The actual game of polocrosse is brilliant fun. There are strict rules

which are there for everyone's safety, but they all fall into place as

you go along. The game is for everyone regardless of age, riding

ability. If you are competitive, go for it, if you just want to have fun

& not take it all too seriously then that's great too!

 

What is Polocrosse?

As the name implies, it is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is

played outside, on a field, on horseback. Each rider uses a stick to

which is attached a racquet head with a loose, thread net, in which

the ball is carried. The ball is made of sponge rubber and is

approximately 4" across. The objective is to score goals by

ball betwthrowing the seen your opponent's goal posts.

 

Who can play?

The basic requisite for the successful Polocrosse player is a love

of horses and the ability to ride easily and comfortably. Ball and

riding skills are improved by regular practice and a competitive

edge becomes important in tournament play. Polocrosse is

appealing as a sport for all the family and attracts a wide range of

ability levels. In England the Pony Club has seen the tremendous

potential of the game and there are now a large number of teams

across the country. Club level Polocrosse is generally very sociable

 for riders and non-riders too! If you already have a horse you are

halfway there. All you need in addition are a few safety items such

as bandages and bell boots, and a polocrosse stick and ball for

yourself - you're ready toplay.

 

What about my horse?

Players are allowed only to play one horse, except in the case of

injury. Primary Juniors must play on ponies 14.2hh or under. There

are no other restrictions, you can play on any horse. The better you

become the more important it becomes for the horse to be agile.

Top grade players generally use thoroughbreds or horses crossed

with quarter horses or australian stock horses between 14.2hh and

16hh.

 

How many are on a team?

A team consists of 6 players, divided into two sections of three

who play alternate chukkas of a maximum of 8 minutes each. Six or

eight chukkas compromise a full match. The three players in each

section play the position of a No. 1 "attack", a No. 2 "centre", or a

No. 3 "defence".

 

What does the field look like?

The field is 60 yards (55m) x 160 yards (146.5m), with three

eparate areas. The goal scoring areas, on each end, are 30 yards

long. Only the No.1 of the attacking team and the No. 3 of the

defending team can play in these areas. The middle area is 100

yards long. The line separating the goal scoring and centre areas is

called the penalty line. Goal posts are 8 feet apart. To score, the

ball must be thrown from outside an 11-yard semi-circle in front of

the goal.

 

How is the game played?

Players can pick up the ball from the ground, catch it in their

racquet, and ride with it. They will throw it to other players until the

No.1 possession  hasin the goal scoring area. A player cannot

carry the ball over the penaltybut  line, must bounce it so that they

do not have possession of it while actually crossing the line.

However, it can be thrown to a player over the line. When carrying

the ball, a player must carry it on the stick side, i.e. right-handed

players must carry it on the offside of the horse. They can,

however, pick-up or catch the ball on the non-stick side provided

they immediately bring it back to their stick side.

 

 

How does the game start?

It commences in centre field with the players lining up, one section

beside the other, with the No. 1's in front. This is called a line out.

The umpire then throws the ball, over the player's heads. The game

recommences similarly after a goal has been scored. Whenever an

attempt at goal fails, the No. 3 throws the ball back into play from

behind the penalty line, as directed by the umpire. How do you get

the ball from your opponent? Hitting at an opponent's stick, either to

dislodge the ball or to prevent them from gaining possession of it,

is allowed in an upward direction only. Riding off is allowed, but

crossing, stopping over the ball, or elbowing constitutes fouls.

Sandwiching of one player between two others also constitutes a

foul. Fouls result in a free throw to the offended side.

 

 

What equipment will I need?

Requirements for the rider are a recognised safety helmet and a

racquet. For the horse you will need leg wraps and coronet boots.

To get started you will little more extra equipment than this. Where

can I play? In the UK there are clubs situated all around the

country. If you want to rica and there are many other countries

where polocrosse is played. U.S.A Florida Ireland.,australia, South

Africa.

 

 

 

How often is polocrosse played?

Clubs get together on a regular basis for practice. The season

starts in May and finishes in September. During that time there is

often a tournament-taking place every weekend somewhere in the

UK. The major event of the year is the Club National

Championships and the Inter-Regional Championships.

 Is it expensive to play?

 Polocrosse is relative to many other horse

sports and horses themselves are not often cheap to keep!

Membership of the UKPA is not too expensive the maximum fee is

110 for a family membership, however there are other rates and

discounts. A new racquet and ball will cost around £100, however

most clubs will let you use theirs until you are ready to make an

investment. Most people already have appropriate headgear, leg

wraps, etc.

 Where can I get more information about the sport?

 If you are interested and want to learn more, watch the game or have

a go then please contact your local club for more details, details

are on this web site.