Parent Etiquette at Tournaments and Matches:

Thank you for attending a tournament and for supporting the team. Golf is a little different from most high school sports because once the players tee off, they are essentially on their own. One of the goals of high school golf is helping players learn independence, decision-making, and integrity.

Because of that, here are a few expectations for spectators during matches and tournaments:

1. If your daughter approaches you during play, keep conversation to encouragement only. Examples of acceptable comments are:

• “Good luck.”
• “Have fun.”
• “Nice shot.”

2. No coaching during the round. MSHSL rules prohibit coaching once the round has started.

• Parents cannot give swing tips, club suggestions, or strategy advice.
• Even casual comments like “take an extra club” or “watch the wind” count as coaching.
• Only the designated team coach may communicate with players during the round.

3. Maintain proper distance of at least 25 yards. 

• Spectators should stay far enough away so they do not interfere with play.
• Stay in the rough, to the side or ahead of the players’ group.
• When teeing off, he best locations are off to the side of the tee markers and slightly behind the players.
• Be near the cart path if one is available.
• Avoid walking with a specific group too closely.

4. Stay quiet and still.

• No talking during swings
• Silence phones
• Avoid sudden movements near the player hitting.
• Applause or encouragement is fine after shots are completed.

5. Do not help with rules. 

• Parents should not intervene in rules situations.
• If a player asks about a rule, direct them to their coach or a tournament official.
• Even if you know the rule, spectators should not give rulings.

6. No carrying equipment or acting like a caddie. Players must manage their own equipment. Spectators cannot:

• Carry clubs or equipment in an on-going capacity
• Clean balls
• Give yardages
• Read putts

  Spectators may:

• Provide food or drinks during play
• Bring the player needed equipment, like rain gear, extra golf balls, or an umbrella.

7. Be respectful of all players. Remember these are school events. 

    Good spectator etiquette includes:

• Encouraging all players, not just your own child
• Avoiding negative comments about competitors
• Not reacting dramatically to mistakes

8. Spectators are not allowed to use a cell phone to contact the coach while the tournament is underway, except to notify the coach of emergency situations on the course or in the clubhouse.

9. Spectators are allowed to help look for a ball. Examples of permitted help:

• Walking through the rough or woods to help locate the ball
• Pointing out where a ball is found
• Helping search within the 3-minute search time

     This often speeds up play and tournaments typically appreciate it.

     What Spectators Cannot Do During the Search

     Even while helping look, parents cannot give advice or influence play, by:

• Saying “It crossed the hazard here.”
• Suggesting where to drop
• Recommending which club to hit next
• Stepping on grass to improve the lie
• Moving branches or grass to improve the shot

     They should only help locate the ball, not assist the next shot.

To sum it up:
Please encourage and observe, but stay out of the competition. Thank you!