Polocrosse is one of the most fun equestrian sports in Ireland. Polocrosse is often described as ‘hurling on horseback’. As the name suggests it is a combination of Polo and lacrosse. Normally played outdoors with a soft rubber ball and a polocrosse racquet. The racquet is a cane stick with a loose net at the racquet head. The ball is caught, picked up and carried in the racquet, the objective is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponents goal. Polocrosse originated in Australia and is now played internationally. Polocrosse is an easy game to play and understand. People of all ages and abilities can play Polocrosse. There are grades from beginner up to advanced level. If you like horses and team sport, polocrosse is a must.
At Carrickmines we offer a range of lessons for all levels from complete beginners to international level and ages throughout the week, while also holding spring and winter leagues. Five members of the Irish international team who recently competed at the Polocrosse world cup began horse riding and took up polocrosse as complete beginners in Carrickmines Equestrian Centre. The Irish team finished 7th overall.
About the Game.
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.
The pitch is 55m x 146.5m with three seperate areas. Two goal scoring areas at each end where only the attacker and defender can play. The middle area is where everybody plays. The goals are 2.5m wide, and the ball must be thrown from outside a 10m circle to score a goal.
The game begins with both teams lining up in the centre of the pitch side by side. The referee throws the ball over the players heads which starts the game. The same start is used after a goal is scored.
Players can pick up the ball from the ground or catch it in their racquet and then ride with it, or throw it to another play. A player can not carry the ball over the dividing line(Penalty line) on the pitch. The ball must be either bounced or thrown by another player over the line. When carrying the ball, a player must carry the ball on their racquet side(Right handed players carry the racquet in their right hand) and should not cross the ball in the racquet over the centreof the horse unless picking the ball up on the “off side” provided they immediately bring the racquet back to their racquet side.
To get the ball off your opponent you hit their racquet trying to dislodge the ball. Riding players off or pushing them over the game line is also allowed.
Contact us – 01 2955 990