1.2 Authorization to Use the World Handicap System

In order to use the World Handicap System, an Association must be authorized by the USGA and The R&A. Within its area of jurisdiction, an Authorized Association may:

• Use the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System.
• Use the registered marks of the World Handicap System.
• Issue a Handicap Index either directly or, where delegated, through a golf club.
• Issue a Course Rating and a Slope Rating.

The following trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by the USGA and The R&A; all rights reserved:

World Handicap System™, WHS™, Handicap Index^®, Score Differential™, Low Handicap Index™, Course Handicap™, Playing Handicap™, Course Rating System™, Course Rating™, Bogey Rating™ and Slope Rating™.

Any organization that is not authorized to use the World Handicap System is prohibited from using these marks or any part of the World Handicap System. This includes the Course Rating System and the handicap calculation formula, except when the organization provides handicapping products or services to a golf club through an Authorized Association.