As the name suggests, polocrosse is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is an adrenaline filled, close-contact sport, that is addictive to watch and play.
The sport of polocrosse is derived from a riding exercise that was created in a riding school in England. An Australian couple, the Hirsts, saw the exercise while they were visiting London and decided to take some of the equipment back to Australia where they developed it into a sport in the mid-1930s with the help of a friend, Mr. Pitty. The sport grew rapidly in Australia, and has now spread across the globe, with major countries playing being Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ireland, UK, US, and Canada; though other countries are quickly growing the sport.
Polocrosse is a three-a-side sport, with players playing the position of #1, #2, and #3. The #1 is the ‘attack’ player, and is the only player on the team who can score goals. The #2 is the midfieldman, and they aid their team by blocking the other team when their own team is on offense, and by going after the ball when their team is on defense. The #3 is the defensive player. The #3 works to prevent the #1 from scoring goals in the end zone.
The polocrosse field is 160 yards long and 60 yards wide, and is divided into three zones. The midfield is 100 yards long, and all players are allowed to play in the midfield. On either end of the midfield are 30 yard end zones. The scoring #1 and the defending #3 are the only two players allowed to play in the end zones. This allows for an intense one-on-one competition in the end zone. The goal posts are 8 feet apart, and the #1 must throw the ball through the posts from outside an eleven-yard semi-circle.
The rules of the game are relatively simple, with the primary concern being for the safety of horse and rider. The rules are enforced by a pair of umpires who watch for infractions of the rules.
There are many levels of polocrosse competition. There are very slow lower levels, and fast, heart-pounding upper levels. Polocrosse is a great family sport, and there really is a level for everyone!
