WA v Victoria in Ballarat
The March long weekend saw our Under 21s head on tour to Victoria. They were being hosted this year by Ballarat Polocrosse Club as part of a three game series against Victoria.
The girls arrived Thursday and got setup in the old club rooms before attending the local pubs quiz night. Friday saw the girls having a ride on pool horses and working out how they would step out Saturday morning.
With a final ride under their belts on Saturday morning the girls kitted up for their first game. It was a hard fought game with the girls going down by a few goals.
The second game saw the girls experienced coach Kylie Dowling make some changes to horses and positions. The changes saw the team hit the ground running and got them their first win on the board. Paige Littlefair played out of her skin winning Player of the Match for this game.
Saturday night saw the team challenged to a Hot Shot Challenge at the bar with rackets. The girls put up a brave fight but went down to the Vics.
Sunday was finals day with the girls having forced the third game to be a tie breaker with their Saturday win. The girls went out strong and performed to a high standard. The girls ran out winners of the third game giving them the win over Victoria. Team Captain Tyla Maguire showed her experience and won player of the match.
A huge thank you to Kylie Dowling for coaching the team i am sure the girls learnt lots from you. Thank you to Kim Maguire for managing the team. Thank you to Polocrosse Victoria, The Victorian Team, Ballarat Polocrosse Club and all Horse Loaners without these we wouldn't be able to play.
Thank you to Summer Green for sponsoring the team.
Congratulations to the girls on their win and we look forward to seeing them out there this year. The team: Tyla Maguire - Capel Sophie Grundy - South MidlandsMackenzie Grundy - South MidlandsPaige Littlefair - MurrayAlyssa Ibbs - PerthOlivia Bolingbroke - FoothillsJoslyn Dowling - Foothills
We look forward to hosting Victoria later in the year for a return series.
Foothills Junior Coaching and Challenge Wrap Up
This year we were a little down in the numbers due to only one Thomas, no Lysters and no Garretts however we had a strong 19 kids who participated over the 4 days. The weather was amazing!We had 3 juniors from Capel, 2 intermediates and 4 juniors from Perth, 5 juniors and one Intermediate from Foothills and 4 juniors from South Midlands. (take 2 Capel and add 3 Souths for the Junior Classic)We began Thursday with “Bruce Mc Clarty’ style racquets skills with a very competitive game of Polocrosse netball. Jen Mitchels made us all a yummy lunch and the next challenge was to get all those who couldn’t braid tails to actually do their tails. It was all hands on deck mums and who ever could assist. Needless to say the afternoon session was a little delayed as I’d said no Braids no chukkas. The boys made some great attempts especially Max and Logan. Myself, Mary Day and Scott Gurney rotated the groups through chukkas Thursday afternoon. Followed by another yummy meal prepared by Jen.Friday started with racquet skills again, All groups did Horsemanship and polocrosse skills with either Scotty, Pete Melady or myself and had to learn practice and ride the ASH Polocrosse Pattern, thanks to Jen Melady, Sheree Angel and Sally Smith for judging. The pressure was intense! The afternoon saw Scotty imparting all his wisdom and loads of chukkas. Great fun and heaps of learning on all accountsThe Junior Challenge was also small with only 2 Divison A teams and 2 chukkas of Div B. None the less it was a fierce and entertaining battle every game. 2 matches Sat and straight out final Sunday.The teams were made to try and get a few of the Nationals team combos together so boys with boys and girls with girls for the A division. This made for a very tough competition and the final was goal for gaol until the very last chukka. Runners up were: Colm Galvin, Lachie Miller, Will Sibly, Faith Ryan, Charlize Sibly, Georgia Melady. Winners or Div A: Sophie Miller, Georgia Knapp, Zara Ryan, Daragh Galvin, Patrick Galvin, Max SmithThe Div B was also a very close comp. with the final finishing with a golden goal. Jack Knapp, Emily Miller and Jack Sibly defeated Logan Thomas, Quin Cocking and Charlie Dowling.Big thanks to all the parents who came for the 4 days and helped out, special thanks to Mary Day, Pete Melady and Scotty for coaching, Jen Mitchel for doing all the meals and Brianna McInnis for making everything happen. Also thanks to Bruce and Robyn for being in attendance. We so appreciate you!
Kylie Dowling
Chinchilla Non Playing Umpires
The PA is on the look out for non playing umpires if you think this is something that interests you please email the SEO or State Chief Umpire Trent Cooper seo@polocrossewa.com.au
Carnival Invites 2024
2024 Carnival invites
Venturon Success with Elders and Central Stockcare
2024 Venturion Super and Future Goal Polocrosse - Elders Elite Horse Sale
Held under lights at the Murray Equestrian Centre on Saturday March 23rd the Polocrosse is absolutely a feature event of this huge weekend. 100s of spectators filled the sidelines with 100s more watching the live stream action which is such important exposure and promotion for our wonderful sport. Elders and Central Stockcare once again picked up the reins as the generous Team sponsors with the Players donning some very snazzy shirts which were presented during the day.
This year spectators were treated to some incredibly exciting action with the new addition of the Future Goal (Junior aged players) and they certainly did not disappoint! Most of the game was goal for goal with these awesome kids displaying horsemanship and their amazing flexibility on off side pick ups, intercepts and quick play down the field. Team Central Stockcare ran out the winners by just 2 goals in the end with Zaine O'Brien and Stockcare Jazzman from Team Elders being judged the Champion Horse for the game, so well deserved. We can't wait to see these Junior players continue to grow and develop their game and skills with more opportunities like this in the future.
The Future Goal was a hard act to follow for the senior Players in the Super Goal game but the didn't let the partying crowd down! Stockcare looked to take the lead early with some quick thinking passes and pack won ball but Elders were up for the challenge especially with Bryce Scott seemingly reaching 3 horses wide to make unbelivable pick ups! Unfortunately a wild bushfire did put a quick end to things but Elders had done enough to secure a good win with Bryce Scott and Brookview Exhibit awarded Champion Horse.
The biggest thank you goes out to everyone that makes this event possible especially the sponsors as without them it simply would happen: Venturon, Elders and Stockcare. It is so good to see Polocrosse being shown to other equestrian disciplines and we hope to continue seeing other avenues for these exhibition style games.
Jodi Dunlop
Venturon Elders and Central Stockcare
Concussion Updates
There is growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussion and potential health ramifications for athletes. While short-term symptoms are reversible, a single knock to the head can have serious consequences in later life.
Concussion affects athletes at all levels of sport — from the part-time recreational athlete through to the full-time professional. There were almost 3,100 hospitalisations for concussion caused by sports in 2020–21 in Australia.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its members, we will continue to align its policies with best-practice protocols.
Among our core values we are committed to balancing the pursuit of success with the wellbeing of our members and our horses at all levels of polocrosse.
As such we have revised our concussion policy in line with recent updates to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Concussion in Sport Australia Position Statement.
As part of this update, there is a seven-day extension to the previous 14-day 'return to sport' protocol. This means, following a concussion a player must not return to competition before day 21 post concussion and must have remained symptom free for at least 14 days and have clearance from a healthcare practitioner.
Remember — Polocrosse Australia's policies and procedures are mandatory and are the foundation of keeping our sport, safe and enjoyable for every horse and every rider.
Please encourage your clubs and members to download and familiarise themselves with the current Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport and ensure any instances of concussion are managed in line with the guidelines and Polocrosse Australia incident reporting protocols.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me.
Thanks,
Kate Grills
National Executive Officer
Polocrosse Australia Limited
0455 440 062
PA AGM Results
A successful PA AGM was held in March with Craig Bassett and Pip Crook attending for WA. Callum Hughes was appointed to the vacant position of Susie Rose and Charlie Brooks being reappointed. There is still a vacancy on the PA board yet to be filled. WA has Brian Johnson, current Australian Chief Umpire as their state liason from the PA board. Check out their updated website for more information.
Chinchilla is Live - website, ticketing, merchandise
Chinchilla Website is live for all of your ticketing needs and limited merchandise.
Check them out Australian Polocrosse Nationals - Chinchilla, QLD
2024 Fees Memberships and Calendar
The AGM saw the 2024 Calendar and Fees set along with the Membership Policy
As a result of the new insurance and changing membership categories on offer from the PA, we have produced this policy to advise members of the insurance cover for each category. Membership expires on 31 December each year.
The fees will be reflected in the appendix each year according to the yearly fees set by the PA and PAWA
SENIOR A fully insured membership for both practice and carnivals for currency of 12 month membership.
LIMITED (also known as a 3 carnival membership with unlimited practices)
A fully insured membership for unlimited practices. The member can play at 3 carnivals for the 12 month membership. If you join as 1 carnival and upgrade to limited you will be entitled to two (2) additional carnivals before another upgrade is required 1 CARNIVAL (for new OR existing members 1 carnival with unlimited practices)
A fully insured membership for unlimited practices and 1 weekend at 1 carnival for currency of 12 month membership. If you join as 1 carnival and upgrade to limited you will be entitled to two (2) additional carnivals before another upgrade is required
PRACTICE (FORMERLY TRIAL) Unlimited practice (practices) for new or existing players
INTERMEDIATE
(under 21yo as of the 1st Jan)
Intermediates are under 21 years of age and over 16 years of age, as per the rule book and this membership is fully insured to play and practice at any level of polocrosse, determined by their ability. These players must be entered into the database and gate fees will be as the host carnival determines
JUNIOR (under 16yo as of the 1st Jan)
Juniors are under 16 years of age as per the rule book and this membership is fully insured to play and practice at any level of polocrosse, determined by their ability. These players must be entered into the database and gate fees will be as the host carnival determines
LIMITED JUNIOR (also known as a 3 carnival membership with unlimited practices)
A fully insured membership for unlimited practices for junior members (under 16yo as of the 1st Jan) The member can play at 3 carnivals for the 12 month membership. If you join as 1 carnival and upgrade to limited you will be entitled to two (2) additional carnivals before another upgrade is required
SUB JUNIOR (under 12yo as of the 1st Jan)
Sub Juniors are under 12 years of age as per the rule book and this membership is fully insured to play and practice at any level of polocrosse, determined by their ability. These players must be entered into the database and gate fees will be as the host carnival determines
MINI JUNIOR (under 12yo no competitive games) Mini Juniors are non-competitive riders. They can be any child under 12 years of age who have a limited ability to ride and play the game and can only walk, trot and slow canter. They go onto a field and learn to play by the rules with an umpire and coach and were previously named subbies (with a lunchtime game). These players must be entered into the database and gate fees will be as the host carnival determines. Mini Juniors will be encouraged to become sub juniors/juniors as their ability to ride and read the play develops. They will not be eligible to play the Junior E competition unless they upgrade to the junior or sub junior category. BLUE BANDAGE An entry level modified version of our game for anyone over the age of 12yo. They play in their own modified non-contact competition with a qualified coach and umpire. A fully insured membership for both practice and carnivals for currency of 12 month membership.
SOCIAL FREE Social members by definition in the policy are all registered members, temporary members, coaches, referees, voluntary, workers, committee members of affiliated clubs and parent state associations and committee members of the national association.
Cover is provided whilst you are engaging in ‘Polocrosse Activities’ sanctioned or approved by your Club or State Organisation defined as: practicing; competitions; social functions, meetings and the like; voluntary work undertaken on behalf of the insured; and travelling to and from such activities.
The club fee tier system – The 2024 club fees will be based on the number of financial members in the database (for a club) for the year ending 2020. For any club with 10 or less financial players the fee will be $255, any club with 11 or more financial players the fee will be set at $500.
AGM Results
PAWA Annual Awards 2023 recipients
Coach of the year – Jane Marriott
Umpire of the year – Hailey Moir
Administrator of the year – Tess Mitchell
Thankyou to all the recipients for their hard work in 2023
Office Bearers - Polocrosse WA 2024
President – Craig Bassett
Senior Vice President – Pip Crook
Junior Vice President –Nicole Waddingham
Director of Coaching – Mandy Marriott
State Chief Umpire – Trent Cooper
Executive Officer– Kim Maguire
Publicity – Jenny Skiggs
IDO – Hannah Adams
JDO – Kylie Dowling
Zone delegates
SZ delegates Hannah Adams, Jodi Dunlop
CZ delegates Ben Thomas, Kylie Dowling
MWZ delegates Farrah Gould, Paige Adams
From all of us to all of YOU!
Director of Selectors
I would like to thank all the zone selectors for their time and effort in selecting our WA teams for Chinchilla 2024. To all the selectors that emailed me their teams and rankings during our selection process, thank you. I know the process isn’t perfect but this is what we have. We look forward to reviewing the policy post Chinchilla and welcome all constructive input.
Nicole Waddingham
Director of Selectors PAWA
PAWA News cont....
A Calendar Planning Session is planned for Monday 18th December to ratify the calendar for the Autumn Series and State Trainings - Jan to May. Every club is asked to join this meeting to ratify these dates, an email with meeting details has been shared with all club secretaries.
PAWA News
The end of the year is fast approaching. The State Council has held its last meeting for the year and most clubs and zones are gearing up for their AGM's.
Can ALL clubs that have not already done so, please submit your requested tournament dates for 2024 to be added to the calendar?
The State AGM is scheduled for February 17th, 2024 please put a save the date in your calendars. Paperwork has been shared if you would like a copy please email seo@polocrossewa.com.au
2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals
Congratulations to everyone selected to represent WA at Chinchilla in 2024. 2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals
Communication regarding State training dates, uniforms and fees will be sent out in the new year via a player pack.
We are still on the hunt for Managers, our Coaching positions are almost full!! Please contact Mandy Marriott or complete this form if you are interested in managing a team.
Intermediate Development
What a year for the Intermediates:
- Barastoc @Warwick;
- WA to Vic @Trafalgar;
- Young Guns @Kojonup;
- Vic to WA @South Midlands
And next year even more on the calendar with the addition of a trip to NT!
All would not be possible without the support of their sponsors:
- Rogue Pony
- AB Cleaning
- Dardanup Butchering Company
- Walkaway Tavern
- Yarrulda Stockhorses
- Touchstone Stockhorses
- South Midlands Polocrosse Club
- Equihoof Biomechanix
- Waynne Crook Bridle
- Sandy Patch
- Patstone Farm
2023 Mid West Sports Federation Coach of the Year
The PAWA would like to congratulate Jane Marriott on being awarded the 2023 Mid West Sports Federation Coach of the Year. Jane puts in a huge effort organising and providing coaching for not only the Mid West Zone but the State and is also current World Cup Coach for 2024.
Grants
Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund
Area: Western Australia
Sport: All
Who can apply: Sports Clubs, Community Organisations, Local Governments
Funding: $7,500 – $500,000
What can funding be used for: Infrastructure (eg. Playing surfaces, Clubrooms)
Click this link for more information:
https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/community-sporting-and-recreation-facilities-fund
Regional Organisation Grants
Area: Regional Western Australia
Sport: All
Who can apply: Regional organisations
Funding: Up to $50,000
What can funding be used for: Organisational and Strategic Planning
For more information on the Regional Organisation Grant, click this link:
https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/sport-and-recreation-funding/regional-organisation-grants
PAA News
The PA has a new website!
Check out all the new information Polocrosse Australia Website
The PA AGM will be held the 24th March 2024 in Melbourne - there are two Director Positions opening up and more information regarding the AGM paperwork will come out soon.
The latest news from the PA in case you missed it...
Polocrosse Australia leaves no stone unturned for the 2024 World Cup campaign – Polocrosse Australia
Chinchilla Coach Manager Nominations
2024 Chinchilla Coach and Manager Nomination Form
We are now accepting nominations for 2024 Chinchilla Australian National Championships 24th - 30th June 2024
Some documents will need to be uploaded with this nomination form including;
NOMINATIONS CLOSING DATE 17th NOVEMBER 2023
More information on the roles and requirements can be made available upon request to the SEO. The current Polocrosse WA Selection Policy can be found 2022 Selection Policy Polocrosse WA
Email SEO for more information seo@polocrossewa.com.au