The ninth chukka
FEBRUARY 2015
CONTENTS:
CONTACT US:
Umpire Whistle
pasa@futurenet.co.za
Tournament checklist
Journey with the World Cup team
Paddock Coaching Clinic report
Birthday Wishes
Horses for Sale
UMPIRE’S WHISTLE
BY GAVIN FLOWERS – NATIONAL UMPIRE
Hi all.
Well now that the season is about to start- some tips on getting your horses to tournaments.
Remember- you cannot play this sport without a FIT- well trained horse!!!!!!!!!! And that goes for UMPIRES PONIES
AS WELL.
Equestrian horses which are transported home within a couple of hours of competition, without an opportunity to
drain their airways,
Especially where large amounts of airborne contamination are taken in during competing are prime candidates for
secondary conditions like diarrhoea.
Many horses can become infected with viruses in poorly ventilated vehicles.
Horses must be able to put their head down when travelling, below chest height, to increase the efficiency of lower
airway drainage.
When travelling, there is an accumulation of fluid in the lower airways, as a result of head and neck being held above
chest height for long periods.
Horses also stress when in cramped spaces, high speed and erratic driving, swaying trailers, lack of adequate rest
stops, tying a horse’s head too high and so on.
Travel sickness is common, so check your horse’s temperature( should be 38.4 degrees C), at the slightest sign of being
unwell.
Do not travel any horse over a long distance when it is showing signs of stable virus, with coughing, nasal discharge,
depression,
reduced appetite or elevated temperature.
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Administer a oral electrolyte morning and evening for 2 days before long distance travelling, and at least 2
days after the tournament has finished.
Ensure the horse has access to clean water to maintain blood fluids and hydration.
Make sure the horse has cooled down, been able to put its head down to eat at least for 40 minutes, before
leaving, after your last game.
The trailer/ horse carrier must be well ventilated, with adequate flow of air, but avoid excessive cold air
inhalation.
Carefully tie the horse’s head in the float, so it can comfortably put its head down below chest height during
the trip.
Ensure the trailer coupling and tow bar are the same height, in order to prevent a horse to be being up or
down when standing in the float.
Drive smoothly and at comfortable speeds, stopping for rests every 4- 6 hours- it takes 15 minutes to clear
airways after travelling.
If possible( especially on long trips- 6 hours or more)- try and unload the horse to walk for a while, ensuring
hoof circulation, as well as assisting in air way drainage.
A day off in the paddock to graze and relax, is a great idea as again this drains the lower airways.
Having accessable hay to ‘nibble’ during a journey, assists settling a horse during travel.
The above advice was found in a article by Professor Daria Love and Professor Jennifer Hodgson, during their studies
to ensure well being of horses when travelling.
NOTE- please send any queries to your provincial umpire relating rules and the game- as we will be discussing the
interpretation of the playing rules,
at the provincial umpires meeting on 14th February.
Also look for the thoughts from Wes , in this issue, of his suggestions from the umpire clinic in Australia.
Cheers for now.
Gav.
Just a few points to start off the new season
1. When umpiring a game it is very important that both umpires are on the same page.
Remember if a call is made and the other umpire has a different opinion, it is very important to not let the
players or even spectators dictate what the call should be.
2. For an umpire who wants to better their umpiring, there is no better way than to get a more senior umpire to
watch there game and give them feedback after the game. Work on the 3 point rule: 2 positive 1 negative.
We as umpires want to encourage younger members to want to umpire.
3. Umpires pony : please everyone note that the umpires are not there to school your horses for you! It is up to
the umpires to be able to umpire to the best of their ability for the players. Umpires it is up to you to make the
call of if the horse you are ridding will be able to allow you to umpire to the best of your abilities.
I hope everyone is ready for a fantastic season and will see all of you on the field.
Wesley Flowers
COMPULSORY TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST.
Many provincial umpires, clubs and players have requested a upgraded TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST. This document, is a
working document, and can be added to at any stage, through the provincial umpire and Chief umpire.
The TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST, WILL BE COMPULSORY, and needs to be completed and SIGNED- sent to the PASA
secretary, 4 days before the tournament starts.
SAFETY AND HORSE WELFARE is priority, as every tournament WILL HAVE A SAFETY OFFICER- who is the club/ or
provincial/or chief umpire. This then, is in accordance with the GOVERNMENTS SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING AN EVENT!!!!!
Many provincial umpires/ some executive members and players have made comments, resulting in the compilation of
this checklist.
All positive comments are welcome. Please address this through the correct commutative channels.
Please note, this will be distributed to the club secretaries at the beginning of the 2015
TOURNAMENT CHECKLIST – to be completed prior to any tournament and be sent to PASA to be kept on
record
Please tick the boxes once they are completed.
1.
ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
(a)
A club wishing to hold a tournament, must have enough competent people to:
assist, help, manage, organize a tournament
including dedicated people to look after areas of stables, pens,
and any problems that may come about.
PUBLIC LIABILITY, insurance must be in place prior to tournament.
(b)
The tournament committee, must be competent, have had experience and knowledge of
running a tournament, have good knowledge of the rules, code of conduct and the PASA constitution.
The draw when done must be unbiased, and in the best interest of the sport- all rules must be adhered to.
(c)
(d)
Umpire allocations, must be done by the club/provincial/region/national umpire
(where applicable), as this umpire panel are in contact with each other regularly.
PA SYSTEM must be of good quality, and must be able to be heard on all playing fieldsdedicated announcer competent to sort out any problems with the PA.
(e)
The provincial umpire/club umpire, who is designated for the duty, is also the
SAFETY OFFICER- and must ensure all safety precautions are in place prior to the tournament starting.
This includes players, horses, officials- must have on hand- immediate contact numbers of medics,
vets, security, farrier, Tournament committee contact numbers.
(f)
The required Risk and event management protocols must be adhered to, including advising
all necessary role players concerned, in order to hold an event( ie: SAP etc).
2.
FIELDS.
(a)
Fields must conform to rule 6, for standard size and dimensions.
(b)
Lines must be clearly marked, penalty lines marked with flexible mounted flags, 3m from the sideline.
( c)
A safety buffer zone 5m from the side line and 15 m behind the backline must be adhered to
No spectators or vehicles allowed in this area - only 2 goal judges are allowed by the backline
A fixed barrier that has been in place for a historical time, and is within the safety buffer zone,
must have a risk analysis done prior to that field being used.
(d)
Goal posts (rule 6(b)). 2.5m apart, at least 5m high, must be light enough to be pushed over or break
(A metal standard inside a goal post in order to support it- is deemed a dangerous object and
must not be used.)
(e)
Paramedics(minimum level 5) and other medical assistants, who are suitably qualified,
must be next to the field at all times while games are being played.
(f)
An ambulance, fully equipped to handle any medical condition or injury,
(heart attack, asthma, head, neck, spinal injury, broken arm, leg etc), must be next to the field
at all times while games are being played.
(g)
Field managers for each field- a very important dedicated person, as should any problem
happen this competent person must know how to sort out.
(h)
2 way radios, between field managers, tournament committee are a handy requirement
if available- this gives instant communication to all.
(i)
Vet at the side of the field or on immediate call (within 10 minutes)
(SAEF requirement is at field during play)
(j)
Horse ambulance at each field with dedicated driver, screens to obscure horse from public.
(k)
Sandbags for immediate filling of any holes that may appear.
(l)
Fields must be secured, in that in the event a horse becomes loose, it can be contained in the field area.
3. BEFORE GAMES BEGIN.
(a)
Time keepers table, chairs and umbrella/Gazebo .
(b)
Correct score sheets(PASA recognized with incident report sheets attached), pens, whistles,
bells, timers (with spare timers, whistles ,pens) and extra score sheets at the table.
(c)
Time keepers, scorers must be at the table at least 5 minutes before the game begins.
No under 16 at the table.
(d)
2 goal judges(only) at each set of goals, with identifiable jackets/coats- goal judges should
be part of the games being played, and over 16 years of age.
(e)
2 umpires allocated at that field, should report at least 5 minutes before the game begins,
in different shirts to the teams playing.
Umpires are to ensure as per rule6(e)- field, horses, players, officials- conform to the rules
prior to any game beginning.
(f)
Score board must be large enough to be seen by spectators and manned by competent people/person.
4. STABLING/ HORSES/HORSE CARE/HORSE WELFARE.
(a)
A competent person must be in charge of stabling, water, hay and bedding.
(b)
A horse master who is competent, has had experience, must ensure all horses are safe,
passports are up to date and the welfare of the horse is paramount at all times. This includes ensuring
all contact numbers of vet, farrier, security, Safety officer, tournament committee are at immediate call.
(c)
Stable area must be fenced off and secure at all times in the event of a horse getting loose.
(d)
(e).
Ensure that adequate toilet/shower facilities are available for grooms, close to the stable area.
Loading ramp, large enough to accommodate loading/offloading horses, for the size of tournament being
(f).
Firewood for grooms to be available.
held.
5. CLUBHOUSE/ CAMPING AREA.
(a)
Competent, experienced personnel, assistants must be on duty during the day to ensure
breakfasts, teas, lunches are available at all times. Separate tables and chairs for eating.
(b)
Competent evening staff and assistants, available to serve dinner and refreshmentsBar licence has to be in place- no under 18 to be served alcohol/ work behind the bar.
(c)
Bar to close at midnight in accordance with PASA constitution/ Liquor licence and other regulations.
(d)
Adequate hot water for showering after days games, as well as campers must be available at all times.
(e)
Firewood must be available free ,or for sale for campers, or for fireplaces (if provided).
Name of person responsible for Check: _______________________ _______________
Sign: _____________________
Date: ____________________
Check out the new pasa website at www.polocrosse.co.za, for all news and
upcoming events.
Raffle booklets available from the PASA secretary, for the Bundy filly. This is a fund
raising campaign for the World Cup 2015.
Report – Jean Hackland
SA Polocrosse Team
Camp at Saldanha and Langebaan January 2015
We flew to Cape Town and straight into Helene’s welcoming arms! I am sure Helene has decided
that we need feeding up and made it her mission to help us all gain a few kg’s while we were there.
We made the Steenkamps home in Langebaan our base and travelled through to Saldanha for
polocrosse every day.
Wow! Luke Rauch has been busy. He has grown his little club in Saldanha amazingly and has
managed to get so many young people hooked on a sport that they had never really seen being
played at a high level before. Thank you everyone at Saldanha for the hospitality and the almost
never ending goal judging you had to do!! And of course Lindy and Chris Heinecken for the snoek
braai! The team did some coaching and were blown away by the talent of some of the up and
coming players Guggie has been grooming there. See you at Junior classic! The KZN kids had
better look out!
A very big THANK YOU Saldanha for sponsoring our horse transport and allowing us to play on
your wonderful fields and to Monique - Choice Carriers - for arranging the transport.
Camilla and Charl were horse magicians. They kept enough horses going over the weekend for us
to play 20 chukkas on the first day and another 10 on the second day. The standard of the horses
was very high and I think it is an indication of the quality of horse flesh that is going to be on
display at our World cup. Thank you to the people who kindly lent their horses over the weekend;
Jannie, Charl, Retief, Camilla, Guggie, George, Louwtjie, Monique, Stefan Terblanche and Deon du
Plessis (Stefan and Deon sent their horses although they were unable to come – Thanks so much.)
Thanks to the locals who came out to play against us; Clifford, Louwtjie, George, Camilla, Stef,
Retief and Guggie, They gave us a good run and we managed to have fun at the same time. Thanks
also to our president, Andre Truter, who came and supported us, supplied water and arranged for
his wife, Sheena, to take photos over the weekend, we really appreciate that!!
We had an amazing weekend and having the Saldanha and Unicorn players as part of a lot of our
team activities led to lots of laughs and a good feeling of having put something back into the
sport that all of us in the team have made a huge part of our lives.
And finally a hugely special thanks from Us to Bruce! Thanks for an awesome weekend!
The journey with the World Cup team continues
with Travis and Caley…..
Travis Timm
Favorite color: Red
Favorite song: World’s greatest by R Kelly.
Travel destination overseas: Argentina polo holiday
Best moment in polox: Winning the World Cup in 2011
When I Retire I want to be… famous ..!!!
Favorite TV Show: Cart blanch
One piece of advice you would give young kids that are playing polox: Play
to have fun.
If you could be one animal what would it be? A dog
What team do you look most forward to playing against? Why? Australia , I
feel I can learn a lot from them.
How may rings before answering your phone? Depends on who is phoning .
What was your first car? Nissan np 200
Do you eat stems of broccoli? No
Favorite player/friend from one of the participating countries? Why? . Jason
Web, because I think he is a brilliant horse man.
If you could steal someone’s horse, whose horses would it be? And Why?
Grayham Maclartys fancy steps.
Caley Higgs
Best moment in polox: Playing in the quadrangular
When I Retire I want to be…. Happy with what I have achieved.
Favorite TV Show: Greys anatomy
Travel destination overseas: Italy
One piece of advice you would give young kids that are playing polox: Always enjoy it no
matter what.
If you could be one animal what would it be? Bird
What team do you look most forward to playing against? Why? Australia because they
always put up a good challenge
How may rings before answering your phone? 4
What was your first car? I have never had a car…..!!
Do you eat stems of broccoli? Yes
Favorite player/friend from one of the participating countries? Why? . Lauren Watson
because she rides well and looks after her horses well and she is fun to be around
If you could steal someone’s horse, whose horses would it be? And Why? Celicia Jacobs
horse Dozi- One of the most well schooled horses in the country and knows the game
almost as well as Celicia does.
PADDOCK COACHING CLINIC - Report by Caroline Minnaar
A very successful training camp was held at Paddock during the summer school holidays in
January 2015
A total of 24 youngsters were coached in many facets of polocrosse and general riding skills.
On arrival at Paddock on Wednesday, the kids settled their horses into camps, then a meet and
get to know each other took place. Each child was given an opportunity to introduce
themselves, tell us where they are from and what club they played for. With a bit of
prompting, horse’s names were shared and generally the ice was broken.
Andrew Heynes kindly coached the older kids with Pierre appointed as helper.
The little kids were coached by Caroline Minnaar who was helped by Colin Storey.
On Thursday morning the kids were awakened at 5h30 for a general fitness session. After
warming up properly, doing sits and pushups (no ladies one’s mind you!) The kids were taken
on a little jog! Not only is it important for your horse to be fit but you as a player also needs to
be fit.
After breakfast, Tony and Leigh Higgs joined and they together with Andrew proceeded to
coach the 12 bigger kids. Discipline on the polocrosse field as well as riding techniques were
coached, then chukkas were played in order to implement what was coached. Everyone
prospered under Andrew and Tony s coaching! The kids improved in leaps and bounds! And
they were all having fun at the same time.
On the B field, the little kids were learning and implementing all the skills been coached by
Caroline and Colin. Possession was played and lots of fun was had by all.
After lunch, bareback riding took place and for the adventurous group catches was played.
To cool off and to sooth raw and sore butts and tired bodies, everyone went swimming in the
dam! This activity was voted as the most fun by all.
Reluctant horses and kids were soon enthusiastically launching themselves into the dam and
it was extremely difficult to extract horses and riders from the dam.
Supper was very looked forward to and it didn't take too much persuasion to get all the tired
bodies to bed in the evenings.
A similar programme was followed on Friday. It was very hot and after chukkas, kids and
horses went to swim with the horses again.
On Saturday a gymkhana was held. Traditional events like trotting race, bending, cup and ball,
ball and barrier, gretner green, chatty race and finally the polo pony scurry was
enthusiastically embraced by every rider. Everyone enjoyed the gymkhana tremendously;
even the horses seem to enjoy the different activities.
A great big thank you to Ryan and Lee Pretorius and to the Paddock committee members for
offering their beautiful property and polocrosse setting in order to hold the camp.
Andrew for diligently coaching the bigger kids and Tony for joining in with the coaching on
Thursday.
Sally Bester and her team that kept everyone well hydrated and our tummies full throughout
the camp.
Pierre and Colin, Melanie and Seb, Sam who helped the little players, and all the parents who
sent their children to attend the camp.
A big thank you to the Paddock Polocrosse Cub for sponsoring Sifiso’s fees and meals for the
camp, in support of his development in polocrosse!
Lots of fun was had by all and the children all blossomed under the individual coaching and
attention that they received.
February
1
5
6
11
12
16
20
21
22
24
25
26
28
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Rebecca Coertza
Emma Dick
Justine Holland
Beth Onselen
Jason Biggs
Evette Gemmill
Courtney Odell
Schae Payn
Dean Flowers
Paula Haldane
Angus Dick
Camilla Harris
Elri Van Der Merwe
Gerrit Stevens
Hylton Choice
Shane Mansfield
Ian Lynn
Jake Shaw
Patrick O’Sullivan
HORSES, etc
Ready for the 2015 polocrosse season/world cup
Here your opportunity to buy a top class horse.
Just Joe. 5 years old 15.2h Bay Gelding. Has a Kissing spin.
Breed by Squwak Whaley. Has played A division. Very fast little horse.
Well-schooled. Will suit junior or adult. Has PASA passport.
Vaccines and innoculation up
to date.
R20000.00 not neg.
Vereeniging.
Please communicate via email if interested.
mhkayne@gmail.com
Micky kayne
HOLLEY : 12 year old Bay mare, 15.3hh. This big strong mare has a massive heart and is great as a 1, 2 or 3. She has a
lot of experience, sad sale due to owner giving up riding. Would suite experienced rider. R15 000.00
Contact: Priscilla Dent at tambotitrading@gmail.com
Second-hand Bemer for sale, R20 000. Contact Andrew/Sam Heynes 082 9386710/082 9030698