Once you have been playing for a while, you may wish to enter a tournament. Tournament play allows you to take your croquet up to a more competitive level, and is often one of the quickest ways to improve.
This can be a daunting experience, but don't be alarmed - just make sure that the other
players at the tournement are aware that this is your first event, and most will be happy to
show you the ropes. And always remember - both you and the other players are all there to enjoy
yourselves!
Before playing a tournament, you will need to obtain a CA handicap. Your club should have an appointed handicapper who can do this for you. Don't worry, this is a quick exercise, normally taking about 15-30 minutes at a lawn. It would also be wise to ask a club member for a quick run down of any rules that you may not have experienced during friendly club play.
You can play in one CA tournament before joining the CA. If you want to play more tournaments in that year, or subsequent years, you will need to join the CA.
The CA publish a book of all open tournaments during the playing season. You should look through this list to find an event in a suitable area and at a suitable standard. It is likely that you will want to play in an event near you (or possibly even at your own club). Picking the right standard is harder. It is best to get the advice of an experienced player at your club to help you choose, but if that isn't an option, go for a handicap tournament aimed at your handicap range (e.g. if you are playing as a handicap 18, a tournament described as 'H14-22' would be ideal).
It may be wise to enter your first tournament with a friend from your club - that way you can be sure of at least on familiar face! If you are not confident of going it alone, you may prefer to enter a doubles tournament. This allows you to have a more experienced player to guide you through the event. Please check however, whether you need to enter as a pair or whether the manager will find a partner for you.
When you arrive, introduce yourself to the tournament manager. If at any point during the tournament you are not sure of anything, this is the person to ask for advice. The manager will tell you who to play on which lawn and when. It is usually easy to spot the manager - usually the person looking most harassed! Other people worth identifying are the tournament handicapper and the Referee of the Tournament (usually known as the RoT).
At the start of a game it is usual (but not necessary) for the lower handicapped player to toss a coin. The winner of the toss has choice either of which pair of balls they wish to play or which side plays first. Play will then proceed as you would expect.
If at any time you are not sure of the laws or you believe that a fault may have been (or be about to be) committed by either yourself or your opponent), do not hesitate to ask your opponent or call a referee. It is normal to call a referee by holding your mallet upside down in the air. If it proves difficult to locate a referee, either check the list of referees from the manager or find the RoT.
At the end of a game it is usual (but by no means obligatory) for the winner to offer a drink to his opponent. However, before retiring to the bar, always clear the balls and clips from the lawn, return any bisques to the box and report the score to the manager.
Before leaving at the end of a days play, always report to the manager to let him know that you are leaving, and to find out at what time you will be needed on the following day.
Once the tournament is over, you should complete your handicap card. This will ensure that your handicap always reflects your changing ability. You club handicapper should also be able to give you advice on this. In any case, it would be wise to obtain the help of a friendly player to help you complete your card. Many players will complete their card at the end of each game in the tournament. If your handicap has changed, inform the tournament handicapper who will sign your card and inform the CA of the change on your behalf.
© 2000-2003, 2006 The Croquet Association - www.croquet.org.uk