Event Summary
2026 AC World Team Championship - Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3 - Nottingham, England
The 2026 Association Croquet World Team Championships - Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3 - will be held at the Nottingham Croquet Club and Ashby-de-la Zouch Croquet Club (if the entry requires) from the 22nd to the 27th of July 2026.
Tier 1, competing for the MacRobertson Shield, will be held at other clubs across England between 24th July and 9th August. For further information see: 2026 AC World Team Championship - the MacRobertson Shield. This is the 101st year since the event was first held, and a Centenary Dinner will be held at the Roehamption Croquet Club on Tuesday 28th July 2026.
Format: Regulations, equipment, hours of play, practice arrangements
The format will be dependent on the number of teams entering. The split of teams into Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3.0 will be determined by the entry and placings in the 2022 Championships.
Rules and Regulations:
Play will be in accordance with the 7th Edition of the WCF Laws of Association Croquet, the Official Rulings and the WCF Event Regulations (version 5.2), the WCF Sports Regulations (version 9.6) and the WCF Refereeing Regulations (version 1.6), or whichever are the latest versions on the Invitation Date. If later versions are subsequently published, application of any relevant amendments will need to be approved by both Members and the host.
Prior Day Practice:
Players wishing to practise before the Event starts will be welcome at Nottingham Croquet Club on Tuesday 21st July.
Opening Ceremony and Player Briefing:
An Opening Ceremony will be held at the Club late afternoon on Tuesday 21st July (times to be advised). This will be followed by a Player briefing by the Tournament Manager and the Tournament Referee - all players are expected to attend if possible.
Hours of play:
Players should be available to start play at 9.30 am each day. There are no floodlights at the club but at this time of year the light will be good enough to play until at least 8.00 pm and can continue until dusk. Daily practice will be available to players from 9.15 am each day on their allocated court.
Balls: Sunshiny balls.
Hoops: Hopewell Hoops - set to WCF Tournament standards
Key Personnel
Chairman of Organising Committee: Catriona Petersen
Tournament Director: Phil Cordingley
Tournament Manager: Peter Death
WCF Event Lead: Rosemary Landrebe
Croquet England Representative: Ian Lines
Useful Information - Socials, catering
Catering and Bar:
The Nottingham Croquet Club has a long-established tradition of providing good quality home cooked lunches with kitchen facilities in the club house and a team of volunteers who cater throughout the season.
Lunches and teas will be provided for players and officials at their own expense at £16 per cover per day. Lunches to be available from 12 noon to 2pm, tea from 4pm.
A pay-as-you-go bar will be available on playing days.
Social Events:
It is expected that a social event will be arranged for the players one evening during the event.
Flags:
The relevant country flags will be flown at the club for the duration of the event.
Travel & Accommodation
Players, or their Member countries, will be responsible for the costs of and arranging travel to and from the club.
Nottingham is served by East Midlands airport, and has easy train connections from London.
Further details on travel and accommodation will be provided in due course.
News Items
Event Playing Regulations
These are being prepared and will be published here when finalised.
Teams
The following teams will compete for each tier
Tier 2.0: to be advised after the Announcement date
Tier 2.1: to be advised after the Announcement date
Tier 3: to be advised after the Announcement date
Key Dates
Main Event Dates | ||
Invitation Date | 25 September 2025 | This is the date that Members will be formally invited to apply to send a team to participate in this event. |
Response Date | 25 November 2025 | This is the date by which Members must formally apply. |
Announcement Date | 9 December 2025 | On or before this date the teams will be notified whether they have been accepted. |
Team Lists Announcement Date | 22 April 2026 | Members to provide the names of the players in their teams. |
Team Entry Fees Due | 22 April 2026 | Members should have paid the team entry fee by this date. |
Player Info Due Date | 22 May 2026 | Players to complete their online Player Information. |
Team Seeding Date | 15 July 2026 | The teams will be seeded based on average grade of the top four players. |
Opening Ceremony | 21 July 2026 | Practice, Player Briefing and Opening Ceremony, before it starts next day. |
Travel Advice
Important Safety Tips for International Travel
Research Your Destination: Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws, and safety guidelines. Be aware of any travel advisories issued for your destination.
Ensure Visa Requirements Are Met: Confirm whether your destination requires a visa and ensure it's obtained before travel. Keep it with your travel documents and make digital copies for backup.
Secure Important Documents: Keep your passport, visa, and other travel documents in a safe place. Make digital copies in case of loss or theft.
Stay Connected: Inform friends or family of your travel itinerary and stay in touch regularly. Keep local emergency contact numbers handy.
Health Precautions: Stay up to date on vaccinations and carry any necessary medications. Pack a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.
Be Vigilant with Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive items, and use lockable bags or hotel safes when possible.
Local Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid isolated places at night.
Travel Insurance: please ensure you have sufficient cover.
Preparation is key to ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trip.