WCF Management Committee Meeting 12th August 2005

Following the meeting on Wednesday last the USA indicated they were not able to host any event in 2007 and requested they host the 2009 event instead as discussed earlier subject to final notice in December 2005. New Zealand stated they could host the "2007" event but in February 2008. A discussion took place regarding the timing of events and the concern that Golf and Association events may be too close together in early 2008 as South Africa had been identified for March that same year. Also to be considered was the regular hosting of such events and working around the MacRobertson Shield. Optimally WCF should aim to host the Association event every three years. USA indicated they could host the Association event in October/November 2009 and Australia has expressed a wish to host in 2011. Options discussed were moving the New Zealand event to March 2009 but this would impact on the USA event. The number of players likely to be affected by holding the Association and Golf events in early 2008 were small and it was decided to proceed as follows:-

1st WCF Women's Golf Croquet Championship - Cairo Egypt November 2005
7th WCF World Golf Croquet Championship - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand March 2006
MacRobertson Shield Trophy - Melbourne, Australia November 2006 :
11th WCF World Croquet Championship - New Zealand January - February 2008
8th WCF World Golf Croquet Championship - Cape Town, South Africa March 2008
12th WCF World Croquet Championship - Palm Beach, USA October/November 2009
MacRobertson Shield Trophy - Great Britain - June-August 2010
13th WCF World Croquet Championship - Australia 2011
MacRobertson Shield Trophy - New Zealand 2013

Tenders would be invited for the Golf event in 2010.

Elections for Committee

It was confirmed that Graeme Roberts chose not to stand again due to work commitments unless there were insufficient candidates put forward. It was confirmed that WCF would put out the notice for nominations in September/October 2005 with a return date in December 2005, then a voting slip to Member Associations in January.

Golf Croquet Rules

It was confirmed that Gordon Smith would be asked to call such a meeting.

National Uniforms
Currently New Zealand, through their Tournament Regulations, allowed players to more or less wear what they wished. That policy was at odds with the all white or national uniform policy for WCF events. In discussion it was agreed that WCF Rule 25(B) prohibited WCF from overriding the Tournament Regulations of the host nation. However this was regarded as counter productive to the developing philosophy of WCF taking a lead in the formulation of its own regulations and reaching commonality from one WCF event to another. After further discussion it was agreed that a proposal would be made to the member associations to amend 25(B) to delete subservient references to Tournament Regulations of host associations.

3. Hall of Fame Regulations

It was agreed that the draft models produced would be scrutinized by Rhys Thomas who would present a report in the next two months on the best way forward.

4. World Anti-Doping Agency

A discussion continued on the basis of the matter discussed in the last Council meeting. Of concern was the question of the discretionary use of beta blockers and alcohol and the consequences of banning or not banning, and the cost of tests. The Secretary-General was requested to explore these matters further and report back.

5. Qualification Tournament

Concern had been expressed in the timing of the qualification tournament for the current World Championship. A short discussion followed and it was agreed that the timing had been good and in the best interests of all players.

6. Places in Association Croquet Events.

A discussion took place regarding the minimum number that should be accepted to future Association Croquet World Championships. Currently the minimum number was 64. After discussion it was agreed future tournaments would be 80 players in the future.

Gary Fox had produced a report concerning Wild Cards and affiliated matters. Not all members had this to consult. The matter was deferred until further notice to allow circulation to be made.

7. Communication with Friends

It was confirmed that all friends had been sent the last edition of the newsletter by email or post. To ease workload it was agreed that an editor be found for future editions.

8. Forms of Croquet

A discussion took place on the current requirement of the WCF to recognize only certain variants of the sport. Currently other versions of the sport were played in the world too and it was felt that it was self defeating to restrict it in this way. It was agreed that members would be asked to amend the WCF Rule 20 (A) to read, "The Federation recognizes all versions of the game of croquet". New Zealand had a model for example and this would be consulted prior to any proposal made.

9. Any Other Business
It was confirmed that since the Council decision to amend the WCF Rules to incorporate Associate membership, the fee would be £105 per annum. Observers would be free.
Meeting closed at 5.40pm

Updated January 4, 2008