UPDATE: The LPGA has reconsidered its English-proficiency rule and withdrawn its planned implementation. Read more about it here. We'll watch for the LPGA's "revised plan" for its communications initiative and keep you informed.
Original post:
English-only rules have been pursued in several settings over the last few years. Employers who have attempted to implement those types of rules have generally been required to demonstrate that speaking English is a requirement of an employee's particular job.
Enter the LPGA. As you may have heard, the women's golf organization has implemented a rule that becomes effectively immediately but will not observe its enforcement provisions until 2009. The rule requires that LPGA tour members of at least 2 years be able to speak English "proficiently" and pass an oral evaluation. Failure to do so will result in a suspended membership.
The LPGA has explained that the rule is necessary in order to appeal to sponsors of the tour and to provide an enjoyable experience in pro-am tournaments (where professionals are expected to interact and entertain amateurs). As you might imagine, there is some push-back from the public.
Time will only tell if the rule will stand, be challenged, or resort to a non-issue. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how the LPGA manages this rule (assuming it is found to be enforceable) and how players (employees) respond.
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