NGA Volunteers
These volunteers graciously donate their time and experience to the Association for the love of golf. They believe in promoting and preserving the true spirit of the game.

Why Should I Sign Up?
The NGA administers over 50 days of competition each year. Whether it's the starter on the first tee, the official in the scoring tent or the host at the registration table - every organized championship needs great volunteers. It takes a special individual to continually volunteer their time, knowledge and experience. NGA volunteers put in early mornings and long afternoons on and off the golf course fulfilling their duties with accuracy and satisfaction.

Currently, the NGA classifies its' volunteers into one of two categories: tournament volunteers or rules officials.

TOURNAMENT VOLUNTEERS

Pace of Play Check-Point
Volunteer is assigned to work a check-point table located near either the ninth or eighteenth putting green. As each group completes play of your assigned hole, you track their progress according to the NGA's Pace of Play Policy. This assignment may require a volunteer to assess a group penalty for slow play.

Scoreboard Assistant
Generally, the NGA contracts a company called Scoreboard Whiz to produce it's tournament score sheets. Stickers are provided for each posted score as well as names for the tournament summary board. Several volunteers work to post these stickers on the tournament's public scoreboard. Event's that use the traditional calligraphy scoring method require volunteers to assist the calligrapher in posting accurate information.

Scoring Tent
Generally, the NGA places an individual in the scoring tent that is familiar with the Rules of Golf. When this is not possible, a volunteer with some Rules knowledge is given detailed instructions on the acceptance of scorecards. The volunteer is required to maintain an organized scoring area and confirm that all scorecards are filled out properly. If a question arises the volunteer is required to contact an official for assistance.

Spotter
Volunteers are positioned on the golf course in high risk landing zones to locate errant shots made by players. Spotters are given wire flags to mark the position of each player's ball.

Standard Bearer
During the later stages of an NGA championship the NGA assigns volunteers to serve as standard bearers and walk with one of the events last 3-4 groups. A standard bearer carries an aluminum leaderboard displaying the score in relation to par for each individual in the group. Knowledge of golf scoring is required along with the ability to walk 18-holes.

Starter
The starter is positioned on the first tee to start each group in a timely manner. This individual gives any last minute instructions, distributes necessary materials and announces golfers at their assigned starting time. Knowledge of the Rules of Golf is not required but helpful to answer any player inquiries. Starter is sometimes required to issue penalties to tardy players.

Volunteer Coordinator
This volunteer assists the NGA by overseeing all tournament volunteer activities. They coordinate volunteer check-in, explain hospitality arrangements, keep track of needed breaks, manage schedules, provide brief substitutions when needed and more or less keep the volunteers happy.

RULES OFFICIALS

NGA officials provide on-course assistance to players with regards to the Rules of Golf and pace of play. Rules officials are appointed by the NGA based on their knowledge of the Rules of Golf and their experience in officiating. A passion for and comprehension of the Rules of Golf are a must to become a Rules Official.

The NGA has three classifications of officials:

Level 1
Officials just getting started are classified as level 1. These individuals will participate in on course observation and one-on-one training with a current level 2 or 3 rules official or NGA staff member. In some cases level 1 officials may work as a starter, scoring tent official, pace of play check-point official or oversee a zone on the golf course - always with a radio close at hand.

Level 2
Level 2 officials must have attended either a NGA rules of golf workshop or a USGA/PGA rules of golf workshop and show a working knowledge of the rules of golf. They should be comfortable working alone on the golf course answering rules questions and issuing penalties. More seasoned level 2 officials may be asked to assist in marking a golf course or serve as a walking referee for match play or one of the later groups in stroke play championships. Most NGA officials will fall in the level 2 category.

Level 3
The highest level of official. Level 3 officials must have attended a USGA/PGA Rules School and scored 85 or higher on the rules exam. These officials are capable of working as an Official-in-Charge at NGA competitions, can determine course set-up and proper course markings and make final decisions concerning rules issues and suspension of play.

How to Become a NGA Tournament Volunteer or Rules Official

The only requirements to become a NGA championship volunteer or rules official is membership in the NGA, purchase of the NGA volunteer apparel package (details below)and a desire to give back to the game.

If interested please complete the following steps:

Step #1: Registration
Click on the register here link below, complete the Volunteer Profile Registration Form and submit it to the NGA.

Step #2: Event Sign-Up
Once you have been accepted as a NGA Volunteer we'll e-mail you with information on how to log-in to the volunteer portion of this web site. There you'll be able to view a list of events and available volunteer postions. Select a task that fits your schedule, submit your request and we'll add you to the assignment sheet.

REGISTER HERE

VOLUNTEER APPAREL

NGA Volunteer Apparel Package (Required)
Tournament volunteers are required to purchase the NGA's volunteer apparel package. The package consists of a golf shirt and hat (cap, bucket hat or visor). It is essential that NGA tournament volunteers are identifiable at NGA competitions. The volunteer apparel package may be purchased for $35 by linking from the volunteer log-in section of the web site. All volunteers will receive an identification badge to be worn at NGA competitions.

Volunteer Apparel Order Form
In addition to the required volunteer apparel package volunteers will be able to purchase other NGA apparel items from the Volunteer Apparel Order Form located in the apparel section of the log-in page. These items are generally marked at cost plus 10% providing individuals a great value in purchasing golf attire.

Volunteer Apparel Rewards Program
The Apparel Rewards Program allows volunteers to build credit towards free gear based on the number of full days worked. A volunteer may redeem his or her accumulated credit when desired to receive any of the reward items listed below. Credit does not expire so it may be carried over from year to year.