Polocrosse

Polocrosse what Is It? 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 cane stick to which is attached a racquet head with a loose net, in which the ball is caught, picked up and 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.

What About My Horse? Players are allowed only one horse per game, except in the case of injury. There is no restriction on their height, although the ideal is around 15.2 hands. Players do compete successfully on 16+ hand horses and horses of many breeds: Arab, Thoroughbred, Paint, Quarter Horse, Heinz 57. Just bring your favorite!

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.

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.

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 throw 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, ie., 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.

Who Can Play? Basically anyone can play. Men and women compete together on the same teams or sometimes play men against men & women against women. There are different levels of play according to riding level and game skills. As in any sport there are those players who are competitive and those who aren’t. While in Australia we saw children as young as 6 competing on their ponies and many players over 65 still playing very competitively.

What Equipment Do You Need? Requirements for the rider are a helmet, boots and racquet. If spurs are worn they cannot have sharp rowels. For the horse you must have a breast collar, a bit with no protrusions, joined reins, leg wraps and bell boots, and a saddle without a horn. (We will allow new players with western saddles to participate in walk-trot games, but are encouraged to use a saddle with no horn.)

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.

We guarantee to make you smile!