[<<] [>>] by Christopher Roberts
15th April 2022 (CqE Official News)

The CA Handicap Committee has been busy over the closed season and has made a number of refinements to the arrangements for setting the GC handicaps of players who are new to croquet, existing AC players taking up GC, and players of both codes returning to croquet after a long break.

These amendments are all shown on the Setting Initial Handicaps (GC) page.

Players New to Croquet

The change affecting the greatest number of players and Club Handicappers is to the GC 'three times round' test for the setting of initial handicaps of players new to croquet. The test remains the same but the table that provides a starting handicap from the average number of strokes taken in the test has been altered so that the full range of typical handicaps (7 to 16) can now be achieved.

Existing AC Players Taking Up GC

The AC to GC conversion table and the accompanying words have both been improved so that it is now clear exactly when (and when not) any discretion by a Handicapper is permitted. Words have also been added to remind both Club and Federation Handicappers of their duties and the limitations of their powers to adjust handicaps, along with the circumstances when they should seek the assistance of a CA Handicapper.

Players Who Remain Predominantly AC Players

No amendment has been made to these arrangements but a new section has been added to highlight that players who achieve an AC handicap change having played fewer than 10 GC games during that period of reduction/increase, must also have their GC handicap altered simultaneously in order to maintain a relevant and current GC handicap.

Returning Players

Extra words have also been added to the 'Returning Players' section to reinforce the correct procedure for Club and Federation Handicappers - this being that a player returning to the sport after a break of some years should play off his or her previous handicap unless there are valid and compelling reasons (e.g. medical) to alter that handicap. If there are such reasons, and the handicap is to be changed, a Club or Federation Handicapper must consult with a CA Handicapper to jointly determine the new handicap.

Frances Colman, Chair, CA Handicap Committee