GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION

AGE DETERMINATION:
– Minimum age is 50 years on or before DECEMBER 31, 2026
– Age groups for individual determined by the age on DECEMBER 31, 2026
– Age groups for doubles, mixed doubles, and teams determined by the
age of the youngest participant on DECEMBER 31, 2026
– Age groups in most events are five year increments (50-54, 55-59, etc)
See individual event information for exceptions
– Age groups may be combined if the number of entries is not conducive for
tournament play; however, medals will be awarded to each age group.

AGE CREDENTIALS:
– Age challenges must be resolved at the event.
– Entrants must be able to show valid photo ID as proof of age.
– False or unverifiable age may result in ejection or disqualification.

RESIDENCY: There is no residency requirement.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES: A person is ineligible to compete in any
sport in which they previously competed as a professional until 20 years
have passed since their last professional competition. A professional is
defined as someone who competes for money as their primary source of
income. Individuals who earn only small cash prizes or who are
Instructors/teachers are not considered professional athletes.

REGISTRATION:
– Pre-registration required (online or paper).
– Participants may compete once per event.
– Participants may enter as many events as their schedule allows with the
following exceptions: Archery – 1 of 5 events; Tennis – 2 of 3 events.
Check schedule of events for conflicts.
– NEW ONLINE REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED. Visit website
www.polkseniorgames.org. Read the instructions and follow steps.
– Paper Individual Entry Form and the Softball Team Entry Form are in the
middle of book. Do not send a second form – call for changes/additions.
– A confirmation and a receipt for payment will be emailed once the
entry process has been completed. Contact Polk Senior Games at
863-533-0055 if the emails have not been received within a week.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
– FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
– Online ends at 11:59 PM ET. Paper entry ends at 5 PM in Bartow office..
– No entries will be accepted after the deadline. USE ONLINE OR OVER
NIGHT MAIL SERVICE IF NEEDED. Polk Senior Games assumes
no liability for incorrect entries or entries not received by deadline. It is
the responsibility of entrant to assure their entry is received by deadline.

PARTNERS:
– Entrants may compete with only one partner per event. Each partner must
submit an entry, pay fee and include partner’s name and information.
– If using paper entry, it is helpful if both entry forms are mailed together.
– If one registered partner cannot attend, another eligible person may be
substituted at the event with approval by the Event Manager and
completing a Substitute Form. One player must be an original partner.

SOFTBALL AND BOWLING TEAM REGISTRATION:
– Softball: Final acceptance of an entry depends on the number of
entries received in an age group.
Online or Paper – The Team Manager must register the Team with a
roster of 11 minimum players (18 max) and pay the team fee of $198.
– The Official Roster/Release Form (emailed to Team Manager after
registering) must be submitted at check-in on the day of the Event with
any changes and all member’s signatures agreeing to Release of Liability
– Team members must register as an individual only if they are entering
events other than Softball. It is helpful in processing, if the Individual Form
is submitted after the Team Manager has submitted the team entry.
– Bowling:
Online – The Team Manager must register first and create the team
including adding themselves to the team. Then the other members must
register and join the created team. Each member pays their own fees.
Paper – Each member must submit an Individual Entry form.
Check Bowling Mixed Team (and any other events they wish to enter) and
add the Team Name, Age Group and Team Manager name. Each
member must pay their own fees and read/sign a Release of Liability. The
Team Manager’s entry must be processed before any member can be
registered for the team. Turn in all four entries together, if possible.

FEES AND REFUNDS:
– Base registration fee is $13. Each event is $6. Each event “checked”
counts as an event.
– Participants may enter as many events as desired, avoiding conflicts and
restrictions, and pay no more than $55 in entry fees. Additional facility
fees and softball team fees are not included in the $55 maximum.
– Additional facility fees, are required for Archery – $15, Bowling – $7.50 per
event, Golf Singles – $40, Golf Mixed Doubles – $40 per person;
Pickleball – $15 per event; Pistol Shooting – $15 per event; Rifle Shooting
– $15, Skeet Shooting – $17, Trap Shooting – $17, Sporting Clays – $25,
5-Stand – $25. The Softball Team fee is $198.
– Polk Senior Games has a NO REFUND policy.

CANCELLATIONS AND SCHEDULE CHANGES:
– Call or email the Polk Senior Games office if cancellations are necessary.
– No-shows cause forfeits and delays.
– Polk Senior Games is not responsible for changes to the event program,
postponements, cancellations due to inclement weather or circumstances
beyond our control.
– Polk Senior Games reserves the right to change the event schedule,
competition format, and postpone or cancel events.
– No refunds will be given as a result of these circumstances.

T-SHIRTS: T-shirts will be distributed at entrant’s first event. If not picked up
at the first event, it will not be at subsequent events. It can be picked up at
the Polk Senior Games office after Games are over. Please wear T-shirts.

MEDALS: Entrant must participate (and have a score if applicable) to be
eligible for medals. Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to
1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each age group at the conclusion of
each event. Medals not received at an event may be picked up at the Polk
Senior Games office after the Games are over.

SPECIAL AWARDS:
– Special awards for “best of age group” and “outstanding male and female
Competitors” (based on a point system), most represented senior
community (based on percentage system), outstanding volunteers,
outstanding event managers, and the “Stretch” award (something special)
will be compiled and awarded by mail after the Games are over.

PHOTOGRAPHS:
– Please bring your own camera for “that perfect shot”. Polk Senior Games
only takes photos for its own use in media and publications.

SMOKING/ALCOHOL:
– Smoking not allowed at indoor events, on golf carts or on school property.
– Alcohol is not allowed at events except where sold by a licensed venue.

MEDICAL INSURANCE AND LIABILITY WAIVER:
– Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Every participant
should be sure to have proof of insurance at events.
– Each participant must read, sign, and date the Release of Liability.

SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINES:
– It is highly advised to be physically capable and experienced in a sport.
Unsafe or unskilled participants may be denied competition.
– Participants are responsible for considering their own risks and taking
steps to protect themselves.
– Applies to all: participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff.
– Respect others’ personal space.
– Masks are optional; bring your own mask and hand sanitizer.
– Bring your own equipment when possible.
– Seating is limited – consider bringing a lawn chair.
– In case of lightning, seek shelter or return to your vehicle.
– Do not attend if you feel unwell, have covid/flu symptoms, are
awaiting results, told to isolate, or have tested positive.
– Guidelines may change; updates will be posted at polkseniorgames.org.

CODE OF CONDUCT:
Participants in Polk Senior Games, as players, non-playing managers, spectators, volunteers or officials, are responsible for knowing and must observe the standards of good sportsmanship and appropriate conduct as defined in this rule and the rules governing each individual sport.
Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:
Verbal, physical or visual harassment Vulgar, abusive or derogatory language
Actual or threatened violence Bullying or taking unfair advantage
Endangering the well-being of others Improper use of alcohol and/or drugs
Destruction of property False representation of age or eligibility.
Failing to cooperate with staff, volunteers or officials
Failure to agree and adhere to the Code of Conduct or other rules and
procedures can result in actions ranging from ejection from an event to
disqualification from participating in Polk Senior Games. Participants
recommended for disqualification will have the opportunity for a hearing before the PSG Executive Committee or designated representatives. The decision of the PSG Board of Directors will be final. Violent acts will result in
immediate disqualification from participation in Polk Senior Games and may result in legal charges being brought against the individual(s).

PROTESTS, COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:
– Protests regarding any aspect of an event must be made immediately to
the Event Manager of the event in question.
– The decision of the Event Manager will be final.
– Comments and suggestions for improving the Games are appreciated.

FLORIDA SENIOR GAMES & NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES:
– Polk Senior Games is sanctioned as a qualifier by the Florida Senior Games,
presented by Humana. Some of Polk Senior Games events are qualifying
events for the State Games (see individual event information).
– Polk Senior Games will submit the names of the top five in each age group.
A list will be posted on the website www.polkseniorgames.org by May 31.
– Some events in Polk Senior Games are “open” events at the State Games,
meaning they do not require qualification to enter.
– Some events in Polk Senior Games are not offered at the Florida Senior
Games. See individual event information.
– The Florida Senior Games, presented by Humana, will be held in December.
– The National Senior Games are held bi-annually during odd numbered years
and participants qualify through competition at Polk Senior Games and the
Florida Senior Games during even numbered years.
– The State Games toll-free phone number is 866-354-2637 and the website is
www.floridaseniorgames.com.