Volunteer with Us
Whether you are a board member, committee member, course rater, referee or tournament team member…it is the combined efforts of all volunteers that becomes the engine of Golf Nova Scotia. We love golf and its success in Nova Scotia relies on the dedication of volunteers.
Scroll down to learn more of the positions that exist today and fill out our VOLUNTEER FORM by clicking below.
A core function of Golf Nova Scotia is executing Provincial Golf Championships. It is the combined efforts of GNS staff, referees and tournament team volunteers that makes each tournament a success.
Tournament Positions:
- Starter
- Registration
- Scorer
- Forecaddie
- Referee
We invite you to keep an eye on our tournament schedule and please reach out if you would like to help out with one of our events.
All Clubs are rated upon joining Golf Nova Scotia and periodically have their rating reviewed as the course ages or as design changes are made to the course. In any given year up to 15 courses may require a visit from a trained Course Rating Team. Course Raters must be flexible and organized; an affinity for math or statistics is a definite asset. There is a detailed training program for new and experienced raters that includes both in class and on course training.
Golf Nova Scotia requires certified Referees to volunteer at Provincial Championships. To be involved as a Referee at Provincial events one must have completed at minimum Level 2 of the 2019 Golf Canada rules of golf education program. In addition, Referees must have an excellent understanding of the Rules of Golf and have the ability to work as a team member while making decisions under pressure.
Rules Education
In addition to publishing the Rules of Golf, Golf Canada is committed to train and educate all golfers that could ultimately lead to national certification as a Referee.
New for 2019, Golf Canada will be adopting the R&A’s Rules Education system. One of the main objectives of the Rules Modernization Initiative was to create consistency around the world in many facets of the Rules of Golf, including educating and training referees. The exams that Golf Canada will use and the designation by marks achieved will be consistent throughout the countries allied to the R&A, such as Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
While Golf Canada traditionally has employed a four-level system, the R&A’s Rules Education program consists of a three-tiered approach which similarly Golf Canada has adopted. Level 1 is the introductory level to Golf Canada’s Rules Education program which then proceeds into separate programming for individuals to continue through our Rules Education Pathway at the provincial and national level.
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Level 1Level 1 is an easy and interesting way to learn the basics of golf. This level focuses on the game’s etiquette, key definitions, and the most common situations in the field. As part of the Level 1 program, students can put their knowledge to the test by answering summary questions at the end of each section, before tackling the Level 1 online certification exam.
CLICK HERE to begin Level 1
Please note when you register to participate in the R&A Rules Academy through the Academy’s R&D Rules website, your contact information and other relevant information, including exam results, will be shared with Golf Canada. Golf Canada reserves the right to use this information to communicate with you about rules training, golf education, volunteer opportunities and golf events. We will use this information to promote and develop golf in Canada. For more information on how we can use and protect your personal information, please see our privacy policy by clicking here.
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Provincial LevelProvincial level seminars are conducted by the provincial golf associations (PA), and the curriculum will begin to look at the more important playing Rules in detail. Some of the complexities that are found in the Rules of Golf book or the Official Guide on the Rules of Golf are introduced along while also implementing on-course demonstrations. The Provincial level is designed for individuals with an involvement in tournament administration, or a desire to have such an involvement.
Eligibility:
- Level 1 certified (online)
Requirements to be Provincially Certified:
- Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the Provincial exam, administered by the PA
- Complete 50 hours of on-course experience as a Referee.
- Complete an additional 10 hours accompanying a Nationally certified Referee at a championship.
For National accompanying opportunities in your area, please see the Golf Canada Competitions schedule or contact your Provincial Association for more information.
If you are interested in obtaining your Provincial Level Rules certification, please contact technicaldirector@nsga.ns.ca.
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National LevelNational level seminars consist of a three-day seminar run by Golf Canada. It serves to give guidance and advice on refereeing at the highest level. This program is intended for experienced Referees who wish to improve both their technical and practical knowledge as a referee.
Eligibility:
- Provincial level certification (written and practical components completed)
Requirements to be Nationally Certified:
- Attend and achieve a minimum of 80% on the National level exam, administered by Golf Canada.
- Complete 100 hours of on-course experience as a Referee, including 10 of those hours accompanying a current Nationally certified Referee.