About the Game
Polocrosse is a team sport that is played all over the world. It is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a field (the pitch), on horseback. Each rider uses a cane 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 four inches across. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between the opposing team's goal posts.
This unique sport originated in Australia in 1939 and is dubbed as the “King of the One Horse Sports.” Polocrosse is governed by the International Polocrosse Council (IPC), is currently played in 18 countries and boasts over 10,000 players worldwide. Anyone who can ride a horse can play polocrosse, which also helps improve riding skills. All ages and abilities are encouraged to play and the Pony Club have recognised polocrosse as a horse sport.
This unique sport originated in Australia in 1939 and is dubbed as the “King of the One Horse Sports.” Polocrosse is governed by the International Polocrosse Council (IPC), is currently played in 18 countries and boasts over 10,000 players worldwide. Anyone who can ride a horse can play polocrosse, which also helps improve riding skills. All ages and abilities are encouraged to play and the Pony Club have recognised polocrosse as a horse sport.
The Team
A team consists of 6 players who are divided into two sections of 3 who play three alternate chukkas of six minutes each. The three players are, 1. Attack, 2. Midfield, 3. Defence.
A Polocrosse Pitch
The Rules
Play commences in the centre-field with opposing teams lining up beside each other. No1's in front No's 2 in the centre and No3's out the back. This is called a line out. The umpire throws the ball in over the players heads. Players either catch the ball in their racquet or turn out and ride onto the ball and pick it up. The object is to keep possession and ensure your No1 gets the ball in the goal scoring area and scores. After a goal had been scored play recommences with a line out and so on until time is called. The line that separates the centre-field from the scoring areas is called the penalty line. The ball must be bounced or passed in but not carried over this line. To score, the ball must be thrown through the goalposts from outside an 11 yard semi-circle in front of the goal.
Click here to view the full IPA rulebook.
Click here to view the full IPA rulebook.