Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to be a member of Toronto Croquet Club?

There are two options for Membership fees.

• $150 per year (includes CNSW affiliation fee and Personal Accident Insurance)

• $100 per year for players that are already affiliated with another club.

• Fees can also be paid half yearly

Are Green Fees payable?

Yes they are:

• Members green fees are $5 per day OR $370 per year and they can play as often as they like.

• Visitors pay $7 per day green fees

Can I try croquet out to see if it suits me? And can I borrow a mallet?

Yes and Yes to both questions. But we do have a few limits:

• people are expected to join the club after they have been for 8 sessions

• a club mallet can be used for 6 months but only at Toronto

• after that time if people do not have their own mallet they pay a hire fee of $5 a day

• mallets may not be borrowed to take home, they must be returned to the clubhouse at the end of each day

Can visitors play? And what cost?

Yes, visitors are most welcome to play and we have a supply of mallets they can use.  They do have to have enclosed shoes for safety.  Cost is $7 / day.  For 'rookies' there is always someone who will show them the basic Golf Croquet game and techniques.  Golf Croquet is the easiest to start with.

When is the Annual General Meeting?

It's held in July.

Do players get a handicap?  How is the handicap used?

Games can be played with or without using the handicap system.  When using the handicap then the player with the highest handicap is allowed extra shots so long as the shots do not score a hoop. Eg player A on handicap 12 is playing B on handicap 9 then player A is allowed 3 extra shots during the game.  There are some simple rules as to when these extra shots can be used.

Are there any illegal croquet shots?

There certainly are and they are fully discussed in the rules for each game.  Common ones are 'crush shots' where the mallet, ball and hoop are all in simultaneous contact and 'double taps' where your mallet strikes the ball more than once.

Are there any dress requirements?

The only essential one is that all players wear covered flat soled footwear when playing. Sandals are not allowed.  

The club colours are maroon trousers/shorts and white shirts with our club logo. Members are encouraged to wear them whilst playing croquet. One source of maroon clothing is Bowls at Belmont Bowls Shop at 12 Dodds St, Redhead; Ph 4947 0522 or mobile 0401 447 603. Another is Lowes at Glendale 

White shirts with the club logo are available from Mono Unique Embroidery at Shop 6, 163-165 Brighton Ave, Toronto, Ph 4959 3021; www.monounique.com.au/

Club name badges can be ordered from the Secretary and cloth and hat badges are also available.

Players are strongly encouraged to wear hats and suitable protective clothing in the summer months. Sun block and insect repellent are available in the clubhouse for members use.

What insurance does the club have?

Players are covered for personal accident under Policy SUA/004813 with Sports Underwriting Australia Pty Ltd.

Can I play at other clubs?

Yes you can.  As a member you are entitled to and welcome to play socially or competitively at other affiliated croquet clubs within NSW/Australia. Many members are travellers and call into croquet clubs all over Australia for a game (Some are even suspected of being 'croquahollics'). A list of CNSW clubs and contacts is listed at Croquet NSW. Whilst visiting another affiliated club you are covered under the same insurance policy as if you were playing at Toronto Croquet Club.

Is there any coaching available?

Yes there is.  Accredited coaches are listed on the Who's Who page and can be contacted to arrange coaching for new and current members. The club also offers coaching clinics at various times throughout the year. Details will be placed on the notice board, the club calendar or in the club newsletter.

Are there any competitions to play in?

There certainly are.  All clubs hold regular competitions as well as inter-club, state, country and world contests. Details of tournaments and gala days within NSW are available on CNSW web site http://croquet-nsw.org and on the clubs noticeboard.  Flyers and nomination forms are frequently emailed out as well as being available at the club room.