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Low handicap players, please note

30/3/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
HWCC is hoping to secure the opportunity to join a trial of a new format for low-handicap players.

WCF and CA committee members have been aware for some time that players who have reached a very high standard, in either GC and AC,  sometimes start to feel that the sense of challenge that has motivated them so far may be starting to wane.  A radical proposal was therefore put to a recent meeting of the CA Innovation and Future Technology Committee to address this issue.  

The system is to introduce some randomness into hoop running, in order to recreate the element of challenge that was there for players at the start of their careers.  Hoops for a practice session can be modified to become semi-magnetic (see picture).  A simple smartphone app -- currently only on Android, though an iOS version is envisaged -- generates a signal that turns the magnetic field on or off.  This can be programmed to be at random, or following a series of limited patterns, for practice sessions.  As a modern composite ball that contains sufficient ferrous material approaches the hoop, it will either be attracted, repelled, or treated neutrally if the field is not in operation at that moment.

The CA has given permission, during the trial period, for the hoop magnets to be considered as integral to the hoop itself, and neither an Outside Agency nor an Accessory (Rules 4.1 and 4.2 of GC Rules 6th Edition).  

Psychologist Dr A. Blague will be conducting research into the effects of this system on the players who take part.  She hypothesises that the random 'errors' introduced into practice sessions, will test and further strengthen the mental resilience of top players.  Her research will form part of the CA trial report, due to be produced before the start of the 2023 season.

HWCC is seeking CA approval for us to be a club in the trial.  If we are successful, you can expect to see the modified hoops in action shortly.  Once again, High Wycombe is hoping to be a First.

Chris Webbley

2 Comments
Richard Peperell
2/4/2022 08:53:08 am

Great initiative. Pity Dr A.Blague will be inundated with nervous wrecks....

Reply
Geoff Brook
3/4/2022 09:13:22 am

Could I please have the controller on hand to ensure that my shots went through and the opponents did not run?

Reply



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The Recreation Ground is on the A404.  If approaching from the north, travel 400m south from the Hazlemere double roundabout, slow down at Holy Trinity Church on your left and look for a small road on your right with Croquet Club and Recreation Ground signs. Coming from the south (High Wycombe) direction, we are about a kilometre north of the Royal Grammar School. 
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  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Get Involved
  • About Us
  • About Croquet
  • Academy
  • Member Area
    • GC coaching schedule
    • Members and Roles
    • Book a Lawn
    • Lawn Booking Instructions
    • Membership fees
    • Weekly Schedule and What's On
    • Club Competitions
      • 2025 Summer Competitions
      • Report Summer Result
      • EV Status Summary
      • EV1 Status
      • EV2 Status
      • EV3 Status
      • EV4 Status
      • EV5 Status
      • EV6 Status
    • Inter-Club Fixtures
    • Library
    • Honours Board
    • Constitution and Committee Minutes