The Rules of Ironman Croquet

Originally we set out to make a chaotic game of croquet that wasn't a wuss sport. It was almost a miniature golf/croquet hybrid. But due to some original ground rules being abused, and no official documentation written to back up any on the spot rulings, this is being written to fill all those needs. These rule are not set in stone, and may be changed for reasons of fairness, or confusion, by a committee of the league.

Basic Rules of Ironman Croquet

1. The Course is comprised of a set of wickets (also called holes, rings) and two stakes, set up in certain positions on the playing field which are decided by the games hosts. Players begin at the starting stake. The object of the game is to hit your ball though all the wickets, in order, and each in the right direction, then hit your ball up against the end stake to finish.

2. At the start of the game, each person gets a different colored croquet ball and a mallet. Players take turns (wood croquet balls go first and then plastic croquet balls) in the order of play shown on the mallets and stakes, starting with Blue (or Orange; see Major rules) A player gets one stroke on their turn, although it is possible to earn bonus shots, or be penalized shots for breaking the rules.

Standard rules of play

1. A tournament can only be held with at least 4 players, and no more than 12. This is to make the games fun, but not bogged down.

2. 9 wickets and an end stick is for standard tournament play, but up to three more wickets can be added in some cases.

The Free shot rule

When hitting any other player's ball, the player can do one of three things; take another shot, hit the other ball out of the way (with foot on top), or tell them to lose their next turn. No player may earn more than one free shot a turn in this fashion, to avoid abuse of this rule (example: "dragging" a players ball to keep shooting forever)

Though the wicket

After a player goes though the wicket in the agreed upon direction, the player is given a free shot. If your opponent knocks you through the wicket, you are considered through but gain no extra shot.

Property Damage ( The Frog Rule)

Any player accidently damaging properly, is given a one stoke penalty. And must sit in the penalty box. Any player intentionally damaging property, or accidental damage that is excessive, is given a three stroke penalty, and may be removed from competition depending on group consensus.

Ball Resting Rule

Ball cannot be rested on the mallet when shooting your shot.

Club Face Rule

If you cannot get your mallet between the ball and an obstacle, you may get a club face between the obstacle and the ball in the direction you are going. This is provided it moves your ball no closer to the hole.

Cheating (Ewok Rule)

If caught cheating in violation of league rules, you get a stroke penalty equal to the number of times you have been caught cheating. If you are in last place, you might be spared.

"Replace your Divots" Rule

Not everything on the course damaged counts as such, otherwise, we'd be penalized every other turn for damaging a blade of grass! Therefor, wickets and most plants are exempt form the property damage rule. However, if you alter the course, enough to interfere with play (i.e. uprooting a wicket), you must replace it as best you can after your shot. If there is any doubt as to whether or not someone has damaged property of value beyond easy repair, it will be decided by a majority vote or the official judge.

Turn Rule (Nathan Cole rule)

A player may ask if it is their turn. If they constantly are asking to go and annoy their fellow players, they may receive a penalty depending on group consensus.

Off-Course Rule (The Alan Manka rule)

If you hit your ball in an area which is deemed off-course by the host, you may move it to the closest position on-course with a one stroke penalty.

The too far behind rule (or Why we hate the Deck Shot rule)

Any player taking more than twelve turns to get though any one wicket (turns spent in penalty box does not count towards limit), is considered automatically though, and place on the other side of that wicket, but gains no extra shot.

Time limit rule (The Steve rule)

Any player taking more than one minute between shots, unless the players have agreed to take a time out, loses their turn. The next player should always be ready to play.

Player Block rule

Players impeding the travel of the ball will be penalized. The offending player loses a stroke while the ball is returned. All players must announce intention to shoot prior to their shot. The yelling of "Frog" is the preferred method of alert.

The Impossible Shot (Mike Cough Rule)

If the ball lands in what the majority of the players consider to be "impossible" to hit from the following occurs:

1. The player must make one attempt to prove it is impossible.

2. The next turn, they may move it to the closest, possible position it can be shot from.

The Money system (for added fun)

At a normal sanctioned tournament the following money system applies:

The money is cumulative throughout the calender year. The winner of the Money List is the "Player of the Year". The points are restarted the next calender year.

The Major's Special Rules

Anyone holding a league must have a few special events, something different than the normal tournament that rewards consistent play over a luck round. Hence the Majors.

A few special rules are used in these events;

1. Three rounds are played, not the usual one. No money is given after any one round, instead all players are awarded points based on total finishes. Take the number of players minus the place they finished. (Example; if 5 people show up, first place gets 4 points for that round, second gets 3 and so forth.) Add up these points, the one most points the winner.

2. At the beginning of the major, a coin is flipped. This is done to decide going order. Usually Blue goes first, Orange last. And this is true if heads shows up, but in the case of tail, the order is reversed, Orange goes first, Blue last. Also If Blue went first in the first round, Orange will go first in the second, then Blue in the third. Reversed if Orange goes first.

3. If a tie occurs, players having the same number of points at end of the three rounds, a 'play-off' occurs. A coin is flipped, the winner can either go first, or chose the shot to be attempted. They start at the other side of the wicket before the chosen shot. Both players take turns attempting to win, all normal rules are followed. Each player gets the same number of turns shooting at the wicket. If player one goes though on their turn, player two gets one more shot to go though. If both players go though on the same turn. The player who went first last time chooses a new wicket and the other goes first.

4. Majors are more important, so all money is doubled from normal tournament values. (see above table)