Chiltern Croquet Academy Course Descriptions
BECOMING A COACH
Becoming a Club-Level Coach Weekend Course
Do you want to become a qualified coach, either AC or GC? If you have a working knowledge of the Basic Laws of AC, or the Rules of GC, as appropriate (the only pre-condition), then this is the course for you.
The CqE approved course, delivered both on the courts and in the classroom by a CqE Examining Coach, through a mixture of lecture, demonstration, group-work, discussion and practical sessions, will develop your coaching expertise & confidence by ensuring you are able to: plan coaching courses and deliver lessons; coach specific skills and tactics, and explain the basics of both AC Laws / GC Rules.
At the end of the course there is a formal coaching assessment, preparing you to be qualified as an accredited Club-Level Coach and / or Graded AC or Graded GC Coach.
More details about the coaching qualification are on the CqE website athttps://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=tournament/caCalendar&calInfoID=6
A coaching qualification subsidy of £25 per person (one-time per coaching level) is available to CqE associates (and this is already taken into account in the course fee). Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
Do you want to become a qualified coach, either AC or GC? If you have a working knowledge of the Basic Laws of AC, or the Rules of GC, as appropriate (the only pre-condition), then this is the course for you.
The CqE approved course, delivered both on the courts and in the classroom by a CqE Examining Coach, through a mixture of lecture, demonstration, group-work, discussion and practical sessions, will develop your coaching expertise & confidence by ensuring you are able to: plan coaching courses and deliver lessons; coach specific skills and tactics, and explain the basics of both AC Laws / GC Rules.
At the end of the course there is a formal coaching assessment, preparing you to be qualified as an accredited Club-Level Coach and / or Graded AC or Graded GC Coach.
More details about the coaching qualification are on the CqE website athttps://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=tournament/caCalendar&calInfoID=6
A coaching qualification subsidy of £25 per person (one-time per coaching level) is available to CqE associates (and this is already taken into account in the course fee). Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
GC - Workshop for GC Coaches on Skills Assessment
This course is for qualified coaches who want to extend their repertoire by offering their players the opportunity to measure their GC skills.
During the day the coaches will learn how to:
By the end of the course a coach will be fully equipped to use the CqE GC Skills Assessment process as part of their own coaching.
This course is for qualified coaches who want to extend their repertoire by offering their players the opportunity to measure their GC skills.
During the day the coaches will learn how to:
- Organise the 10 clearly defined CqE GC skills exercises.
- Use the coaching opportunities offered by each of the exercises.
- Measure and record a player’s performance.
- Report their course’s outcomes.
By the end of the course a coach will be fully equipped to use the CqE GC Skills Assessment process as part of their own coaching.
BECOMING A REFEREE
AC - Becoming a Referee - 2 plus 1-Day Course
Do you want to learn more about the AC Laws or even become a qualified AC referee? Then, in either case, this is the course for you. Potential referees will be given priority.
Players intending to become qualified referees must have a good working knowledge of the Laws before attending the course.
The 2-day course, delivered on the courts/in the classroom by a CQE AC Examining Referee, will develop your knowledge of the AC Laws and your ability to apply them to a competitive game.
Preparatory material will be made available before the course.
There will be a mix of time on the lawns for the practical aspects and sessions indoors to consider the more theoretical aspects of the game.
Training on the interpretation of the rules will be given on the first two days.
On the third day, which may or may not follow on directly from the 2-day course, participants will sit the 70 min written examination and be assessed with an on-court test.
If you pass both the end-of-course written exam and practical test, and are a CqE associate, you will be registered as a qualified AC referee and awarded your AC refereeing badge.
More information on the course content is at https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=games/association/refereeing/RTC-Manual/section_2
A one-time AC refereeing qualification subsidy of £25 per person for those taking the exam is available to CqE associates (and this is already taken into account in the course fee). Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
Do you want to learn more about the AC Laws or even become a qualified AC referee? Then, in either case, this is the course for you. Potential referees will be given priority.
Players intending to become qualified referees must have a good working knowledge of the Laws before attending the course.
The 2-day course, delivered on the courts/in the classroom by a CQE AC Examining Referee, will develop your knowledge of the AC Laws and your ability to apply them to a competitive game.
Preparatory material will be made available before the course.
There will be a mix of time on the lawns for the practical aspects and sessions indoors to consider the more theoretical aspects of the game.
Training on the interpretation of the rules will be given on the first two days.
On the third day, which may or may not follow on directly from the 2-day course, participants will sit the 70 min written examination and be assessed with an on-court test.
If you pass both the end-of-course written exam and practical test, and are a CqE associate, you will be registered as a qualified AC referee and awarded your AC refereeing badge.
More information on the course content is at https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=games/association/refereeing/RTC-Manual/section_2
A one-time AC refereeing qualification subsidy of £25 per person for those taking the exam is available to CqE associates (and this is already taken into account in the course fee). Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
GC - Becoming a Referee Blended Learning 1–Day Course
Referees are essential to the fair playing of our sport.
Becoming a GC Referee brings its own rewards. Officiating at tournaments and team play enables players to play to the GC Rules and to resolve issues. Extending your understanding of the GC Rules will improve your confidence as a player. You will also become a key member of your club helping other members to understand the Rules and to play by them.
The 1-day course, delivered mainly on the courts but with some time in the classroom, will build on your knowledge of the GC Rules, give your practice in applying them on the lawns, before formally assessing your knowledge and your ability to apply them to a competitive game.
The course assumes a confident knowledge of the GC Rules, gained from studying the latest WCF Refereeing Regulations and 6th Edition GC Rules booklet, along with the additional guidance available on the CqE website.
The CqE website also has a useful set of rules-based questions, together with a link to the WCF website where there is a comprehensive Online GC Rules Study Pack, which candidates will be expected to have completed.
If you pass the end-of-course written exam and practical on-court test, assessed by a CqE Examining Referee, you will be registered as a qualified GC referee and awarded your GC Referee’s badge.
More information on becoming a referee is available here:
https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=games/golf/refereeing.
A GC refereeing qualification, once in a life-time, referee training subsidy of £25 per person for those taking the exam is available to CqE members (and this is taken into account in the course fee). Most, if not all, Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course
Referees are essential to the fair playing of our sport.
Becoming a GC Referee brings its own rewards. Officiating at tournaments and team play enables players to play to the GC Rules and to resolve issues. Extending your understanding of the GC Rules will improve your confidence as a player. You will also become a key member of your club helping other members to understand the Rules and to play by them.
The 1-day course, delivered mainly on the courts but with some time in the classroom, will build on your knowledge of the GC Rules, give your practice in applying them on the lawns, before formally assessing your knowledge and your ability to apply them to a competitive game.
The course assumes a confident knowledge of the GC Rules, gained from studying the latest WCF Refereeing Regulations and 6th Edition GC Rules booklet, along with the additional guidance available on the CqE website.
The CqE website also has a useful set of rules-based questions, together with a link to the WCF website where there is a comprehensive Online GC Rules Study Pack, which candidates will be expected to have completed.
If you pass the end-of-course written exam and practical on-court test, assessed by a CqE Examining Referee, you will be registered as a qualified GC referee and awarded your GC Referee’s badge.
More information on becoming a referee is available here:
https://www.croquet.org.uk/?p=games/golf/refereeing.
A GC refereeing qualification, once in a life-time, referee training subsidy of £25 per person for those taking the exam is available to CqE members (and this is taken into account in the course fee). Most, if not all, Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course
GC Referee Refresher Afternoon Seminar
This half-day seminar allows qualified GC players to explore their knowledge of the GC rules through discussion and practical sessions, guided by Ian Shore, an Examining and Championship Referee as well as a member of the GC Rules Committee.
Analysis of stroke videos will be included, as will time on the lawns (weather permitting).
By the end of the seminar participants will be more confident in their understanding of the GC Rules and referees will be more capable of giving consistent on-court rulings.
This half-day seminar allows qualified GC players to explore their knowledge of the GC rules through discussion and practical sessions, guided by Ian Shore, an Examining and Championship Referee as well as a member of the GC Rules Committee.
Analysis of stroke videos will be included, as will time on the lawns (weather permitting).
By the end of the seminar participants will be more confident in their understanding of the GC Rules and referees will be more capable of giving consistent on-court rulings.
BECOMING A TOURNAMENT MANAGER
Introduction to Club-Level Tournament Management Course
Do you want to run a local tournament for your club members (or those around)? Are you keen to learn from those with experience? Then this is the course for you.
This one-day course will focus on the practicalities of preparing for, running and winding up a tournament. It will explore various methods of constructing a draw and how to deal with short notice alterations. The implications of Level, Handicap and Advantage Play will be covered.
By the end of the course, you will be able to manage a club-level tournament confidently.
Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
Do you want to run a local tournament for your club members (or those around)? Are you keen to learn from those with experience? Then this is the course for you.
This one-day course will focus on the practicalities of preparing for, running and winding up a tournament. It will explore various methods of constructing a draw and how to deal with short notice alterations. The implications of Level, Handicap and Advantage Play will be covered.
By the end of the course, you will be able to manage a club-level tournament confidently.
Some Federations offer further financial support to be applied for personally after the course.
IMPROVING AS AN AC PLAYER
AC – Introduction to the Triple Peel Course
Are you an AC player, with a handicap of 8 or better, capable of a 12-hoop break and wanting to learn the basics of the Triple Peel? Then this one-day AC course, both on the lawns, and with some time in the classroom, is for you.
You will be shown, and be encouraged to experience the development of, the various tactical options that, when taken together, will allow you to complete a Triple Peel.
By the end of the course you will have improved your understanding of how to build a Triple Peel.
Are you an AC player, with a handicap of 8 or better, capable of a 12-hoop break and wanting to learn the basics of the Triple Peel? Then this one-day AC course, both on the lawns, and with some time in the classroom, is for you.
You will be shown, and be encouraged to experience the development of, the various tactical options that, when taken together, will allow you to complete a Triple Peel.
By the end of the course you will have improved your understanding of how to build a Triple Peel.
AC – Improving Your Game for Intermediate Players Course
Are you an AC player, with a handicap of between 6 to 12, capable of a 4-hoop break and wanting to extend your turns? Then this one-day AC course, mainly on the courts although with some time in the classroom, is for you.
You will be shown, and be encouraged to experience the development of, the various tactical options that, when taken together, will allow you to complete a 12-hoop break.
By the end of the course you will have improved your understanding of how to build towards a 12-hoop break.
Are you an AC player, with a handicap of between 6 to 12, capable of a 4-hoop break and wanting to extend your turns? Then this one-day AC course, mainly on the courts although with some time in the classroom, is for you.
You will be shown, and be encouraged to experience the development of, the various tactical options that, when taken together, will allow you to complete a 12-hoop break.
By the end of the course you will have improved your understanding of how to build towards a 12-hoop break.
AC - Building Better Breaks Course
Are you an AC Player in the handicap range 11 to 18, who, while understanding the basics, would like to improve your stroke play and tactics in setting up and continuing breaks (with or without bisques)?
This one-day AC course will coach you in the range of strokes and tactics required to extend a turn.
By the end of the course you will have improved your ability to play extended breaks.
Are you an AC Player in the handicap range 11 to 18, who, while understanding the basics, would like to improve your stroke play and tactics in setting up and continuing breaks (with or without bisques)?
This one-day AC course will coach you in the range of strokes and tactics required to extend a turn.
By the end of the course you will have improved your ability to play extended breaks.
AC – Introduction to AC for GC Players Course
This course is for competent GC players of any handicap wanting to explore the opportunities offered by AC.
During the day you will:
By the end of the day you will have learnt the language of AC, understand the basics of the game, have experienced how to play a break, and have sufficient knowledge to be able to play a competitive game. You will also have learnt some skills that will improve your GC game!
This course is for competent GC players of any handicap wanting to explore the opportunities offered by AC.
During the day you will:
- Compare the AC to GC, learning the similarities and differences.
- Learn how to increase your time on the lawn, by extending your turn to create a break.
- Be introduced to the variety of strokes when two balls are touching and what they can achieve.
- Practice playing a simple break.
- Learn how to make effective use of bisques (i.e. extra turns).
- Be introduced to some simple tactics, including how to start a game and how to end a turn under control.
By the end of the day you will have learnt the language of AC, understand the basics of the game, have experienced how to play a break, and have sufficient knowledge to be able to play a competitive game. You will also have learnt some skills that will improve your GC game!
IMPROVING AS A GC PLAYER
GC – Advanced Improver Course
Are you a GC player, in the handicap range 3 to 6, wanting to improve your game through attending a one-day course? Then this course, with time mainly on the courts, although some classroom material is included, is for you.
The course covers personal skills, use of advanced tactics, mental approach and knowledge of the GC rules.
By the end of the course you will have learnt how to raise your competitiveness thus increasing your enjoyment of the game.
Are you a GC player, in the handicap range 3 to 6, wanting to improve your game through attending a one-day course? Then this course, with time mainly on the courts, although some classroom material is included, is for you.
The course covers personal skills, use of advanced tactics, mental approach and knowledge of the GC rules.
By the end of the course you will have learnt how to raise your competitiveness thus increasing your enjoyment of the game.
GC – Intermediate Improver Course
Are you a GC player with a GC handicap in the range 7 to 10, keen to reduce your handicap by improving your game? Then this one-day GC course, with a mix of time on the courts and in the classroom, is for you.
Course content will be driven by the needs of those attending, drawn from: improving your strokes; understanding tactical scenarios; mind games; making best use of Extra Strokes and playing against them, Advantage Play and competing in matches and tournaments.
By the end of the course you will be prepared for a significant improvement in your handicap.
Are you a GC player with a GC handicap in the range 7 to 10, keen to reduce your handicap by improving your game? Then this one-day GC course, with a mix of time on the courts and in the classroom, is for you.
Course content will be driven by the needs of those attending, drawn from: improving your strokes; understanding tactical scenarios; mind games; making best use of Extra Strokes and playing against them, Advantage Play and competing in matches and tournaments.
By the end of the course you will be prepared for a significant improvement in your handicap.
GC – Basic Improver Course
If you have played a bit of GC, perhaps have a high handicap (11+) or have not yet got one, and now want to improve your game by receiving first class coaching, this is the course for you.
The course will give you the opportunity to:
By the end of the course you will have raised your competitiveness potential and thus your enjoyment of the game.
If you have played a bit of GC, perhaps have a high handicap (11+) or have not yet got one, and now want to improve your game by receiving first class coaching, this is the course for you.
The course will give you the opportunity to:
- Learn how to improve your mallet/ball skills by applying best practice.
- Be introduced to common tactical situations and how to decide what to do.
- Consider how one's mental approach can influence the outcome of the game.
- Gain a better understanding of the common rules.
- Learn how to get more out of your club and Croquet Association membership.
By the end of the course you will have raised your competitiveness potential and thus your enjoyment of the game.
GC - Fun Coaching!
This course is focused on local players who want less ‘chalk and talk’ and more activity on the court.
The course is designed around 8 different practice routines, which focus on different croquet playing mallet/ball skills. Players cycle around each, testing their skill against the set standard.
By the end of the course participants will have been challenged by a range of practice exercises, which they can use subsequently to improve their game.
This course is focused on local players who want less ‘chalk and talk’ and more activity on the court.
The course is designed around 8 different practice routines, which focus on different croquet playing mallet/ball skills. Players cycle around each, testing their skill against the set standard.
By the end of the course participants will have been challenged by a range of practice exercises, which they can use subsequently to improve their game.
SWING CLINICS
A Workshop for Coaches with the Swing Doctor
This course is provided for qualified coaches who want to be able to analyse a player’s swing and suggest remedial activities for improvement.
The course will cover:
By the end of the course the coach will be more confident in analysing a player’s swing and recommending how it can be improved.
This course is provided for qualified coaches who want to be able to analyse a player’s swing and suggest remedial activities for improvement.
The course will cover:
- Assessment of the player’s need
- Classification of swings
- Common faults
- Components of a good swing
By the end of the course the coach will be more confident in analysing a player’s swing and recommending how it can be improved.
A Clinic with the Swing Doctor!
This is an opportunity to have your swing diagnosed by Dr Raouf Allim, a swing specialist. The one-hour clinic is one-on-one on the court and involves close observation of your swing in various situations. The Dr will then diagnose any faults found and prescribe remedies (none available on the NHS!).
Attending one of these clinics will increase your confidence in your ability to strike the ball correctly and to analyse your swing in the future.
This is an opportunity to have your swing diagnosed by Dr Raouf Allim, a swing specialist. The one-hour clinic is one-on-one on the court and involves close observation of your swing in various situations. The Dr will then diagnose any faults found and prescribe remedies (none available on the NHS!).
Attending one of these clinics will increase your confidence in your ability to strike the ball correctly and to analyse your swing in the future.