THE LAWS OF ASSOCIATION CROQUET

Copyright © 1989 The Croquet Association

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PART 2 - Ordinary Singles Play - C. Miscellaneous Laws of Play

31. DEFINITION OF A STROKE AND THE STRIKING PERIOD

(a) Subject to (b) below, a stroke is any movement of the mallet made with intent to hit the ball or, after the striker has begun to strike, any contact between mallet and ball.

(b) A stroke and the striking period begin when the striker begins to swing the mallet with intent to hit the ball. But if the striker deliberately checks the mallet before

(1) there has occurred any contact between mallet and ball, or
(2) a stroke is deemed to be played under (d)(l) below, or
(3) a fault has been committed, a stroke is deemed not to have been played and the stroke and the striking period do not begin again until the striker begins again to swing the mallet with intent to hit the ball.

(c) The striking period ends when the striker has quitted his stance under control. After this period no fault can be committed under Law 32 . The stroke ends when all balls moved in consequence thereof have come to rest or have left the court.

(d) A stroke is deemed to be played if the striker

(1) misses the ball; or
(2) announces his intention to leave it where it lies. In each case, he thereby becomes responsible for its position for the purpose of Law 13 (a)(2).

The Croquet Association Copies of the Laws Oxford Croquet Site
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