Lawn Bowling Club discovers the benefits of learning Croquet.
We Are Open!
Dear Members of North Toronto Croquet Club,
After a delay because of the Provincial lockdown, we have finally been given a permit from the City to open the club for activity. Our permit begins immediately.
Until further instructions from Parks and Recreation, we will maintain our Covid protocol from last season which limits the equipment room and washroom to one person at a time, sanitizes equipment after use, and keeps the kitchen and lounge closed for now.
Included in this is a maximum of 4 players on a court. This will be reviewed as the Province adjusts its guidelines.
Our lawn booking system remains in place and all games should be booked through this site. Anyone unfamiliar with how to do this, please consult with John Miles or me.
Entry into the club will be via the lockbox code which is the same as last year. We will inform you if this changes. The keys open the gate and the equipment room. Please ensure the keys are returned to the box as soon as both are opened.
Note : All players must sign a waiver of liability agreement prior to play.
If you signed a waiver last year, this is on file. You do not need to sign a new one. When signing, the player will also affirm on the waiver that he/she will adhere to all safety protocols established by the club to maintain the health and safety of themselves and their fellow players.
If you are new to the club or did not sign one last year you can found the pdf form on the website at the bottom of this NEWS section, and there are copies at the club. You may give this waiver to any executive member present upon your first visit to the club. If none are present, please leave the signed waiver on the desk in the clubhouse.
Fees as shown on our membership page are now due. Please review our membership page carefully if you choose a different membership as there have been changes to the conditions attached to these membership categories, and in some cases, the fee has changed.
It was gratifying that all members paid their dues at the beginning of the season and in full last year, allowing us with careful budgeting to meet our budget requirements. I ask that all members repeat that commitment this season to ensure the financial welfare of our club.
If your address or personal information has changed, please fill out our membership form on the website with the new information and we will make the appropriate changes to our database. We are also looking for an emergency contact if you have not already provided us with that information.
Enjoy another season of the world’s best game.
After a delay because of the Provincial lockdown, we have finally been given a permit from the City to open the club for activity. Our permit begins immediately.
Until further instructions from Parks and Recreation, we will maintain our Covid protocol from last season which limits the equipment room and washroom to one person at a time, sanitizes equipment after use, and keeps the kitchen and lounge closed for now.
Included in this is a maximum of 4 players on a court. This will be reviewed as the Province adjusts its guidelines.
Our lawn booking system remains in place and all games should be booked through this site. Anyone unfamiliar with how to do this, please consult with John Miles or me.
Entry into the club will be via the lockbox code which is the same as last year. We will inform you if this changes. The keys open the gate and the equipment room. Please ensure the keys are returned to the box as soon as both are opened.
Note : All players must sign a waiver of liability agreement prior to play.
If you signed a waiver last year, this is on file. You do not need to sign a new one. When signing, the player will also affirm on the waiver that he/she will adhere to all safety protocols established by the club to maintain the health and safety of themselves and their fellow players.
If you are new to the club or did not sign one last year you can found the pdf form on the website at the bottom of this NEWS section, and there are copies at the club. You may give this waiver to any executive member present upon your first visit to the club. If none are present, please leave the signed waiver on the desk in the clubhouse.
Fees as shown on our membership page are now due. Please review our membership page carefully if you choose a different membership as there have been changes to the conditions attached to these membership categories, and in some cases, the fee has changed.
It was gratifying that all members paid their dues at the beginning of the season and in full last year, allowing us with careful budgeting to meet our budget requirements. I ask that all members repeat that commitment this season to ensure the financial welfare of our club.
If your address or personal information has changed, please fill out our membership form on the website with the new information and we will make the appropriate changes to our database. We are also looking for an emergency contact if you have not already provided us with that information.
Enjoy another season of the world’s best game.
Protocol for croquet play during the Coronavirus pandemic - May 2021
The following is designed as guidance to open the club and for players to remain safe.
Considerations:
1. How to maintain a safe environment at the croquet club, while playing and using club facilities.
2. How to manage the handling of equipment for play in a safe way to avoid virus
infection.
3. How to schedule play to maximize safety for players and minimize personal
interaction.
4. How to use facilities at the club (washrooms, kitchens etc) safely.
Disclaimer: The following guidelines are offered with the understanding that
North Toronto does not possess medical or scientific expertise or knowledge
but is using established advice from Federal, Provincial and local Government
and Public Health Authority guidelines and directives which should be used as
the final authority when developing local club safety protocol.
Introduction
The Safety Protocol is offered to assist in the gradual reopening of facilities.
Further information will be sent to members as government
and public health units remove restrictions on activity and physical distancing.
Safety
To keep players safe, clubs need to:
• Educate members on proper hand washing and hygiene techniques.
• Make available sanitizing gel wipes, soap and disposable paper towels for frequent
and easy cleaning of hands and equipment.
• Ensure hand washing signage is present at all hand washing stations. It is
recommended that players wash their hands frequently rather than wear gloves which
might carry infection.
• Ask players to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, and especially when
using a washroom or inside facility.
• Players need to examine their health, and, if they have any doubts about their health, or possible exposure to the Covid-19 virus, stay away from the club and other members.
• Require players to report any failure to maintain safety standards to a club executive
who can take steps to correct the problem.
Getting to the club and lawns
• Do not to travel to the club with others unless they are fully vaccinated or part of your family bubble. Experts who have observed the nature of infection of this virus note that there is an enhanced risk when time is spent with an infected person in a contained space. Therefore, players should travel to the club on their own, either walking, biking, or driving or with a vaccinated person. The club property should be restricted to members and maintenance staff only.
• All club members need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and avoid traveling to the club if they show any symptoms.
The Clubhouse
• Eliminate the virus on surfaces through the use of soap and water and sanitizing gel and wipes for hands and equipment.
• Minimize the number of persons in the clubhouse at any one time, each person
keeping proper distancing.
• Wash hands carefully after unlocking the facility, opening doors, turning on lights etc.
• Wash hands before and after handling game equipment, door handles, light switches or other surfaces.
• Place signage by all entrances and storage facilities outlining the physical distancing guidelines in place, as well as hand-washing protocols.
• Disinfect all surfaces and materials before and after use.
• Turn off all water fountains. Players should bring their own water.
Facilities: (if permitted to be open by local health authorities)
Kitchen
• Limit use of the kitchen to one person who can prepare refreshments as needed.
• Minimize touching of surfaces. Players should use paper towels to touch handles and light switches.
• Use disposable cups, plates and cutlery to eliminate the need for clean up or sharing.
• After each use, disinfect all surfaces with sterilizing wipes and wash non-disposable cutlery and cups in soapy water.
• Provide sanitizing wipes and gel for members using the kitchen, outside areas,
equipment rooms and in washrooms.
• Where feasible, players should take their own waste home with them.
If the above protocols are not adhered to by members, clubs should close the kitchen area and require all refreshments or food to be brought in by each member.
Washrooms
• Limit the washroom use to one person at a time.
• Post signage to indicate when the washroom is occupied.
• Post a clean-up protocol in each washroom to be followed by every user.
• Upon completion of the cleanup, users must wash hands carefully and use paper
towels to close faucets, turn off lights, and open and close doors.
Court setup and tear down
• Limit equipment setup and tear down to as few persons as possible who will observe proper distancing at all times.
Cleaning equipment
• Between games, clean club mallets, clips, boards and balls, and any other items to be reused, in a designated location where there is easily available soap, water and
disinfectant wipes.
• At the end of play each day, wash or disinfect all equipment including wickets, string storage wheels and hammers then store in a designated location which will contain only equipment which has been cleaned. Only clean equipment should be stored and used for play.
Scheduling of Games
To ensure that players don’t congregate at the club in numbers that threaten their
health, clubs should:
• Limit players to four people per game, with only two players on the lawn at a time.
• Maintain a two meter distance between players at all times.
• Limit touching of equipment during play to player’s own mallet, clips and ball. Players are encouraged to use their feet and mallets to lift balls from gutters or position them for play.
• It is recommended that no tournaments or competitions that involve more than 4
persons per lawn take place until health restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.
General Rules for players
• Book a game, date, and time in advance with the club. Do not just show up and expect to play.
• Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled time, and leave promptly when you are finished.
• Practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two meters (6 feet) away from each other at all times.
• Use your own mallet where possible. If you do not own your own mallet, you must
follow the posted safety protocols for using club mallets.
• Do not share equipment.
• Do not shake hands or touch other people.
• Do not bring visitors or other non-players with you to the club.
• Do not loiter in the parking lot or at the club before or after you have finished playing.
• Bring your own water and refreshments.
• Take home your own waste material where possible.
• If you are feeling unwell, regardless of the symptoms, stay home.
End of Protocol
Considerations:
1. How to maintain a safe environment at the croquet club, while playing and using club facilities.
2. How to manage the handling of equipment for play in a safe way to avoid virus
infection.
3. How to schedule play to maximize safety for players and minimize personal
interaction.
4. How to use facilities at the club (washrooms, kitchens etc) safely.
Disclaimer: The following guidelines are offered with the understanding that
North Toronto does not possess medical or scientific expertise or knowledge
but is using established advice from Federal, Provincial and local Government
and Public Health Authority guidelines and directives which should be used as
the final authority when developing local club safety protocol.
Introduction
The Safety Protocol is offered to assist in the gradual reopening of facilities.
Further information will be sent to members as government
and public health units remove restrictions on activity and physical distancing.
Safety
To keep players safe, clubs need to:
• Educate members on proper hand washing and hygiene techniques.
• Make available sanitizing gel wipes, soap and disposable paper towels for frequent
and easy cleaning of hands and equipment.
• Ensure hand washing signage is present at all hand washing stations. It is
recommended that players wash their hands frequently rather than wear gloves which
might carry infection.
• Ask players to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, and especially when
using a washroom or inside facility.
• Players need to examine their health, and, if they have any doubts about their health, or possible exposure to the Covid-19 virus, stay away from the club and other members.
• Require players to report any failure to maintain safety standards to a club executive
who can take steps to correct the problem.
Getting to the club and lawns
• Do not to travel to the club with others unless they are fully vaccinated or part of your family bubble. Experts who have observed the nature of infection of this virus note that there is an enhanced risk when time is spent with an infected person in a contained space. Therefore, players should travel to the club on their own, either walking, biking, or driving or with a vaccinated person. The club property should be restricted to members and maintenance staff only.
• All club members need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and avoid traveling to the club if they show any symptoms.
The Clubhouse
• Eliminate the virus on surfaces through the use of soap and water and sanitizing gel and wipes for hands and equipment.
• Minimize the number of persons in the clubhouse at any one time, each person
keeping proper distancing.
• Wash hands carefully after unlocking the facility, opening doors, turning on lights etc.
• Wash hands before and after handling game equipment, door handles, light switches or other surfaces.
• Place signage by all entrances and storage facilities outlining the physical distancing guidelines in place, as well as hand-washing protocols.
• Disinfect all surfaces and materials before and after use.
• Turn off all water fountains. Players should bring their own water.
Facilities: (if permitted to be open by local health authorities)
Kitchen
• Limit use of the kitchen to one person who can prepare refreshments as needed.
• Minimize touching of surfaces. Players should use paper towels to touch handles and light switches.
• Use disposable cups, plates and cutlery to eliminate the need for clean up or sharing.
• After each use, disinfect all surfaces with sterilizing wipes and wash non-disposable cutlery and cups in soapy water.
• Provide sanitizing wipes and gel for members using the kitchen, outside areas,
equipment rooms and in washrooms.
• Where feasible, players should take their own waste home with them.
If the above protocols are not adhered to by members, clubs should close the kitchen area and require all refreshments or food to be brought in by each member.
Washrooms
• Limit the washroom use to one person at a time.
• Post signage to indicate when the washroom is occupied.
• Post a clean-up protocol in each washroom to be followed by every user.
• Upon completion of the cleanup, users must wash hands carefully and use paper
towels to close faucets, turn off lights, and open and close doors.
Court setup and tear down
• Limit equipment setup and tear down to as few persons as possible who will observe proper distancing at all times.
Cleaning equipment
• Between games, clean club mallets, clips, boards and balls, and any other items to be reused, in a designated location where there is easily available soap, water and
disinfectant wipes.
• At the end of play each day, wash or disinfect all equipment including wickets, string storage wheels and hammers then store in a designated location which will contain only equipment which has been cleaned. Only clean equipment should be stored and used for play.
Scheduling of Games
To ensure that players don’t congregate at the club in numbers that threaten their
health, clubs should:
• Limit players to four people per game, with only two players on the lawn at a time.
• Maintain a two meter distance between players at all times.
• Limit touching of equipment during play to player’s own mallet, clips and ball. Players are encouraged to use their feet and mallets to lift balls from gutters or position them for play.
• It is recommended that no tournaments or competitions that involve more than 4
persons per lawn take place until health restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.
General Rules for players
• Book a game, date, and time in advance with the club. Do not just show up and expect to play.
• Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled time, and leave promptly when you are finished.
• Practice physical distancing by staying a minimum of two meters (6 feet) away from each other at all times.
• Use your own mallet where possible. If you do not own your own mallet, you must
follow the posted safety protocols for using club mallets.
• Do not share equipment.
• Do not shake hands or touch other people.
• Do not bring visitors or other non-players with you to the club.
• Do not loiter in the parking lot or at the club before or after you have finished playing.
• Bring your own water and refreshments.
• Take home your own waste material where possible.
• If you are feeling unwell, regardless of the symptoms, stay home.
End of Protocol
The Paul Kropp Memorial Tricky Wicket 2019
The rain, heavy at times, was the big player at this year’s Paul Kropp Memorial Tricky Wicket, held August 17th at the North Toronto Croquet Club. But it won no awards from the 16 hearty souls who braved the wet lawns to set themselves against the Tricky Wicket. It’s a big red teeter-totter of a wicket consisting of a rocking drain pipe. It demands a perfect entry to take the croquet ball up, over and through. This on-court trip-up has sunk many a four ball break in the past. It continued to do its worst to this year’s hapless victims, as if the rain was not enough of a handicap!
Retreating to the dry warmth of the clubhouse at noon, players enjoyed a hearty lunch of pork tenderloin, rotisserie chicken, and pasta, quinoa and green salads. Watermelon and cookies filled any space left. A satisfying break from the wet lawns.
The second-half of play beckoned and with a break in the rain, out went the players to carry on their struggle against the dreaded Tricky Wicket!
A ring of the bell stopped everything in its tracks... no last ball chance to save the day. Time to tote up the scores.
Patrick Little was recognized with the Paul Kropp prize for his qualities of good cheer, sportsmanship and dedication to Croquet.
The Johns were the Tricky Wicket winners .... John Richardson won the day on head to head calculation, with John Miles coming a close second. John R. admitted earlier to being rusty but quickly returned to winning form. This was John M.’s first US tournament and in addition to choosing good partners, which is always the recipe for success in doubles, he played consistently well.
Another novice picked up third spot and her prize to remember the day. A golf croquet player of several years, Catherine Driscoll ventured into the sometimes intimidating realm of US rules, assisted this time with a special Tricky Wicket concession that eliminated carry-over deadness for novice players. This adjustment to the rules boosts active play, and lets new players approach the game with less fear and trepidation. Everyone, in a quick poll, agreed that this was a valuable change, encouraging new participates in tournament play.
The sun broke through clouds towards the end of the day, a bright conclusion to a day enjoyed by all.
Retreating to the dry warmth of the clubhouse at noon, players enjoyed a hearty lunch of pork tenderloin, rotisserie chicken, and pasta, quinoa and green salads. Watermelon and cookies filled any space left. A satisfying break from the wet lawns.
The second-half of play beckoned and with a break in the rain, out went the players to carry on their struggle against the dreaded Tricky Wicket!
A ring of the bell stopped everything in its tracks... no last ball chance to save the day. Time to tote up the scores.
Patrick Little was recognized with the Paul Kropp prize for his qualities of good cheer, sportsmanship and dedication to Croquet.
The Johns were the Tricky Wicket winners .... John Richardson won the day on head to head calculation, with John Miles coming a close second. John R. admitted earlier to being rusty but quickly returned to winning form. This was John M.’s first US tournament and in addition to choosing good partners, which is always the recipe for success in doubles, he played consistently well.
Another novice picked up third spot and her prize to remember the day. A golf croquet player of several years, Catherine Driscoll ventured into the sometimes intimidating realm of US rules, assisted this time with a special Tricky Wicket concession that eliminated carry-over deadness for novice players. This adjustment to the rules boosts active play, and lets new players approach the game with less fear and trepidation. Everyone, in a quick poll, agreed that this was a valuable change, encouraging new participates in tournament play.
The sun broke through clouds towards the end of the day, a bright conclusion to a day enjoyed by all.
