From Ian McDuie, NSW Polo Association President: Welcome to the 2012 Polo Year

We have an extremely busy calendar this year with more tournaments, our coaching clinics and the introduction of umpire accreditation courses.

The Autumn season is taking on a new look around Easter with a full week of exciting high goal polo. We are pleased to welcome South Africa to NSW to play the Test and Colts Matches at Windsor Polo Club on Saturday 31st March. This will be followed over the next week by The Countess of Dudley Cup tournament in the Hawkesbury Basin with the finals on Easter Sunday April 8th and including a Hall of Fame dinner planned for Wednesday 4th April in Sydney.

The South Africans will also be playing a Test at the Royal Easter Show on the evening of Easter Saturday 7th April. With the handicap limit for the Dudley Cup being raised it will give polo fans several chances to see in action and meet most of Australia’s top players.

In the Spring we will be playing the Morton Cup as the State 4 goal Championships with a view to providing a low goal competition in which many more players can participate for an Association Trophy and leading then to the Hector King and Ladies Tournaments.

I would like to congratulate the 4 NSW based players who represented Australia at the World Cup finals in Argentina. Along with their team mates, both in Malaysia for the play-offs and in the finals, they were the most successful team we have sent to a World Cup outside of Australia and we can be proud of them.

While reminding players that, prior to taking part in either practice chukkas or tournaments, it is essential to register on-line via NSW Polo’s website and Clubsonline, I am pleased to note that, for the first time, included in the affiliation fees, which remain the same as last year, is basic personal accident insurance for all players. You can upgrade the personal accident insurance direct with Affinity Insurance Brokers. Public liability is still included as before.

Please play safely and with courtesy at all times, and with regard for the Rules & discipline at whatever level you participate. The APC Rules of Polo and Policies are available to download any time from the website so there is no excuse for any player not to be familiar with them. This year most players will need to attend umpire training and accreditation to test this knowledge. You should also be aware that under the safety/drug testing policy players may be tested at any time.

So, whether as a player, a spectator or behind the scenes do enjoy your polo and make the most of our new look calendar for 2012.

Ian McDuie
President

NSW Polo Association Contact Details:
Email: nsw@australianpolo.com.au
Tel: (02) 9388 9593 Fax: (02) 9388 9793
Mail: PO Box 957, Bondi Junction, NSW 1355
Website: www.australianpolo.com.au