Polocrosse Association of New South Wales

PLAYER INDUCTION PROGRAM

So, why are we here?Don’t be hasty when it comes to safety.

The purpose: To ensure that everyone associated with Polocrosse is aware of, and understands, basic aspects of our sport that directly impacts the safety of players and spectators.

The overall goal of induction training is to:1. Reduce the number of accidents2. Reduce the severity of accidents

Objectives:The objective of this presentation is to:

1. Ensure everyone has an appropriate understanding of the risks2. Ensure individuals know how their decisions can impact risk3. Identify the things that can be done to reduce risk4. Provide individuals with the sufficient information so that they can make

informed decisions.5. Promote individuals taking ownership of their decisions and understand

that they are accountable for their actions.

What contributes to risk of injury?

Ability of players• Recognize dangerous

situations/plays

Knowledge of rules •Ability to apply these rules

Use of poor safety equipment•Use of old/damaged helmets

Nature of horses to act in

dangerous ways

Nature of the sport

Attitude of individual and fellow players

Surrounding hazards- other players and spectators, cars,

fences etc.

Umpire’s ability

What contributes to risk?

What factors will reduce the risk?

Human Factors:• Attitude• Knowledge of

the rules and application

• Situational Awareness

• Horsemanship

Protective Equipment• Helmet

• Undamaged• Well fitted

• Faceguard• Leg guards

The Horse:• Temperament• Ability • Fitness Level• Education • Training and

experience

What factors will reduce the risk?

Human Factors:• Attitude• Knowledge of

the rules and application

• Situational Awareness

• Horsemanship

Protective Equipment• Helmet

• Undamaged• Well fitted

• Faceguard• Leg guards

The Horse:• Temperament• Ability • Fitness Level• Education • Training and

experience

Protective Equipment Up to standard, not down to cost

THE HELMET

Helmets should be replaced every 5 years

Protective Equipment Up to standard, not down to cost

Helmets- the unseen damage

Your helmet needs to be destroyed and replaced:

If you have been involved in an incident where you banged or knocked your head, and where you experienced one or more of these symptoms:

(a) Concussion: loss of conscious or memory (b) Headache (immediate or delayed) (c) Feeling dizzy or ‘off balance’

Or if your helmet received a significant impact: (d) Crushes the helmet(e) Visible damage to the helmet

3838 STANDARDSHelmets for horse riding and horse- related activities

What is a standard?oPublished document established by consensus and

approved by a recognised body (in this case standards Australia)

o A standard sets out specifications and procedures for safe use

3838 compliant, what does it mean?o Passes a series of design and conditioning tests, ensuring

the quality of the helmet will be consistent.

Fitting a Helmet CorrectlyAccording to AS/NZ 3838

1. Finding correct size– Should feel snug on your head with no

pressure points, no excess rocking– Front of helmet should sit

approximately one/two finger width above eyebrow.

2. Adjusting chin strap– Should fit snug so that the rider can fit

two fingers underneath the strap

3. Adjusting side straps– Should be angled forward to correctly

position the buckle under the jaw

4. Check your work– When moving head up and down/side

to side the helmet should not move position. NOTE: DO NOT purchase a riding helmet with the intention of the rider ‘growing into

the helmet’; this is potentially very dangerous and defeats the purpose of the helmet.

Rules/standards which need reminding

The Do’s:

Space between yourself and the rider in front (aiming for 5meters)

10m clear area during penalty throws

Safe claims/ride offs- shoulder to shoulder

Be compliant with safety lines

Respect umpires decisions- players and spectators

Wearing player numbers- Not wearing numbers can lead to confusion between players and umpire; increasing risk of collision.

The do not’s:

Do not use your horse as a weapon

Do not abuse or ridicule an umpire

Do not ride over the back of horses

Rules and Standards All umpire allocation requires approval by tournament

umpire If allocated umpire is unavailable, replacement with

equal or greater competency is expected (no probationary umpires are to be used as replacements!)

Where appropriate and possible, probationary umpires be paired with seasoned umpires for developmental opportunities.

Wherever possible two umpires should be provided.

Spectator expectationsNot just on the field

Goal umpires- age (14-years of age and above), 2 MAXIMUM at each goal mouth, white jacket to be worn where available

Safety Lines- respect these lines for own safety

Verbal bashing of players and umpires- never ridicule a player for making a mistake or not winning

Respect umpire decisions

Umpires’ Responsibilities

Ask yourself: are you experienced/competent enough to umpire this

game? Do I need assistance? This is for both your own safety as well as the players.

Place the safety and welfare of the players and other participants above all else.

Have a thorough knowledge of the rule book

Wear the correct umpire attire- white trousers, boots, white helmet, umpires jacket (not wearing this is a safety concern). Be suitably mounted.

Insurance

Key points to note about insurance are:

Polocrosse insurance provides all participants with a basic safety net to fall back on.

Polocrosse insurance does have a number of limitations and all players should read the insurance guide available on the PA NSW website to ensure they know what is covered and what is not and whether or not they also wish to take out private cover. For example, private Ambulance cover is recommended.

We do not have companies queuing up to insure us and the only way to get better cover is to pay a higher insurance premium.

The more accidents we have the more claims we have the more our premium rises.

QUESTIONS

It’s easier to ask a dumb question than it is to fix a dumb mistake.

Safety in our sport is everyone’s responsibility. Be proactive and responsible.