2010 eligibility of players

EQUIPMENT for PLAYERS

Players are expected to be well turned out and safe for all games.

HATS:   As from 1st January 2010, all participants in ANY SUPA sanctioned event or Championship, must wear a BS Kitemarked helmet.  There are several 3 and 4 point linkage helmets on the market, but the helmet must carry the BS Kitemark to be deemed safe.  Polo Helmets, Riding Hats and Skull Caps will all carry this inside the helmet on the lining. Advice can be given from SUPA if you are unclear.

GOOGLES:  It is recommended that googles are worn by every player. Lensless or specialised googles are available from Polo equipment suppliers.

KNEE PADS:  Knee pads are to be worn in all SUPA sanctioned events and Championships, as per HPA Rule 3,b.

SPURS:  This are not allowed under any circumstances in any SUPA sanctioned match or Championship, and no dispensation will be given. If you areseen wearing spurs, you will be asked to remove them.

RULES: The rules as laid down by the H.P.A. are to be applied, unless SUPA and their officials deem otherwise. The Tournaments and Championships are run by SUPA. The rules may be interperated in a slightly different manner due to the facilities used by the Officials on the day. Changes and interperation will be listed on the notice boards before play if made.

In the Beginner Section only the ball will be thrown in from the centre following every goal.

Any contravention of the rules or entry will be discussed by SUPA. 

SECTIONS OF PLAY

All players will play off the minimum handicap of  "s" or the handicap as given by a registered HPA Club if they are a aid up member.  SUPA matches are played open, although handicaps are used to seed and Section players.  The Outdoor Registered handicap is the one used by SUPA unless the player in question is awarded a seperate Arena Handicap.  For Arena an Outdoor Handicap  plus 1 is taken.  ALL players must be paid up members of SUPA before play.  University Players are then covered with Public and Accident Insurance.

All players must be current full-time students at the University they play for. The Combined Section allows players to play in "made-up" teams.  All other, part-time, Alumni and bonefide full-time staff will play in SAPA Polo.

POLO CROSSE:  Players who play Polo Crosse and are also at a club will play off the handicap given and assessed by that Polo Club. If a player is not a member of an HPA Club, then they will be asssessed by SUPA, through consultation with the coach. Non handicapped players will be registered as "s".

OVERSEAS PLAYERS:  These players will play off their last registered HPA Handicap, or if not registered then the handicap given by their Governing body. It is the Team Captain, Manager, Club Captain or Chairman's responsibility to clarify this with all overseas players and notify SUPA immediately.  The signature on the Official Entry form will confirm they have checked the details of all the players.

BEGINNER: This Section is for players who have just started playing in the academic year.  Coaches will be asked as to the suitability and safety of these players and a Level One Certificate of Polo Riding Competance issued if requested.  This is for "s" or un-regstered players.

NOVICE: This Section is for any player "s" or -2 deemed safe by their coach. Beginners can play in this Section.

LOWER INTERMEDIATE:This Section is for teams comprising of any player up to and including a -1 handicap.

UPPER INTERMEDIATE: This Section is for teams making a maximum of "3" goals in total.

OPEN: This Section is for teams over "3" goals in total.

COMBINED SECTION:  This Section is for any player of any handicap, who is unable to join a team elsewhere due to lack of members, handicap or availability.  SUPA will balance these teams. This Section may be split depending on numbers and handicaps.

INSURANCE:    All players are to be fully paid up before they play. Forms can be downloaded from the website and payment made to our central office.  The coverage is for 1 year from the time you pay. From 1st January this amount will be £50 per annum per person and includes Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance. We are the first Association to award this and details of the policy can be downloaded in the file section.  It is the players responsibility to be registered and proof of payment to any third party will be required to verify this. Again our Administrative staff will assist if any problems arise.