Sand Swinger Reporting Rules

1. Introduction

Sand Swinger enables the golf community to submit structured integrity reports about potential handicap concerns. These rules govern how reports must be submitted and what content is permitted.

By submitting a report, you agree to comply with these rules.

Sand Swinger is not affiliated with GolfRSA or HNA. Information displayed here is for community awareness purposes only and does not constitute an official handicap ruling. Always verify information through official channels and your club's handicap committee.

2. Reporting Standards

2.1 Factual, Event-Based Reporting Only

All reports must be based on direct observation of specific events. You must provide:

What this means:

• Report only what you personally witnessed or have direct knowledge of
• Describe specific events, not general impressions or rumours
• Include as much verifiable context as possible (competition name, playing partners if relevant)

Examples of acceptable reports:

• "On [date] at [course], during [competition], I observed [specific factual observation]"
• Selecting structured observation codes that match what you witnessed

Examples of unacceptable reports:

• "Everyone knows this person manipulates their handicap"
• "I heard from someone that..."
• "I have a feeling that..."

2.2 Structured Observations Only

Reports use structured observation codes rather than free-text descriptions. This approach:

1. Ensures consistency across reports
2. Minimises defamation risk
3. Enables fair pattern analysis
4. Aligns with HNA content restrictions

Available observation codes:

Note: The other category requires moderator-only free text and will be reviewed before any action is taken.

3. Prohibited Content

3.1 No Insults, Speculation, or Labels

You must never use language that:

Approved language:

• "Integrity report"
• "Needs review"
• "Under review"
• "Escalated to committee"

Why this matters:

• HNA's own terms prohibit posting material that is false, defamatory, abusive, harassing, or hateful
• Sand Swinger is a reporting tool, not a judgement platform
• Official determinations are made by club committees and HNA, not by reporters

3.2 No Identification of Third Parties

When submitting reports or evidence:

• Do not include names or identifying information of other golfers who are not the subject
• Redact other individuals from screenshots or documents where possible
• Do not share reports or report details on social media or other platforms

3.3 No False or Malicious Reports

Reports must be submitted in good faith. You must not:

• Submit reports you know to be false
• Submit reports to harass, intimidate, or retaliate against someone
• Submit multiple reports about the same subject to artificially inflate concern
• Coordinate with others to brigade a particular golfer
• Use the reporting system for personal vendettas

4. Consequences for Abuse

Violation of these rules will result in enforcement action. Consequences escalate based on severity and repetition.

4.1 Enforcement Levels

4.2 Violation Categories

4.3 Appeals

If you believe an enforcement action was taken in error:

1. You will receive notification of the action and reason
2. You may submit an appeal within 14 days
3. Appeals are reviewed by a different moderator
4. Final decisions are communicated within 7 business days

4.4 Legal Consequences

In cases of serious defamation, harassment, or abuse:

• Sand Swinger may report the matter to relevant authorities
• Affected parties may pursue legal remedies independently
• We will cooperate with lawful requests from law enforcement
• Your information may be disclosed as required by law

5. Evidence Guidelines

5.1 What to Submit

Evidence should support your factual observations. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Screenshots of competition results (redact other individuals where possible)
• Official score history excerpts (with permission or from public sources)
• Competition entry lists or results

5.2 What Not to Submit

Do not submit:

• Photographs of individuals without consent
• Private communications or messages
• Content obtained through unauthorised access
• Speculation presented as evidence

5.3 Evidence Handling

• Evidence is visible only to moderators, never to other users
• Evidence is subject to strict retention limits (see Privacy Notice)
• You are responsible for ensuring you have the right to submit any evidence

6. Reporter Responsibilities

By using Sand Swinger's reporting system, you agree to:

1. Verify eligibility - Complete identity and history verification before submitting reports
2. Report in good faith - Only submit reports based on genuine concerns and direct observation
3. Be factual - Stick to verifiable facts, not opinions or speculation
4. Be proportionate - Report genuine concerns, not minor annoyances
5. Respect privacy - Minimise exposure of personal information
6. Accept outcomes - Respect moderation decisions and use the appeals process if you disagree
7. Keep reports confidential - Do not share reports or outcomes publicly

7. Acknowledgement

Before submitting your first report, you must acknowledge:

"By submitting this report, I confirm that:

• The information provided is factual and based on my direct observation
• I have not used prohibited language or made accusations
• I understand that false or malicious reports may result in account suspension or termination
• I agree to abide by Sand Swinger's Reporting Rules"

8. Questions

For questions about these rules:

• Email: support@sandswinger.co.za

For privacy-related enquiries, see our Privacy Notice.