The Oxford University Association Croquet Club

The historic University Croquet Club exists to promote croquet within the University at all levels. Whether you would like a social pastime or the challenge of competitive croquet - we are here to accommodate you.

Our facilities are top class; our members have access to two full-sized croquet courts in the scenic University Parks (how to find us), which are equipped to championship standard. Members can have their own key to the croquet hut ensuring that they have access to the lawns and equipment. All required equipment is supplied and players only need bring flat-soled shoes.

The Club welcomes players of all standards whether you are an absolute beginner or experienced player. As well as providing the facilities for a gentle game of croquet in the pleasant surroundings of the University Parks, we also offer coaching and arrange fixtures to suit all skill levels. Fixtures are great fun - the Club travels extensively to play other clubs in this country and abroad.

Croquet is a sport where size, sex, age and to some extent ability are no handicap! Games can be played where the weaker player is given extra turns to even the odds of winning. Consequently under handicap play you can be playing against a world-class player and both sides have a good game. The Club has official referees and handicappers who also assist in the coaching.

Club Evenings

Wednesday evenings (5 p.m. onwards) are Club evenings when there is a high likelihood of meeting other players and committee members at the lawns. This continues throughout the summer vacation.

Beginners' Evenings

On Tue wk1, Thu wk1 and Tue wk2 we hold free coaching sessions from (5 p.m. onwards). Non-members are welcome to attend these and beginners are particularly encouraged to come along. On Tuesday of week 3 there is a further members-only coaching session. Committee members and more experienced players will be available to coach most standards of player. (This is the only occasion for non-members to try out playing on the lawns. The lawns do, of course, remain open to all members during this time.)

Subscriptions

Membership is open to both University and non-University members. We have two subscription durations, term time & full season, to allow for the fact that undergraduates are not around over the summer.

The deposit for a hut key is currently £5.00. More details about joining.

Fixtures

The Club's fixtures range from A-class to beginners' fixtures and all members are encouraged to play. If you would like to play in any of these fixtures please let the Captain know and we'll see if we can get you in a team.

The Varsity Match

Each year we play against Cambridge University at the Hurlingham Club in London. The format of the day is six singles games in the morning, and three doubles games in the afternoon, allowing for 6 or more Varsity Players during the day.

Croquet is designated as a HALF BLUE SPORT, and players with appropriate handicaps at the Varsity Match are recommended for Half Blues - the threshold is 8 or below for both men and women. As in all sports, players of exceptional ability may be recommended for Full Blues. You can also see the list of half blues awarded in the past.

The Student Championships

Held every year in late June, the Student Championships are open to all full-time students either as individuals or as teams. Teams from abroad are welcomed.

Code of Conduct, Risk Assessment and Constitution

The OUACC code of conduct, constitution and it's risk assessment may be downloaded here:

• Code of Conduct
• Risk Assessment
• Constitution