Teams are forming now, so mark you calendars for December 16th, 2023 11-4pm!
Watch Polocrosse matches in action and learn the game at the Polocrosse Clinic hosted by Sandi Creek Polocrosse.
TICKETS at horsehoundandhunt.com
Polocrosse originated in Australia in the 1930s and has since gained popularity in various countries around the world with World Cup Tournaments held every 4 years. The sport combines elements of polo and lacrosse and instead of using a polo mallet, riders use a racquet similar to lacrosse. Each team consisting of 6 players attempts to move the ball across the field to the goal. The game is played in 8 time periods of 8 minutes each which are called “chukkas.” Three players from each team play at a time and every 8 minutes, three new players from each team take the field to replace the current players. The three players have definitive roles for the team: number 1 is the primary offensive player and scores the goals, number 2 is the swing player and controls the center of the field, and number 3 is the defensive player with the job to defend the goal. In addition to the offensive/defensive rules, there are also rules as to “where” players may play on the field itself.
Unlike polo, only one horse is allowed to play as changing horses during a tournament is not allowed. With the exception of stallions and horses with vision problems, any type of horse can play the game and there are no limits as to size, age, or breed. As well, men, women, and children of all ages and skill levels can participate.
Here’s an overview of how polocrosse is played:
Teams: Each team has six players, divided into three sections: Attack, Midfield (sweeper), and Defense. Players are designated by their positions, and they must stay in their respective sections during play.
Equipment: Players use a racquet, which has a loose, thread netting at the end (similar to a Lacrosse racquet). The netting is used to catch, carry, and throw the ball. The ball used in Polocrosse is similar to a rubber lacrosse ball and is much larger than that used in Polo.
Horses: The game is played on horseback and players must use well-trained horses. Horses are typically agile and responsive, allowing players to maneuver quickly on the field.
Field: The playing field is similar to a polo field, but it is smaller. The dimensions can vary, but a standard field is 60 by 160 yards.
Scoring: Points are scored by shooting the ball through the opposing team’s goal posts. Each goal is worth one point. The team with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
Chukkas: The game is played in chukkas, which are periods of play that last eight minutes each. After each chukka, players change ends to equalize the effects of field conditions.
Rules: Players must abide by specific rules, such as the right of way, which dictates the path a player can take to approach the goal. There are also rules regarding contact between players and the use of the racquet. All the rules of the game are about safety. Since Polocrosse is an umpired game, there is always at least one, or more often two, umpires on the field, and are in complete control of the game play. The primary reason that they are on the field is to ensure the safety of both horse and rider. The umpires’ word is the law in these matters.
Polocrosse is a fast-paced and physically demanding sport that requires teamwork, skillful riding, and accurate ball handling. It combines the strategy of polo with the hand-eye coordination of lacrosse, creating an exciting and dynamic game on horseback.
