New Interpretation of NWFCC Golf Croquet League Rules for 2011 (by Tony Thomas, League Manager, 06/05/11)
The Rules for NWFCC Golf Croquet league matches for 2011 were changed at the Federation AGM in November 2010. In essence this reduced the three rounds of Doubles to one round of doubles. In the motion, unanimously passed at the meeting, the format for the Doubles Round was decided as: Players AB v ab and players CD v cd.
This pairing format has now been queried, since the traditional pairing would be AD v ad and BC v bc. This is more compatible with the spirit of doubles play where the highest handicap player can receive advice and support from the lowest handicap player. Indeed, in one league match this season, both captains agreed to play this traditional format.
Obviously, this issue needs to be resolved as quickly and as practical as possible. Consequently, based on Rule 9 and after consultation with NWFCC Chairman, David Barratt, I wish to decide the issue as follows:
In any further Golf Croquet league matches this season, different pairings to that stated in the rules may be used for the one round of doubles – provided both captains are in agreement. However, should the opposing captains not be in agreement, then the doubles pairings must remain as AB v ab and CD v cd.