Contents...

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Resources
• 3. Referees
• 4. Becoming a GC Referee
• 5. Becoming a GC Championship Referee

1. Introduction

Players are jointly responsible for applying the rules in all games, even in tournaments. However a qualified referee, if available, should be asked to adjudicate any stroke in which a player suspects a fault may be committed, or in the event of uncertainty as to how to proceed with the game.

2. Resources

A number of resources are available to help players, existing GC Referees and those considering becoming a GC Referee:

• The GC Rules Quiz and Exam allows you to test your knowledge of the Rules and take the GC Rules Theory Exam.
• GC Rules Study Pack. The World Croquet Federation, which owns the GC Rules, has published a modularised Study Pack available for all those who wish to improve their understanding of the Rules.
• GC Referee Q Card Pack. The GC Rules Study Pack introduces some GC Rule ready reckoners (termed Q Cards). These are available as a downloadable pack.
• Slow-motion Videos. The Croquet England slow-motion videos were made in 2006 and revolutionised our understanding of what happens in many normal strokes played in GC and AC. All current or aspiring GC Referees and any serious player should study these videos to improve their knowledge of when faults are likely to occur and, just as important, when they are not likely to occur.
• Wrong Balls. The Wrong Ball Rule (Rule 10) has been simplified and amended in the 6th Edition. An explanation of the rule is available Resolving Wrong Ball Plays.
• Court Surface Damage. (Rule 11.2.10) A guidance note on Interpreting Lawn Damage explains what is and what isn't a fault, and how to decide from the evidence.
• Hammer Strokes and Jump Strokes. Hammer and jump strokes also can often cause faults (Rules 11.2.4.and 11.2.5 in particular). Guidance to Referees and Players on Hammer Strokes and Jump Strokes explains the basis on which such strokes will be refereed.
• Strokes Involving Small Separations. Rules 11.2.4 ("Double Taps") and 11.2.6 ("Ball Crushes") can be difficult to apply on court. Appendix 5 of the GC Rules booklet and Guidance to Referees and Players on Strokes Involving Small Separations explain the basis on which such strokes will be refereed.
• Advantage Play. To support the introduction of Advantage Play (Rule 21) in the 6th Edition of the GC Rules, guidance, including a PowerPoint briefing, have been provided in a separate web page Advantage Play

3. Referees

There are two grades of GC referee:

GC Referee: a qualified GC Referee can officiate at any GC game, match or event (for major tournaments: if so authorised by the Tournament Referee).

GC Championship Referee: some of the most experienced GC Referees have qualified to officiate at top-class events.

In addition, there are GC Examining Referees who train and qualify new referees - most Academies and Federations have at least one.

Most often, a referee acts as a Referee on Request called on by the players to explain the Rules when they are unsure about how to proceed, or to exercise judgment about something that has happened or to watch a stroke about to be played which might possibly result in the commission of a fault.

Occasionally, when the situation demands, a referee may be asked to supervise a match and become a Referee in Charge.

All significant tournaments controlled by Croquet England or a Federation will normally have an appointed Tournament Referee: the official with responsibility for nominating and allocating authorised referees, checking hoop and court settings and hearing appeals.

4. Becoming a GC Referee

The GC Rules Quiz has been available for several years and is a popular way for GC Referees and players to refresh their knowledge of the GC Rules. The Golf Croquet Rules Committee has taken note and, in consequence, the procedure for becoming a GC Referee has been modernised.

With effect from 1 October 2025, there are now two stages, an online GC Rules Theory Exam and an On-Court Test. The Theory Exam has to be passed before you can attend a One-Day Course and take the On-Court Test. This is similar in approach to the Driving Test for new motorists!

The Theory Exam consists of two Parts, each consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions with four possible answers. The pass mark for each is 47/50 (94%). This is high but there is no time limit and candidates are encouraged to have the Rule Book in front of them and to make use of any other resources that they find helpful. The intention is that they will have become thoroughly familiar with the structure and contents of the GC Rules by the time that they achieve a pass in both Parts. Part 1 contains questions on Rules 7 to 13 (scoring a point, offside balls, interferences and errors). Part 2 covers the rest of the Rules and relevant parts of the WCF Refereeing Regulations.

Go to the GC Rules Quiz and Exam to find out how to take the Theory Exam.

If you attend a One-Day Course you are trained and tested on dealing with on-court situations. If you pass both the On-Court Test and a Basic Test, which consists of 20 multiple-choice questions answered in 30 minutes on the most common situations met in play, you become a GC Referee immediately and will be sent a red 'GC Referee' badge.

The Fixtures Calendar will list One-Day Courses being held around the country, often at the start of a season, and an Academy or Federation might organise additional courses at other times if there is sufficient demand.

To be successful when attending a One-Day Course, candidates should study carefully the materials sent to them when their place on the course is confirmed including the document What comes up most often which identifies the most frequent issues that GC Referees are called on to resolve.

An AC Referee who wishes to become a GC Referee will need to pass the Theory Exam and attend a One-Day Course. However, their On-Court Test will focus on the main areas of difference between AC and GC, such as double taps in clearance strokes and special forms of relief from interference.

5. Becoming a GC Championship Referee

The criterion to be eligible for consideration as a GC Championship Referee is to have been an active GC Referee for at least two years (having refereed at two or more Croquet England Calendar Fixtures).

If eligible, the candidate will have to pass a more thorough on-court test with a higher pass mark, which will be conducted by two GC Examining Referees. There is no further written exam.

Candidates may apply to the Chairman of GC Rules Committee for consideration at any time. Tournament Referees are also requested to identify any good candidates to the Chairman of GC Rules Committee.

The GC Rules Committee may consider exceptional cases, who might not meet the standard criteria given above, but are still adjudged worth inviting to take the on-lawn test.

Successful candidates who pass the on-court test will be added to the Croquet England Directory list of GC Championship Referees and receive a blue 'GC Championship Referee' badge.