LONDON – Dec. 20, 2004 – Golf clubs are being warned that they must prepare for changes to the Disability Discrimination Bill announced in the Queen's recent speech to Parliament.

The draft bill extends disability protection to include a larger number of people with progressive conditions such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis and mental illness. It also extends the provisions of the Act to the private sector including the way in which a club deals with its members.

Michael Shaw, National Secretary of the National Golf Clubs' Advisory Association (NGCAA) said: "Golf clubs will no longer be partially exempt from these laws. The draft Bill covers many more people and clubs must be prepared to make reasonable adjustments for these players.

"Clubs need to make sure that they comply or they could find themselves facing hefty penalties and court appearances. Disability audits should be carried out as soon as possible if they have not already taken place and in particular, clubs should be developing policies regulating the use of buggies and trolleys by disabled members, particularly through the winter periods"

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed in 1995. From October 2004 service providers have had to make reasonable adjustments to overcome any physical barriers to access. The above amendments are likely to be introduced next year.

Clubs unsure of what they need to do, can contact the NGCAA on 01684 311 353