Hope I am replying in a suitable manner (ie. blank page).

 

Ian, you raised the question about what effort was made to get croquet into the Commonwealth Games.

 

Here is what I know:

Croquet can not be part of the Olympics or C/W games because there are not enough nations that play the sport (I think you require 32 for Olympic but are not sure about C/W).

Croquet was meant to be a 'demonstration sport' during the 2006 C/W games.  I am not sure what happened or why it was cancelled.  Perhaps someone else out there knows more than me (I'm sure that's the case but I was meaning on this issue).

 

As for televising the game, I think Greg is right, it is very hard for non players to pick it up quickly.  We also have the option of doing what the golfers do and just flick back and forth between shots, but I don't think this will work in croquet as it is all about the tactics and setting up of breaks, etc. not just one shot to get it through the hoop.  Nevertheless, this may work for golf croquet.  That is, although GC has a lot of tactics involved also, it can be quite entertaining to see the big shots attempted and come off.  To me this is the best chance we have of getting the game onto TV.

 

I also support Greg's challenge of promoting the game to spectators and encourage all to get behind this worthy cause.

 

Cheers, Trev.