GAME EXPLANATION

Today polocrosse in Australia has over 6,000 players nationally, and is played in 8 countries. It is a combination of polo, lacrosse and netball. It is played on horseback, each rider using a cane stick, made up of a polo-stick shaft to which is attached a squash racquet type head with a loose twisted-thread net in which the ball is carried. The ball is made of thick-skinned sponge rubber and is 100mm-130mm in diameter. Each player is permitted only one horse in a tournament.

The playing field is 146.5 m long and 55m wide, with goal posts at each end.
Polocrosse is unique in its involvement of the whole family. The players ages range from as young as 6 years, and there are many players who are in their 60’s – so it is not uncommon to have children, parents and grandparents playing, and to have brothers, sisters, Mums and Dads all in the one team! In this way polocrosse becomes a shared passion of the whole family, and is a valued pursuit in binding families together and conveying shared values.

A team consists of six players, divided into two sections of three. (three players are on the field, while three rest).
On the field, No. 1 plays attack (scorer), No. 2 centre and No. 3 defence. Each section plays alternative periods of time known as chukkas. Playing time last between 6-8 minutes with each side playing up to 8 chukkas. The game begins with three players from each team lining up two abreast in center field facing the umpire. Play commences when the umpire throws the ball down the center of the line and each team tries to take control. The ball is scooped up and carried down field and ultimately thrown between the opponents goal posts. The opposing team tries to block the ball carrier and/or dislodge the ball from their racket and cause a turn over. To score a goal the ball has to be thrown by the No. 1 player from within the goal scoring area and directed through the posts, which stand 2.5m apart. A goal is worth one point and the total aggregate of goals scored by the two.

Horses are generally up to 15.2 hands. Australian Stock Horses and thoroughbreds are commonly used. The game requires the horse to be able to stop and turn extremely fast, to accelerate quickly, to have stamina and to push and ride-off other horses.
A high priority has always been given to the safety of both horses and players, and this is ensured through a well organised system of umpiring. Umpires are graded on their ability for practical application of the rules of the game.
Polocrosse in Australia has over 6000 players nationally, and is played in 8 countries.