Alberta Golf Tees Up Safe Sport Philosophy
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2021-01-07
By GORD MONTGOMERY, Inside Golf
CALGARY, Alberta — While golf enjoyed an immense boom in popularity in Alberta in 2020, there was a darker side to that growth — that of some unwanted, and unwelcome behaviours, especially in upper-end competitions. Whether a case of throwing shade or outright duplicity, such circumstances have shown up on the competitive landscape and have driven the province’s ruling body of amateur golf, Alberta Golf, to take steps.
Golf, in its purest form, is a game of honesty and sportsmanship. But let’s be honest here - who hasn’t taken a mulligan, or two, during a round? Who hasn’t not counted a missed 2-foot putt as a ‘made’ shot if “I hadn’t rushed it,”? Who hasn’t dogged on a playing partner, supposedly good-naturedly about a poor result? Who hasn’t argued with a play about a ruling they disagree with after such an adjudication goes against them? What parent hasn’t chided an official, or their own child, for what they perceive as a misconstrued ruling or shot?
While these may be a more common occurrence during recreational play, the fact they’re beginning to show up during major competitions is a concern to Alberta Golf, explained the association’s executive director, Phil Berube.
Berube said his association will be hot on the heels of those that may finagle the etiquette in what is supposedly the “gentleman’s game,” in order to bring respect, and honesty, back to the sport. As such, the Safe Sport task force has been put into motion.
“We’ve decided this is going to part of our communication plan starting next spring,” began Berube about changing “people’s attitudes and the language they use,” during events.
The end goal of this effort, he continued, is that the task force doesn’t want to just be seen as a temporary fix: “We want this to be solution-based where every player, every parent, every administrator, volunteer, referee, staff, we’re all speaking the same language. We’re all part of the solution.”
While this group will look at a vast array of on-course issues, including cheating, bullying, and parental interface, there isn’t really one predominant factor that rises above others. Berube explained that this issue first came up through Golf Canada’s sport meetings and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
“This is about just putting this out there, to draw attention,” to these matters, he continued about Alberta Golf stepping out ahead of what could be classed as a growing problem. “We really want to resolve this once and for all, rather than just talk about it.
“The thing is, at almost every single tournament or anytime you go on a golf course, someone breaks a rule. Willingly or unwillingly. What we want to do is make this education-based. Like teaching people: What do you do if you suppose this happened? What should you do? What are your options? It’s more education among players, parents and officials (and through that) I think a lot of these things will go away.”
Berube didn’t hesitate when asked if such instances such as these had been brought to the attention of tourney officials at all levels of play, stating, “Yeah, all the time.”
The ultimate goal of this is having players approach one another during an event, before an issue arises and suggesting that perhaps what they’re about to do isn’t the correct thing to do, Berube continued. “(It’s about) getting players involved in helping one another to be successful. It’s not up to the victim (in abuse or bullying situations) to bring this forward, it’s up to everyone around.”
To administer this project correctly, Alberta Golf has looked into how such issues have been handled in other sports. “This kind of puts the onus on society a little bit more,” to help alleviate the problems that are faced when reporting wrongdoings. “That’s the approach we’re taking. We can all be part of this because it won’t get to this stage if anyone has to come forward to call someone else out …. This is an ownership thing amongst the groups involved and we’re here to back them up.”
Overall, this comes down to a simple truth: There is only one winner in every event, whether it’s on the golf course, hockey rink, or baseball field. “Do your best and if you come up short this time, there is going to be a next time. That’s the game of golf,” and life for that matter.
So, whether or not the abuse is directed toward an official, a volunteer, a player or parent, or toward the game itself, Alberta Golf wants everyone in competitive events to step back, take a breath, and figure out what is best in a given situation. And by working together, that can be achieved to bring back the integral part of the gentleman’s game.
“We’re all in on this,” said Berube in closing. “It’s not going to be anything earth-shattering. It’s just another step along the way. It’s just going to be continued reinforcement, continued education and at the end of the day, doing the right thing.”
For more information on this initiative, go to albertagolf.org.