Tournament play will be governed by more standard backyard 9-wicket "American" rules this year. Each team will play a minimum of three 30-minute rounds. Complete rules will be published and distributed to team captains at least three weeks prior. Best Of Prizes will be awarded for a wide variety of skills, chances, flukes and disabilities. There will also be wicket prizes awarded, depending upon sponsorship support. Prizes will include cheesy gags and impressive trophies (although the inscriptions may be for some other event).
Show up Sunday at 11am to shoot a ball or two and get a feel for field conditions. There will be a captain's meeting to guide your thinking on play. Setting strategies in advance is the challenge for your captain. Plus costumes, theme, slogan and judge budget (see below).
These people are not skilled professionals in the world of croquet. They are your friends and neighbors who are here to ensure Communities in Schools gets the most honest amount of benefit from the tournament. The judge's perspective on your particular score can be adjusted with donations to the cause. It is, in fact, entirely possible that your team can score "quite nicely" at every wicket. Money talks. Cheaters prosper. Be sure to purchase Croquet Bucks for drinks, food and coercion of judges.
Proper English whites are too fussy, so our rules are shoes, shirts and adequate covering of private areas. If your team spirit will be expressed by a style or particular garment or accessory, go for it. Teams need all the spirit they can hold.
Reserved seating is available for sponsors beginning at $25/couple. You should consider sponsoring a team, a wicket or even a mallet. We like sponsorships. After all, this is a benefit. And you'll get a receipt for next year's taxes. And there will be adequate free seating, too.
Even though this event is designed to raise funds for Communities in Schools and the LIC, we know that most of us don't have a trust fund. Admission is free (food bank donation is suggested), parking is free, watching is free, icy cold water is free. Everything else is affordable.
If they are well-behaved, they are welcome.
Drive to Longbranch on Key Peninsula Highway, about 5 miles south of Home. We're right across the street from the Fire Department. If you end up in Shelton, you're lost.
Listen. This is a benefit. Adult beverages will be available at fair prices. The Lil' Merc is catering really nice lunch options. You can bring your own food, but you cannot bring your own liquor. NO BYOB NO!