The New South Wales Polo Association, with the support of Philipp Müller, patron of the Standing Rock Polo team, announces the "Standing Rock Fair Play Award."
This award will be presented to the team demonstrating exceptional conduct, sportsmanship, and horsemanship throughout the three autumn high-goal tournaments.
The points-based award will be judged by the umpires and tournament committee for each of the Ellerston, Garangula, and Morton Cup tournaments.
Umpires will evaluate the teams in every game across all three tournaments with the team with the highest average score against games played will be awarded the trophy. (This system accommodates for varying number of games played by teams across the tournaments). The trophy will be presented at the final of the Morton Cup.
A similar Standing Rock Fair Play Award is presented by the HPA through the Victor Ludorum series in England; at Chantilly in France; and by NZPA during the NZ Open.
The award embodies and encourages values of camaraderie and respect between teams and players both on- and off-the-field, as well as a demonstrated dedication to horse welfare.
Teams will be judged based on specific criteria:
- Team displaying the best sportsmanship
Examples:
- shaking hands before and after the game
- respecting the opposition team
- assisting an opposing player who drops his/her mallet
- admitting when ball was out or when it was a goal for the other team etc
2. Best conduct towards umpires
Examples:
- respecting the umpires and their decisions
- no arguing
- respect goal judges
- only the Captain speaking
- thanking the umpires whatever the outcome
- providing suitable umpire pony
- No public criticism of umpires after games
3. Best disciplined on and off the field
Examples:
- no shouting or cursing
- no whipping or other welfare issues
- being on time
- showing a sporting attitude with positive body language
- Good care of ponies including water after the game
- Helpful attitude and action with all officials and other teams
- Showing the core values the award represents
Standing Rock is the polo team of Swiss patron Phillip Müller. The team has been campaigning successfully in the UK and Europe for a number of years
Phillip is playing with Ruki Baillieu, Lachie Gilmore and Nicko Roberts in the autumn high goal series culminating in the NSWPA Morton Cup.
The Standing Rock Fair Play Award will be a perpetual trophy competed for annually.