How do we adjust a player's Handicap Index after a review?

Q: How do we adjust a player's Handicap Index after a review?

The Rules of Handicapping allow two methods: resetting the index by adjusting each of the most recent 20 Score Differentials, or freezing it. GolfRSA has determined that in South Africa only the freeze is used; the 20-differential reset is not applied. Freezing (GolfRSA guidance) The player keeps submitting scores, but the index doesn't change until the committee is satisfied the scores and index are aligned. A freeze lasts up to 3 months, and the club can set it for another 3 months if needed. When the freeze is lifted, the index is calculated normally from the scoring record. The club handicapper can ask HNA to reset the player's Low Handicap Index, so that a soft or hard cap isn't triggered. Any adjustment must (Rules of Handicapping): be made only after the player has been told and given a chance to respond, with access to an appeal if requested, be at least 1 stroke, up or down, and not raise the index more than 5.0 strokes above the Low Handicap Index, except in exceptional circumstances such as long-term illness or injury. When you raise an index, consider resetting the Low Handicap Index too; when you lower it, the Low Handicap Index resets to the new index. Sources: Rules of Handicapping (2024), Rules 5.7 and 7.1a; GolfRSA Rules of Handicapping 2024 club training (Rule 7.1a(ii)).

Question

Accepted Answer

The Rules of Handicapping allow two methods: resetting the index by adjusting each of the most recent 20 Score Differentials, or freezing it. GolfRSA has determined that in South Africa only the freeze is used; the 20-differential reset is not applied.

Freezing (GolfRSA guidance)

The player keeps submitting scores, but the index doesn't change until the committee is satisfied the scores and index are aligned.
A freeze lasts up to 3 months, and the club can set it for another 3 months if needed.
When the freeze is lifted, the index is calculated normally from the scoring record.
The club handicapper can ask HNA to reset the player's Low Handicap Index, so that a soft or hard cap isn't triggered.

Any adjustment must (Rules of Handicapping):

be made only after the player has been told and given a chance to respond, with access to an appeal if requested,
be at least 1 stroke, up or down, and
not raise the index more than 5.0 strokes above the Low Handicap Index, except in exceptional circumstances such as long-term illness or injury.

When you raise an index, consider resetting the Low Handicap Index too; when you lower it, the Low Handicap Index resets to the new index.

Sources: Rules of Handicapping (2024), Rules 5.7 and 7.1a; GolfRSA Rules of Handicapping 2024 club training (Rule 7.1a(ii)).