There appear to be just as many sets of croquet ‘rules’ as there are croquet websites! However, after submitting my formal complaint concerning taking a ‘foul’ shot again, this is what I got in reply:

“Faults and Penalties:
There are no penalties for faults, fouls, or strokes out of turn. All balls are replaced, offending strokes are replayed, and play continues in the proper sequence.”

Something I completely forgot was that in doubles a version we used to play allowed either ball of a pair to be played on any one turn. As the rules state:

“In International Rules play it is not required to follow the blue-red-black-yellow sequence. Turns alternate between the two sides, and on your turn you may choose to play either ball.”

Also worthy of note, considering the Decoy/Pliskin tendancy to hold informal committee meetings prior to and during each shot, is this:

“Expeditious play is required at all times. Deliberate time-wasting is absolutely improper.”