News Announcements

Here are the latest announcements from the United States Croquet Association. There are even more announcements in Member Announcements.

USCA Golf Croquet Club Teams

Please join us for the 4th annual USCA Golf Croquet Club Teams tournament at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL, December 7–9, 2018. Play will be Golf Croquet doubles in a team format, in two flights.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

USCA National 9-Wicket Championship

Please join us for the USCA National 9-Wicket Championship at the Chesapeake Croquet Club in Hartfield, VA, November 12–14, 2018. Play will be according to the standard USCA 9-Wicket Rules, with options 1, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. The tournament will feature two flights of singles and doubles. Daily lunches and a Tournament Dinner are included.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

2019 GC World Championship and Under 21 World Championship

The 2019 WCF Under 21 Golf Croquet World Championship will be held in Nottingham, England, July 20-24. The 2019 WCF Golf Croquet World Championship will be held in West Sussex, England (and other venues), July 27 to August 4.

The USCA Golf Croquet Selection Committee invites all players wishing to be considered for either tournament to notify the USCA by completing and returning the availability form, no later than November 5.

It is expected that some funding for travel expense will be available to players selected for the Under 21 event.

To be eligible to represent the USA at either tournament, you must be a member in good standing of the USCA, and must meet the relevant WCF requirements for country representation (see Appendix 1 of the WCF Sports Regulations). For the Under 21 event, you must be under 21 years old as of 12/31/2018.

For information about the selection process, see the USCA Team and Individual Event Selection Policy.

Grand Prix: Men's and Women's listings

The USCA Grand Prix listing has a new feature: you can now view separate Men's and Women's standings, including results from previous years.

USCA Seniors Masters Championship (American 6W) Announced

Dear USCA member,

Please join us for the USCA Seniors Masters Championship at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL, November 7-11, 2018. The tournament will consist of separate flights for Seniors (60-69) and Masters (70+) in Championship and First Flight singles. There will be combined Seniors and Masters flights for both Championship and First Flight doubles, and a combined Seniors and Masters Second Flight for singles and doubles.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Croquet News Magazine new issue

The 2018 Volume 2 issue of the USCA’s Croquet News magazine is now available as a digital edition through Issuu. Follow the link and click the full screen symbol to enjoy the magazine on your tablet, desktop/laptop or phone. All links are active so be sure to support the advertisers that help make the magazine possible by visiting their websites.

In This Issue

This issue features Hall of Fame Inductees Ben Rothman and Eugene F. Young. The issue also features a Skills section that includes 24 Quick Tips and two new tactics columns. Profiles in this issue include Michael Gibbons and the Country Club of Jackson. Here’s the full line-up on articles you’ll find in the 2018 Volume 2 issue:

• 2018 Solomon Trophy
• 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees
• 24 Quick Croquet Tips
• Regional Roundup
• Club Profile: CC of Jackson
• Grand Prix Update
• Let’s Talk Tactics: 1B Magic
• GC Strategy: Threat or Danger
• Backyard Warrior: Two-ball Turn Drill

Visit the USCA's magazine page (members only, log-in required) for back issues of the Croquet News magazine.

Thank You,

Dylan Goodwin, Croquet News Publisher & Editor 913-636-7231.

USCA National Championship (American 6W) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the USCA National Championship of American Six-Wicket Croquet (singles & doubles) October 7-13, 2018. To be held at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Hartfield, VA.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

USCA Golf Croquet Eights Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the second annual USCA Golf Croquet Eights (singles only) October 18-21, 2018. To be held at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Florida.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

USCA National Championship (GC) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the USCA National Championship of Golf Croquet (singles & doubles) September 19-23, 2018. To be held at the Lake Toxaway Mallet Club, Burlingame Country Club, and Chattooga Club in the North Carolina mountains.

To sign up for this event, enter online (login required), or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be downloaded mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Midwest Regional Tournament (6W) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the Midwest Regional American Rules tournament (singles & doubles) August 31 - September 3, 2018. To be held at Lafortune Park in Tulsa, OK.

To sign up for this event, enter online, or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

2019 WCF Women's GC World Championship

Call for players

The sixth WCF Women's Golf Croquet World Championship will be held February 2 through 9 at the Heretaunga and Marewa Croquet Clubs in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Players wishing to be considered for selection to the USA player contingent at this tournament should contact Jennifer Othen, Tournament@uscroquet.com, no later than Friday, July 13th. USA is guaranteed at least two places in the 56-player field, with the possibility of additional places based on player ranking, and wildcard nominations by the USCA. (Please note that players are responsible for their own travel expenses; the USCA does not usually provide funding for individual world championships.)

The WCF will announce the list of players who have been awarded ranking and wildcard places on August 26. The USCA will then announce the names of the players selected for our two guaranteed (membership) places shortly after, not later than September 23.

For details about the USCA selection policy see: USCA TEAM & INDIVIDUAL EVENT SELECTION POLICY.

For details about the tournament see: 2019 Women's Golf Croquet World Championship.

Croquet News Magazine new issue

The 2018 Volume 1 issue of the USCA's Croquet News magazine is now available. The digital edition is available through Issuu. Follow the link and click the full screen symbol to enjoy the magazine on your tablet, desktop/laptop or phone. All links are active so be sure to support the advertisers that help make the magazine possible by visiting their websites. And, as always, USCA members may download a PDF version on the magazine page of the USCA website (log in required).

In This Issue

This issue features a full listing of USCA Clubs to help croquet players across North America find a club nearby to get started in croquet. And on the opposite side of the club equation is an article from Carlton H. Mabee on court lighting to help clubs maximize court time. In addition, here's the full line-up on articles you'll find in the 2018V1 issue:

• 2018 USCA Club Directory
• Lighting a Croquet Court
• 2018 USCA Club Teams
• 2018 Collegiate Nationals
• 2018 AC Laws Nationals
• 2017 GC Nationals
• 2017 GC Club Teams
• 2018 Florida GC Regional
• Club Profile: Mission Hills Croquet Club
• Member Profile: Randy Cardo
• Let’s Talk Tactics: Hoop 2

Thank You,

Dylan Goodwin, Croquet News Publisher & Editor 913-636-7231.

Western Regional Tournaments

This year the USCA Western Region will be hosting separate Regional Tournaments in American Six-Wicket Croquet, Golf Croquet, and Association Croquet! Players from ALL regions are welcome to participate.

• American Rules, starts 6/22 in Tigard, OR
• Golf Croquet, starts 7/27 in Windsor, CA
• Association Croquet, starts 8/21 in Oakland, CA

Enter online today!

Northeast Regional Tournament (6W) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the Northeast Regional American Rules tournament (singles only) May 25-27, 2018. To be held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI. Entry is limited to 32 players, first-come, first-served.

To sign up for this event, enter online, or call the USCA Office at (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

2018 Solomon Trophy

(England v USA — Association Croquet)

The Solomon Trophy (the ongoing test match series in Association Croquet between England and USA) will be contested from 7–10 August 2018 at the Surbiton Croquet Club in London, England.

If you are available to participate in this event and would like to be considered for selection to the US Team please reply to: Tournament@uscroquet.com.

While some money may be made available from the Olsen Fund, travel expenses are the players' responsibility.

6 players for the US Team will be selected based on the USCA TEAM & INDIVIDUAL EVENT SELECTION POLICY guidelines.

Reply deadline for the availability list is April 12. Any reply after this date will not be considered.

ADDED BONUS:

Potential team members and supporters should know that Surbiton – a fantastic volunteer-driven club that every croquet player should visit will host the annual Championship of Surrey over the weekend prior to the Solomon (Saturday-Monday, 4-6 August), providing an ideal warmup for those who can make it.

Thank you,
Danny Huneycutt
USCA AC Selection Committee Chairman

Southeast Regional Championship (6W) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the Southeast Regional American Rules tournament (singles & doubles) May 24-27, 2018. To be held at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Hartfield, VA.

We are now accepting entries! The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is May 10th.

Players from ALL regions are welcomed to participate.

To sign up for this event, submit your completed entry form with payment to the USCA Office, or call (561) 478-0760 for more information, or to sign up by phone. Entries can also be mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Practice day, clinic & opening dinner will be on May 23rd.

The tournament includes a free coaching clinic and practice court time for players and guests. Lunch is served courtside on all days including practice day. Lunch and opening-night courtside dinner are included in the entry fee.

Meal packages are available. Each day of tournament play, a full country-style breakfast is available in the morning, as well as dinner every night which will include local delights like steamed crabs, oysters, and other seafood that is in season.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you,

Macey White, Tournament Manager (804) 694-9771

John's Island Invitational (GC) Announced

Dear USCA member,

You are cordially invited to the John’s Island Club Invitational Golf Croquet tournament in Vero Beach, FL, on Friday March 9, 2018, through Sunday March 11, 2018.

The schedule and accomodations are included on the entry form in Official Forms.

For more information, please contact Brandon Frazier.

Southeast Regional Championship (AC) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We invite you to participate in the Southeast Regional Association Croquet tournament (singles & doubles) April 5-8, 2018. To be held at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club in Hartfield, VA.

We are now accepting entries! The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is March 25th.

Players from ALL regions are welcomed to participate.

To sign up for this event, submit your completed entry form with payment to the USCA Office, or call (561) 478-0760 for more information, or to sign up by phone. Entries can also be mailed to 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Practice day, clinic & opening dinner will be on April 4th.

The tournament includes a free coaching clinic and practice court time for players and guests. Lunch is served courtside on all days including practice day. Lunch and opening-night courtside dinner are included in the entry fee.

Meal packages are available. Each day of tournament play, a full country-style breakfast is available in the morning, as well as dinner every night which will include local delights like steamed crabs, oysters, and other seafood that is in season.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you,

Doug Grimsley, Tournament Director (703) 674-6136
Macey White, Tournament Manager (804) 694-9771

Croquet News Magazine Published

The 2017 Volume 3 issue of the USCA's Croquet News magazine is now available as a PDF for USCA members on the magazine page of the USCA website (log in required).

All website and e-mail links are live in the PDF. If you see an interesting reference, you can click through to dig deeper or reach a contact right away. On computers, the PDF version is best viewed as "two-up" and "show cover page" if you want to see the full spreads (on your Adobe Reader top menu: View/Page Display). The PDF should also be viewable on most tablets.

New Digital Edition

Through the efforts of the USCA Management Committee and President Sara Low, I am pleased to announce that the 2017 Volume 3 issue of the Croquet News magazine is now also available as a true digital edition and open to the public. A full intro is below, but the timing is perfect as this overdue edition is a tribute to the 40-year anniversary for the USCA. We are incredibly pleased to provide this issue to everyone who shares a passion for the sport. The print copies are on press and should be starting the mail process for USCA members next week.

2017 Volume 3

In the 20 years I have played the sport of croquet, I've never had a more challenging and rewarding experience than I did in working through this long overdue 2017 Volume 3 Croquet News tribute to the 40 year anniversary. The central feature is a 22-page look at just some of the players, leaders, supporters, moments and events that make up the fascinating story of croquet in America. Of course, the full magazine was a team effort across the board, but Bert Myer was the engine behind the tribute and beside providing photos and copy, he kept the project moving steadily along even as I would disappear to work on the advertising side or help chase down missing tournament pieces.

The full story of how this issue was built is a tale for another day, but the greatest challenge from my perspective was accepting early on that there would be no way to cover the entire of story of American croquet in a single magazine issue. So what our work evolved into is what I would call more of a visual outline with sporadic detail limited by space and in some cases limited research material. In fact, from our early notes, I can confidently confess that we've left dozens of people and events off the table that I think are key to the overall history. I do know those omissions will disappoint many as they have disappointed me. I've simply had to box up that list up in my mind as opportunities for future articles or as known gaps for the release of a more comprehensive project on the history croquet in America.

On the upside, the deep dive into the project has given me a much greater appreciation for what has come before and how fast the sport has evolved here and how the progress continues. I have certainly read my share of croquet history and have heard a number of entertaining stories, but I had never before tried to grasp the full timeline and how it all had to stack up to bring us to current era. In the majority of my free time over the past several months, I've lived in a bubble of croquet history. And what I've learned from that time, is simply that we are where we are now -- with a growing number of multi-court facilities, a robust tournament schedule and competitive international players/teams -- through the great efforts, perseverance and passion of the many leaders, supporters, benefactors and players that built the USCA. I am grateful for those efforts and I hope this issue demonstrates the gratitude for all who took part in the founding and building of the USCA.

Contributors

As I mentioned before, Bert Myer was the major collaborator to the tribute piece. Jeff Soo helped out knowingly and unkowningly, Eric Sawyer offered input on GC, Anne Frost Robinson and Rhys Thomas answered questions. Bob Alman provided info. I even checked in briefly with Myles Ludwig on a photo from his era as publisher. I checked in with Karen Kaplan as well. My long time editor Julie Jantzer-Ward powered through the 15,000 word tribute with ease. And our new art director, Brandy Ferguson made record time in piecing together a 64-page layout that had a lot of back and forth. It was a giant collaboration and though challenging, everyone involved embraced the concept. Thank you to all of the contributors for the 2017 Volume 3 Issue:

Bob Alman, Bob Baker, Bob Chilton, Missy Chilton, Rich Curtis, Garth Eliassen, Brandy Ferguson, Matt Griffith, Doug Grimsley, Shereen Hayes, Genie Hendry, Bill Hightower, Julie Jantzer-Ward, Jackie Jones, Karen Kaplan, Bob Kroeger, Sara Low, Myles Ludwig, Bert Myer, Johnny Mitchell, John C. Osborn, Jennifer Othen, Marsi Parker Darwin, Ursula Peck, Eric Sawyer, Sue Sherer, Bobbi Shorthouse, Jeff Soo, Ryan Thompson, Rich Watson, Onifer Wilmoth, Phyllis A. Young

In This Issue

• 40: USCA 1977-2017
• 2017 9W Nationals
• 2017 Seniors Masters
• 2017 USCA GC Eights
• 2017 USCA Nationals
• 2017 Selection Eights (AC)
• 2017 Regional Round-up
• Member Profile: Jackie Jones
• Club Profile: Buffalo Croquet Club
• Let's Talk Tactics: Getting Clean

Thank You,

Dylan Goodwin, Croquet News Publisher & Editor 913-636-7231.

Southeast Regional Championship (GC) Announced

Dear USCA member,

We are now accepting entries! The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is April 5th.

Players from all regions are welcomed to participate.

To sign up, submit your completed entry form with payment to the USCA Office, or call for more information, or sign up by phone (561) 478-0760. Entries can also be mailed: 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.

Practice day & opening reception - April 11th.

The tournament includes a free coaching clinic and practice court time. Lunch is served courtside on all days including practice day. Lunch and opening reception are included in the entry fee.

Meal packages are available. Each day of tournament play, a full country-style breakfast is available in the morning, as well as dinner every night which will include local delights like steamed crabs, oysters, and other seafood that is in season.

We look forward to a good turnout in 2018 for all the USCA Regionals. This year there are multiple options for the Southeast Region. The USCA will be holding a Southeast Regional for American Croquet, Golf Croquet, Association Croquet, and Nine-Wicket Croquet. You can play in one or all.

We hope to see you on the courts soon!

Thank you,

Cheryl Bromley, Tournament Director (954) 242-8601
Macey White, Tournament Manager (804) 694-9771

Croquet Week Announced

Sarasota County Croquet Club Invitational (AC) Announced

Dear USCA member,

The Sarasota County Croquet Club Invitational Association Croquet tournament will be played in Venice, FL, on 22-25 March 2018.

• Wednesday, March 21 - Practice beginning 12 noon, SCCC, 1400 Lucaya Ave, Venice, FL
• Wednesday, March 21, 6PM - Opening Reception and Potluck dinner at the Peterson home, 12647 Harney St, Venice, FL
• Thursday March 22, Play begins 8:30 AM
• Friday March 23, Play continues
• Saturday, March 24, 6:30 PM - Dinner at Cedar Reef Fish Camp, 755 US 41 Bypass, Venice, FL
• Sunday, March 25, afternoon - Final matches and awards

(Guest housing is available upon request to tournament manager)

This sanctioned AC singles tournament is open to 32 players, 3 or 4 flights, Block play with knockout playoffs. Even if you have never played in an Association Croquet tournament, we invite you to come and play. You will find it to be a fun and worthwhile experience.

The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is 10 March 2018.

Thank you,

Hans Peterson, SCCC President and Tournament Director

Croquet Week (GC) and Club Team Championship (US) Announced

Dear USCA member,

The Croquet Week Golf Croquet tournament will be played at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL, on 9-11 March 2018.

The Club Team Championship of American Croquet will be played at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, FL, on 14-18 March 2018.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy Croquet Week, and to play in back-to-back tournaments.

The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is 1 March 2018.

Thank you,

John Osborn, Tournament Director

Audubon Invitational (US) Announced

Save these dates! 21-25 February 2018

Audubon Croquet Club, Naples, FL. 24th annual Audubon Invitational American Croquet tournament.

Singles only – 20 players in three flights – championship, first, and second flights.

Play will be on one full-size and one ¾ courts.

Enjoy a full complement of meals: daily continental breakfasts, buffet lunches, parties, a dinner, and awards brunch.

Tournament Director – Fred Jones
Tournament Manager – Keppy Babcock 239-254-1247

National Championship (AC) Announced

The National Championship of Association Croquet will be held on 18-24 February 2018 at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. The tournament will be hosted by the Mission Hills Croquet Club. The tournament director will be Mission Hills' new croquet professional Wayne Davies.

The entry form is in Official Forms. The entry deadline is 5 February 2018.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Othen (561-478-0760) in Tournament Services.

World Championship (AC) Reminder

Association Croquet Players:

Don't forget to get your availability in! The deadline is fast approaching for the 2018 Association Croquet World Championship to be held Saturday, Feb. 3 - Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018 at the Kelburn Croquet Club, Wellington, New Zealand.

To be considered for Team USA for this tournament, the availability form must have been completed by Sunday, July 16, 2017 for Association Croquet Selection Committee review.

The 2018 World Championship (AC) Qualifying Tournament will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30 - Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. The four highest-placed finishers will move on to play in the Worlds. Details of the venue and how to enter the Qualifying Tournament will be made available at a future date.

Availability forms received to date:

Amby, Bruno
Bast, Jim
Lawrence, Stuart
Maloof, David
Soo, Jeff
White, Macey

Six-Wicket Croquet Referee On-Court Video Series Completed

Expert Croquet Tactics Now Available Online

Oxford Croquet is pleased to announce an online version of Keith Wylie's seminal work Expert Croquet Tactics by kind permission of the Croquet Association [of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man].

Expert Croquet Tactics is the bible of Association Croquet strategy for A-class and International players. It details the intricacies of the Triple Peel, Advanced Break Building, and Openings. Some of what is there will be bewildering to players with handicaps much above 1, but the Openings Article (Article 4) is accessible to most croquet players.  The largest section (Article 1) is dedicated to the Triple Peel, and is essential reading for anyone wishing to master that part of their game.  This book rewards repeated reading as your play improves. It should be on every aspiring A-class player's bookshelf.

Softback copies of the book are available from the Croquet Association Shop for £13.99.

Dr. Ian Plummer, Oxford Croquet Editor

CroquetBuddy Golf Croquet App Released

CroquetBuddy helps you while you're playing golf croquet. It helps you keep track of the score and time in a game and can also randomly pick partners at the start of a game. Download the iPhone app for free from Addict3D. Click screen shots below to enlarge.

Croquet Club World Gazetteer

A world map showing the location of croquet clubs has been added to the Oxford Croquet Site.

Croquet Secrets

A new book entitled Croquet Secrets by John Riches and Wayne Davies is available from Xlibris. It is a compilation of nearly all of John Riches booklets into one 803-page book.

Selection Events Calendar

A Selection Events Calendar has been added to the calendar searches on the website. All the Selection Event dates and forms can be found here, as well as on the Official Forms page.

Team and Individual Event Selection Policy

The Team and Individual Event Selection Policy has been added to the Official Forms page. Also posted there are the application and indemnity forms.

Golf Croquet Rankings

Links to the official Golf Croquet ranking lists have been added to the Rankings page.

International Croquet Rules Amended

The rules of International Croquet have been amended effective 15 March 2008. Read a summary, or the details, or the full set of laws with amendments. Download or print the changes. New law books will be available from the USCA office.

Rules

The synopses of the rules of American Croquet, Association Croquet, Nine-Wicket Croquet, and Golf Croquet, have been revised, and new diagrams added.

The 2007 Rules of Nine-Wicket Croquet are now on this website, and can be downloaded as a Microsoft Word document.

The 2006 Official Rules of American Croquet are now on this website for your easy viewing and searching. This is a copy of the The Official Rules of the United States Croquet Association Revised 2006 rule book which is also available here for you to print or download.

Stock Photographs

A collection of stock photographs have been posted that can be used to promote the game of croquet.