PART FOUR: HANDICAPPING
26. Regaining a Handicap
FOLLOWING SUSPENSION AND LOSS OF HANDICAP
26.1 If the handicap of a player is to be restored within six months of the date on which his handicap was lost, or suspended, it shall be reinstated at the same handicap the player last held. In all other cases the player shall be allotted a new handicap after he has complied with the requirements of Clause 16.
26.2 When restoring a handicap which has been lost or suspended for more than six months the Handicap Committee, in addition to proceeding as required by Clause 16, shall give due and full consideration to the handicap the player last held. A Category 1 handicap shall not be allotted without the written approval of the Union or Area Authority if so delegated.
FOLLOWING LAPSE OF HANDICAP
26.3 A player whose handicap has lapsed under the provision of Clause 25.1 can regain a Playing Handicap after he has complied with the requirements of Clause 16.2.
26.4 When a handicap that has lapsed is being regained, the Handicap Committee should proceed as required by Clause 16 and in addition give due consideration to the handicap the player last held, his age and potential playing ability.
26.5 A Category 1 handicap shall not be allotted without the written approval of the Union or Area Authority if so delegated.
When a player with a 'starred' handicap fulfils the requirement of Clause 16, the handicap should not necessarily be restored at the previous figure. The handicap allocated should be based on the cards returned, together with all available knowledge regarding the player's ability. Age is also a significant factor in the determination. A player whose general standard of play is in decline should have his handicap increased. Conversely, a player, more likely to be a younger person, who is deemed to have a potential greater than that indicated by his 'starred' handicap should have his handicap reduced.