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Keeping Our Community Safe & Inclusive

December 15, 2023 in Club Communications

As a follow up to the public statement released on 11/09/2023, we are asking that all club members and extended community read the document linked to below. Here’s an overview of the intent, context, and content of this document:

“This document serves as an educational tool to empower our club members in making informed choices on the disc golf course. Our primary goal is to provide resources that encourage thoughtful decision-making and proactive measures to enhance the safety and well-being of women.”

We’d like to thank everyone for their attention and thoughtful consideration of this very important topic!

PLEASE READ

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Public Statement Released on November 9th, 2023

November 15, 2023 in Club Communications

Please click the link below to view the statement…

Public Statement – 11/09/2023

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2021 Membership and Bag Tags

January 22, 2021 in Announcements, Club Communications, Club Membership

Get your 2021 SFDGC Bag Tag During Membership Week!

>>Link to Disc Golf Scene<<

>>2020 Weekly Rankings<<

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A Tough Decision

We’d like to thank EVERYONE who has supported the San Francisco Disc Golf Club over these past 12 months. No one could have anticipated the challenges that would be presented to our planet, our country, our city, and our club. Despite these challenges, our community grew, adapted, and continued to enjoy playing disc golf in Golden Gate Park.

Our membership grew to a staggering 444 people (+63 over 2019)! We were able to develop our relationship with SFR&P into a productive partnership. The support from SFR&P, coupled with strong member engagement, enabled us to get some great work done on the course!

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and state, county, and city health ordinances, SFDGC leadership has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Bag Tag Challenge. This tournament normally occurs on the 2nd weekend of January and serves to kick off our membership drive each year.

Your membership dues pay for course maintenance & improvements, club events, and allows the SFDGC to support disc golf tournaments and new courses throughout the region. If you would like to learn more about member benefits and how the club utilizes membership funds, please check out our website.

We have been discussing options for kicking off the 2021 membership year and issuing bag tags. As of January 20th, our region is NOT projected to meet the criteria required to lift the “Stay at Home” order through at least February 20th. We cannot promote any sort of organized play while the “Stay at Home” health order is still in place.

2021 Membership & Bag Tags

Given the uncertainty, we are moving forward with opening up the 2021 Membership Year and issuing new bag tags designed by Todd Kurnat (visit his website)!

  • Purchase during “Membership Week” on Disc Golf Scene (>>LINK<<)
    • Tags 1 – ### will be issued
    • Receive code for 1-month trial to the Disc Golf Network (issued on Wednesday, February 10th)
    • See below for details
  • Purchase after “Membership Week” on the club website (https://www.sfdiscgolf.org)
    • Members will be issued next available bag tag number
  • The cost for 2021 Membership and Bag Tag will be unchanged at $40

Membership Week Details:

  • Membership Week opens Monday, February 1st @ 6PM PT
  • Membership Week closes on Sunday February 7th @ 11:59:59PM
  • Membership Week Bag Tags #s will be determined as follows:
    • Top 50: Per Rankings for all 2020 Weeklies + Membership Status
      • Ranking determined by player average for all weeks played
      • Played at least 10 of the 31 weeklies in 2020
      • Must be a 2020 Member
    • Tags 51 – ### will be issued by random assignment
  • Tags will be available for pickup on Saturday & Sunday, February 13th & 14th
    • FREE RAFFLE: Must pick up your tag to be entered
    • Help us save $ on time and postage!
    • If you are unable to pick up your tag, we will mail them out ASAP

NEW FOR 2021: Women of SFDGC Tags

As previously posted in our Facebook group, the SFDGC would like to do more to support women disc golfers who are — or would like to become — members of the club. Introducing “Women of SFDGC” bag tags is one action we are taking to make space for and recognize the women disc golfers in our community.

  • Issued in addition to the standard SFDGC Member tag (no charge)
  • Serialized starting at #1
  • Unique colors

Potential Mid-Year Bag Tag Event

If possible, the club will host an event later in the year when we are able to obtain a permit. The current concept would be to issue Commemorative Tags to players with the top scores. This could also be an optional tag round for anyone willing to pick up their tag at the end of the day. Currently, there is no way to project when this event could occur but we will let you know when we have more information.

While 2020 was a challenging year in so many ways, we are extremely grateful and proud of our disc golf community. We have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and our bonds have been strengthened in many ways. We know big things are in our future and can’t thank you all enough for the support.

Sincerely — Your Club Officers,

Shawn Mercy – President
Chris Tirrell – Vice President
Steve Erle – Treasurer
Harper Alexander – Secretary

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COVID-19 UPDATE: SUNDAY WEEKLY ON HIATUS (12-09-2020)

December 9, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications

As you all are likely aware, the Bay Area is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. In order to mitigate this surge and associated impacts to our health care system, SF County and surrounding Bay Area counties have implemented a new “Stay Safer at Home” health order.

After careful consideration of the San Francisco County health order (No. C19-07p), the SFDGC officers have determined that the Sunday Weekly must be put on hiatus until further notice.

While the health order does allow for people to play golf, a new restriction makes it problematic for the club to continue facilitating the Weekly:

“For golf, groups must be limited to members of a single Household;”

Given the language of the health order, we would advise everyone who does play to stay vigilant and do their best to not invite complaints.

  1. If you have any symptoms, STAY HOME. Even if you have tested negative, others around you may not know that and will not feel comfortable.
  2. Wear a face covering.
  3. Keep your distance from others. Even if the person is in your household, observers may not know that.
  4. Keep your hands clean!
  5. Follow all COVID-19 precautions and protocols displayed on signage at the course, and encourage others to do the same.

We are hoping that this pause in the Sunday Weekly is short and we are able to get it going again in the not-too-distant future.

This community has shown its true colors during these difficult times and we couldn’t be more proud and grateful to be part of it! Please continue to do your part by staying safe and healthy.

Thank you all for your support!

Your SFDGC Officers,
Shawn Mercy – President
Chris Tirrell – Vice President
Steve Erle – Treasurer
Harper Alexander – Secretary

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SFDGC SUNDAY WEEKLY RESUMES — WITH MODIFICATIONS

July 17, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications, Events

The Sunday Weekly has resumed as of February 7th, 2021. If you are planning to participate, you will need to be familiar with and comply with the COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Distancing Protocols that have been implemented by SFR&P and are supported by the SFDGC.

MODIFICATIONS
  • Health Precautions and Distancing Protocols ARE MANDATORY. We need to be extra cautious to ensure that we can safely run this event for many of you to enjoy. Weekly Facilitators (WFs) will disqualify anyone who is not following the posted Health Precautions and Distancing Protocols. Don’t come if you refuse to wear a face covering. Don’t come if you refuse to keep your distance from others. These minor inconveniences are what will help us keep the course open and The Weekly active during these difficult times.
  • DIGITAL SCORING: We have moved all scoring* to UDisc Leagues digital platform. No physical scorecards will be accepted by the WFs. There is NO CHARGE to create a UDisc profile which will enable you to submit your score. You do not need to install the app on your phone, although we recommend doing so. We do fully support all of the great work that the folks at UDisc have been doing so we would urge you to pay the $4.99 / year for your UDisc Pro subscription. If you are an active PDGA member, your subscription is free.
    *Handicaps, results, and season standings will NOT be published in UDisc. They will continue to be published in this group AND on our website. More info to come on how to use UDisc Leagues for scoring.
    >>MORE INFO ON USING UDISC (PLEASE READ)<<
  • EXACT CHANGE: Due to several constraints, we will still only accept payment ($5) in cash (no coins). BRING EXACT CHANGE. Our WFs will not be handling cash so if you forget to bring exact change, you’ll either have to figure it out with other players, or may a donation.
  • WINTER SEASON ’20/’21 WILL RESUME: We will be keeping the season schedule set last fall. This means that the Winter ’20-’21 Season will go through the end of March for a total of 18 weeks, 8 short of the originally scheduled 26 weeks. We will then start our Summer 2021 season the 1st week of April and run through the end of September. We will do our best to stick to this season calendar going forward.
  • LIMITED WFs: We will limit volunteer WFs to those that are willing to ensure players are following the COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Distancing Protocols.
  • EARLY STARTS: We will allow early starts (before WFs arrive — by 8am) and payment after 9 holes. HOWEVER, you MUST start your UDisc scorecard at the beginning of your round.
  • LAST GROUPS: You must be paid and in line by the 10am cutoff.
  • CURRENT STANDINGS (through 12/06/2020): http://www.sfdiscgolf.org/archives/18740

That’s all for now. Thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding!

Shawn Mercy
SFDGC President

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SFDGC: ADAPTIVE RESILIENCE

July 17, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the responsible & patient people who have been playing Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course safely since the reopening on June 25th!
While it hasn’t been perfect — from what I have observed and been told — we are well into a cultural reset that will allow us to play disc golf safely in Golden Gate Park through a pandemic that has affected our lives in many ways.
I think we need to realize that we are lucky to have chosen a sport that, by it’s outdoor and non-contact nature, is lower risk. However, since we are also a very social and active club / community, we still have our challenges. Challenges that I think we have already proven can be overcome as long as people stay patient, respectful, and welcoming to others.
Having said that, I’d like to give a welcoming shout-out to the Ultimate community. As you can imagine, safely playing Ultimate (a pretty physical team sport) at this time is very difficult. As a result, members of local club teams and more casual players are looking for a new recreational, competitive, and social outlet. I have met many of those new players and have been really impressed not only with their skills but also the willingness to engage with our club and community. Thanks for supporting the club and being respectful of the existing community!
As we move forward, I would like to continue to urge ALL players to follow the Safety Precautions and Distancing Protocols that are posted on signage throughout the course. If there was one practice I would like to see more of it is the use of face coverings at Tee #1 as well as any other location where you are standing close to others.
Please always have your face covering available and when in doubt, pull it up!
If you see someone not following the guidelines, do your best to kindly educate them without being intimidating. A little compassion goes a long way! 🙂
Shawn Mercy
SFDGC President

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GGPDGC COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS & PROTOCOLS IMPLEMENTED — COURSE IS OPEN

June 24, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications

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>>GGPDGC COVID-19: Safety Precautions<<

>>GGPDGC COVID-19: Distancing Protocols<<

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First and foremost, we hope that everyone is staying safe and sane during these difficult times.  On behalf of SFR&P we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding of the extended course closure. We have cultivated substantial good will with our behavior and interactions with SFR&P thus far — let’s do our best to carry that forward into a more productive working relationship that can have a lasting positive impact on the course and our community long into the future!

COMMUNITY ABOVE ALL

We, like you, have been looking forward to Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course reopening.  We, like you, treasure GGPDGC as a place for exercise, fresh air, competition, and friendship.  We treasure it for the community – the SF Disc Golf Club – that has developed there over the past 13 years, and it’s this community — our solidarity and cooperation — that will be key to keeping the course open going forward.  This reopening plan, and the efforts we make in the coming days/weeks, are bigger than any one of us. We need to be thinking about the community as a whole, not just ourselves and not just disc golfers, when we go to the course.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the extended closure of the course, there will likely be far more non-disc golfers walking through the course who may be completely unaware that the course is there or at least do not realize that it is open again. PLEASE BE PATIENT AND EXTRA COURTEOUS to other park users who you may encounter on the course. DO NOT THROW if the area is not clear!

THE BASICS

Life and play at the course will not be like it was before for some time — that’s a sad truth we all have to accept.  The fact is, we need to continue taking measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus even while being able to enjoy activities that we cherish — like playing disc golf in Golden Gate Park! 

THE PLAN

We want one thing to be very clear: The precautions and protocols that have been implemented upon the reopening of GGPDGC are required by SFR&P to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy disc golf in Golden Gate Park during this pandemic. The SFDGC has worked diligently with SFR&P to ensure that these measures and protocols focus on reducing risk of transmission of the novel coronavirus, while being pragmatic in a disc golf setting. We need to remember that GGPDGC is owned by the City of San Francisco and is located in the middle of a major city. We are simply stewards and users of the facility. Both SFR&P and the SFDGC want nothing more than for people to be able to enjoy this resource — safely and responsibly.

Below this message, you will find links to two .pdfs that cover health precautions and distancing protocols that comprise the reopening plan. These precautions and protocols have been deployed as signage throughout the course. Please take some time to review the content thoroughly as there are some significant modifications to how we will use the facility for the foreseeable future.

GGPDGC COVID-19: Safety Precautions

GGPDGC COVID-19: Distancing Protocols

OUR PLEA

We understand that some people may be inclined to not follow these precautions and protocols while playing disc golf at GGPDGC. While we hope that people do the right thing for the course and community, the club can only set a good example for others. If your intention is to not follow the rules, please consider playing elsewhere. We can still have fun and enjoy our favorite course while being responsible and considerate of others.

We also ask that our club members and community at large avoid trying to enforce these precautions and protocols. We can calmly communicate to those who may be unaware, but under no circumstances should any interaction be allowed to escalate into confrontation or violence. That is not our role and we need to be the better people if and when this kind of situation arises.

Thank you for reading and we hope to see you out on the course sometime soon!

==SFDGC Officers==
Shawn Mercy – President
Chris Tirrell – Vice President
Steve Erle – Treasurer
Harper Alexander – Secretary

==============================

REFERENCES

 

City of San Francisco: Masks and face coverings for the coronavirus pandemic

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GGPDGC CLOSED — RE-OPENING PLANNING IS IN PROGRESS

March 16, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications, Club Information, Events, The Course

GGP DISC GOLF COURSE CLOSED

06/10 UPDATE: RE-OPENING PLANNING IS IN PROGRESS

I would like everyone to know that I met with SFR&P and Park Rangers yesterday at GGPDGC. We have been in discussions for a couple weeks now but as you can imagine, things do not move all that quickly. They have a LOT on their plate so your SFDGC officers are doing everything that we can to facilitate the process. In short, we are actively working on a plan for re-opening.
Per City of SF regulations, the facility must have an approved plan in place in addition to signage that will communicate any safety measures and protocols that are needed to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at the facility. This is the same process that any other recreational facility or business must go through in order to operate in the context of the ongoing pandemic.
I apologize for the long period of uncertainty but based on our interactions yesterday, our relationship with SFR&P is excellent and we need to ensure that we keep it that way. The course is city property. It’s that simple.
On behalf of the SFDGC and SFR&P, I would like to THANK EVERYONE who has remained patient during these difficult times. None of this has been easy but we will get through to the other side and will be stronger and more resilient because of this experience.
The next communication will be to outline the safety measures and protocols that will be put in place for playing disc golf at GGPDGC.
Shawn Mercy
SFDGC President
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May 29th Update:
We have received word from SFR&P that they are working on a plan for re-opening Golden Gate Park Disc Golf Course!
While we do not have a date, we wanted to pass along this good news.
SFR&P also wanted us to thank everyone who has NOT BEEN PLAYING for being so patient and supportive to this point. It has been one less problem that they’ve had to deal with while doing their best to keep the vast majority of the park available for people to enjoy.
Given the update to the City of San Francisco’s regulations on face coverings, we are fully expecting them to be required while you are in the park including while playing disc golf. If you don’t already have a well fitting, light weight face covering, now is the time to acquire one or three.
We would also like to re-iterate how proud we am of our disc golf club and extended community. You are all rock-stars!
https://sf.gov/information/masks-and-face-coverings-coronavirus-outbreak
-SFDGC
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04.28.2020 UPDATE: The city of San Francisco has extended the shelter in place. [SOURCE]

03.31.2020 UPDATE: The city of San Francisco has extended the shelter in place. [SOURCE]

03.24.2020 UPDATE: The baskets have been pulled and will not be reinstalled until the city of San Francisco and SFR&P give us permission to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these very difficult times.

All,
I received an email from SFR&P this evening regarding the shelter in place ordinance issued by the city of San Francisco today, March 16th.
“Dear Park Partners
Today in response to the COVID-19 crisis and to contain the spread of the virus, the City of San Francisco issued an order to shut down all nonessential business and activities until April 7, 2020. In order to ensure compliance please cease your operations until at least April 7, 2020;“
From the city ordinance (LINK):
“This order begins at 12:01 a.m. on March 17, 2020 and will continue for three weeks through April 7, 2020, subject to the limited exceptions and under the terms and conditions more particularly set forth below.“
I understand this will come as a shock and disappointment to many. We are all hoping that this comes to pass and we are able to open again and enjoy our favorite activity with our favorite people soon.
Please stay safe and take care of each other…from a distance. We are stronger than this damn virus!
Shawn Mercy
SFDGC President

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COVID-19: SFDGC Events (03-14-2020)

March 14, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications, Club Information, Events

COVID-19: SFDGC Events Postponed / On Hiatus Until Further Notice (03-14-2020)

Hi Everyone,

Out of an abundance of caution and in response to the City of San Francisco moratorium on gatherings of 100 or more people (through April 30th), we have come to the following decisions regarding our weekly events and the Birthday Bash.

Sunday Singles / Tuesday Doubles On Hiatus

We are putting these club sanctioned events on hiatus until further notice. We have come to this decision after much deliberation and exploration of various substantial mitigation efforts over the past 36 hours. While we can certainly reduce the chance of transmission during one of our events, we cannot be sure how effective those efforts would be.

As such, we have come to the conclusion that we need to take this somewhat drastic action to do our part in preventing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can cause COVID-19 disease.

To be clear, we are not saying you cannot play disc golf in Golden Gate Park. That is up to each individual. However, if you do decide to venture out and play disc golf, please take every precaution possible to eliminate the chance of spreading the virus. In addition to the precautions we urged in our last communication, here are some additions:

  • Only handle your own discs and all other personal items
  • Do not pass a paper scorecard around — this is a great time to start using UDisc!
  • Enforce social distancing of at least 6 feet between yourself and others

We will monitor and re-evaluate this decision in an ongoing manner with the goal of ending the hiatus as soon as reasonably possible — hopefully well before April 30th!

13th Birthday Bash is Postponed

For the same reasons given above, Sean Jack and the club officers have decided to postpone the 13th Birthday Bash to a future unknown date (previously scheduled for March 28th).

Here are a few additional key points regarding how we are handling the postponement:

  • We will proactively refund everyone their registration fees and addons ASAP
  • All current registrants will have the first opportunity to re-register once a new date is set (multi-tiered registration)
  • We have cancelled the disc and shirt orders

We hope everyone understands that these decisions were not taken lightly. Disc golf competition and social interaction are a big part of many of our lives and we know that losing any of that for the time being does not feel good.

If you have any questions, please respond below or email us at sanfranciscodiscgolfclub ( at ) gmail.com

Warm Regards,
Shawn Mercy
Chris Tirrell
Steve Erle
Harper Alexander

===Links for Reference====

San Francisco Moratorium (03-13-2020):
https://sfmayor.org/article/san-francisco-issues-moratorium-gatherings-100-or-more-slow-spread-covid-19

Previous SFDGC COV-19 Message:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sfdiscgolf/permalink/10157987652307192/
http://www.sfdiscgolf.org/archives/18518

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COVID-19: Events and Precautions (03-12-2020)

March 12, 2020 in Announcements, Club Communications, Club Information, Club Membership

COVID-19: Events and Precautions (03-12-2020)

As all SFDGC members are likely aware, the spread of COVID-19 is ongoing in the community. In response, local, state, and federal governments are imposing new restrictions on events and gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. While there are currently limited restrictions on our planned events, the situation is evolving rapidly and we should all be thinking about what we can do to reduce the rate of spread in our communities.

You can find more information regarding COVID-19 and the virus that causes this illness here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

We as a club have a responsibility to ensure our community is informed and is doing what’s best for society as well as other individuals. We have a responsibility to each other and society to think long-term rather than short term.

Disc golf might be the game that brought us together but it’s the people that make our community so special. While we can understand the frustration that people may feel due to various impacts on their lives, we need to remember that in situations like these, our priorities and behaviors must change.

Social Distancing Practices

No matter your reason for being at the course (event or casual round), we all need to be aware of and modify our habits to help minimize the spread of the virus. We know that those exposed to the virus may not exhibit symptoms for up to 14 days but are still able to transmit the virus. We strongly urge all club members to implement social distancing practices:

  • Maintaining space between individuals of approximately six feet is advisable.
  • Minimize or eliminate physical contact with others. Foot bump, not high five. 
  • Do not share beverages, tobacco, water bottles, or other items. 
  • DO NOT EXPOSE OTHERS TO POSSIBLE INFECTION! If you are feeling any symptoms what-so-ever, please stay at home!

Sunday Singles / Tuesday Doubles

While we are currently not planning on cancelling our weeklies, mitigation policies are evolving quickly. We may change this position in the future as warranted. In the meantime, please do your best to implement the Social Distancing Practices above. 

Birthday Bash – 03/28

On Wednesday, 03/11, we received guidance from SFR&P that our Birthday Bash event is currently still authorized to proceed. However, SFR&P has published guidelines that we will comply with and we must all be prepared for eventualities such as having to postpone this event to a later date. If you do decide that you would rather not attend, please request a refund via Disc Golf Scene and we’ll take care of it ASAP.

Here are the current guidelines from local and state authorities (as of 03/11/2020):

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. We will continue to communicate as the situation evolves. In times like these, it’s best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Let’s all take care of each other out there. 

If you have any questions, please post them here or email us (sanfranciscodiscgolfclub (at) gmail.com).

Warmest Regards,
Shawn Mercy
Chris Tirrell
Steve Erle
Harper Alexander

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