball play, golf rules,
safety and golf etiquette.
Q: Is that the only instruction for new players?
A: That is the only golf instruction provided by
the MSGL. The goal of the MSGL is to introduce new players to golf and provide
an outlet for juniors to play.
Professional golf instruction is optional and available but it is up to
parents to schedule and arrange. As
players progress and if interested in continuing playing and participating in
other events, i.e., U.S. Kids, Georgia State Golf Association Junior program,
North America Junior Golf, etc., or go on to play high school golf.
Professional golf instruction is advisable to teach and monitor the junior
golfer’s development.
Q: What does play consist of?
A: After the golf instructional
clinic and during the first weeks of play beginning golfers are encouraged to
spend more time practicing on their own and becoming more proficient at ball
striking as they then play team best ball and get a better understanding of golf
rules and etiquette. The format for play is team competition best ball play
including during one week “High School Day” where high school team golfers are
invited to play along with their cluster middle school teams. The most advanced
players as determined from a week of individual stroke play are invited to play
in an invitational individual stroke 9-hole tournament. The season culminates
for everyone with a Drive, Chip and Putt competition and the MSGL Awards
Presentations. Players play from forward or junior tees based on ability.
If
any week’s scheduled activity is cancelled due to inclement weather, that
week’s scheduled activity will take place the following week and that moves
everything forward and rain dates come into play to finish the season!
Q:
Do boys and girls play on the same team?
A:
Yes, we are co-ed and boys and girls play on the same middle school teams. However, for individual competition, we will
have a boys and girls division.
Q:
Do players play from different tees?
A:
Everyone plays from the tees that they are best able to play from. We as a
league, boys and girls, play from either the forward tees (red) or designated
junior tees. All beginners will play their first season from the junior tees.
Returning middle school players and the more advanced juniors, especially 8th
graders should play from the forward (usually marked red) tees. In the fall all
9th grade players, play from the (red) forward tees.
Q: Do players play at the same golf course each
week?
A: No, we rotate team play. Our MSGL courses are Winder’s Chimney’s Golf
Course, Monroe’s Bear Creek, Providence and Monroe Golf Clubs, Trophy Club of
Apalachee in Dacula, Country Club of Gwinnett both in Snellville, Cedar Lake
Golf Course in Loganville and Collins Hill Golf Course in Lawrenceville. Note: For this Spring Trophy Club of
Apalachee, Providence and Monroe Country Club may be alternate courses for us hosting
us at their locations only one or two weeks at most during the season. A weekly schedule is published and emailed
out with results from the previous week. Parents are advised to make sure they
know which course their team is playing at and to take into consideration
travel time in getting there. Because of other activities at these golf courses,
teams rotate and play based on availability of courses. We try to schedule each
team to play at least once at each course.
Also, in scheduling team play distance for travel is taken into
consideration whenever possible. We will continue to look for other golf
courses in the area to participate in the MSGL.
Q: Does each team have adult supervision?
A: We will have a volunteer Lead Team Marshal
with each team and designate additional volunteer assistant marshals as needed. These are volunteers (usually parents), who
go thru a team marshal orientation/training session before the season begins.
The role of Lead Team Marshal is to:
1.
Supervise on course play and maintain pace of play. 2. Ensure safety at all
times, 3. Determine which tees player will hit from and order of play. 4. During team play choose best ball
locations. 5. Keep and report scores. 6.
Monitor development of team players. 7. Receive and help disseminate,
information and results of team play.
All
marshals will be asked during play to supervise play, ensure safety, help
reinforce instruction, explain rules of golf and ensure proper golf course
conduct, etiquette, and respect for course and other players are observed. We are not expecting marshals to be golf
professional instructors but we are expecting team marshals to be able to make
sure it is an organized learning experience. All marshals must complete a
background check as required by SGAA.
Q: Since there are multiple golf courses how do
parents know where their team is playing each week?
A: Mass emails are sent out on weekly schedules,
standings, and other information relating to the MSGL season. It is imperative that correct email
addresses—both primary and alternate –are listed on the registration form. It is recommended that each parent’s email be
listed and in the case of custodial parents, that both parents are listed so
that everyone receives the same information in a timely fashion. (However,
unless you want two emails coming to you with information, DO NOT list the same
email address as primary and alternate when registering on line!).
Q: Do players walk the course? Can parents caddy
for their player?
A: Players may walk the nine holes and carry
their clubs or have a push cart. If player walks, players only then may choose
to have a parent or another adult caddie for them and walk the course, carry
the bag or push the cart. Caddies must observe golf rules and etiquette and may
advise players on shots, club selections and distances. However, detailed
coaching slows down pace of play and is for practice sessions and not on course
play! If players choose to walk, players need to maintain pace of play and keep
up with their team. Parents may rent a cart if available and players may ride
with them and have their bag of clubs in the cart but again parents must keep
the carts on the cart path at all times. If players ride in a cart, they need
to practice ready golf and get out of the cart and get their clubs to be ready
to play. There is usually a line to get carts so it is important that parents
and players arrive well in advance of the start time. Depending on prior member
or guest play that day at the course, there may be a shortage of available
carts due to cleaning and recharging carts.
Not everyone is insured of having a cart available and players and
parents may need to be prepared to walk the course. Players are not allowed
to drive a cart (must be 16 years old and have a driver’s license.) Other
spectators are welcome to watch play either by walking along or they may rent a
cart if available at the cost as charged by the course but must stay on the
cart path at all times.
Q: How are teams organized?
A: Players are generally placed on teams
according to the Middle School they attend. Team golf shirts are proved by the
league. If a player does not attend one of the middle schools for team play,
they are assigned to one based on where they live or to fill out another team
roster. We designate a Middle School team when we have at least 5 players for
that Middle School sign up.
Q:
What about a returning middle school player or an advanced junior player? Do
all players on a team hit from the same tees?
A: Again, players play from the appropriate tee
based on level of play. In the fall all 9th grade players hit form the red or
forward tees. Our advanced players
should play from the adult forward tees (usually red at most courses).
Beginners and intermediate players play from junior tees. Because we play best
ball “Lauderdale” team format everyone has the opportunity to play and this
helps develop team work. Advanced junior
players are invited to play in an invitational individual stroke 9-hole
tournament.
Q: Besides Sunday play are there other times
play is scheduled?
A:
Our regular play is scheduled for Sundays starting at 4 p.m. or thereafter. This for the most part does not interfere with
other athletic activities. Our clinic
and on-course orientation for beginning and new players to MSGL may be
scheduled for on a Saturday. Also, there
is an invitational individual stroke tournament for advanced juniors that is
normally scheduled on a Saturday. These are the only days other than Sunday
that we normally schedule play.
Q:
Is there organized team practice at other times?
A:
We do not schedule organized team practice.
Team practice is not scheduled nor required. Teams may do this on their own and players
may practice on their own. Players and parents may individually use golf course
range facilities at local costs by checking with the pro shop at the courses.
(Local range fees apply).
Q: After the season are there other golf
experiences available for Middle School players?
A: We promote other junior programs, lessons and
opportunities for development that are available at all of our participating
golf courses. For more information,
contact the local golf professional at any of our courses for lessons or clinic
opportunities.
Q: Players are provided golf shirts. Are there
any other requirements involving what they wear or need?
A: We want our players to learn what proper golf
attire is. We provide a team golf shirt. We ask them not to wear jeans and tee
shirts. Depending on the weather shorts, skirts, skorts or long pants are fine.
Again, depending on the weather, light jackets, wind shirts, raingear may be worn. Sneakers or athletic shoes are recommended.
Players may wear their own hats or visors.
Golf gloves may be purchased and worn.
Players provide their own golf balls and tees. And depending on the
weather parents are advised to dress appropriately and if necessary, bring rain
gear and umbrellas.
Q: How long does play last?
A:
We practice ready golf and Team Marshals are asked to keep play moving. Play is
usually scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. or thereafter. We sometimes have a “shotgun “start where teams
all start at the same time on different holes.
That requires teams to be in place ready to tee off at the starting
time. Otherwise, teams are given a specific starting time and starting tee. Parents
are asked to have their players arrive at least 30 minutes before their start
time, report to their Team Marshal and to warm up and be ready to tee off at
the appropriate tee time! (And in enough
time for parents who are getting a spectator cart—course charges vary from $15-$25
for 9 holes). Play is usually finished by 7:30 p.m. or earlier.
Q:
What happens when there is inclement weather? If it rains before or during
play?
A: If there is wide spread inclement weather
before our scheduled time to play, the MSGL Director will coordinate with our
golf courses and notify thru email if play is cancelled. The local golf courses
determine whether we can or continue play or not and also when we have to stop
play (danger, i.e., storms, lightning, etc.).
On the golf course, most courses have a loud horn that signals lighting
or bad weather and that we must evacuate the course. As in professional and
even recreational golf, play may continue during light rain. Rain gear may be
worn and golf umbrellas are certainly allowed on the courses. Play may stop and
resume as weather permits. Team marshal are advised to monitor the weather
situation. If a regularly scheduled week
is canceled during the season, we use the rain make-up date.
Q: If I still have a question or need additional
information, who should I contact?
A:
You may contact Les Witmer, the MSGL Director at lawitmer@comcast.net
NO REFUNDS ONCE REGISTRED
NEW FOR 2014 CONCUSSION POLICY
Parent/Athlete Concussion Information Sheet
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION?
Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury.
If an athlete reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below after a bump, blow, or jolt to
the head or body, s/he should be kept out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.
Did You Know?
• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.
SIGNS OBSERVED BY COACHING STAFF
SYMPTOMS REPORTED BY ATHLETES
Appears dazed or stunned
Headache or “pressure” in head
Is confused about assignment or position
Nausea or vomiting
Forgets an instruction
Balance problems or dizziness
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Double or blurry vision
Moves clumsily
Sensitivity to light
Answers questions slowly
Sensitivity to noise
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Concentration or memory problems
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
Confusion
Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Just not “feeling right” or “feeling down”
CONCUSSION DANGER SIGNS
In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot may form on the brain in a person with a concussion and crowd the brain against the skull. An athlete should receive immediate medical attention if after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body s/he exhibits any of the following danger signs:
• One pupil larger than the other
• Is drowsy or cannot be awakened
• A headache that not only does not diminish, but gets worse
• Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Convulsions or seizures
• Cannot recognize people or places
• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or agitated
• Has unusual behavior
• Loses consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
WHY SHOULD AN ATHLETE REPORT THEIR SYMPTOMS?
If an athlete has a concussion, his/her brain needs time to heal. While an athlete’s brain is still healing, s/he is much more likely to have another concussion. Repeat concussions can increase the time it takes to recover. In rare cases, repeat concussions in young athletes can result in brain swelling or permanent damage to their brain. They can even be fatal.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR ATHLETE HAS A CONCUSSION?
If you suspect that an athlete has a concussion, remove the athlete from play and seek medical attention. Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says s/he is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.
Rest is key to helping an athlete recover from a concussion. Exercising or activities that involve a lot of concentration, such as studying, working on the computer, or playing video games, may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. After a concussion, returning to sports and school is a gradual process that should be carefully managed and monitored by a health care professional.
Remember
Concussions affect people differently. While most athletes with a concussion recover quickly and fully, some will have symptoms that last for days, or even weeks. A more seri-ous concussion can last for months or longer.
It’s better to miss one game than the whole season. For more information on concussions, visit:
www.cdc.gov/Concussion
.
Student-Athlete Name Printed
Student-Athlete Signature
Date
Parent or Legal Guardian Printed
Parent or Legal Guardian Signature
Date
I agree to abide by all the COVID-19
restrictions set forth under Executive Order from Gov.Brian Kemp, Gwinnett
County Parks and Rec, South Gwinnett Athletic Association and Gwinnett Middle
School Fast Pitch League and hold harmless all parties listed above in regard
to any COVID-19 diagnosis contracted by my child or any family member.