WCF May 2017 Newsletter
The newsletter provides a summary for WCF Members of what the Management Committee has been doing recently and what is on the agenda in the near future. Comments are always very welcome. It is also made available to all on the WCF web-site and via the Nottingham list and other croquet bulletin boards.
Council debates and decisions
There have been none so far this year although a Members’ consultation has just been launched seeking views on the future arrangements for the Under 21 GC World Championship.
What has happened since February?
The WCF Golf Croquet Rules Committee (“GCRC”) has been working since January on a draft 5th Edition of the GC Rules. The new WCF Association Croquet Laws Committee met in person during the MacRobertson Shield and discussed plans for a new edition of the AC Laws and areas where common wording with the GC Rules should be sought. Brian Boutel. Jeff Hill and Stephen Mulliner also attended on behalf of the GCRC.
The the MacRobertson Shield was held from 18 April to 3 May at Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage in the Californian desert. This was the 22nd holding in its 92 year history and Australia finally ended its own 82 year drought by recording a convincing and well-deserved victory, defeating England 12-9, New Zealand 14-7 and USA 14-7.
Although Australia came close to victory in 1982, they had to look back to 1935 for their last success in Association Croquet’s premier contest. Their success was due to a well-balanced team effort and included three Fletcher brothers, the first time half of a MacRobertson side has been provided by one family. Australia will also be the next hosts in 2021.
Forthcoming WCF championships
2017 Association Croquet World Team Championship
Tiers 2.1, Tiers 2.2 and 3 will be held at Sussex County Croquet Club in England from Monday, 17 to Saturday, 22 July 2017. Tier 2.1 will be contested by teams representing Ireland (holders), Scotland, Spain and Wales. Tier 2.2 and 3 will be played as a merged event between teams representing Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, South Africa and Sweden.
2018 Association Croquet World Championship
This will be held in Wellington, New Zealand from Saturday, 3 to Sunday, 11 February 2018. The formal invitations to participate have been issued and the Response Date is Sunday, 30 July 2017. Players who wish to be considered for Ranking Places should inform their WCF Member of their availability.
2018 Over 50 Golf Croquet World Championship
Egypt has been confirmed as the Event Host for October 2018.
2019 Women’s Golf Croquet World Championship
New Zealand has been confirmed as the Event Host for January/February 2019.
Membership enquiries
Expressions of interest have been received from Greece, Iran and Pakistan.
MC Topics recently completed or closed
MC 318: 2017 GCWC and Under 21 GCWC
MC 359: UK Corporation Tax
MC 360: AC Laws Committee and GC Rules Committee
MC Topics currently open
MC 324: 2017 AC World Team Championship
MC 352: 10-year World Championship schedule
MC 362: 2019 Golf Croquet World Championship
MC Topics currently under administration or pending
MC 353: Golf Croquet Ranking Review Working Group
MC 354: 2018 Association Croquet World Championship
MC 361: Development
MC 364: U21 GCWC future arrangements consultation
MC 365: Hall of Fame nominations
MC 366: Banking arrangements
Outlook for June and beyond
The MC will focus on the completion of the 10-year World Championship schedule and processing arrangements for the 2018 ACWC in Wellington, the 2018 Over-50 GCWC in Egypt and the 2019 Women’s GCWC in New Zealand.
Stephen Mulliner
Secretary-General
