PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

2026 Season

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Effective date: 1 January 2026
Applies to: All players, caddies, team representatives, accredited persons, and guests participating in or attending AFGL-sanctioned events.

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1. Purpose and Authority

 

The AFGL Tour is committed to conducting events that uphold fair play, integrity, safety, respect, inclusion, and the spirit of FootGolf.

This Player Code of Conduct supplements the FIFG Official Rulebook the FIFG Competition Rules, applicable FIFG Tournament Guidelines, the AFGL Conditions of Competition, approved Local Rules, and host-venue regulations. Where there is a conflict, the applicable FIFG Rules and Competition Regulations prevail.

All AFGL-sanctioned competitions shall be played under the FIFG Official Rules of FootGolf. Approved Local Rules

and Conditions of Competition must be made available to players before the start of the tournament.

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2. Scope of Application

 

This Code applies from registration or accreditation until departure from the host venue. It includes:

• Official practice rounds and competition rounds.

• Playoffs, scoring areas, briefings, ceremonies, and prize presentations.

• Official event accommodation, transportation, and social functions.

• Communications with officials, volunteers, venue staff, competitors, spectators, sponsors, and media.

• Conduct on social media or other digital platforms where that conduct is connected to an AFGL event or materially affects the integrity, safety, or reputation of FootGolf.

Players are responsible for the conduct of their caddies and guests. A breach by a caddie may result in a penalty or disciplinary action against the player, consistent with the Rules of FootGolf.

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3. Spirit of the Game

 

FootGolf relies on the integrity of every player. Participants must act with discipline, courtesy, honesty, consideration for others, and respect for the course, regardless of the competitive situation.

Every participant must:

• Know and follow the Rules of FootGolf and all published tournament regulations.

• Act honestly when recording, reporting, and confirming scores.

• Respect Tournament Officials, referees, marshals, volunteers, venue personnel, competitors, and spectators.

• Follow reasonable directions from the Tournament Committee, Tournament Director, referee, marshal, or authorised host-venue staff.

• Protect the safety of all persons at the venue.

• Avoid conduct that brings the AFGL, FIFG, FootGolf, or the host venue into serious disrepute.

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4. Respectful Conduct

 

The following conduct is prohibited:

• Abusive, threatening, intimidating, violent, obscene, or discriminatory language or behaviour.

• Harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, stalking, or unwanted conduct directed at another person.

• Retaliation against a person who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation.

• Throwing or kicking a ball, equipment, or any object in anger or in a manner that creates a risk to people or property.

• Deliberate damage, abuse, or vandalism of the course, facilities, property, plant life, or wildlife.

• Attempts to improperly influence a referee, marshal, official, committee member, volunteer, or witness.

• Knowingly false allegations or malicious reports against another person.

• Conduct that creates a serious risk to the safety, welfare, or enjoyment of others.

The AFGL recognizes a player’s right to raise concerns or criticism in good faith. However, communications must remain respectful and must not include harassment, threats, discrimination, intimidation, or knowingly false statements.

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5. Competition Integrity and Fair Play

 

Players must compete honestly and in accordance with the Rules of FootGolf.

Players must:

• Record their own score accurately.

• Act as a diligent marker when assigned to record another player’s score.

• Confirm scores at the completion of each hole whenever practicable.

• Raise a rules issue promptly with the group, a marshal, referee, Tournament Director, or the Tournament Committee.

• Report penalties they have incurred.

• Submit an accurate scorecard or confirm accurate electronic scoring as required by the Conditions of Competition.

A player must not knowingly:

• Submit or cause another person to submit an incorrect score.

• Conceal a breach of the Rules of FootGolf.

• Agree with another player to ignore a rule or penalty.

• Cheat, gain an improper advantage, or assist another person in doing so.

• Provide false information during a rules inquiry, disciplinary investigation, or protest.

The Rules of FootGolf provide for disqualification where a player returns a score for a hole that is lower than actually made. Players and markers share responsibility for correct scorekeeping.

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6. On-Course Etiquette

 

Players must show consideration for other competitors and maintain an appropriate pace of play.

Players must:

• Avoid distracting another player through unnecessary movement, talking, noise, electronic devices, or positioning.

• Remain clear of another player’s line of play and putting line.

• Be ready to play when it is their turn.

• Comply with pace-of-play instructions, warnings, timing procedures, and directions from tournament officials.

• Repair damage caused by their footwear where applicable.

• Smooth bunkers after use.

• Avoid unnecessary damage to the course, greens, holes, flags, or other facilities.

• Keep mobile devices on silent and ensure they do not distract other players.

The AFGL may apply the pace-of-play procedures and sanctions authorised under the Rules of FootGolf and the Conditions of Competition.

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7. Safety

 

Safety takes priority over competition.

A player must not play until it is safe to do so. Players must ensure that no person is in a position where they could be struck or endangered by a kick.

Players must immediately follow an instruction to stop or suspend play. A player who becomes aware of a dangerous situation must promptly notify a Tournament Official, marshal, or the Tournament Committee.

Dangerous conduct may result in immediate removal from the course, disqualification, or further disciplinary action. 

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8. Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Smoking

 

Alcohol and Marijuana

Alcohol and marijuana are strictly prohibited from the start of a player’s round until that player has submitted their scorecard or completed the official scoring process.

A player who has consumed alcohol or marijuana after completing a round may not participate in a playoff. If called to a playoff after consuming alcohol or marijuana the player must declare themselves unavailable.

Excessive alcohol or marijuana consumption, intoxication, belligerent conduct, or conduct that compromises safety, the event, or the reputation of FootGolf may result in removal from the venue, disqualification, loss of event points, suspension, or other disciplinary action. Consumption of marijuana on the golf course premises including the parking lot is not allowed. 

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Illegal Drugs and Prohibited Substances

The possession, use, distribution, or promotion of illegal drugs or prohibited substances is forbidden at

AFGL/FIFG-sanctioned events.

Anti-doping matters will be addressed under applicable FIFG regulations, recognised anti-doping procedures, host-country law, and the requirements of any authorised testing body. FIFG anti-doping requirements apply during the 2026 season for FIFG 1000 events and FIFG 500 events.

A refusal to cooperate with an authorised anti-doping process, including sample collection where applicable, may lead to disciplinary proceedings under the relevant anti-doping rules.

 

Tobacco and Vaping

Smoking, tobacco use, and vaping are prohibited during tournament play on the FootGolf course. The FIFG Player Code of Conduct also identifies smoking, including electronic cigarettes, during tournament play as a conduct violation.

 

Outside competition play, tobacco and vaping products may be used only in areas permitted by law and host-venue policy. They are prohibited in designated non-smoking areas, practice areas, starting areas, scoring areas, registration areas, official briefings, and award ceremonies.

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9. Attire, Footwear, and Branding

 

Players must wear clean, appropriate, and respectful FootGolf attire during official practice, competition, ceremonies, and official functions.

 

Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Tournament Committee:

• A collared shirt or approved FootGolf competition shirt is required.

• Players may wear trousers, golf-style shorts, skirts, skorts, or appropriate kilts.

• Clothing must not be excessively revealing, offensive, discriminatory, unsafe, or inappropriate for a golf-course environment.

• Jeans, cut-offs, swimwear, basketball shorts, workout shorts, and shorts with drawstrings are not permitted during competition.

• Bare midriffs are not permitted during competition or official ceremonies.

• Hats and visors, if worn, must be worn appropriately and respectfully.

• Footwear must comply with the Rules of FootGolf and host-venue requirements. Cleats and footwear designed or modified for excessive traction are not permitted.​

Sponsor and team logos are permitted provided that they comply with applicable law, FIFG requirements, AFGL commercial policies, and host-venue rules communicated before the event.

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The following branding is prohibited:

• Logos or messages that are offensive, discriminatory, hateful, violent, sexually explicit, or unlawful.

• Promotion of drugs or prohibited substances.

• Branding that conflicts with confirmed AFGL or FIFG commercial obligations where those restrictions have been communicated to players before registration closes.

• Logos of FootGolf organisations not affiliated with the FIFG, consistent with the FIFG Player Code of Conduct. 

 

A player may be required to correct an attire or branding issue before starting play. Failure to comply may result in a warning, denial of access to the starting area, penalty, or disqualification where authorised by the Rules of FootGolf or Conditions of Competition.

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10. Social Media and Public Communications

 

Players may communicate freely and respectfully about their experiences. However, participants must not use social media, messaging platforms, interviews, or other communications to:

• Threaten, harass, bully, discriminate against, or intimidate another person.

• Publish knowingly false statements that may materially harm an individual, the AFGL, FIFG, a sponsor, a host venue, or an event official.

• Reveal confidential disciplinary information, personal data, or private communications without authority.

• Encourage cheating, rule-breaking, illegal betting, violence, or unsafe conduct.

• Bring the event into serious disrepute through abusive or seriously unprofessional conduct.

The FIFG Rules identify abusive or threatening conduct, including through social media, as conduct subject to disciplinary action.

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11. Betting, Corruption, and Improper Influence

 

Players must protect the integrity of FootGolf and must not engage in corruption, fraud, match manipulation, illegal betting, misuse of inside information, or any other conduct intended to improperly influence a competition.

A player must not:

• Bet on an AFGL event in which they are participating.

• Provide non-public competition information for betting purposes.

• Offer, solicit, accept, or provide an improper benefit to influence a result, decision, score, or competition matter.

• Knowingly associate with any person attempting to manipulate a competition.

Any concern involving betting, corruption, fraud, coercion, or match manipulation must be reported promptly and confidentially to the Tournament Director or AFGL Tournament Committee.

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12. Reporting Misconduct

A participant who observes a suspected breach of this Code, the Rules of FootGolf, or the Conditions of Competition should report it promptly to the Tournament Director, marshal, referee, or Tournament Committee.

Reports must be made honestly and in good faith. Participants are encouraged to provide relevant evidence, including photographs, video, messages, or witness details, where available and lawfully obtained.

The AFGL will handle reports as confidentially as reasonably practicable, subject to the need to investigate, protect participants, comply with law, and provide procedural fairness.

No person may retaliate against another person for making a good-faith report or participating in an investigation.

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13. Disciplinary Measures

 

The Tournament Committee may impose disciplinary measures for breaches of this Code, the Rules of FootGolf, Conditions of Competition, Local Rules, or host-venue regulations.

Depending on the circumstances, sanctions may include:

• Advice, education, or an informal correction.

• A verbal or written warning.

• A rules penalty where authorised by the Rules of FootGolf.

• A requirement to correct attire, conduct, or equipment.

• Removal from a particular area of the venue.

• Disqualification from the round or tournament.

• Removal of accreditation or exclusion from the host venue.

• Loss of prizes, points, benefits, or eligibility where authorised by applicable regulations.

• Suspension or restriction from future AFGL events.

• Referral to the applicable FIFG body, Member Country, anti-doping authority, law-enforcement authority, or host venue.

The FIFG Rules permit the Committee to disqualify a player for a serious breach of etiquette or conduct contrary to the spirit of the game.

In determining an appropriate sanction, the Committee may consider:

• The seriousness and nature of the conduct.

• Whether the conduct was intentional, reckless, or repeated.

• The effect on safety, fairness, participants, the venue, and the reputation of the event.

• Available evidence and the reliability of that evidence.

• Previous warnings or disciplinary history.

• Mitigating circumstances, cooperation, remorse, and corrective action.

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14. Immediate Protective Action

 

The Tournament Director, Head Marshal, Tournament Committee, or authorised host-venue representative may take immediate protective action where necessary to protect safety, prevent disruption, preserve competition integrity, or enforce the Rules of FootGolf.

Such action may include temporarily stopping a player from competing, removing a player from the course or venue, separating participants, or referring the matter for a formal disciplinary decision.

Immediate protective action is not, by itself, a final disciplinary decision.

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15. Disciplinary Procedure

 

Except where immediate action is necessary, the player will be:

1. Informed of the allegation or concern.

2. Given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

3. Allowed to provide relevant information or evidence.

4. Notified in writing of the decision, sanction, and reasons where a formal sanction is imposed.

A Committee member with an actual or perceived conflict of interest must not participate in the investigation or decision-making process.

Decisions involving on-course rules may be made immediately by the authorised marshal, referee, Tournament Director, or Tournament Committee, in accordance with the Rules of FootGolf.

 

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16. Protests, Reviews, and Appeals

 

A player may submit a protest or request a review in accordance with the Rules of FootGolf, Conditions of Competition, and applicable FIFG Competition Rules.

For matters arising from an AFGL event:

• A protest should be raised as soon as possible during the competition whenever practicable.

• A formal request for review must be submitted in writing to the AFGL Tournament Committee within 30 days of the relevant decision, unless a shorter deadline is stated in the Conditions of Competition for an on-course ruling.

• The AFGL Tournament Committee will issue a decision within the applicable timeframe or, where no specific timeframe applies, as soon as reasonably practicable.

• A request for review does not automatically suspend a penalty or sanction.

Where a matter remains unresolved, the player or organising Committee may seek review by the FIFG Rules Committee in accordance with FIFG Competition Rules. The FIFG Competition Rules provide a maximum 30-day period for a player to submit a protest and provide for matters to be finalised through the applicable FIFG Member Country dispute process, the FIFG Competitions Committee, and the FIFG Board.

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17. Tournament Committee

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For AFGL-sanctioned events, the Tournament Committee may include:

• Laura Balestrini 

• Roberto Balestrini 

• Sean McNamara 

• Bart Wojtyla 

• Jon Aron 

• Jo Reid 

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The AFGL may appoint additional officials, referees, marshals, or independent members where necessary to ensure fair administration of an event or disciplinary matter.

The Tournament Director is responsible for communicating Committee decisions to the player. Decisions remain subject to applicable FIFG rules, Member Country procedures, and any available review process.

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18. Acceptance

 

By registering for, attending, or participating in an AFGL-sanctioned event, each participant agrees to comply with this Player Code of Conduct, the Official Rules of FootGolf, the FIFG Competition Rules, AFGL Conditions of Competition, Local Rules, and host-venue regulations.

This Code was approved by the AFGL Tournament Committee on 1 January 2026 and remains effective until amended or replaced in writing.

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AFGL.US

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