The USCA has issued the following letter from Sara Low announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Croquet Week events due to the coronavirus:
Over the last few days we have received several inquiries as to the USCA’s response to COVID-19, and particularly now as this virus has been identified in Florida. The safety of USCA members, event participants and staff is and remains our highest priority. The USCA office and Management Committee are closely monitoring the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and local health agency websites and bulletins for updates and guidance.
We have made the unprecedented decision to cancel the 2020 Croquet Week (March 14-22) due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the players, staff and attendees at the events. The cancellation includes all USCA Croquet Week-associated activities at the National Croquet Center and in the local environs: Tournament Play School, Golf Croquet Tournament, Club Teams Tournament, USCA Planning Meeting, Annual General Meeting, and Annual Awards Dinner.
Palm Beach County has not declared a public health emergency for the area and the NCC remains a safe haven, but we are canceling the Tournament School and Croquet Week because of those factors that are beyond our control. The USCA is responsible for our members and staff. We do not want to be further responsible for potential health and safety hazards by encouraging participation that gathers people together in a titled event of the USCA.
It is our hope that the school and tournaments will be rescheduled at another time, but for now they are cancelled. The USCA will refund the school tuition fee and tournament playing fees in full.
We encourage you to play croquet locally, if you are able at this time of year. During this unsettling time, we cannot imagine a better place to be than outdoors in a beautiful and peaceful setting while playing the sport we love. We hope you feel the same.
Sincerely,
Sara Low
President
United States Croquet Association