Managing the Handicap System
Contents...
Although the Handicap System is described as automatic, it requires active management and occasional manual intervention. Its accuracy relies on the correct recording of all competitive games by every player. Appropriate initial handicaps must be set and records kept. Handicappers are appointed at Club, Federation and National levels to manage the system.
Non-Automatic Changes to Handicaps
Handicappers may correct an inappropriate handicap within the constraints set out below. This may be because the player is a rapid improver, or perhaps the handicap was incorrectly set in the first place.
The Handicapper should always ensure there is a genuine need before any action is taken. If a player's handicap card contains a reasonable number of recent games, these should be considered and weighed against a direct viewing of the player's performance. However, when there is little evidence on the handicap card, a Handicapper may have to make a decision based purely on witnessing actual handicap play. Changes must be based on match results and never on the assessment of mallet skills alone. In GC, the way a player uses extra strokes can alter the correct handicap by as much as three steps, especially in the higher handicap range; similarly, in AC, tactics and temperament can both influence overall performance as much as mallet skills. The right handicap reflects all these aspects.
Players whose AC handicap has changed and who are primarily AC players, having played fewer than 10 GC games during that period of reduction/increase, must also have their GC handicap altered simultaneously in order to maintain a relevant and concurrent GC handicap. The table for suggested initial GC handicaps for established AC players should be used as a reference: Setting Initial Handicaps under the New System.
Non-automatic changes in handicap may be made only by an officially appointed Handicapper, within constraints depending on the grade of the Handicapper as shown in the table below. In all cases, changes take effect before the player's next game.
| AC | GC | |
|---|---|---|
Club Handicappers may change the handicap of their own club members only. |
Current handicap below 8: no changes to be made. Current handicap of 8-12: changes of a minimum of 3 steps* may be made, on the evidence of 10+ games. Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made. |
Current handicap below 3: no changes to be made. Current handicap of 3-12: changes of a minimum of 2 steps* may be made. Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made. |
Federation Handicappers may change the handicap of any member of their own Federation or any player in their own Federation's events. |
Current handicap below 8: no changes to be made. Current handicap of 8-12: changes of a minimum of 3 steps* may be made, on the evidence of 10+ games. Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made. |
Current handicap below 3: no changes to be made. Current handicap of 3-12: changes of a minimum of 2 steps* may be made. Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made. |
National Handicappers may change a handicap at any time, and during any event. |
May make changes to current handicaps of 0 and above. Current handicap of 0 to 12: normally a minimum of 3 steps.* Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made.
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May make changes to current handicaps of 0 and above. Current handicap of 0 to 12: normally a minimum of 2 steps.* Current handicap above 12: changes of any appropriate size may be made. |
*The minimum number of steps is to include any change that has just occurred as a result of the Automatic Handicapping System.
When a change is made, the new handicap and index must be entered on the front of the player's card and be validated with a date and clearly readable name.
Handicappers
Club Handicappers
All clubs should appoint a member as their Club Handicapper, who will act as the primary contact for all handicap matters. They might appoint separate AC and GC Club Handicappers or one covering both codes. All handicapping information sent out to Club Secretaries by Croquet England or Federations should be passed to the Club Handicapper. The name and contact details of the Club Handicapper should be available on the Federation and Croquet England websites. Club secretaries can add their Club Handicapper to the online Database: AC / GC, or, if that proves difficult, by notifying the office. If no Club Handicapper is listed, the role defaults to the Club's Chair.
Duties of the Club Handicapper
- Ensure that any player from their club who plays in an event outside that club has a current handicap and a validated handicap card that the player understands how to use.
- Ensure that a handicap list for all club members exists and is updated as automatic or manual changes occur.
- Authenticate new cards or changes outside the automatic system, clearly printing the handicapper's name.
- Check all club handicap cards prior to each season.
- Monitor players after they have had an initial handicap set. Review after two months or 10 recorded games, being prepared to make changes if necessary.
- Actively encourage the regular use of handicap cards.
Follow the link to view a video presentation by Brian Fisk on The Challenge of Handicapping - a Guide for Club and Federation Handicappers. This is recommended viewing for all new and existing handicappers.
The role of the Club Handicapper can be seen as ensuring the whole system works as intended. See Guidelines for Club Handicappers for more details. The online Croquet England Directory lists Club Handicappers (AC) and Club Handicappers (GC).
Authentication of Handicap Cards
Regular tournament players will have a long recorded history of results, which gives substance to their current handicap, but players just starting to play in league matches and tournaments may have little recorded history to back up their handicap. It is the duty of the Club Handicapper to see that the player's card is completed correctly and authenticated - this provides traceability should there be any problems or queries over their handicap.
Generally, a handicap card with at least ten recorded games in one season will allow the handicap and index to be carried over into the following season. But where there are fewer than ten games recorded, the Club Handicapper should consider the results carefully and decide whether to authorise or adjust the handicap for the start of the next season. This is a key goal of the annual review of all handicap cards in the club.
Federation Handicappers
Federations should appoint a Federation Handicapper to coordinate handicap matters across their region. The Federation Handicapper typically will have several years of playing experience and a good understanding of handicapping. The appointed Federation Handicapper's name and contact details should be available on the Federation and Croquet England websites (the latter by notifying the office).
Federation Handicappers should help less-experienced Club Handicappers to set or improve handicap standards in the smaller clubs and to establish the handicap system in new clubs. Proactive intervention is encouraged where they find any issues with, or disquiet over, handicaps within their Federation.
Follow the link to view a video presentation by Brian Fisk on The Challenge of Handicapping - a Guide for Club and Federation Handicappers. This is recommended viewing for all new and existing handicappers.
National Handicappers
The Croquet England Handicap Committee from time to time appoint National Handicappers from the ranks of members regularly playing country-wide and who are in the best position to ensure that consistent standards are maintained. Individuals who wish to be considered (or recommend others) for this role should contact the Chairman of the Handicap Committee, evidencing their current activity within the domain. Those appointed as National Handicappers will also be active within their own Federation areas and may serve as Federation Handicappers. The Croquet England Directory lists National Handicappers (GC) and National Handicappers (AC).
Appeals
A Club Handicapper may not overrule a change made by a senior handicapper (i.e. a National Handicapper or Federation Handicapper). However, if they believe the change is in error, the Club Handicapper should discuss the case with the senior handicapper and attempt to convince them to rescind or alter the change.
Appeals by players regarding handicap changes made by authorised handicappers may be made either to the Handicap Committee or under the Tournament Regulations. Such appeals will be successful only if the appellant can prove that either:
- these Guidelines and Procedures have not been followed; or
- no handicapper acting reasonably could have made the decision that the handicapper made.
Appeals against a decision of a Club or Federation Handicapper may be made to a National Handicapper who is local to the player concerned.
For appeals against a decision of a National Handicapper, the Chairman of the Handicap Committee shall nominate three members of the Handicap Committee, which may include the Chairman of the Handicap Committee, who shall hear the appeal.
There is no appeal from an automatic handicap change.
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