2 Goal League Membership

The 2 goal league is structured so that there is a new tournament each weekend. Players are welcome to form their own teams or the Polo Manager can assist in placing you on a team. Players are responsible for paying their pro. The Polo Manager will assist you with getting a pro if you require his help. Pros up to 5 goals may play in the 2 goal. You may play an all amateur team if preferred.

2 Goal League Membership fees are $4,000 ($3,500 if paid before Nov. 1, 2009) or $400 per weekend.

Coaching League Memberships

The coaching league is an instructional vehicle for introducing new players to polo. Its slower speed and regulation play mirrors match format with one important exception: Play is stopped when infractions occur to provide coaching. When an infraction is observed, a whistle is blown, the error is explained and players are coached on what would have been the better play.

The goal of this unique program, led by Vicky Owens and Billy Ramos, is to prepare players for the first level of tournament play. It is an ideal forum for riders who have taken private lessons or polo clinics, those with previous riding experience who want to learn polo, and the novice. Coaching guidance and slower play enables players to quickly learn rules, basic strategies, and apply the skills required to advance to pro-pool. Players generally transition to tournament play quickly, often times in a number of weekends with adequate practice.

Students with varying levels of experience can benefit from this versatile educational tool. They learn the line of the ball, when to use a nearside shot, gain experience in the role of each position, gain proper control of their horse and get accustomed to the flow of a regulation match atop 1000 lb. horses at 30 mph. Coaching league participants learn positioning, legal plays and strategy in context as well as the consequences of high-speed accidents.

Two instructors teach players as many U.S.P.A. safety-based rules as possible during the coaching chukkers. Such guidance is essential to prevent players from being a danger to themselves and others in fast-moving games in which their opponents may not be aware of their inexperience. Teams are placed in proper position for offense vs. defense for knock-ins, penalty shots, line-ups, throw-ins, etc.

Most beginning students have neither the mounts nor the experience to play tournament polo. They typically have purchased their first horse and are becoming familiar with it and the game. Minus one players returning to polo often choose this venue to get back in the saddle and in shape for tournament play. Players at this level are welcomed in the coaching league and contribute by helping t o keep the ball moving for their teammates. The coaching league is the proper format for these players versus a practice game, in which they could impede serious players preparing for four-, eight- and 12- goal tournaments.

Most minus one players may join the coaching league for a weekend or two as a refresher. New students master the basics and advance to the pro-pool or tournament play within the season, but occasionally students may remain in the coaching league all season as they build their confidence and string of horses. Generally, players move to the pro-pool level and on to tournament play with few exceptions.

Membership fees are $3,500 ($3,000 if paid before Nov. 1, 2009) or $30 per chukker.