1. INTENDING MEMBERS
   may have lessons before making a decision to join the Club. Mallets are available on loan to intending members.
2. MEMBERSHIP
   The Annual Membership fee is due 01 November each year. It may be paid as a lump sum or in instalments. A pro-rata fee is charged to new members in between these dates.
3. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
   Copies of the Constitution and the By-Laws can be found on the Captains’ table and are available for inspection at any time. An important By-Law is that members are expected to be courteous and good-spirited. Through croquet many friendships are made and a cooperative spirit makes for a great club.
4. DRESS
   Club Play Days: Members should wear smart sports attire with suitable protective flat-soled shoes.   Club Representative Games: Members should wear Stephens Club Shirts and suitable protective flat-soled shoes.   Visitors: No special dress code, but must wear suitable protective flat-soled shoes.
5. COACHING
   Coaching is available for beginners and other members through all levels.
6. EQUIPMENT
   Members supply their own mallets which may be stored at the Clubhouse at owners’ risk. All other equipment is supplied by the Club and members are requested to treat it as if it were their own.
7. HANDICAPPING
   Association Croquet: New players start on a handicap of 20 allocated by the Club. This handicap changes to 18 when a player becomes competitive. Handicap changes are recorded on the player’s handicap card that is issued by the CAQ.   Golf Croquet: New players start with a handicap of 16. When entering a tournament the handicap must be 12 or lower. Handicap changes are recorded on the player’s handicap card issued by the CAQ.
8. CLUB COMPETITIONS
   Each year championship and handicap events are usually held for all divisions. Entry is voluntary, but members are urged to participate. The winners and runners-up receive recognition at the end of the year and winners’ names are recorded on the Club honour boards.
9. BRISBANE REGIONAL COMPETITIONS
   Association Croquet Pennants: Each club can nominate a team of 4 players who play doubles and singles on a handicap basis against other clubs. These matches are usually played on Saturday mornings.    Golf Croquet Pennants: Each club can nominate a team of 4 to 6 players who play doubles and singles on a handicap basis against other clubs. These matches are usually played on Sundays. Both Brisbane Regions also hold competitions.
10. CAQ COMPETITIONS
    Various competitions are held each year in all 4 disciplines – Association Croquet, Golf Croquet, Ricochet, Gateball. A calendar of events is produced each year.
11. ACA COMPETITIONS
    Annual Australian Championships in Association Croquet and Golf Croquet are hosted by the six States. A calendar of events is produced each year.
12. SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
    Various social functions are offered during each year. The Stephens Christmas party and annual presentation of Club trophies is usually held in early December.
13. STEPHENS OFFICIAL PLAY TIMES
    Association Croquet: 10.00am Wednesdays and 1.00 pm Saturdays. Players are required to place their name tags on the captain’s table at least 15 minutes before the start of play to enable the Captain to arrange the day’s games.    Golf Croquet: Fridays and Sundays 2.00pm May to August / 3.00pm September to April. On arrival, players are required to place their name tags on the magnetic board to enable the Captain to arrange the day’s games. If you are running a little late, you could phone the Club to advise on 0413 732 986.
14. CLUB FACILITES
    You may use the Club facilities at any time for practice and/or play. (If it is a designated play day for a particular code, the players of that code have priority on use of the courts.) A set of keys is available on payment of a deposit. When leaving, always double check that all doors, windows and the gate are securely locked.
15. LIBRARY
    Books, DVD’s and magazines are available for borrowing. These can be a useful aid to learning the game/s.
16. CLUB UNIFORM
    Shirts, jackets, badges and hat bands are available for sale. If you would like to purchase one, ask the Captain.
17. DUTY ROSTER
    A number of tasks are necessary and all members are required to do their share. The main roster is placed on the kitchen notice board. Please nominate for duties at a time suitable to you. Should you be unable to attend to a task, please arrange for a substitute.
18. FUNDRAISING
    The high cost of maintaining the lawns in top condition makes it necessary to raise funds over and above the Club fees. Sources of fund raising are varied and may include functions, grant applications and the like. Any ideas for a good fund raiser will be welcome and all members are encouraged to participate in all such activities.
19. REGIONS
    The Stephens Club is in the Brisbane South Region which has four other clubs – East Brisbane, Ipswich, Graceville and Wynnum.
20. GAMES
    There are several different games. The main ones are:   Association Croquet – the most tactical game.   Golf Croquet – a simpler game, competitive and lots of fun.   Ricochet – another tactical game.   Gateball – a team game introduced from Japan, using different equipment and more players per game.

Association Croquet and Golf Croquet are the main games played at Stephens with some interest in Ricochet.

Abbreviations used:

CAQ = Croquet Association of Queensland

ACA = Australian Croquet Association