FAQ
How Is the Field Set Up?
The field is 60 yards (55m) x 160 yards (146.5m), with three separate areas. Two goal scoring areas on each end where only the No.1 of the attacking team and the No. 3 of the defending team can play. The middle area is where everyone plays. 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.
Who Can Play?
No. If you are old enough (or young enough) to ride a horse, you can play polocrosse. Polocrosse utilizes a handicaps system so that teams can be more evenly matched. Players abilities are assessed and rated on a scale from 0 to 10, 0 indicates a beginning or novice player, while the player rated at 10 goals denotes the highest handicap possible. The rating is an estimate of a players worth to their team, it is an overall rating of a player’s horsemanship, team play, knowledge of the game, strategy and sportsmanship. In matches played by handicapped players (as opposed to open competition where handicaps are not considered), the handicaps of all three players on a side or all 6 players on a team are added up. If the total handicap of a team is more than the team against which they are playing, the difference is added to the scoreboard. For example, if team blue has a total handicap of 6 goals and team red has a handicap of 4 goals, ‘blue’ would start with a 2 goal advantage.
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 comprise a full match. The three players in each section play the position of #1 attack, #2 center, or #3 defense.
Where Does the Game Start?
It commences in centre field with the players lining up, one team beside the other, with the No. 1’s in front. The umpire throws the ball over the player’s heads. The game recommences similarly after a goal has been scored.
How Do You Get the Ball from One End of the Field to the Other?
Players can pick up the ball from the ground, or catch it in their racquet, and then ride with it, or pass it to other players until the No.1 is in possession of it in the goal scoring area. A player cannot carry the ball over the penalty line, but must bounce it or throw it 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 off-side 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.
What Strategies Can You Use to Get the Ball Away From a Player?
Hitting at an opponent’s stick to dislodge the ball is allowed. Riding off or pushing another player over the field boundaries is another strategy but referees will be watching closely for dangerous plays like crossing the line of the ball, pushing incorrectly or elbowing. Strict rules are enforced to keep the game safe.
What Gear Will I Need?
Helmet: Like most horse sports, you will need an equestrian helmet with a 3 point harness.
Saddle: The most suitable type of saddle is an Australian Stock Saddle, but you can use any saddle as long as it doesn’t have a horn. For safety reasons, all saddles must be equipped with a breast-plate, girth and over girth.
Bridle: Any bridle can be used, but no bits with protrusion are permitted (no shank bits or full cheek pieces) and reins must be joined.
Protective Boots/Bandages and Bell boots: Must be on all 4 legs of the horse.
The Horse
Players are allowed only one horse per game or tournament, except in the case of injury. You can play on any breed of horse, but you will find some more suitable than others especially as you progress in the game and endurance and athleticism become factors. To start out, your most experienced horse will generally do just fine.
Where Do You Play?
The Millarville Club field is located a few miles NW of Millarville on the SE corner of 240 Street and 290 Avenue (west of the café). There is also a field east of the Aldersyde overpass (follow the Lynwood Ranch signs passed thier gate and up the hill to the 2nd right turn) and one in Calgary on 90th ave SE on the west end of Glenmore Park. Want to go further? There are many countries offering international exchanges & opportunities including the US, Australia, South Africa, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Zimbabwe, France. More countries are participating every year.
How Often Do You Play?
We generally get together twice a week, Thursday evenings for practices and Sunday mornings for games. A few tournaments are held throughout the summer and teams travel to the States for additional competition.
Is it Expensive to Participate?
Relative to many other horse sports, no. Our membership fee is $200.00 for the season. A new racquet and ball cost about $130.00. Many people already have helmets, leg wraps, etc. Occasionally we do get you out to help with field maintenance though!
How Can I Learn More About Polocrosse?
We hope we have sparked your interest enough that you will come out to one of our games or practices and give it a try. We’ll start on the ground learning how to pick up and throw the ball, and have a couple of “games” on foot. Then we’ll get your horses used to the racquet and ball before progressing to horseback.
CAN I HAVE A GO BEFORE I JOIN?
All players must be covered by the Polocrosse insurance scheme, and you must join before you can start to practice. We have special TRIAL & CASUAL Memberships (for new members only). Check details with your club but basically this entitles you to take part in some practice or coaching days to get a small sample of what playing the game of Polocrosse is all about before you pay full annual fees.
All clubs charge a “Club membership” fee so you need to contact your local to Club for more information on membership fees (see the Club for details). Polocrosse is a recognized Pony Club sport in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand & South Africa.
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