Playboating Polo Palooza

We look forward to having you all out for a fun, recreational game of polo in whitewater playboats, open to anyone with a cool, calm, collected wet exit. If you have your own playboat, you are welcome to bring it, if not, UAPS has enough to share! This is a recreational tournament - if you are looking for a competitive tournament in dedicated polo boats, EWP is hosting their premier fall tournament on Nov 7-8: https://register.teamsnap.com/form/JwSkUkXSjI2BUFtw4aEPd

We will divide registrants into teams based on experience. If you have never played, you will be on a team with other first-time players, and an experienced coach to help guide you through the game! We also have an  Intro to Polo course starting the day before if you are interested. Each player on the water must wear a helmet with a facemask (you are welcome to use your own helmet as long as it has a facemask). 

Objective: The aim is to score in the net on the other side of the pool! The team with the most goals wins!

RULES (for our fun game!). Don't worry - if you haven't played before we will guide you through the rules during the game!!

• The game begins with a sprint. Both teams line up at their goal lines, and a referee throws the ball into the center of the pitch. The first player from each team races for possession. 

• After a goal is scored, the team that scored the goal must return to their own half as quickly as possible, at which point play can restart

• You can hold the polo ball for up to 5-seconds only (then you must pass, dribble, or shoot)

• A player must not maneuver their kayak with their hands or paddle while the ball is resting on their spray deck (the ball can never be on someone's deck during active play - even just sitting in one spot) 

• Paddles must not be used to contact other players, or be used in any way that endanger other players

• Players must be careful not to T-bone other players

• No illegal tackles. This includes:  tackling someone who does not have ball possession, hacking, paddling within 1m of an opponent's body or hand, or deliberately causing an opponent to capsize. You are not allowed to impede/hold on to a player with your body or kit. You can also not lean on other players. 

• No paddle fouls. See rules for safety and fairness here. 

• No dangerous boat tackles. See rules for safety and fairness here. 

• If you foul another team, they get possession and space to make a pass.

If you are curious, there is a good overview of basic polo rules here:  https://warwickcanoe.uk/polo/rules For those super keen to pursue it beyond UAPS, you can checkout the ICF rulebook here, and EWP's competitive polo program here.