MVGCSA Code of Ethics

As a member of the Mississippi Valley Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, I pledge myself to:

1. Recognize and discharge all my responsibilities and duties in such a fashion as to be a credit to this Association and profession
2. Practice and insist upon sound business and turf management principles in exercising the responsibilities of my position
3. Utilize every practice opportunity to expand my professional knowledge, thereby improving myself and my profession
4. Maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to reflect credit and add to the status of the profession of golf management
5. Base endorsements, either written or verbal means of any medium, strictly upon satisfactory personal experiences within the item identified
6. Refrain from encouraging or accepting considerations of any value without the express understanding of all parties that said consideration is available to all in similar circumstances, and that no actions shall be forthcoming as a result of acceptance
7. Recognize and observe the highest standards of integrity in my relationships with fellow golf course superintendents and others associated with this profession and industry
8. Assist my fellow superintendents in all ways consistent with my abilities
9. Abstain from the untruthful debasement of, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation or practice of another superintendent
10. Lend my support to, and actively participate in, the efforts of my local chapter and National Association to improve public understanding and recognition of the profession of golf course management
11. Abstain from any unfair exploitation of my Association, industry or profession
12. Present information and participate as a witness voluntarily in all proceedings to which there exists evidence of a violation of the Code of Ethics
    • A. When seeking employment:
      1. I will, when possible, speak to the person who is leaving or has left the position for which I am considered
    • B. When visiting other golf courses:
      1. I will call on the superintendent of the golf course
      2. I will present either my GCSAA Membership card, if I am a member, or my MVGCSA membership card

Observance of this code can only enhance the entire profession. Disregarding it will bring discredit not only to the individual but to all superintendents. To retain member status in good standing, compliance to this code is mandatory.