Volunteer Resources

Training & Certification

CGA Rules Referee Training and Certification Document:This document provides an overview of the Rules Referee Training and Certification program and outlines the rules referee levels and certification requirements.

CGA On-Course Referee Manual: This guide states refereeing expectations and procedures that should be known and followed by all Rules Referees.

CGA Rules of Golf Seminars: Attend a CGA Rules of Golf Seminar in person, or CLICK HERE to watch a recording.

CGA On-Course Refereeing Webinars (Intermediate/Advanced): These webinars cover topics, procedures and rules situations specific to on-course refereeing.

• Webinar #1: RECORDING LINK
• Webinar #2: RECORDING LINK

CGA Rules Referee Exam (2024 Version): 

This virtual exam contains 40 questions. Open book.

80-Question USGA Rules Exam (CGA Proctored): 

There are four opportunities to take the 80-question USGA exam at the CGA offices. This is only available to those who have not previously taken the exam in the calendar year. Click HERE to register.

CGA Rules Referee Training Day: 

This training day is the best opportunity to meet CGA staff, other rules volunteers and learn more about what on-course refereeing entails. Check back for 2027 registration.

Training & Certification

If you are interested in becoming a CGA Rules Referee, you will be able to fill out a form in the fall or winter.

All Rules Apprentices will be matched with a mentor who is a current Certified Rules Referee.

Step One: Become familiar with our Rules Referee Training and Certification program.

• CGA Rules Referee Training and Certification Document: This document provides an overview of the Rules Referee Training and Certification program and outlines the rules referee levels and certification requirements.

Step Two: Attend a CGA Rules of Golf Seminar in person, or CLICK HERE to watch a recording.

Step Three: Attend the CGA Rules Referee Training Day OR watch the CGA Apprentice Webinar series on tis page. These webinars cover basic refereeing topics, procedures and rules situations specific to on-course refereeing.

Step Four: Read through the CGA On-Course Referee Manual.

• CGA On-Course Referee Manual: This guide states refereeing expectations and procedures that should be known and followed by all Rules Referees.

Step Five: Complete the CGA Apprentice Exam.

• CGA Apprentice Exam (2024 Version): This virtual exam contains 20 questions on basic rules knowledge. Open book with the support of your mentor.

Step Six: Register though VolunteerHub. This allows you to complete the required background check. Then you can sign-up for ride-alongs under the guidance of your mentor.

• 2026 Event Sign-Up: Utilize VolunteerHub to sign up as a rules referee for a CGA event. You will need to pass a background check each season.
• VolunteerHub How To Guide: If you are having trouble, please see these instructions.
• Event Selection Document: This guide will help referees choose event assignments that correspond with their level of experience.

Step Seven: Order apparel.

• 2026 Apparel Order Form:  When you have submitted the order you must let Kate know at kmoore@coloradgolf.org, so the order can be pushed through. 

Step Eight: Compete at least two “ride along” days at a CGA event where you will shadow a Certified Rules Referee and complete the CGA Apprentice On-Course Checklist.

• CGA Apprentice On-Course Checklist: List of topics, procedures and rules situations common to on-course refereeing. that must be discussed and demonstrated during ride along.

Step Nine: Complete the CGA Rules Referee Exam before first non-ride along tournament day, making you a Certified Rules Referee.

• CGA Rules Referee Exam: This virtual exam contains 40 questions. Open book with the support of your mentor.