Croquet is probably unique inasmuch as it is up to the players to ask for a referee. A referee is called as an 'expert witness' for situations where there is the possibility of committing a fault or to sort out a situation by applying the Laws.

National bodies accredit people to become referees.  This involves examinations on the Laws and practical tests.  Some national bodies also empower people to become Assistant Referees or Umpires.  This section contains notes on refereeing practice, training to become an referee and points about the laws. Players should become familiar with the 6th Edition Laws of Association Croquet. In the domain of the Croquet Association (CA) the types and duties of referees are set out in the Regulations for Tournaments.

Currently the CA has no online material on refereeing. It is hoped that they will produce a teach yourself course. They do arrange infrequent refereeing courses but these are only advertised in their Annual Fixtures book. In addition to standard referees there are championship and international referees. No information is forthcoming about qualifying for those grades.

Refereeing Practice

Refereeing Problems

Refereeing Reference Material

See 6th Edition Laws Material in the Laws Section, especially the Official Rulings on the Laws of Croquet (ORLC) document and the Rulings.

Miscellany