About
Polocrosse South Australia is a renowned sports club situated in the Naracoorte Lucindale Council, offering an engaging and thrilling sports experience for participants and enthusiasts alike. The club is dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of polocrosse in the region and provides a friendly and inclusive environment for all players.
Polocrosse, a uniquely Australian sport, was initially developed in 1938 by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hirst in Sydney. The game was inspired by an indoor exercise witnessed in England, utilising modified polo sticks with squash racquet heads and a shallow string net in place of traditional mallets.
Combining elements from polo, lacrosse, and netball, polocrosse is played on horseback with each player wielding a cane stick equipped with a loose twisted-thread net to carry the ball, which is made of thick-skinned sponge rubber and measures 100 mm-130 mm in diameter.
The spirit of polocrosse lies in its affordability and accessibility, aiming to provide players with an enjoyable horseback experience. The game follows the rule of 'one horse, one player' and features alternating chukkas, allowing the entire team of six to travel together in a single cattle truck during the early years when petrol was rationed. Trains and single floats were also popular means of transporting horses to carnivals.
In 1939, the first official polocrosse club was formed in Ingleburn, NSW, followed by the formation of Burradoo in 1946, marking the beginning of interclub competitions. Since then, the sport has flourished, with over 250 clubs spread across Australia. Today, polocrosse is played not only in Australia but also in countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, England, Ireland, France, The Netherlands, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, and Argentina.
Polocrosse first made its way to South Australia in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Presently, there are four polocrosse clubs located in the region, offering an exhilarating season running from January to April. These clubs include Oakbank Polocrosse Club, the state's newest club established in 2010 and training at the historic Oakbank racecourse in the Adelaide Hills. Adelaide Polocrosse Club, formed in 1989, is based in Lobethal at the Adelaide Equestrian Centre, boasting three well-maintained playing fields and excellent amenities.
Naracoorte Polocrosse Club, founded in 1952, relocated from the town oval to Hynam amidst the stunning Blue Gums in the state's South East. Lastly, Yorke Peninsula Polocrosse Club, formed in 1951, was the first club in Australia to play under lights, with their grounds located near Minlaton.
The guiding force behind Polocrosse South Australia is the committee, comprised of dedicated volunteers holding various positions. This includes the President, Vice-President, State Chief Umpire, Coaching Director, and four Elected Directors representing each club within the state. The committee works collaboratively to ensure the smooth operation and development of the club and the sport as a whole.
For individuals interested in getting involved in polocrosse or staying up-to-date with the latest news, Polocrosse South Australia offers various communication channels. The club can be contacted at 0428 532 017 or via email at secretary@polocrossesa. Com. Club news, updates, and information can also be found on their website and social media platforms.
Polocrosse South Australia is passionate about providing an exceptional sports experience, fostering camaraderie, and promoting the sport of polocrosse throughout the region. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, Polocrosse South Australia welcomes all to join and embrace the exhilarating and exhilarating world of polocrosse.
