VA/WVA Croquet District Plan – 2003

 

 

The VA/WVA District is a part of Southeast Region of the USCA.  The following offers direction and plans of action for the District in 2003.  A brief rationale is given to explain why we would want to accomplish a goal.  A flexible schedule for the year follows.

 

Vision

 

Produce World-Class players while creating more opportunities for everyone to enjoy croquet in VA/WVA.

 

Mission

 

Improve the participation, enjoyment and quality of croquet in VA/WVA.

 

Goals

 

There are four areas of Goals: Organization, Communication, Quality of Play and Quantity of Play.

 

Organization - Establish a complete organization within the District of VA/WVA by March 31, 2003.

 

Rationale: This would include a President to organize, lead and communicate with USCA and District members; a Vice President to plan and backup the president; a Secretary to keep up with membership and mailings; a Treasurer to administer financial matters: a Tournament Director to manage tournaments; a Webmaster to setup and maintain a website; and with Club Presidents being part of an advisory board.

 

Communications - Improve by creating various means for all to inform and be informed.

 

A. Mailing List.  Compile a complete list of players for contact and interaction by end of February.

 

Rationale: A complete list with names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, club affiliation and the like would save time when contacting players.

 

B. Tri-Annual mailings.  Send newsletters or special announcements at least three times during 2003 either by e-mail or regular mail to let everyone know what is going on and to give them a chance to include their comments and responses to decisions and actions.

 

Rationale: E-mail is easier and faster for people to give comments and ideas plus it saves postage costs.  Regular mail will be sent to those not having e-mail or who specifically request it.

 

C. Website.  Create a website by July 1, 2003 to encourage interactive communication within the district and its members.

 

Rationale: a website can communicate the latest information and activities quickly within the VA/WVA District to include items of related interest for all to see and respond to.

 

D. Community exposure. Create at least one media article/TV report per club in 2003 to generate local interest.

 

Rationale: Make sure all local events and results are submitted to the local media.  This could be centered on National Croquet Day (August 18 or so), an inter-club tournament, or for any other occasion.

 

Quality of play.  Encourage players to improve their handicap by one point during the next year by focusing on playing skills, strategy and rules. 

 

A. Clinics.  Hold a least two clinics during the year, particularly before major tournaments. 

 

Rationale. Encourage learning and fun with experienced players coaching less experienced or lower handicap players.

 

B. Mentoring.  Encourage more experience players to mentor (guide and encourage) newer and lower handicap players with their game.

 

Rationale. Again, encourage fun with tips with demonstrations and practice.

 

C. Referring.  Encourage at least one or more member from each club to become a certified referee.

 

Rationale.  To help club players learn and interpret the correct rules.

 

Quantity of Play - Encourage lots of club playing, support of new players, and tournament play.

 

A. Tournaments.  Hold or participate in three sanctioned tournaments and hold at least four mini-club tournaments in 2003.

 

A1. Hold VA/WVA State Championship (Singles) Tournament June 26-29 at Fulks Run.

 Rationale: Fulks Run is the only location currently available in the district with three courts.  The Turners, Watson’s, and Bob Lanham and Norman Hardee have graciously agreed to allow use of their courts again.

 

A2. Hold VA/WVA Club Teams (Doubles) Tournament in late July, again at Fulks Run.

 

Rationale:  This is pending availability of the courts.  A Club Teams tournament would give players experience in playing with a partner and spur competition between clubs.

 

A3. Participate in the CARVA (Carolina – Virginia) Tournament in Pinehurst, NC.

 

Rationale: The North Carolina District has expressed an interest in reviving this tournament, last held in Virginia about two years ago.  We were the last winners and the trophy currently resides with Daly Craig.  November is a good time because it follows the round of NC tournaments held between August and October.

 

A4. Hold at least four mini-club tournaments between clubs within the district

 

Rationale: Inter-club play would give more players an opportunity to gain additional experience by playing with different players at their level, under relaxed tournament conditions, while building relationships among clubs.

 

B. New Clubs. Start one new club during 2003 and encourage strengthening current clubs with more participation and activity.

 

Rationale: There are currently 11 clubs in the district.  Southeast Virginia (Norfolk – Newport News area) has potential for starting a club.

 

 

2003 Schedule*

 

Jan  -           Mailing lists,  Plan Draft                    

                                             

    

Feb  -          Complete Plan                                                             

 

Mar  -          Newsletter I                                                    

                                                                                               

Apr  -           Start website                                                                                                                                                                               

May -           Clinics  

                                                           

June -           State Tournament  

 

July -            Newsletter II    

 

August -       National Croquet Day  

 

September -  

October -     CARVA Tournament

 

November - 

 

December -                       

 

* Schedule is flexible to accommadate changes.