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Etiquette

Some elements of etiquette are guidelines, some are  codes of behaviour and others are rules.

Etiquette Guidelines

  • When you are taking your shot
    • Declare if you are offside before the shot is played.
    • Expedite your shot without excessive delay or excessive casting etc. (see rule 16.3)
    • Keep your strategy discussions short.
    • Only follow your ball after your shot until all shots have been taken in that direction.
  • When any player is playing their shot within your vicinity
    • Keep silent. Do not talk especially within earshot of the striker.
    • Stand a reasonable distance from the striker to prevent distraction. Where practicable, avoid moving or standing in the striker’s line of vision.
    • Stand well away from the hoops or target ball.
    • Try to keep your own shadow out of the striker’s line of play
    • Only give advice as requested & within the rules e.g. which ball was last played. Exception: To forestall a player playing the wrong ball.
  • Referees and decisions
    • Maintain a good sporting demeanour and respect rules. Speak politely to all.
    • Acknowledge your faulty play. Do not try to ‘get away’ with faults.
    • A player may request a referee at any time to supervise a shot and all others must then await the referee before playing. There should be no objection or resistance to this request.
    • A referee’s decision is final. Any clarification may be sought after the match.
    • Call a referee by holding mallet above head – avoid disrupting games by calling out.
  • Scoring Clips
    • Place clips on the side of hoops, not on top.
    • Place first colours on one side and second colours on the other.
    • When removing clips, do not approach a hoop being played by the other game.
  • Other things for good etiquette
    • Arrive on time – you should be present at least 30 minutes before your match start time Dress appropriately (e.g. no open sandals)Request a timer to be paused by signalling with a “T” shape with hands.Leave the court as quickly as possible after completion of a game – do not lingerSwearing or abusive language is not acceptable.Delay your shot if it is likely to interfere with another game on your court; or at least give a warning.If another game is still in progress on the court and your game is finished, pick up the balls; do not  roll/hit them across the court.Talking or texting on mobile phones during a match is not permitted. Mobile phones should not be taken on to the lawns.
    • Drinking (coffee, alcohol, water etc) is not permitted on the court and smoking is not permitted at  any venue.
  • Some useful hints for more enjoyable play for all
    • You should call a referee to supervise a hampered shot. If a referee is not available, ask your  opponent or a third (3rd) person to watch.
    • Assist setting up and dismantling of court.
    • Carry ball markers and tossing coin.
    • Wait until all players have played to a hoop before proceeding to that hoop unless checking  placement before playing a shot.
    • Replace balls (yours or your opponent’s) at the point of exit from the court as soon as practicable.

(courtesy Croquet SA)

ACA Codes of Behaviour

(a)  Act and operate within the rules and spirit of Croquet and/or Gateball; 

(b)  Be ethical, considerate, fair and honest in all dealings with other people and organisations; 

(c)  Act with honesty, integrity and objectivity and be accountable for their own behaviour and actions; 

(d)  Maintain appropriate, professional relationships with other Relevant Persons at all times; 

(e)  Accept and respect the authority of Officials and not use offensive language or behaviour, show unnecessary dissension, displeasure or disapproval towards an Official, whether on or off the field of play; 

(f)  Not engage in conduct that is defined as Prohibited Conduct -  eg Abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct (eg unwanted physical contact or behaviour and sexual remarks or innuendo), unlawful discrimination, victimisation or vilification, Child abuse, grooming or misconduct with a child, improper manipulation of the result or course of a Sport activity or betting on a Sport activity.  

The World Croquet Federation (WCF) Rules of Golf Croquet Version 6 

“Players are responsible for maintaining good standards of behaviour towards other players, officials, equipment, courts and spectators.” (Section 16.1) 

Unacceptable Behaviours include:

  • Leaving the vicinity of the court without permission
  • Disturbing the player who is about to make a stroke ie by making noise, moving, or being in line of sight
  • Physically abusing the mallet, equipment or court surface
  • Arguing aggressively or continuously, or failing to accept the decision of a Referee
  • To deliberately or continually – interfer with the balls, play the wrong ball, fail to respond promptly to requests, commit faults, fail to advise others when playing forceful balls towards them, fail to forestall play when requested, attempt to hide lawn damage or act to in a way to bring the sport into disrepute. 

In tournaments and when playing at the Club, players are expected to participate in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. At the Club please be honest, kind and respectful when interacting with other Club members.

  • Be aware of the need for courteous and expeditious play. Do not waste time.
  • Use welcoming and inclusive language and be respectful of differing viewpoints 
  • Offer advice only when asked to do so
  • Gracefully accept constructive criticism and focus on what is best for the community
  • Show empathy towards other Club members and visitors
  • Mobile phones are not to be taken onto the courts whilst playing except under extenuating circumstances where they should be set on “silent” mode. 
  • The club has a standard uniform which should be worn during normal club playing sessions and must be worn when representing the club in external tournaments or events.
  • All members are personally responsible for marking the attendance sheet each day they attend.

* Australian Croquet Association Code of Conduct (2022), Section 4.                                                   Oct 2022