Be Classy: The Unwritten Rules of Croquet Etiquette
Learn the essential unwritten rules of croquet. A guide to court etiquette, sportsmanship, and how to handle difficult situations and referees with grace.
Croquet has a code. It's unwritten, but everyone's expected to know it.
As Mary McMahon puts it,
"Court etiquette is incredibly important, no matter what level."
These courtesies keep the game enjoyable for everyone. Here's what to know.
The Simple Courtesies: Your Basic Checklist
The basics. Do these every time.
1. Respect the Line of Sight
- When someone is playing a shot, stand still and stay out of their line of sight. "Remember, they're creating the picture," Mary says. "Get out of their line of sight."
2. Maintain Quiet
- A player needs focus to execute a shot. "Don't stand there with your friend having a great conversation and talking away," she says. "When you're out on that court, there's no discussion."
3. Mark Your Ball Promptly
- If your ball goes out, mark its position on the boundary immediately. This is critical for your opponent, who needs to know where your ball is to plan their own shot.
When Things Get Difficult
Friction happens. Knowing the procedure keeps it from becoming a problem.
Scenario 1: You Disagree with a Referee's Call
"Never argue with the referee, ever," Mary says. "Whether they've made the worst call in history, they're the referee, and you accept it." If you wish to understand the decision, the correct protocol is to wait until after the game is over. "You can go and say, 'Look, I'm just interested. Would you mind explaining to me why that was a fault?' But you don't argue on the court."
Scenario 2: A Contentious Shot or Difficult Opponent
Whether it's a suspected double-tap or an issue with an opponent's conduct, the solution is the same: do not handle it yourself. Use the referee. "If you are having trouble with your opponent, ask quietly. Ask the referee to deal with the situation," Mary says. "Don't try and deal with it." If you anticipate a difficult shot might result in a fault, it is not rude to proactively ask for a referee to watch it. This simple act ensures fairness and removes any need for conflict.
Good etiquette keeps the game worth playing.
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