Setting an Initial GC Handicap
Players New to Croquet
When a new player starts playing competitive Golf Croquet, it is essential that an appropriate handicap is given - not every beginner is the same! It is generally the task of the Club Handicapper to set the initial handicap.
Use the following test to assess the player's handicap - it is quite approximate, and the initial handicap must be reviewed by the Club Handicapper, and corrected if necessary, after the player has recorded the first five to ten results.
The simple test for players new to croquet is known as the Three-Times-Round test (and for the avoidance of any doubt, this should be performed on a full-sized court). The player starts from Corner 4 and counts the number of strokes required to run Hoops 1 to 6 inclusive, completing the exercise three times. Table 3 is then used to convert the aggregate number of strokes taken for the three exercises into an initial handicap. If this aggregate is less than 50, the player's handicap should be separately assessed. The test should not be used for players who have played Association Croquet and have AC handicaps less than 10.
Strokes Taken | Initial Handicap | Initial Index |
---|---|---|
50-53 | 7 | 1350 |
54-56 | 8 | 1300 |
57-60 | 9 | 1250 |
61-63 | 10 | 1200 |
64-67 | 11 | 1150 |
68-70 | 12 | 1100 |
71-78 | 14 | 1050 |
>78 | 16 | 1000 |
The practice of setting all beginners at a handicap of 16 must be avoided. Most players have some natural ability that deserves a handicap less than 16 - only set a handicap as high as 16 if the Three-Times-Round test suggests it is necessary.
It is entirely reasonable for Clubs and Federations to set upper or lower handicap limits for players in their leagues, matches and events (such as an upper limit of 12 in league matches, for example), but a complete beginner generally won't be playing in such matches immediately and may benefit from a first season playing off 14 or 16 within the club. Most importantly, remember that players must play off their correct handicap at all times.
The Three-Times-Round test may also be used by Club Handicappers on existing high-handicap players to confirm or adjust their handicaps, particularly if there is doubt about the accuracy of those handicaps. The Club Handicapper must review any new handicap after around ten recorded games, and correct it if necessary.
If a new player plays a level GC game which is also a ranked GC game, they will be added to the GC Grading System database and will have a GC Dynamic Grade. The manager of the event of their first game should report their GC handicap to the England Assistant Ranking Officer when reporting results, in order to generate a GC start grade based on their GC handicap. If you are unfamiliar with the Ranking List, refer to the GC Grading System guide.
The GC Grading System includes an Automatic Start Grade Adjustment (ASGA) process which automatically reviews the GC start grade of a new player as soon as they have played 20 ranked GC games and continues to review it until they have played 30 ranked GC games. If their GC start grade is revised by ASGA, their GC handicap is to be adjusted to correspond to their revised GC start grade (as explained in the Players whose start grades have been revised by ASGA section of the Maintaining a GC Handicap page), and they are to continue their handicap card from that trigger point index.
Players must update their handicaps in the Subscribers' Area of the Croquet England website - if unable to do so, they should contact their club secretary.
Existing Association Croquet Players
AC players with an AC handicap of 9 or lower who do not already have a GC handicap are given an initial GC handicap and GC start grade based on their AC handicap as set out in Table 4 below.
AC Handicap |
GC Handicap | Starting GC DGrade |
---|---|---|
-3 to -2.5 | -2 | 2200 |
-2 to -1.5 | -1 | 2100 |
-1 to 0 | 0 | 2000 |
0.5 to 1.5 | 1 | 1900 |
2 to 3 | 2 | 1800 |
3.5 to 4.5 | 3 | 1700 |
5 to 7 | 4 | 1600 |
8 to 9 | 5 | 1500 |
10 to 11 | 6 | 1400 |
Handicappers should review GC handicaps set on this basis after 10 games, and adjust them if necessary (remembering that only National Handicappers may adjust GC handicaps that are 3 or lower).
If an AC player achieves an AC handicap change before they have played 20 ranked GC games, their GC handicap should be amended simultaneously in accordance with Table 4. Once they have played 20 ranked GC games, they are to keep their GC handicap up to date using one of the two methods described in the Keeping a GC Handicap Up to Date section of the Maintaining a GC Handicap page.