Changes for 2016

For season 2016 there are major changes to the Golf Croquet Handicap system. In essence, there is a much wider range of handicaps, the handicap indexes have all been increased and trigger points have changed.  Your Golf Croquet Index will now be much higher and this may effect your GC Handicap, however, for the majority of players between 11 and 3 their handicap will remain unchanged. The GC Handicap range has been expanded so it now goes from -6 to 20.

In general, weaker players will receive more extra turns (bisques) and stronger players less.  You still gain or lose 10 index points for a handicap game result.  Beginners should be started on Handicap 16, 14, 12 or lower, as appropriate.

If your existing handicap is 12 – handicap becomes 14 and Index 1050.

If your existing handicap is between 12 and 6 – handicap is unchanged but Index increases by 1000.

If your existing handicap is 5 – handicap is unchanged but Index increases by 1050.

If your existing handicap is 4 or 3 – add 1200 to your Index and if 1800 or above, handicap becomes 2.

If your existing handicap is 2 or below – your CGS grade becomes your new Index.

Handicap cards for both Association and Golf Croquet have been redesigned, moving to an A5 format with an additional column for the Date. The information regarding Trigger Points, etc has been removed and this is now available as an A5 insert – your Club Secretary has a supply of these.

These inserts are also available here:

GC Automatic Handicap System

AC Automatic Handicap System

Message from the Federation Chairman

The new season is fast approaching and foremost in everyone’s mind must be the hope that the rain will stop and play will commence. I am sure that we all look for the coming season to be well organised, busy and enjoyable, and it is to these ends, I must ask you seriously to consider taking some of your time to help the Federation keep your croquet season, well organised, busy and enjoyable.

There are a number of Officers who have served the Federation for some time and with distinction who would like to enjoy a well earned retirement. The Federation is, therefore, searching for replacements.

First, we require a League Manager to replace Tony Thomas, for whom this is unequivocally his last year in this office after many years of service. The role can be done with pencil and paper but obviously easier on a computer – if you can use emails and excel, you have the skills, plus a bit of logical thought processing.  Tony will give you all the support you need and provide a step by step guide.

Secondly, Liz Wilson wishes to retire as Secretary. This job requires the usual skills associated with being secretary of a sports club or charity. It also requires patience and diplomacy. There are two meetings per year for which agenda and minutes are required and ad hoc meetings amongst the committee as business necessitates (one only in the last 12 months). Business is conducted via email where possible.

Thirdly, after gallant and diplomatic service as our CA Representative over the period of constitutional upheaval in the CA, Peter Wilson wishes to retire. His position becomes vacant at the Spring Meeting. The Federation Representative will be required to attend meetings at the CA, acting on behalf of the Federation and report back to its members. The Federation Representative may also have the opportunity to be co-opted on to CA sub-committees and will be expected to participate as necessary.

Lastly, if I am returned as Chairman at the autumn AGM, it will be my last year in that role, as I am constitutionally bound to retire after three years and be unavailable for re-election. I hope to continue some work with the Federation in another role, if and when one becomes available which matches my skill set and if anyone wants me!

Suffice to say, I would like members now to be considering taking on this role. Succession planning is everything.

What do you get for taking on any of the above offices? On the down side, there is no payment and it takes up a little of your time, for a year or two, as you are not being asked to take on these roles forever. On the plus side, you get the thanks of those who appreciate what you are doing and the satisfaction of seeing a well run Federation providing a League and Tournament programme which is second to none in the UK.

I hope that you or other members of your club will consider volunteering to help. I have sent this message to every club secretary and asked them to circulate this message to all of their members. If you require any further information or just a chat about any of the jobs, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07711-623311 or via email to garry.wilson@vodafoneemail.co.uk

Many thanks and kindest regards,

Garry Wilson