VictorianCroquetAssociation
Growing croquet in Victoria
Resources for clubs and regions
Compiled by the
VCA Marketing and Publicity
sub-committee
Lastrevised13February2016
1
Theseresourcesarebeingdevelopedtosupportclubsandregionsintheirlocal
publicity efforts, as part of a concerted attempt to attract new members to
croquet. They have been put together by the Marketing and Publicity SubcommitteeoftheVictorianCroquetAssociationCouncil.
The sub-committee’s job is to promote the sport of croquet across Victoria.
OurmeetingswithRegionalAssociationsin2015/16haveaddednewideasand
materials to these resources. More suggestions would be most welcome.
[email protected].
Contents
Whydoesyourclubneedtogrow?..........................................................................................3
Strategicplanning.....................................................................................................................4
Usingcoursesforrecruitment..................................................................................................5
Accreditedcoaches...................................................................................................................6
Clubpromotions.......................................................................................................................7
Writingapressrelease.............................................................................................................8
Annotatedsamplepressrelease...........................................................................................9
Newspaperlistings..............................................................................................................10
Planningapromotionalevent................................................................................................12
Conductingyourpromotion...................................................................................................13
OpeningoftheSeason...........................................................................................................14
Socialdays..............................................................................................................................15
Malletsportsgamesforsocialdays....................................................................................18
IncorporatingAssociationCroquetandGolfCroquet............................................................22
Beginnercourseoutlines........................................................................................................23
Developingayouthprogram..................................................................................................32
Clubvisitors&insurance........................................................................................................34
Growingourclub:Queenscliff’sexperience...........................................................................35
Growingourclub:Plimmerton’sexperience..........................................................................36
Lastrevised13February2016
2
Whydoesyourclubneedtogrow?
Some clubs may be sailing along quite nicely, perhaps with a few dedicated
members who enjoy the game. However without the influx of new members
thefutureoftheclubmaybeinjeopardy.
What would happen to the club in the future as aging and ailing members
retire?
Isitdesirablefortheclubtosimplycloseitsdoors?Ofcoursenot!
Tomaintainahealthyclubcompetitivelyandfinanciallyasteadyflowofnew
membershipsisimperative.
Howcanyouhelpyourclubgrow?
Let’sstartwiththeclubcommittee.
It’s been suggested to us that a club committee should try to spend at least
half its meeting dedicated to strategic planning and no more than half on
administration.Theclubneedsdirectionandgoals,brainstormingandsharing
ideas, developing them and working out how to put them into action. This
mightinvolvemeetingwithotherclubsoryourregionalcommittee.Theclub
shouldbeopentochangeanduptodatewithalllegislationtogiveanoptimal,
professionalimagetoprospectivemembersandthecommunity.
Lastrevised13February2016
3
Strategicplanning
Inbuildingyourclub,youmayfinditusefultogothroughtheformalstepsof
developingastrategicplan.
If you want to do this, start with a club or committee meeting where you
brainstorm your present situation. What are the club’s strengths and
weaknesses? What are the opportunities and strengths in its environment
(think the local community, the region, the VCA, local government, state
government,potentialsponsorsandassociates).
Thendecideonthreeorfourpriorities.Whatishappeningthatyouwouldlike
to maintain? Where does the club need to develop? How many members
would you ideally like to have? Your priorities are the basis of your strategic
plan.Takeatimeframe(threeyearsisuseful)andsetyourselvesacoupleof
goals for each priority – what you would like to achieve by the end of three
years. That takes you to the nitty gritty: the actions, timelines, and
responsibilitieswhichwillenableyoutoachieveyourgoals.
Itmayhelptoformasubcommitteetotakechargeoffollowingtheplanand
reporting to the club committee. Delegation is key. It is not a committee
problem,itistheresponsibilityofallmembers.
The VCA’s Strategic Plan 2015-2020 includes some objectives and strategies
whicharerelevanttoclubs.YoucandownloadthisfromtheVCAwebsite–go
tohttp://www.croquetvic.asn.au/governance.php.
Lastrevised13February2016
4
Usingcoursesforrecruitment
A number of clubs have been very successful in recruiting members through
running introductory courses that last several weeks (five, six, even twelve).
Some example course outlines are included in a section at the end of this
resource,alongwithnamesofotherclubstocontact.Alltheorganisershave
indicatedthattheywouldbehappytoprovidemoreinformationandmaterials
tointerestedclubs.
Involving informed players and coaches in these courses helps to give
newcomers a consistent introduction to the game. Ask your Regional
Committeeforhelpifyouneedto,theycanorganisesupportfromplayersand
coachesinyourarea.Weareallpartofcroquetandnoclubhastostandalone.
AccreditedcoachesarelistedontheVCAwebsite.Currentlylistedcoachesin
yourregionareshownoverleaf(thoughnote,thislistisprobablyincomplete).
Youmightadvertiseabeginners’courseseparately,oruseitasafollowupto
your promotional events. You could talk with your local library or
neighbourhood house and get their support for putting on a daytime (or
twilight)courseforinterestedlocals.Otheradvertisingoptionswouldinclude
wordofmouth,throughpostersinyourlocalneighbourhood,orviayourlocal
University of the Third Age (if you have one). Whichever approach you take,
you will have participants who have signed up to learn something new and
yourclubwillbereadytohelpthenewcomers.
Remember courses and fundraisers are two separate things - be prepared to
offerthesecoursesatalowcost.
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5
Accreditedcoaches
Example:SouthWesternCroquetAssociation
In2015,hardcopyofthispageinGrowingCroquetwascustomisedbyregion,with
informationtakenfromthemostrecentlistingontheVCAwebsite:
croquetvic.asn.au/refscoaches.php.
Thisexampleshowsinformationwhichwasaccessedon1February2016.Theonlineversion
ofGrowingCroquetwillprovideadirectlinksothattheinformationisalwayscurrent.
Club
ACAID
Hamilton
Koroit
Portland
Terang
Warrnambool
Firstname
Surname
Coach
AC
GC
7994 Cicely
Fenton
B
3022 Lesley
Hobbs
B
3717 Doris
Lanyon
B
6055 Gwen
Sicely
B
1102 Jean
Chapple
B
8009 Val
Hogan
B
3489 Helen
Keltie
B
12672 Lorna
Lakey
B
14148 Jan
Logan
B
12981 Pat
Punch
B
11104 Dot
Rowe
B
12980 Joy
Simpson
B
12333 Bruce
Uhe
B
3192 Catherine
Humphrey
B
7807 Carmel
Hughes
B
3485 Ian
Kelson
B
3486 Margaret
Kelson
B
4329 Barbara
McKean
B
7719 Russell
Worland
B
7802 Kerri
Worland
B
Lastrevised13February2016
6
Clubpromotions
To promote your club you need to be positive, upbeat and grasp every
opportunityyoucantokeepupyourprofileinthecommunity.Holdingevents
for charities can be a great way to raise the profile of your club in the
community.
• YoucanholdamorningteaforPinkRibbonDay-remembermostlocal
mediaoutletswillhelppromoteeventsforcharityforfree.
• ACroquetandCrèchemorningforRedNoseDayortheRoyalChildren’s
HospitalGoodFridayAppealisanotherwayofgettingyoungmothersin
thecommunityinvolved.
• One off events for Opening of the Season or Social Days can also be
opentothecommunity.
Your event could incorporate a sausage sizzle or afternoon tea. Think about
what attracts people to other functions held in your community. How were
thesepromoted?
Lastrevised13February2016
7
Writingapressrelease
TipsfromthePublicRelationsInstituteofAustralia
1.Put on a journalist’s hat: The press releases that will get the most traction from journalists are
written in classic, journalistic style. Start the release with a strong (non-sales-y) lead that
answers some of the basic questions of your message such as who, what, when, where and
how,andgofromthere.
2.Lose the superlatives: Using lofty terms—“leading” being one of the main culprits—is still a
chronicprobleminpressreleases.“Solution”isanothertermthat’susedfrequentlyandgives
reporters and editors pause; better to use vernacular that doesn’t draw attention to itself
and/or cause the ire of media reps, but, rather, demonstrates that you’re familiar with the
intricaciesofthemarket.
3.Include some salient quotes: Not just comments from your CEO or CFO on the benefits of the
product and/or service that you are writing about but quotes from partners, suppliers and
customerswhocantestifyonhowtheproductand/orservicecanhelpconsumersor,ifit’sa
B2Bcompany,howtheinformationinthereleasecanhelpsomeonedohisorherjobbetter.
4.Keep it short: Reporters and editors are notoriously time-poor, so when writing press releases
choose your words very carefully. Be somewhat surgical with quotes. Ditto for any statistics
and/ormetricsthatyoumaywanttoputintothereleasetohelpsubstantiateyourmessage.
5.Put your contact information in a prominent place: It’s a no-brainer to put your name and
contact information in a prominent place on the news release, such as the upper left handcorner,butwe’reoftenamazedathowmanypressreleaseslackthisbasicinformation.Without
it,you’renotonlytellingthereportertolosethereleasebutitalsosuggestsyoumaybehiding
fromsomething.
Seenextpageforasamplepressrelease.
Source:http://www.pria.com.au/priablog/5-tips-to-follow-when-writing-press-releases
Lastrevised13February2016
8
Annotatedsamplepressrelease
Pressreleasecontent
Notes
Organisationlogo.
PRESSRELEASE
19April2015
Forimmediaterelease
Croquetregionalsdowntothewire
VictorianCroquetCentre,Cairnlea,Victoria
Itwasneckandneckintheweekend’scompetitionbetween
elevenVictorianregionalcroquetassociationsfortheLefel
Shield.IntheendGeelong,withatotalof192hoops,pippedfour
otherassociations.RunnersupwereGippsland.Western
Metropolitan,Ballarat,andGoulburnValleywereclosebehind.
TournamentmanagerLorraineGutcher,whohailsfrom
Gippsland,says,“PeopletravelledtoMelbournefromasfar
apartasPortland,Wangaratta,Albury,Sale,BoortandHorsham
–manyofthemcamealongwaytorepresenttheirregions.Alot
offriendshipsarefosteredoverthisweekendbetweenpeople
whojustseeeachotheronceayearonthisoneoccasion.”
Eleventhree-memberteamsatalllevelsofthegamecompeted
forindividualsuccessinthreesections,withtheLefelShield
awardedtotheregionwiththemosthoopsattheendofthe
competition.
ThesuccessfulGeelongteammembersallcamefromoneclub,
GeelongEasternPark,includingthewinnerofsection1,Bob
Roycroft.BobisalsoanaccomplishedAssociationCroquet
player.
Bobsays,““Fouryearsagoweonlyhadtwoactivemembersof
thisclub.We’vemanagedtorecruittwentyoddkeenplayersand
theresultsarethere.That’sbeengood.It’saragstorichesstory
forus.Wewerequitechuffedaboutitall.”
TheVictorianCroquetAssociationisthepeakbodyforcroquetin
Victoria,with13memberregionalassociations,91clubsanda
membershipofover2600players.
Furtherinformation:
KatePatrick,Director,VictorianCroquetAssociation
croquetvic.asn.au
0403108215(m)
[email protected]
Lastrevised13February2016
Standardheading
Releasedateanddetails
(embargodateifany)
Aheadingaimedatcapturing
attention
Location
Whowhatwherewhywhen
Quote.Roleofpersonquoted
identified.
Detail
Pointofinterest.Quote.Person
quotedisidentified.
Standardparaaboutthe
organisationprovidingthe
information.
Contactdetailsforfurther
information
9
Newspaperlistings
HardcopyofGrowingCroquetdistributedin2015includedacustomisedlistingofnewspapers
andpresscontactdetailsforclubsbyregion.TheexampleonthefollowingpageisforSouth
Western.
Theinformationwascompiledfromnewspapers.com.auandLeadernewspaperlistingsandwas
lastupdatedon17April2015.
TheonlineversionofGrowingCroquetwillincludeadownloadablePDFlistinglocalnewspapers
byregion.
ItwouldbehelpfulifregionscouldnotifyanychangestotheMarketingandPublicityCommittee
sothatwecanupdatethisdocument.Pleaseemailmarketing@croquetvic.asn.au.
.
Newspapercontactdetails
Example:SouthWesternCA
Casterton
CastertonNews
76HentyStCasterton3311
55811177
Hamilton
HamiltonSpectator
59GreyStHamilton3300
55721011
Koroit
TheStandard
170-176KoroitSt
Warrnambool3280
0355631800
Portland
PortlandObserver
170-176KoroitSt
Warrnambool3280
0355631800
Terang
CorangamiteExtra
170-176KoroitSt
Warrnambool3280
0355631800
Warrnambool
TheStandard
170-176KoroitSt
Warrnambool3280
0355631800
Newspaperlistingsrevised17April2015.
Lastrevised13February2016
11
Planningapromotionalevent
Itisimportanttoidentifythepeopleyouaretryingtoattracttoyourcluband
thenfocusyoureventtosuitthedemographicinthatarea.Gettoknowyour
local media. Invite your local newspaper to do an article about your event.
Mostlocalpapersarelookingforcommunityeventstoreporton.Someradio
stations allow free advertising for community events so check if that is
available.Createaposterandapressrelease–seeattachedexamples.
Alwaystrytomaketheeventfun,focusonfunactivitiesaswellasgameplay.
Wehaveincludedexamplesofsomefunexercisesintheattachmentsection.
Givelotsofsmallprizesforachievementssuchaslongesthoop,beststopshot
andlongestroquet.
Once you have decided what type of event you want to run, set a date for
aboutsixmonthsahead.Thencheckthattherearenoconflictingeventswithin
croquetorthelocalcommunity.Decidehowyouwillpromoteyoureventand
get some quotes. Work out your financial requirements then do some
fundraisingorapplyforagrantifyouneedto.
Invite important locals about three months before the event, eg the mayor,
localmember,localcouncillors,localpersonalities.Onemonthbeforeputup
posters and distribute flyers. Contact your local newspaper (see list in
Attachment) and radio stations. Radio stations will read out community
announcements if you send them one. Make sure you include your contact
details.
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12
Conductingyourpromotion
Whenwelcomingthevisitorsgivethemanamebadgeandgetsomepersonal
details. Make sure all participants register and give phone and or e-mail. Ask
clubmemberstohavetheirnamebadgeonaswell.
Learning something new can cause embarrassment so make sure you pair
themwiththesameclubmemberforthedayandencouragethemalong.
Have the club suitably decorated to add a sense of occasion. Decide what
formatyouaregoingwith,GolfcroquetorAussie.ChildrenrespondtoAussie
astheyallgettorunhoopssokeepthatinmindiftherearefamiliesorschools
involved.ItisverydifficulttolearnAssociationinaoneoffevent.
Makesureyouhaveafeedbackformforthemtofillout.Itisimportanttofind
outwhattheylikedandwhattheydidn’tforthefuture.
A week or so after the event contact them, this is best done by the club
member who assisted them on the day of the event. Give them important
informationaboutclubdaysetc,andinvitethemformorningteaorseeifthey
are interested in a free course of coaching for beginners. Sell your club with
confidencesoyoumakejoininganexcitingprospectfornewmembers.Ifthey
seemundecidedaskifyoucancontactthemagainforfutureclubeventsand
then make sure you send a personal invitation to any club functions so that
theygetasenseofsocialinteraction,theymayfeelmorecomfortablejoining
forsocialreasonsratherthansporttobeginwith.
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13
OpeningoftheSeason
HoldinganOpeningoftheSeasonisaperfectwaytoinvitethecommunityinto
yourcluborregion.
Choose a date early in the croquet season. Try to make it a weekend to
maximise community involvement. Three months beforehand find a local
personality or government official to run the first hoop of the season. One
month before put up posters and distribute flyers. Start advertising in local
media.
Makeitfamilyfriendly,withgamesforthechildrenandgoodiebags,balloons
etc.
Asausagesizzleatlunchisalwaysacrowdpleaser.
Have some exhibition games in progress during the day as well as novelty
games.Someideasarelistedlaterinthisresourcepack.
Ifthisisaregionaleventmakesureyouhaverepresentationfromallclubsin
yourregion.Provideinformationabouteachclubalongwithafreeinformation
packagecompiledbytheregionwithinputfromallclubs.
Make sure you have plenty of advertising for up-coming events and training
programsinyourregionorclub.
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14
Socialdays
In most regions social days are conducted throughout the year for both Golf
CroquetandAssociationCroquet.Theseareusuallyheldonregularclubdays
and all clubs within a region are invited. It is a perfect time to get to know
otheraffiliatedmemberswithinyourregion.
These days should have a casual feel about them and are aimed at the
memberswholikesocialplayanddon’tenterintotournaments.
Howeversocialdayscanbeopentoawidersectionofthecommunityifruna
certainway.
YoucanhaveaBringaFrienddayonasocialdayespeciallyforGolfCroquet.
This is an opportunity for members to introduce their friends to the croquet
communityandgivethemachancetoseeanorganizedcroquetdaywithout
thestressofseriouscompetition.
DuringschoolholidaysyoucanhaveaChildrensdayforAussiecroquet.Thisis
anopportunitytobringyourchildrenorgrandchildrenalongforafundayof
Aussie. Plan some kid friendly food such as hot dogs and chips. Have some
prizesandgoodiebagsreadyforafulldayoffun.Makesurethatthechildren
attendinghaveasupervisingadultoryouwillhavetoorganizeWorkingWith
Childrenchecksforsomemembers.
SeenexttwopagesfortherulesofAussieCroquet.Thesearefollowedbyrules
forsomelessformalmalletsportsgamesforsocialdays.
Lastrevised13February2016
15
AUSSIECROQUET
GetwithCroakythefrogandPlayAussieCroquet
How to Set Out an Aussie Croquet Court
ThehoopsandpegarelaidoutasforAssociationCroquet.
Ifyoudonothaveroomforafullcourtthenyoucanscaleitdown.Usefiveunitsforthelength,andfour
forthewidth.Thecornerhoops(1to4)areoneunitfromeachboundary;hoops5and6oneuniteither
sideofthepeg.
The Course
Thepathalongwhichyourballhastotravelstartswithhoop1(theblue-toppedone)andhastofollowthe
setorderthroughtohoop6,andthenhitthecentrepeg.Thedottedlineandarrowsonthediagramshow
thedirectioneachballmustgotoscoreeachhoop.
Lastrevised13February2016
16
How to Play Aussie Croquet
To Start the Game
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fourplayers
Choosepartners
Tossacointodecidewhichpairgofirst
BLUEandBLACKplayagainstREDandYELLOW
ThepartnerswinningthetossplaywithBLUEandBLACK
Eachplayerplaysthesamecolourballforthewholegame
Theorderyouplayispaintedonthepeg:BLUE,BLACK,REDandYELLOW
Timeallowedis30minutes.
To Score
Countonepointforeveryhoopeachballrunsthroughinorderandoneforhittingthepeg.Thewinnersare
theteamwiththehighestscore.
To Play
Starting:Placeeachballinturnhalfwaythroughthefirsthoopforaneasystart.
EachturnisonlyONEhit...unlessyouearnanextrahit!Anextrahitisearnedwhenyou:
•
•
hityourballthroughthenexthoopinorder
whenyouhitanyoftheotherthreeballswithyourball.(Youcanonlyhiteachotherballonceper
turnunlessyougothroughthenexthoop-thenyoucanhitthemallagain.)
Ifyouhittwoballsinthesamestroke,thehitonthefirstballistheonlyonethatcounts.
Ifaballscoresahoopandcontinuesontohitanotherball,thehoopscorecountsandtheplayergetsonly
oneextrastrokeforhittingtheballafterthehoopisscored.
Ifaballgoesovertheboundaryitismeasuredinthelengthofamallet(36inches).
Some tactics
•
•
•
•
•
Yourpartneroropponentcanhityourballthroughyourhoop-youscorethepoint.
Youcanhityouropponentbackoutofahoopifthey'venotgoneallthewaythrough.
Yourballcangothroughthehoopthewrongwaytogettotherightside-butitdoesn'tscorea
point.
Youcanhityourpartnerballintoabetterposition-oranopponentballoutofposition.
Youcangentlyhityourballinto,oroffthesidesof,theotherthreeballstofinallypositionyourball
togothroughahoop.
Source:http://www.croquet-australia.com.au/Kids/Accessed19April2015.
Lastrevised13February2016
17
Malletsportsgamesforsocialdays
Thesegamesaredesignedforplaybetweenteamsof2or4people.Ifthisdoesn’tworkforyou,justadjust
thenumberofballsinthegame.
Mostofthegamescanbeplayedbybeginners.*Asteriskedgamesareprobablynotforbeginners.
Ifyoutakeacompetitiveapproach,suggestthatplayerskeepanoteoftheirteamnameandtheirscores.
Aimtohavesomeoneonhandtoadviseontherulesofeachgame.Peopledon’talwaysreadinstructions.
*****
HelterSkelter
Aim:tostrikeballsthrough6hoopsinsequenceandpegout.
Equipmentandset-up:Smallcourtstandardsetup,blueball,redball.
Game:Twoteamsoffour(canbeplayedwithmoreorfewer).
Playersineachteamtakeshotsinturn.Theballmustcometorestbeforethenextplayerinthe
teamhits.
Team1startswithblueballfromthecornerboundarynearhoop4,andheadsforhoop1
(completing6hoopsintheorder1,2,3,4,5,6andthenpeggingout).
Team2startswithredballonboundarycornernearhoop2andheadsforhoop3(completing6
hoopsintheorder3,4,1,2,6,5andthenpeggingout).
Teamsstartatthesametime.
Playerscanhittheirballagainsttheopponents’balltosenditoffcourse.
Winningteam:Teamwhichhitsthepegfirst.
Conclusionofchallenge:Ballsarereturnedtotheirrespectivestartingcorners.
Scoring:Winningteam–2points.Peghitsimultaneouslybybothteams–1pointtoeachteam.
EggsinaBasket
Aim:
Tostriketheballintotheinnercirclefromanoutercircle.
Equipmentandset-up: Concentriccircles2mand5mfrompeg,markedwithcustardpowder.2setsof
balls(primaryandsecondary).
Game:
Twoteamsoftwoplayers.Eachplayerhastwoballs.Team1playswithprimarycolours,
Team2playswithsecondarycolours.Teamsandplayerstakealternateshotsfromanypoint
ontheoutercircleandtrytohittheirballintotheinnercircle.
Itispermissibletohitanopponent’sballsoitismovedoutofthecircle.Itisalsopermissible
tohitateamballtopushitintothecircle.
Winningteam:Teamwithmostballsinthecircleafteralleightballshavebeenplayed.
Conclusionofchallenge:Placeballsonthestartcornerofthecourt.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgetsonepoint.
Malletsportsgamesforsocialdays
CroquetBobs
Aim:
Hitballsthroughthearchesintheframe,frombetweenmarkersonaline.
Equipmentandset-up: Nine9”hoopswithhangingnumbers6--19--1--25--2--18--5--15--14,arrangedalong
aboundarylinewithbaulkboardsbehindthem.Linemarked12minfromhoops.Pegat
eachendofline.
Twosetsof4ballsinprimaryandsecondarycolours.
Game:
Fourconsecutiveshotsforeachplayer.Teamsalternate.Recordthescoreforeacharch
clearedbyaball(hangingnumbermustreturntovertical).Ballsthatdonotpassthroughthe
archareremoved.
Winningteam: Teamwithhighestscoreaftertallying.
Conclusionofchallenge:Ballsarereplacedonline.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
GateballTunnel
Aim:
Torunallhoopswithonestrokeofamallet
Equipmentandset-up: 6gateballhoopslinedupat5mintervalsalongthelengthofthecourt,4balls
placedontheboundaryline.
Game:
Fourconsecutiveshotsforeachplayer.Teamsalternate.Eachplayerattemptstorunas
manyhoopsaspossibleinasingleshot.Recordthenumberofhoopsclearedeachtimeand
tallythetotalforeachplayerandtheneachteam.
Winningteam: Teamwithhighestscoreaftertallying.
Conclusionofchallenge:Ballsarereplacedontheline.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
CroquetTunnel
Aim:
Torunallhoopswithonestrokeofamallet
Equipmentandset-up: 6hoopslinedupat5cmintervals.2ballsforeachplayer.
Game:
Twoconsecutiveshotsforeachplayer.Teamsalternate.Eachplayerplacestheirballjustin
frontofthefirsthoopandattemptstorunasmanyhoopsaspossibleinasingleshot.Record
thenumberofhoopsclearedeachtime,andtallythetotalforeachplayerandtheneach
team.
Winningteam: Teamwithhighestscoreaftertallying.
Conclusionofchallenge:Ballsarereplacedontheline.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
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19
Malletsportsgamesforsocialdays
Skittles
Aim:Toknockoverskittleswithlongcroquetshots.
Equipmentandset-up:Fiveskittlesplacedonmarkedspot12mfromboundaryline,onesetofballsplaced
onboundary.
Game:Fourconsecutiveshotsforeachplayerwithteamsalternating.Recordthenumberofskittles
knockedoverbyeachplayer.Skittlesarereplacedaftereachplayer’sturnfinishes.
Winningteam: Teamthatknocksovermostskittles.
Tidyingup:
Returnballstoboundaryline.Replaceskittlesonmarkers.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
Tennis
Aim:
Tohaveasalongarallyaspossiblehittingbetweenwhitepegsplaced3ballsapart.
Equipmentandset-up: Foreachpairofplayers:
Twopegsplacedinground3ballsapart,1pegatstartlines6m(orchosendistance)eithersideof
pegs,1ball.
Game: Inpairs:playersfromTeam1hittoeachother,playersfromTeam2hittoeachother.
FirstplayerfromTeam1playsfromonesideofthepegsonthestartlineandtriestohitbetween
thetwopegsinthecentretothesecondTeam1playerontheothersideofthepegsontheother
startline.
PlayersfromTeam2dothesameseparately.
Counthowmanytimestheballishitbetweenthecentralpegswithouthittingeitherpeg(lengthof
rally).
Winningteam: Teamthathasthelongestrally.
Tidyingup:
Scoring:
Returnballstomarkedlines.
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
TheBestofThirteen(smallcourt)
Aim:tomakemaximum.numberofhoopsinorderin13strokes.Limitedto6hoopsplushittingthepeg.
Equipmentandset-up:Bcourtwithstandardset-up.Blueball(Team1)andredball(Team2).6blueand6
redhoopclips.
Game:Twoteamsoftwoorfour.Playersineachteamtaketurnstoplay.Team1startsfromcornernear
hoop1(blueball).Team2startsfromthesamespotwhenTeam1hasgonethroughhoop2(red
ball).
Eachteamcanmakeonly13strokesaltogether.Numberofstrokestobecountedbytheteam.
Teamputshoopclipsonhoopsastheyaremade.
Winningteam:Teamwhichrunsthemosthoopswiththeir13strokes.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
Tidyingup:Returntheballstothestartingcorner.
Lastrevised13February2016
20
Malletsportsgamesforsocialdays
*SpeedCroquet
Requiresrunning
Aim:tostrikeballsthrough6hoopsinsequenceandpegout.
Equipment:Standardsetup,blue,red,blackandyellowballs.
Game:Blueandblackarepartners,redandyellowarepartners.Canbeplayedassinglesordoubles.
PlayisinthesequenceBlueRedBlackYellow.
Bluehitsofffromthecornerboundarynearhoop4,andheadsforhoop1.Maythentakeanother
twoshotsprovidedtheballisstillmoving.Ifthethirdshotrunsthehooptheplayerhasanother3
shotstomakethenexthoop.
Oncetheballstopsitisendofturn.If3shotsaretakenwithoutahoopitisendofturn.
Oncehoop6isruntheplayerhasonlyoneshotperturn.
Playerscanhittheirballtoknockawaytheopponents’ball.
Winningteam:TeamwhichhitsthepegfirstwithBOTHtheirballs.
Tidyingup:Returntheballstothestartingcorner.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
*Bull’sEye
Aim: splitshottosendeachballtoseparatetargetpoints–targetsbeingtwosetsofconcentriccircles
withabull’seyeincentreofeach.
Equipmentandset-up:Twoprimaryballs(Team1)andtwosecondaryballs(Team2).Bcourt(nohoops).
Startingpointatthecentreofthelongboundary,markedwithawhitepeg.Oneithersideofthe
centreofthecourt,twoconcentriccirclesandacentralbullseyedrawnwithcustardpowder,with
thebullseyesatabouta45°anglefromthestartingpoint.
Game:Twoteamswithtwoplayersineachteam.Teamsandplayersalternatetotakesplitshotsaimingto
sendaballtothecentreofeachcircle.
Notescoreaftereachturn.Score3forabullseye,2foraballintheinnercircleand1foraballin
theoutercircle.Ballstouchingalinescorelow(iftouchingtheoutercircle,scoreiszero).
Removeballsbeforenextturnistaken.
Threeturnsperplayer.
Winningteam:Teamwithmoretotalpoints.
Scoring:
Winningteam–2points.Equalscore–eachteamgets1point.
Tidyingup:Returntheballstothestartingcorner.
Sources:EMCABear’sCup;BrunswickChallengeDay.
Lastrevised13February2016
21
IncorporatingAssociationCroquetandGolfCroquet
SomeclubsandregionshaveproblemswithGolfCroquetandAssociationCroquet
players integrating. There are some clubs where Association and Golf Croquet
playersnevermeetletaloneplaytogether.Ifyourcluborregionhasthisproblem,
allmemberscanhelpovercomethedivide.
PerhapsyourclubhassocialdaysforGolfCroquetandAssociationCroquetbutvery
fewdaysdesignedtoincorporatethetwogames.YoucouldholdaSocialDaypairing
the Golf and Association players together, this will ensure that they get to know
each other. They could play AC doubles with the AC players taking the two ball
shots.AlternativelytheycouldplayRicochet-oryoucouldaskyourregiontohold
Ricochettournamentsorevenapennant.
Ifthegreatdivideisaregionalproblem,withsomeclubsAssociationonlyandsome
clubsGolfCroquetonly,youmaywanttorunajointcompetitionoveranumberof
weeks. The Meadows Croquet Club in Scotland runs a Midweek League
incorporating the two games. They form a team of one association and one golf
croquet player, who play an association doubles and then a best of three golf
croquet games. The association game counts as one rubber and the best of three
golf croquet games counts as the other rubber. At the end of the competition
season the team with the most rubbers wins (if teams are equal on rubbers, they
useahoopcountback).
It is important to consider running joint competitions if croquet is to thrive.
Remember we are all croquet players and we are all croquet members and we all
wantoursporttoberecognizedasanexcitingandchallenginggameforallagesand
abilities.
Lastrevised13February2016
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Beginnercourseoutlines
Examplesfrom
(a)Monash–contactJohnvanderTouw,98033433,
[email protected]
(b)Brunswick–contactKatePatrick,0403108215,[email protected]
(c)MCC–contactHelenWorladge,98851832,[email protected]
(d)Mornington–contactColinMartin,97871039,[email protected]
Otherclubsrunningfiveorsixweekintroductoryprogramsinclude:
Essendon(U3Aclass)–contactDotDickson,93791463,
[email protected]
Sandringham(U3Aclass)–contactJoanFord,95583076,
[email protected]
Lastrevised13February2016
23
Monash CC: Introductory course outline
Lesson 1
Introduction
TheMonashCroquetClubanditsmembers.Briefhistoryofcroquet.
Formsofcroquet:AssociationandGolfCroquet
Equipment:Mallet,balls,hoopsandthecourt
Where and when to play
Otherclubs:Melbourne,Victoria,AustraliaandTheWorld
Playingsocially&playingcompetitively.Playingtimes.
Basics of playing croquet
Grip,stance&swing
Strikingaball:Thefiveimportantthings
Positionandorderofthehoops
Golfcroquet:justenoughabouttherulestogetyougoing
Play a game
Lesson 2
Croquet court
Standardsize:TheAcourtandtheBcourt.Positionandorderofthehoopsandthepeg.
Basic shot options
Takingposition;Clearinganotherball;Runningahoop
Howhardshouldyouhit:directionanddistance
Basic rules of golf croquet
Theobjectofthegame.Singlesanddoubles.Howtostartagame.
Whenhasahoopbeenrun?
Outofbounds
Comingthroughthehoopthewrongway
Whathappensafterahoophasbeenrun:theoffsiderule
Brieflymentionstrikingthewrongball,strikingoutofturnandcommittingafault.
Play a game
Lesson 3
Strategy in Golf Croquet
Thebasicoptions,e.g.attempttorunthehoop,tryforpositioninfrontofthehoop,hitanopponent’s
ballaway,promoteyourotherballandmanymore
Choosinganoption.
Playthepercentages:thatisnotthesameasplayingconservatively.
Strategyinagamesituation(usingexamples)
Play a game
Beginnercourseoutlines:(a)Monash
Lesson 4
Hitting a ball away
Whentohitanopponent’sballaway.Aballisabiggertargetthanahoop.
Howtohitthemaway:Stunshot,longshots,hardandsofthits,straighthitsandangledhits
Running a hoop
Thebestpositionforrunningahoop;runningahoopfromanangle;sittinginthehoop;doingan“in-off”
Positioning your ball to run a hoop
Don’ttrytobetooclose:giveyourselfareasonablemarginforerrorasyouplacetheball
Positioningyourballfromalongwayinfront
Positioningyourballfrombehindorbesidethehoop
Whatifanopponentispoisedtohityouaway?
Play a game
Lesson 5
Introduction to association croquet
Theobjectofthegame
Explain:TherulesofassociationcroquetarecomplicatedandifItriedtoexplainthemtoyouinasingle
lesson,youwouldjustbeconfused.Instead,wewilldosomeexercisesthatIthinkyouwillfindfunand
challenging.Thesewillinvolveaspectsofplaythatwouldoccurinatypicalgameofassociationcroquet.
Thecroquetshot:Drive,Roll,Split-shot,Take-off.Theroquetshot,andwhathappensafteraroquet
Hoop approach exercise (using a drive)
Fromasimpleset-up:(1)doagentleroquet;(2)takecroquet;(3)playacroquetshot;(4)runthehoop;
(5)roquet(thesameball)again
Rush and hoop approach exercise
Similarto“hoopapproachexercise”butstartingfromaslightlymoredifficultposition.Trytorushtheball
toabetterpositionwiththefirstshot.
Take-off, rush and hoop approach exercise
Buildingonthefirsttwoexercises,thistimeanextraballisinvolved.Roquetthatballandtake-offtotry
tocreatethestartingpositionofthepreviousexercise.
Play a game, maybe
Intheunlikelyeventthattimepermits,youcouldstartagameofdoubles.
Lesson 6
More on the rules of golf croquet
Strikingthewrongballorstrikingoutofturn.Non-strikingandstrikingfaults.
Thingsthatarenotfaults,butmayormaynotmeanyourturnhasended.
Handicapgames.Etiquette.
Revision of golf croquet skills and strategy
Coveranythinglistedinlessons1to4thathasn’tbeencoveredyet
Gooverthingsthatneedmorework
Revisetopicssuggestedbystudents
Play a game
Moreinformation:JohnvanderTouw,tel98033433.
Lastrevised13February2016
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Brunswick MSC: Introductory course outline
Five week seniors croquet course: two and a half hours including tea break
Overview
Provideonepagehandoutonrules;smallnotebook;pencil;nametags.
Session1
Outcomes:comfortablehittingball.Benchmarkforrunning6hoops.Enjoyment.
Skills:grip,stance,swing.Stalkifappropriate.
Knowledge:basicrulesofgolf(colours,pairs,sequenceofballs;sequenceofhoops;scoringa
hoop).
Activities:
1. Croquetbobs–inpairs(BlueandBlack,RedandYellow),andinsequence.Practiceand
comp(bestof3tries).
2. PractisehitsfromcornertoHoop1.
3. TakeasingleballaroundaBcourse,countingthestrokes(pairs)
BREAK
4. Playadoublesgameofgolf–6hoops,firstto4hoops.
5. Discussion:questions,strategies,targetsfornextsession.
Session2
Outcomes:Improveaimingoverdistance.Setbenchmarksforrunninghoop.Enjoyment.
Skills:grip,stance,swing,stalk.Aimat“magicspot”forhoop.
Knowledgewhenrequiredbygame:Reviewrules.Boundarylines.Placingaballontheline.Offside.
Introduceideaofstrategicoptions.
Activities:
1. Choiceofcroquetbobsorskittlestopractiseaiming,swing
2. Tennis(hittingbetweentwopegs3ballsapart=hittingoverthenet).Counttherallylength
(howmanytimesballwentthroughbetweenthepegs).Movebackiftooeasy.
3. SingleballroundaBcourse,countingthestrokes(pairs)
BREAK
4. Hooprunningroundtheclock,inpairs,aimingatmagicspot.
5. Doublesgameofgolf,6hoops,firstto3hoops.
6. Discussion:questions,strategies.Agreetargetsfornextsession.
Session3
Outcomes(subjecttodiscussion):Improveconsistencyofhooprunning.Improveconsistencyof
hittingtargetball.Reducenumberofstrokestorunthecourse.Identifystrategicoptions.
Enjoyment.
Skills:grip,stance,swing,stalk.Hittingatargetball.Review“magicspot”forhooprunning.
Knowledge:Reviewbasicrulesifnecessary.Reviewoffside.Introducefaults(doubletaps).
Activities:
1. Tennis–increaseddistance(pairs)
2. SingleballroundaBcourse(teams-race)
3. Hooprunningroundtheclock(pairs)
BREAK
4. DoublesgameonBcourse,firstto7
5. Discussion:questions,strategies.Agreetargetsfornextsession.
Beginnercourseoutlines:(b)Brunswick
Session4
Outcomes(subjecttodiscussion):Improvedapproachshots.Improvedaccuracy.Strategicplay.
Enjoyment.
Skills:asbeforeplusreviewofapproachshots(stalking,stroke).
Knowledge:Reviewprevious.Discussstrategies(hitaway,block–consideringnextballtoplay).
Faults:non-strikingfaults,strikingfaults(crush,lawndamage).Secondarycolours.
Activities:
1. Targetpractice:hittingthepegfromanincreasingdistance
2. Hooprunningroundtheclock
3. SingleballroundanAcourse–teamrace
4. DoublesgameonanAcourse,12hoops,firstto7,usingsecondarycolours.
5. Discussion:questions,strategies.
Session5(final)
Outcomes:Strategicplay.Confidence.Enjoyment.Identificationofareastoworkon.
Activities
1. Warm-up:singleballroundanAcourse.
2. DoublestournamentonaBlawn.3gamesto7.Note:primariesandsecondaries.
Primariestositdownat6if2isnotcleared.
3. Discussion:questions,strategies,goalsforfuture.
4. Evaluation.
Additionaldocumentationavailable:
Flyeradvertisingthecourse
Detailedplanforeachsession
OnepagesummaryofGolfCroquetrules(2014)
Evaluationsheet
[email protected].
Lastrevised13February2016
27
Association Croquet Lesson Outlines
MCC Croquet Club
LESSON 1
In Clubhouse:
Sit newcomers down. Serve tea/coffee, apple log, etc.
Welcome to the Club – brief history, member numbers, days of play, etc.
Give a brief description of the game using blackboard and diagrams, or show a DVD, or a video on
YouTube.
Try and choose mallets – point out different weights and lengths.
Collect balls – explanation of ball colours – primary, secondary, pairs.
On court:
Safety - never walk backwards as there is a danger of bumping a hoop, the peg, or tripping over a
ball. (At some clubs there is a ditch at the edge of the court.)
Grip - Allow beginners to grip and swing mallet comfortably. If guidance is needed teach standard
grip with hands together, dominant hand below other hand near top of shaft. Solomon or Irish grip
may better suit some people.
Stalk – Necessary to help align feet and body when hitting every ball. STALK EVERY BALL.
Stance - Balanced centre stance with left foot parallel to line of swing, right foot providing balance.
Swing - Pendulum swing - pivot from the shoulders. Keep eye on middle of back of ball. Let the
mallet head do the work, back swing, strike ball and FOLLOW THROUGH. Do not lift head.
Keep shoulders still.
Exercises - Single ball strokes aimed between two corner pegs three ball-widths apart.
Hoop running - Point out aiming point for hoop running – half a ball diameter in front of middle of
hoop. Straight smooth swing with follow-through.
Point out court layout and hoop order then start one ball break for practice of straight single ball
hitting, hoop order, hoop running and distance judgment.
Hand-outs – Court Diagram. Coaches’ contact information. Glossary.
LESSON 2
Quick revision – grip, stalk, stance, swing and follow through. Hoop running. One ball break.
Introduce roquet, an important shot that needs accuracy.
Practise accurate ball placement, both short and long. Use a longer back swing for greater
distance.
Hand-out – Roquet drills. Diagram of completed hoop run.
LESSON 3
Revision – One ball break. Roquet practice.
Introduce first croquet (two ball) stroke – take off (practise two ball strokes with balls correctly
paired). Demonstrate alignment of V and aim of swing. Practise short take offs, then longer.
Thick and thin take offs.
Introduce stroke order – ROQUET, CROQUET, CONTINUATION
Hand-out – Croquet Strokes: take off diagram, split shot diagram
LESSON 4
Revision – One ball break. Roquet and take-off practice.
Introduce stop shot: This can be used as a two ball stroke, i.e. a croquet stroke, as well as a
single ball shot. Demonstrate rush roquet using stop shot technique – must be straight. Practise
setting up rushes.
Introduce split shot concept. Croquet strokes can be straight or split.
Demonstration: Set two targets, set balls to travel to both targets. The aiming line is halfway
between the targets (mark this) not half the angle.
Hand-out – see Lesson 3
Beginnercourseoutlines:(c)MCC
LESSON 5
Warm up practice – roquets, rush roquets, take-offs, split shots.
Introduce rolls – Sending both balls away from player, both straight and split.
Can be 1/3, 1/2, ¾, equal or pass rolls.
Hand-out – Rolls diagrams
LESSON 6
Short demonstration of Association Croquet game. Introduce four-ball break with fixed pivot.
(The timing of the introduction of these two aspects may need to be varied according to the calibre
of participants and may not be relevant until the second set of lessons.)
Total revision – Grip, stalk, stance, swing; roquets; take-offs; stop shots; “roquet, croquet,
continuation”; split shots and rolls.
Club House - Discuss who intends to continue on to next 6 lessons – starting to play beginner
croquet.
Hand-out – Etiquette of Croquet. Self-assessment sheet.
NOTE
This outline is useful to co-ordinate coaching when more than one coach is present. Lessons last
for up to two hours. Define all croquet terms when instructing until beginners start to use them
themselves. If participants are acquiring skills expeditiously, the program is accelerated.
We offer non-member beginners the opportunity to have a weekly practice session on top of the
lessons. Attendance at this can be a useful guide to interest/enthusiasm and an opportunity to
become better acquainted with participants, as well as being very beneficial for skills development.
Further information: Helen Worladge, 9885 1832.
Lastrevised13February2016
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ProgramforU3A–AnintroductiontoCroquet.
4sessions.
Eachsessioncommences10a.m.onthe4th,11th,18th,25thFeb.
Session1.
1. WelcometotheMorningtonCroquetClubandinparticulartothesportinggameofGolf
Croquet.
AbriefhistoryofthegameincludingAssociationCroquet.Anexplanationoftheaffiliationsand
accreditationsandinformationabouttheMorningtonClub.
Beforecommencementofthecourseifyouhaveanyphysicalailment,pleaseadviseyour
coach.
2.Afteradescriptionofthecourts,croquetmalletsandballstheU3Amembersareinstructed
into:
a.Thegrip.(Howbesttoholdthemallet).
b.Stalk.(Approachtotheball).
c.Stance.(Howbesttostandbeforestrikingtheball).
d.Swing.(Toswingthemalletinasmoothstraightaction).
3.L.O.S.,lineofsightandL.O.C.,lineofcentre.
Strikingtheballinthecentresothatitrunsinastraightline.(Usethecourtboundaryline).
Usingthismethodandplacinganotherball1metreinfrontasatarget,knockthetargetball
awayfromitsposition.Practisethismovement,increasingthedistancetothetargetball.(Up
to2metres)
4.Runningahoop.Byrunningyourballcompletelythroughahoop,onepointisscored.Youhave
achievedtheequivalentofscoringagoal,makingarunorsendingdownanace.Tomakea
hooptheplayershouldadheretoPara.2.a.b.c.d.Explanationswillbegivenastothehoopand
ballsize,jawingtheball,(onlypartwaythroughthehoop)runningahoopfromanangleand
makingacleanshottoenableanunhinderedshotwhennextstrikingthisball.
5.Practiseforalongdistancehoopandmoderationoftheswingforashortdistance.
6.Descriptionofsinglesanddoublesgames.Anyquestions.
Session2.
1.RefreshSession1.
2.Furtherexplanationofknockingawayyouropponentsball(Para3Session1)andintroducethe
wordROQUET.
3.Describethecourtlayout,thestartingpoint,andtheorderofwhichthecolouredballsare
played,primaryandsecondary.(Singlesanddoubles).Thescoringmethod.Starttoproceed
aroundthecourtandintroducesomeoftheruleswhenfaultsaremade.
4.TheHALFWAYrule.DOUBLETAPandWRONGBALLplay.
5.TheFOLLOWTHROUGHandSTUNSHOTSareintroduced.
6.Atalltimes,STALK,STANCEandSWING.
*********************************************************************
Session3.
RepeatSession2playingwiththecoacheseithersinglesordoubles,dependingonthenumber
ofplayers.
Duringthissessionvariouspointsarerefined,ethicalplayisexplainedandquestionsanswered.
Asplayproceedstacticsandstrategiesareexplainedasexamplesoccurduringplay.
Beginnercourseoutlines:(d)Mornington
*********************************************************************
SESSION4.
U3AmembersareinvitedtoplaywithMorningtonclubmemberstoexperiencethesporting
gameofGolfCroquet.
Sessionsend.
MembershipofMorningtonCroquetClubisavailable.Pleaseaskfordetailsfromthecoachesif
youareinterested.
Furtherinformation:ColinMartin,Level1GCcoach.
Tel0397871039,[email protected].
Lastrevised13February2016
31
Developingayouthprogram
Manyadultplayersreporthavingfirstplayedcroquetwhentheywereyoung.Ifyourregionorclubis
interestedinestablishingayouthprogram,thefollowingnotesfromCastertonCroquetClubmaybeuseful.
Docontributenotesonyourexperiencestoexpandthisresource!
Earlyin2016theNationalDirectorUnder21CroquetorganisedanationalyouthGolfCroquettournament
asasteptowardspreparingfortheWorldUnder21GCChampionshipstobeheldinMelbourneinearly
2017.Ifyouhaveenergeticyoungplayersthismaybeofinteresttothem.Fordetails,contactJacky
McDonald,NationalDirectorUnder21Croquet,ACA–[email protected],tel(02)
49300733,ormob0409246294.
TheCastertoninitiative
CastertonisasmallruraltowninSWVictoria,population1764(2011census).
EllieNorrisofCastertonCCwrites:
FollowingarethecriteriaweusedtoestablishJuniorCroquet.Wehavehadto“tweak”thingsabitalong
thewaybecauseitisstillaworkinprogressandwehadnoguidelines.However,aswehavenow
establishedJuniorCroquetherewecan’tbedoingtoomuchwrong!
1. EveryoneintheClubhastobecommittedtotheprogramme.Howeveritdoesneedaleader.
Aftersuggestingitatameetinglastyear,Ihadunanimoussupport.
2. Establishasub-committeewhoserecommendationscanbereportedbacktothemembersasitis
importanteveryoneknowswhatishappening.
3. ArrangeforenoughmemberstohaveWorkingWithChildrenCertificatesbecauseonanygiven
JuniorCroquetmorning(inCastertonitisSat.at10am/11.30am)youneedsufficientsenior
memberstosuperviseandcoach.Apartfromme(IamthereeverySaturday)weusearotationof
membersforthispurpose.
4. EstablishastrategywithintheclubthatwillautomaticallyonanannualbasisrecruitnewJunior
players.Thisisdonebydovetailinginorpiggybacking(sotospeak)withandonexisting
Government/LocalCouncil/Communityprogrammes.Bydoingthisyouareabletoraisetheprofile
oftheclubandalsotheClubhasmorecredibility.Forexample:TheStateGovernment’sACTIVE
APRILprogramme(moreinfoongoogle)/localCouncil’sSCHOOLHOLIDAYACTIVITYPROGRAMME.
5. Atasub-committeemeetingIproducedanObjectivecalled‘LET’STALKCROQUET”whichIcould
usetopresenttotheprincipalsoftheprimaryschools.
ThisStrategycontained:Clubinformation/Playingtimes/Cost/Membershipdetailsetc.Thiswillbe
differentfromoneclubtoanotherofcoursebutIfeltitimportantthatJuniorCroquethadtobe
affordableandiftheSeniorMember’sgreenfeeshadtosubsidiseJuniorCroquetintheshortterm
IvieweditasaninvestmentforthefutureoftheClub.
AtthatmeetingIalsosuggestedthatitwasimportantforustofindasponsorandtothatendI
contactedourlocalFOODWORKSstore.Theycameonboardandwenowhavesetupaweekly
GolfCroquetGamewherescoresareregistered.InitiallythiswasforalltheJuniorsbuttheboys
haveprogressedsignificantlyandwenowhavetwocompetitions.OnesponsoredbyFoodworks
andthesecond(girls)theClubpaysfor.Eachmonthoneboyandonegirlreceivea$25Voucher
forBestPlayeroftheMonthand$10voucherforRunnerUp.Ifeltweneededthistokeepthe
youngstersinterested.
Lastrevised13February2016
32
WealsoappliedforaGlenelgShireCouncilgrantfor$500togotowardsadvertisingandpromoting
JuniorCroquet.WeweresuccessfulandsubsequentlyproducedanA4“Flyer”andalsosome
advertisementspriortothelaunchdateof18October2014.
IapproachedboththeprimaryschoolsandaskedthemtoparticipateinACTIVEAPRIL.The
studentsspendonehour(numbersdictatethisisdoneover2days)learningthebasicsofcroquet.
Mostofourmembersarethereonthedaytolendahand.Aswellasacoupleofteachers.
Importantlythoughitalsohastobefun.
InmycorrespondencetotheschoolsIalsoadvisedthemthattheClubwouldbeinvolvedinthe
Council’sSchoolHolidayProgramme.
ThisparticipationgivestheClubahigherprofileandmorecredibility....notonlywiththeschoolsbutalso
thelocalnewspaper,mediaetc.
Inthe2weekspriorthelaunchofJuniorCroquetwealsodidaletterboxdrop,plasteredtheA4flyerson
communityboardsandinshopwindows.Thistogetherwithouradvertisingetc.helpedenormouslyto
createtheinterestweintended.
IfeelitisimportanttokeeptheJuniorplayersinterestedandwasluckyenoughtohaveEricO’Donnell
availableforsomecoaching.HavingRobertFletchervisittooprovidedenormousinterestinthe
community.AswellasGolfcroquet,theJuniorsarenowlearningAussieCroquet.
IwriteuptheJuniorCroquetCompetitionresultsonaweeklybasisandthelocalnewspaperprintsthisin
theSportsWrapUp.Allgoodpublicity.Theeditor/photographeralsovisitsregularlytotakephotos.Ifhe
doesn’tturnup,Itakephotosandemailthemtohim.....justincasehehassomespaceavailable!
AMIEXHAUSTED..........????Prettymuch,butveryexcitedwiththeresults.
WehavealsoputthisstrategyinplaceforSeniorrecruiting.
EllieNorriscanbecontactedat
[email protected]
0355811761
Lastrevised13February2016
33
Clubvisitors&insurance
Theissueofwhetherornotnon-membervisitorstoclubsarecoveredbytheACAarrangedinsurancepolicy
isfrequentlyraisedwithinclubs.
Questionssuchas“AreallvisitorscoveredbythePublicLiabilityInsurancecoverwhichclubshavefor
members?”and“Arethereanyrestrictions–dotheyhavetorecordtheirnames?Dotheyhavetopay
something?Istherealimitonthenumberofvisitsbyanon-member?”areaskedfrequently.
TheunderwriterswhoarrangePublicLiabilitycoverforVCAclubsadvise:
Yesthepublicliabilitypolicycoversthirdparties(suchasvisitors),subjecttothetermsandconditions
ofthepolicy.Thereisnorequirementforvisitorstorecordtheirnames,howeverwerecommendthat
clubsimplementavisitorregistrationbookforoveralleffectiveriskmanagementpractice.Theydo
notneedtopayanyfees,andtherearenolimitsonthenumberofvisitsanon-membercanmaketo
theclub.
JimClement,VCASecretary,canprovideinterestedclubswiththefulltextofthePublicLiabilityInsurance
policyonrequest–[email protected].
Lastrevised13February2016
34
Growingourclub
Queenscliff’sexperience
QueenscliffisasmallseasidetownontheBellarinePeninsula,population1418(2011census)
GailStocker,QueenscliffCCpresident,writes:
OurclubnumbersatQueenscliffhaveincreasednoticeablyinthepasttwoyearsandwehavegonefrom
midtwentiestolowforties.
Wehadacompletechangeofcommitteeatthattimeandclubpromotionwashighonouragenda.Eight
memberscompletedthelevel0coachingcoursegivenbyEricO’Donnellasastarter.
Wecouldnothavedonewithoutthisinputascoachinginrealitycanbeuptoeighthoursperplayerand
youformquiteafriendshipwithprospectivemembers.
Weaskourplayerstowearclubcoloursonclubdayssothepublicseeusaskeenanddedicatedplayers
havingfun.Asmallthingbutamazinghowlocalfolkremarkonourpresencenow.
Consequentlywehaveafewpassersbychattingoverthefencewhocomeintoinquireandsomeonegives
themoneononeattention.
That’swhenweoffera“ComeandTry”timeforthemandalsoexplainthatweofferafourvisitcoaching
sessionat$5agoandthentheycandecidewhetherthey’dliketojoin.
Everyonehasjoined.Somemembersinthesetwoyearshaveintroducedfriendsorrelativestothecluband
they’vealsojoined.Weseethatasapositivereflectiononourclubenvironment.Alsoweruna“Comeand
Try”afternooninSeniorsWeek.WehavesurprisedQBTCCmanagementwithourmembershipasthishas
traditionallybeenabowlingtownbutthosenumbershavebeendwindlingtoalmosthalf.Theyhave
employedamarketing/developmentofficerbutweonlyaskhertodoourflyerswhicharereallygood.We
haven’tgonedownthefacebooketc.roadyet!!!!!!!!
Weintroduceournewplayersatourmorningteabreakandgivethemapresentationpack.Theircoaching
feegoestowardspayingforthis.
Inthepackthere’sawelcomeletterfromthepresident,nametag,currentmembershipdirectory,rulesof
golfcroquetbooklet,golfcroquethandbook,BillLawson2009,VCAandGCAfixturessheets.Alsoacopyof
theQBTCCConstitution,theirhandicapcard,hooplayoutsheet,andapackof4ballmarkers.Asimilarpack
isavailableforAssociationplayerstoo.
Wereallywelcomenewplayerstothisclubandespeciallypartnerthemwithmemberswhomentorthem
well.Weknowwehaveaveryfriendlyclubandthecommitteeworksverydiligentlytomaintainthis.
GailStocker
PresidentQueenscliffCroquetClub
6October2015
Lastrevised13February2016
35
Growingourclub
Plimmerton’sexperience
Plimmerton(population2118)isasuburboftheCityofPoriruaintheWellingtonregionoftheNorthIsland
ofNewZealand.
Thefollowinginformationhasbeensummarised(withpermission)fromapresentationtoCroquetNZby
KelvinWatsonandTomBerrymanofPlimmertonCroquetClub,NewZealand.
Clubhistory
• 86years.Initiallyasinglecourtattachedtobowlingclub.25members.
• New4courtfacilityin1994.
• Membership-Mid-50s2001.Mid-90s2012.Recruitmentnowrestrictedbycourtcapacity.
• GCintroducedaround2005.
• Membershipnow50%AC/GCinharmoniousrelationship.
• MissionStatement:Allmemberswillenjoytheircroquet.
WhyIsPlimmertononaroll
• Bothcodesaresupportedandrespected.
• Membersneeds(competitiveorsocialplay)aresupportedandrespected.
• Effectivesessionmanagementtoensureplayerenjoyment.
• Positiveinternalcommunication,talkingtoeveryone,questionnaires,players’meetings.
• Acultureofenablingratherthanrestricting.
• Playingapositiverolewithinthewidercroquetcommunity.
• Wewelcometheenthusiasmandideasofournewmembers.
• WeencourageinvolvementwithotherClubsforinformationinterchange.
• Andofcourseexternalpublicityiscrucial.
Membershiprecruitment
Publicityisthekey
• 45%fromnewspaperitems.(Storiesnottournamentresults)
• 25%frompersonalinvites
• 20%fromother
• 10%fromletterboxdrops(lotsofworkforpoorreturn)
Weuse:
• Sixlocalpapers,NewstalkZBCommunityNoticeboard&DomPostSports
• LocalCommunityWebsites
• Newsreleaseseverymonth,sometimes2or3.
Importanttobuildnewsmediarelationships.Andthankthemfortheircoverage.
We’vegotlotsofgreatideasforpublicitywithaggressiverecruitment
• Beachandparkdemonstrationpicnics.
• Councilpublicitynetworkstoreachotherorganisationsand“retiring”sportspeople.
• Malldemonstrations.
BUT
• Courtsnowclosetocapacity.Thirdhighestmember/lawnratioinNZ.
• Needtomanageplayerexpectations.
• PromotionoutsidetheClubfornewmembersstopped.(Walk-upsonly-8duringWinter.)
• Andstilltheycome.
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Membershipinduction-evolution
• 6lessonformatAC-onlyfocus.Poorsign-up.PeoplelosttotheClubandthegame.
• 6lessonformatACfocus.GCofferedtoplayersnotcopingwithAC.Createda2ndclasscitizen
mind-set.LittleClubsupportforGC.Probablywon’tstayanyway.
• 2007Water-shedyear.NewGCrules.Developedquizandeducated120regionalplayers.Used
nationallyforrefereere-qualification.
• 6lessonformatpositivetoGC.Highsign-uprate.ACofferedbutlowinterest.Mostnewpeople
comingascontactsfromexistingGCplayers.
• Nowa3lessonformatand3socialisationsessions.100%sign-up.ACofferedafter12months
unlessreallykeen.
Successbringschallenges–playingsessionmanagement
• 2001–Four3hoursessions(SummerplayandAConly).Winterclubhousecoaching.
• 2012–Nine3hoursessionsduringsummer.4AC,3GC,2shared(mainlyGC),somericochetas
well.(Twosessionsforinterclub,threeforcourtmaintenance)(Lotsofuseoutsidesessiontimes.)
• 2012–Seven2½hoursessionsduringwinterseason.3AC,4GC.
• GCsessionsoftenatcapacity.
GrowthofGC–byraisingitsstatus
• CroquetOLE–one-day,twosessions,6games,doubles,funtournament.Differentpartnereach
game.
• EasterTournament–levelsinfourdivisions,0-3,4-7,8-9,10-12.16playersineachdivision.
• In-housecoachingprogramme–buildingonJarrodCouttssessions.
• ContinueduseofGCrulesquizforeducationandrefereequalifying.
ContinuedsupportforAC
• In-housecoachingprogramme–buildingonJarrodCouttssessions.
• Practiceroutinematerial.
• Plainlanguagerulesdocumentationforeducationandumpirequalification.
• ACrulesquiz(givensuccessofGCquiz).
Wheretofromhere?
1.Expansionplanning
Ideasbeingconsidered
• Additionalplayingsessions
• Midweekplayonlymemberships
• Modifiedcourts30X24yards–5insteadof4
• Pushingoutboundaryfencetoenable6courts
• Leasingadditionallandformorecourts.
2.Achievingayoungermembership
• Clublocationtooremotefromcollegesforafterschoolinvolvement.
• Noadditionalweekenddaytimecourtcapacityforstudentsorworkers.
• Twilightplaycanpotentiallykillbothbirdswiththeonestone.
CollegeStudentsTwilightProgramme
• SixcollegesinPoriruaareaplusstudentswhotraveltooutofareaschools.
• Invitedtoenterteamstoamaximumof32players
• Splitacrosstwotwilightsessionsperweekduringdaylightsaving.Courtspace
forparentstoplaytoo.
• Comprehensivelessonplansforcoaching,tournamentandfunplay
throughouttheprogramme. • Parentsasactiveparticipantsintheprogramme.Studentvsparent,student
plusparentgames.
• UseofFacebookande-mailforcommunicationpurposes.
• Regionalplay-offtournamentMarch3.
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•
•
ClubsponsoredprizeforsuccessfulCollegeteam($250donationtoCollege)
andsponsoredentryfeestoNationalSecondarySchoolTournament.
WCAsponsoredtravelsubsidyforteamsreachingtheNationalfinal.
Forstudentsandparentsreturningnextseason
• Familymembershipsubscriptionrate
• Chancetoplayanactiveroleintheprogrammeincluding:
o Recruitment
o Coaching&sessionmanagement
• OpportunityforACcoaching
• Participationinwidercompetition
Regionalinvolvement
InvolvementisessentialforahealthyClubandahealthyRegion:
OfferingstootherClubs
• 170greenfeevisitorsduringwinter
• Invitationtoourrules/coachingsessions
• GCrulesquizin3sessions.Attendees42PLM,34otherclubs.(4newreferees,potentially3more
nextyear.)
• ACUmpirescourse.4newumpires&2renewals. ACrulesquizin4sessions.24participants.
• ProvisionofGCcoachingatstart-upClubMuritai-locatedatEastbourne
• AssistingWainuiomatatointroduceGC–skillsrefreshersessions,offerofsupportat“Have-a-Go”
andGClessons.
• CroquetOLEGCfuntournament48participants,50/50PLM/Visitors
• CreationlastyearofEasterGCtournament–48participants-21PLM.
Supportingregionalactivity
• 3membersonWCAExecutiveCommittee
• Extensiveinvolvementininterclubcompetitions(playing&courtfacilities).
• WCArepresentatives.ManawatuExchange&LowerNorthIslandteams.
• Severalinterclubtournaments,particularlywithKapiticlubs.
Involvement&contactbetween‘ordinary’membersofclubsresultsinasharingofideas,opportunitiesand
concerns.
Associationsneedtobesupportive
• Notjustregionaltournamentorganisers
• NeedtotakegreaterinterestinthehealthofClubstoavoidClubfailure
• Needtofacilitatehelpandsupportwhenobviouslyneeded
• UpperHuttrecentlyclosed
• Investigatedpossibilityofarestartbuttoolateandtoohard
• Earlierinvolvementmayhavehelped
SomeinterestingNZstatistics
Members
Kapiti Coast
25000
150
0.6%
9
Porirua City
52500
95
0.18%
4
80
Lower Hutt –
102000
140
0.14%
13
260
Wellington –
200000
130
0.065%
9
180
•
•
•
%age
Courts
Potential @
20/court
180
Population
HowdoyourClubsandRegionsstackup?
WhatpotentialdoyouhaveforClubexpansionandmembershipgrowth?
Amembertopopulationpercentageof0.15to0.2%couldbeatarget.
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• Tocompletethestatisticspicture:clubs
• No of
members
% of NZ clubs
Participation by code (% of members)
AC
GC
Both
20 or less
32
72
23
5
21 – 30
24
61
26
13
31 – 60
30
27
48
25
61 – 80
10
25
42
33
80 +
4
100
WhatClubsinyourRegionareinthedangerzone?
Availableresourcematerial–howcanwehelpeachother?
• Recruitmentlessonplans.
• GC&ACquizquestionsandanswers(cross-referencedtotherules).
• Plainlanguagerulesdocumentation.
• Coachingmaterial.
• Schoolsprogramme(informationforColleges,parentsandstudents,lessonplans).
• CroquetOLEspreadsheet.Doesthedraw&printsgamecardsshowingpartner&opponents
names,whatlawnandwhatballcolour–easypeasy.
• Copyofourpresentation.
Allavailablebye-mail–justask.
OurContactDetails
Kelvin–[email protected]
Tom–[email protected]
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