Players, Handicap Committees and Authorized Associations all play an important role in ensuring the Rules of Handicapping are being implemented and administered appropriately. The main areas of responsibility for each key stakeholder are: i.Player
A player is expected to:

Act with integrity by following the Rules of Handicapping and to refrain from using, or circumventing, the Rules of Handicapping for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage,
Attempt to make the best score possible at each hole,
Submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time,
Submit acceptable scores to provide reasonable evidence of their demonstrated ability,
Play by the Rules of Golf, and
Certify the scores of fellow players.

ii.Golf Club/Handicap Committee

iii.Regional Golf Association

A Regional Golf Association is affiliated to its National Association and comprised of golf clubs and/or golfers within a defined area.
A Regional Golf Association has specific responsibilities within the World Handicap System and may be delegated additional obligations by its National Association.

iv.National Association

An authorized National Association has the exclusive rights to implement and administer the World Handicap System within its jurisdiction, including the issuance of a Handicap Index.
A National Association has specific responsibilities within the World Handicap System and may be delegated additional obligations by a Multi-National Association.
An authorized National Association may delegate some of its responsibilities to a Regional Golf Association or a golf club.

v.Multi-National Association

vi.The USGA and The R&A

Together, the USGA and The R&A are responsible for writing and interpreting the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System.
The USGA and The R&A are the joint governing authorities of the World Handicap System and are responsible for authorizing the use of the World Handicap System.

The full rights and responsibilities of each key stakeholder are outlined in Appendix A.

The Rules of Handicapping