[<<] [>>] by Elizabeth Williams
14th June 2006 (Other News)

The World Croquet Federation (WCF) has agreed with copyright holders to fund the translation of the Laws of Association Croquet, with associated Official Rulings and Commentary on the Laws, and the Rules of Golf Croquet into other languages from the English version.

Since the formulation of the original "Laws of the Game" in 1866, they have undergone periodic review and revision but to date, have only ever been officially published in the English language.

The initiative will be part of the ongoing WCF Development Programme, that funds "grass roots" croquet throughout its membership and will be a positive contribution to the future spread of the game.

WCF will be asking for suitably qualified volunteers to make a positive contribution to this project in assisting with translating and proof reading.

Notes to Editors

• The first ever codified Rules of Croquet were compiled by Walter Jones Whitmore and published in "The Field" on 7th April 1866.
• Following further revisions they were adopted by the newly formed All England Croquet Club, (1868) latterly the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (Wimbledon).
• The current Laws of Association Croquet, Sixth Edition (2000), (are copyright of the Croquet Association (of England), Australian Croquet Association, Croquet New Zealand and United States Croquet Association.
• The current Rules of Golf Croquet (2005) are copyright of the World Croquet Federation.
• In 1929 an approach to the Croquet Association (of England) by the Chilean Government for a Spanish translation of the Laws of Croquet was not taken further.
• In 1935 an unofficial translation of the Laws were made into German.
• For all purposes, in the event of any conflict or difference between the English version of the "Laws of Association Croquet" together with their associated "Official Rulings on the Laws of Croquet" and "Commentary on the Laws", or "WCF Rules of Golf Croquet" and, any translation into another language, the English version translation, shall be definitive and take precedence.
• The WCF Development Programme was specifically set up to assist all members realise their potential in the development of the sport on a world-wide basis.
• The World Croquet Federation Development Programme is wholly funded from within the sport, via Member affiliation, Tournament entry fees and donations from croquet enthusiasts.
• Further details of the scope of the programme can be viewed at the WCF Development Programme web page, www.wcfcroquet.org/Development/developmenthome.htm
• The World Croquet Federation represents 27 member nations throughout the world.