THE LAWS OF ASSOCIATION CROQUET (6th Edition, Amended 2008)

Copyright © 2000, 2008 The Croquet Association on behalf of itself and the Australian Croquet Association, Croquet New Zealand and the United States Croquet Association
For commentary on this law, please see the ORLC
PART 1
INTRODUCTION
C. DEFINITIONS

5. A STROKE AND THE STRIKING PERIOD

  1. A STROKE A stroke is the striker's attempt to hit a ball in play with a mallet as part of his turn, or declaration that he will leave the ball where it lies. A stroke includes any resulting movement of balls in play.
  2. THE STRIKING PERIOD The striking period is the period during which a fault under Law 28(a) can be committed.
  3. WHEN A STROKE MAY BE PLAYED A stroke must not be commenced until the preceding stroke has ended if that could affect the outcome of either stroke.
  4. WHEN A STROKE AND THE STRIKING PERIOD START A stroke and the striking period start when the mallet head has passed or leaves the ball on the final backswing that the striker intends to make before striking the ball. If no backswing is used, the stroke and the striking period start when the forward swing starts.
  5. WHEN A STROKE IS PLAYED
    1. If, having started a stroke, the striker stops or diverts the mallet in a successful attempt to avoid hitting the ball or committing a fault, the stroke is annulled and the striker may start another one.
    2. Otherwise, the stroke is played when
      1. the mallet hits the ball; or
      2. a fault is committed; or
      3. the mallet misses or does not reach the ball.
  6. WHEN THE STRIKING PERIOD ENDS The striking period ends when the striker quits his stance under control. If the striker does not quit his stance before playing the next stroke the striking period ends when the next stroke starts.
  7. WHEN A STROKE ENDS A stroke ends when every ball moved in consequence thereof has come to rest, has left the court or has been moved, picked up or arrested under Laws 15(c) or 18(a)(2).
  8. OTHER CONTACT BETWEEN MALLET AND BALL If the striker accidentally hits a ball before a stroke has started, the ball is replaced and the striker continues his turn. A mallet may be used to reposition balls between strokes.
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