What is the Honors Croquet League?

The Honors Croquet League is a student group dedicated to the furthering of croquet on campus and the having of a good time generally. All University of Washington students and croquet lovers everywhere are invited to join; skill in croquet is neither required nor expected. We try to cultivate an air of camaraderie, bemused mirth, and ironic affectation through our many endeavors on and off the playing field.

How do I join?

Just show up and play. We provide all the necessary equipment. Our next scheduled game can be found on the front page of our web site. If you want us to e-mail you when a game is coming up, write to us.

I’ve never really played croquet before. Is that OK?

That’s fine. Most of our new members have never played before, and almost no one in the League could be called “good at croquet.” In fact, at about a quarter of our games, the winner is a rookie.

Do I have to be in the University Honors Program to join?

No. The name “Honors Croquet League” sometimes makes non-Honors students think they’re not welcome, but nothing could be further from the truth: if you want to play croquet with us, we want to play croquet with you. We’ve considered changing our name from time to time, but we haven’t done it because (1) it’s a pain to do the paperwork and (2) no one’s come up with a better name.

Do I have to be a student at the University of Washington?

No. Faculty, staff, students from other schools, and the general public are all welcome. In compliance with the Student Activities Office, non-students cannot vote or serve as officers, but we almost never vote on anything, and even then it’s not very exciting.

How often do you meet?

We meet about once a month, usually on a Saturday afternoon. A game typically lasts for an hour or two. We also host an annual All-Campus Croquet Tournament in May, with three rounds and fabulous prizes for the winners.

How many members do you have?

We currently have 75 active members, of whom 5 played in our most recent match.

Does it cost money?

No. We feel that croquet is a basic right, like e-mail, ball-point pens, and poorly-written local newspapers, and anyone who charges for it is oppressing the masses.

Am I invited to play, or just watch?

To play. Croquet is really dull to watch.

Should I bring any special equipment or dress?

Unusual dress of any kind is encouraged. There is a modest tradition of wearing jaunty chapeaux to games, but really, anything ridiculous or unduly formal is acceptable. As are normal clothes. If you have your own mallet, bring it along, but be warned, no one else has their own mallet.

Your stupid FAQ didn’t answer my question.

Write to us. Our e-mail address is croquet@u.washington.edu, and we check it all the time. Or, if you want to meet us in person, visit our office, HUB SB-31. The office is open Mon. 12:00-1:00 and Wed. 11:30-12:30.

 

We hope to see you at our next game.