Polocrosse
King of the one horse sport.
Learn more about the history of polocrosse and how the game is played…
WHAT IS POLOCROSSE?
As the name implies, polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played on horseback, on grass during the summer season and in the arena over the winter. Each rider uses a racquet 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 throwing the ball between your opponent’s goal posts.
HOW MANY ARE ON A TEAM?
A team consists of six 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’.
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 has possession in the goal scoring area.
A player cannot carry the ball over the penalty line, but must bounce it so that they do not have possession of it while actually crossing the line. Alternatively, 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 A CHUKKA START?
Each chukka 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.
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 DOES THE PITCH LOOK LIKE?
The field is 60 yards (55m) x 160 yards (146.5m), with three separate 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.
WHO CAN PLAY?
The basic requisite for the successful polocrosse player is a love of horses and the ability to ride. Stick and ball 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 the UK 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!
Polocrosse is played across the world, with the ‘big 8’ nations being Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, the USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Polocrosse is now also thriving in Europe, as well as a number of other countries such as Canada.
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 to play!
WHAT ABOUT THE HORSE?
Unlike polo, for a normal tournament, players are only allowed to play one horse per game, except in the case of injury. For International level a ‘pool’ of horses are used, and some tournaments will be designated as ‘multi-horse’ to help bring out those new to the sport.
Primary Juniors (aged 12 and under) must play on ponies 13.2hh or under, and Open Juniors (aged under 16) must play on ponies over 13.2hh. There are no other restrictions, you can play on any horse. During the UK season you will find thoroughbreds rubbing shoulders with Highlands, or Shetlands playing against sports ponies. There are a number of retrained racehorses now playing polocrosse, and at each tournament there is an award for the one.
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.
WHAT EQUIPMENT IS USED?
The game is played with a soft, thick-skinned sponge rubber ball, which is about 100mm in diameter. Each player is equipped with a racquet (usually about 90cm long), which consists of a cane shaft with a thickened handle, at the end of which is a round head fitted with a loose string net in which the ball is carried.
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