Norbert  Rosing’s striking images of a wild polar  bear coming upon  tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada’s Hudson  Bay .

The  photographer was sure that he was going to  see the end of his dogs when the polar bear  wandered  in.

It’s hard  to believe that this polar bear only needed  to hug  someone!

The Polar  Bear returned every night that week to play  with the dogs.

May  you always have love to share,Health  to spare,And friends that  care

Thanks to Polocrosse-international.orgPolar Bear: I come in peace….

[SinglePic not found]Wednesday 15th July 2009 at 9.30am

Ashfields Polocrosse Club, Great Canfield, Dunmow, Essex UK

1. Registration of Delegates:

PRESENT:

President: Wessel Strauss

Australia: Gill Mathie, Peter Crauford, Stewart Neal

Ireland: Thomas O’Malley, Richard Nolan

New Zealand: Ken Malcolm, Robin Cave, Alistair Cummings (proxy)

South Africa: Patrick O’Sullivan

United Kingdom: Dave Brookes, Penny Webb, Wayne Henning

United States of America: John Jameson, Amy Keith, Kiki Pantaze (proxy)

Zambia: Andrew Daniels

Holland (associate member) Fleur Bartels, Mijndert Heineke

Norway (associate member) Lykke Bech Daugaard, Amund Brede Svendsen

(above – official delegates)

Secretary/Treasurer: Odette Neumann

APOLOGIES: Anthony Barker (Zambia), Louis Swart (SA), Zimbabwe & Canada.

2. A Minutes Silence for the Late Mr Max Walters AM, MBE, ESM

Peter Crauford addressed the meeting and spoke about Max’s lifelong dedication to polocrosse and that he had also been the foundation and long time President of the IPC.

3. Minutes of the 9th Council Meeting held on 30th April 2007

The Minutes were sent to each member country following that meeting (12/6/2007) and again with agenda notice on 15th May 2009.

MOTION: That the Minutes be taken as read and confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

MOVED: K. Malcolm Seconded: P. Crauford CARRIED

MEETING ARRANGEMENTS:

MOTION: That the IPC pay for the morning tea and lunch for the delegates.

MOVED: P. Crauford Seconded: D. Brookes CARRIED

4. Business arising from the Minutes

Nil

5. Reports from National Associations

Brief verbal reports were given by a delegate from each country present.

USA drew attention to the following website: www.horsetv.com

6. Financial Report

A Statement of income and expenditure prepared by the Treasurer.

MOTION: That the Statement of Income and Expenditure covering the period 1st January 2007 to 30th June 2009 prepared by the Treasurer be approved and confirmed as a true record.

MOVED: K. Malcolm Seconded: P. Crauford CARRIED

7. President’s Report

Dear Members

Firstly a word of welcome to all attending. Those attending for the first time I trust that your input will benefit world Polocrosse. Thanks to Dave and his team from the UK for arranging this meeting and also the visit to the 2011 World Cup venue.

As this is my first report I do not have a long tiring report but just a short view.

Since the 2007 World Cup hosted at Warwick in Australia we have seen a huge interest in Polocrosse taking off around the world with the latest interest coming from Dubai where they already have 30 members.

International Polocrosse has been quite active in the last two years as we have seen Australia touring the UK, a Quad series held in Australia attended by SA, NZ and the UK. Congratulations to Australia for once again showing the world why they are the World Champions.

South Africa also participated for the second time on Aussie soil against an Australian U/16 side and for the second time SA beat Australia in that age group.

I do believe that the various countries will report back on all the International events they hosted or attended.

We asked to have a business plan drawn for the IPC and different views were passed on from various countries and I trust that we can put this business plan to action with this meeting and a full five year tour plan can be distributed around the world giving everybody the opportunity to host an International event along the line.

I would however like to congratulate Wayne Parham and his team from Zimbabwe with the great success they had hosting the Zimbabwe Open in 2008. This tournament for the first time in Africa that I can recall was broadcasted 6 times on Mnet Super sport and added great value to the development of Polocrosse. I foresee that this tournament is most likely going to become one of the biggest attractions for Polocrosse in the world.

To all of you always willing to support and share ideas my greatest appreciation and thanks, and for those of you attending the test matches between the UK and SA this weekend thanks for staying and supporting Polocrosse.

Then last but surely not the least : ODETTE : THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND PASSION FOR OUR LOVELY SPORT IT DOES NOT GO BY UNNOTICED.

Wessel Strauss

President

MOTION: That the President’s Report be accepted and approved.

MOVED: G. Mathie Seconded: K. Malcolm CARRIED

8. Report on 2011 World Cup – UK

Polocrosse World Cup 2011 – Information

for competing countries:

Dates – The event will be held from 4 – 18 July 2011 (inclusive).

Location – The event will be held at Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley, HU17 8QG.

Venue details – Bishop Burton College is one of the UK’s finest Land Based Colleges, located near to the historic town of Beverley, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Many areas of historic and tourist interest are nearby, also being very close to the East Coast of the country.

The venue has capacity for a fantastic event, including (all on-site) – ample flat land for at least 6 polocrosse fields, stabling for 200 horses, Veterinary/Horse Welfare/Isolation facilities, accommodation for players and spectators, camping and penning facilities, toilets and showers, hospitality and corporate facilities, catering, bar, media centre, meeting facilities, indoor and outdoor arenas, site security, event ground maintenance capabilities.

Nearest airports – Humberside Airport (approx 25 miles)

Robin Hood Doncaster Airport (approx 45 miles)

Leeds Bradford Airport (approx 60 miles)

East Midlands Airport (approx 100 miles)

Manchester Airport (approx 106 miles)

Stansted Airport (approx 185 miles)

Nearest ferry ports – Hull Ferry Port (approx 12 miles)

Newcastle Ferry Port (approx 112 miles)

Countries that will be invited to send teams to play in the Polocrosse World Cup 2011 –

Australia

Ireland

New Zealand

South Africa

United Kingdom

United States of America

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Countries that will be invited to send teams to play in the European Challenge tournament. These teams, with the exception of Canada, will have to provide own horses.

Belgium

Canada

France

Germany

Holland

Ireland

Norway

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Pony Club will be invited to hold an International Pony Club Challenge Polocrosse Tournament at the Polocrosse World Cup 2011. All the Horses will be provided by the Pony Club.

Entry fees for competing countries –

World Cup teams £2000

European Challenge teams £500

Pony Club Challenge teams £300

Following the IPC meeting in July 2009, competing countries will be sent a formal invitation to the event, with nomination forms. A deposit of 25% of the entry fees will be requested by 1 January 2010, the remainder of which is to be paid by 1 January 2011.

Dave Brookes also added that there has been a promise of 70-80 horses to date and they are continuing to source additional horses. Question from the floor to Ireland whether they could supply horses – Irish delegates advised this was possible but would need to see proposal from the UK.

Wessel wished the UK association all the best for a successful World Cup.

9. Participating countries in 2011 World Cup

Due to Canada withdrawing from competing in 2011 World Cup, it was not required to conduct playoffs for final 3 positions.

10. Role of IPC at World Cup and tournament procedures

There was general discussion on what role the IPC should take. Agreement that host country would have control of the event with IPC being fully briefed at all times on it’s progress.

11. Hosting 2015 World Cup – timeline for bids

Nominations to be called for immediately with bids to be in by 1st April 2011.

12. IPC website (Allen Hicks)

a. magazine

* An on-line Polocrosse Magazine could help pull the world Polocrosse community together.
* Keeping it on line would keep printing and distribution costs to a minimum.
* Could be produced 1 or 2 times per year to start with.
* Content could be gathered from each member country along with a few good paid for articles.
* Cost to assemble and publish would also need to be covered to ensure ongoing quality and consistency.
* Would the IPC be willing to help fund the idea via a per member contribution on an ongoing basis?
* Would the IPC be willing to bankroll the first issue say $1000.00 to get the idea off the ground?

MOTION: That the IPC fund an initial issue at $AU1000.00 with Allen Hicks as publisher. Concept to be reviewed in 12 months.

MOVED: P. Crauford Seconded: P. O’Sullivan CARRIED

b. advertising on website

* Advertisers could help fund the project in return for advertising on the web site.
* Could the World Cup site become part of the IPC site? Complete control of the World Cup content could be handed over to the host UK.
* A consistent web site location for World Cup info would boost the traffic and ratings of the IPC site which should be good for Polocrosse on the web in the long term. Short term it will boost traffic for advertisers on the site.

13. Champion Player Trophy (Bomber Nel from Bombers)

After much discussion it was agreed that a trophy from any sponsor for an international event would have to be supported by the host nation and apply to that event only. Thanks were expressed towards Bomber Nel for his submission but it was felt that sponsors trophies could only occur on an event by event basis.

14. Pocket patch/blazer for IPC delegates

Peter Crauford presented a tie pattern suitable to identify an IPC delegate. Discussion was also held on pocket patches and ladies scarves. Peter undertook to obtain prices for these.

MOTION: That Peter Crauford arrange for manufacture of 50 ties at total cost of $AU1740.00 plus GST.

MOVED: S. Neal Seconded: K. Malcolm CARRIED

15. International Tour Program for next 5 years

All international tours to be posted on IPC website. Countries to contact IPC Secretary with details.

16. Feedback from Umpires Committee and ratification of any possible changes

A meeting with the IPC Co-ordinator of Umpires had been held on 14th July where a number of rules had been revised. Stewart Neal then went through the revised document where a number of other changes were agreed to. The final document will be forwarded to affiliated countries.

MOTION: That adoption of changes made to the International Polocrosse Rules be accepted. The revised rules to take effect from 1st August 2009.

MOVED: S. Neal Seconded K. Malcolm CARRIED

The meeting then considered the document “Playing Rules – World Cup, Quadrangular and 7 or 8 Person Teams”. A few modifications were agreed to.

MOTION: That the document “Playing Rules – World Cup, Quadrangular and 7 or 8 Person Teams” as revised be adopted.

MOVED: K. Malcolm Seconded P. Crauford CARRIED

USA delegates voted against any changes not previously notified to countries.

17. General Business

Application for Associate Membership – United Arab Emirates

A written application from Polocrosse UAE was distributed.

MOTION: That Polocrosse UAE be accepted as an Associate Member of the IPC and a letter of welcome be sent. Further, that the new associate member country not be charged affiliation fees until 2010.

MOVED: G. Mathie Seconded: P. Crauford CARRIED

Ken Malcolm moved a vote of thanks to Wessel Strauss.

Dave Brookes reminded everyone that tonight’s dinner was being held at the Hardings Property and for those delegates attending the tour to the World Cup site they should meet at Ashfields by 7.50 am the following morning.

Thanks to Polocrosse-international.orgTHE 10TH MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL POLOCROSSE COUNCIL

Calgary Polocrosse Club
Polocrosse Calgary currently makes it’s home at Zeus Acres, an 140 acre haven just west of the City of Calgary, still within city limits. Our home field is located within Glenmore city park in south west Calgary near Glenmore Reservoir. Practice is on Wednesday evenings. Call (403) 249-1831 or check the events page on the web site.”

Millarville Polocrosse Club

Millarville Polocrosse Club is a non-profit club, committed to teaching and playing Polocrosse. We have been playing on a field just a couple of minutes north-west of Millarville in Alberta, Canada since 2004. The gorgeous backdrop of the rockies, the friendly atmosphere, and the great game of Polocrosse will ensure that you come back for more. Everyone is invited to join our club, and spectators are always welcome. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about Polocrosse, the club, or upcoming events!
403-931-3610

Foothills Polocrosse Club

Polocrosse is a fast, exciting and action packed horse sport.

A great family sport for all ages that as the name implies, it is a combination of polo and lacrosse. It is played outside, on a soccer sized grass field, on horseback. This sport can be played on any breed of horse although under 16hh is preferable for agility and proximity to the ground for ball pick-ups. Players are allowed only one horse for their game or tournament. Rider’s use a racquet with a head comprised of loose, thread net, from which a soft sponge rubber ball is carried and thrown. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball between your opponent’s goal posts. Polocrosse is a team sport. Teams can be any combination of young or old, men and ladies.
(403) 938-4946

Thanks to Polocrosse-international.orgPolocrosse Canada

Polocrosse is an all Australian sport that combines a unique combination of teamwork, horsemanship and ball skills.Polocrosse is simple to learn, easy to play and most horses and riders enjoy the game enormously.It is no surprise that polocrosse is played in most states across Australia and many countries throughout the world, such as the U.S.A., England, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Holland, Zimbabwe and France.

403 Gravelly Beach Rd GRAVELLY BEACH TAS 7276
03 6394 4631
E sclements@aviemore.com.au
w www.pxtas.org.au

Central Coast Club Polocrosse Club

Home Ground – North Motton, Ulverstone. Training starts in October.
Richard Murrell 0418 142 518
Tammy Collins 0400 928 244
email: central@pxtas.org.au

Northern Polocrosse Club (Tasmania)

Northern Home Ground – 40768 Tasman Hwy, Waverley (Launceston)
Train on the first Saturday of the month August to December.
Matthew Howard 0418 126 809
Steve Clements 0418 728 429

Smithton Polocrosse Club

SmithtonHome Ground – Mella Rd, Smithton
Roxene Kingston 6456 3311
Colin Bloom 0439 565 606

Kentish Polocrosse Club

KentishHome Ground – Gowrie Park, Sheffield
Larry Hardwicke 6496 1345
Jake Tammins 6492 3127

Polocrosse Association of Australia

Welcome to the Official Website of the Polocrosse Association of Australia. Call 1300 363 722 for general inquiries from anywhere in Australia.The Polocrosse Rules and Information on the Game and Rules for Pony Club Polocrosse is available from the PAA, please call 1300 363722.

PO Box 464 YASS NSW 2582
Telephone: 1300 363 722
Fax: 02 6227 1514
Email: poloxaust@bigpond.com

Thanks to Polocrosse-international.orgTasmania Polocrosse Association Inc Australia

Ursprünglich stammt dieser Sport aus Australien, wo er seit Ende der 30er Jahre entwickelt wurde. Inzwischen wird Polocrosse auch international gespielt und setzt sich in immer mehr Ländern als ernstzunehmende Sportart durch.
Polocrosse ist eine Kombination von Polo und Lacrosse, ein Teamsport zu Pferde. Ziel ist es, mit einem polocrosse racquet, an dessem Ende ein Netz befestigt ist, den Spielball aufzunehmen und sich gegenseitig zuzuspielen, um ihn im gegnerischen Tor unterzubringen.
Jedes Team besteht aus 6 Reitern, von denen jeweils 3 gegeneinander spielen. Jeder Reiter darf während eines Wettkampfes nur ein Pferd reiten. Ein Team kann aus weiblichen und männlichen Reitern unterschiedlichen Alters bestehen. Die Zusammensetzung der Teams erfolgt nach unterschiedlichem Niveaus, die die einzelnen Spieler erreicht haben. Es gibt 4 unterschiedliche Schwierigkeitsgerade.
Ein Spiel besteht aus 6 – 8 Spielabschnitten, den chukkas ,die jeweils 8 Minuten dauern. Jeweils nach einem Spielabschnitt werden Teammitglieder und Pferde ausgetauscht. Die jeweils spielenden Teams bestehen aus je einem Angreifer Spieler Nr. 1, einem Feldspieler Spieler Nr. 2 und einem Verteidiger Spieler Nr. 3.
Das Spielfeld (146,5 m lang und 55 m breit ) ist in 3 Abschnitte unterteilt in eine goal scoring area vor jedem Tor und der Centre Area, dem Mittelfeld.
Um ein Tor zu erzielen muss der Spieler Nr. 1 den Ball von der goal scoring area aus direkt durch die Torpfosten am Ende des Spielfeldes werfen.

Thanks to Polocrosse-international.orgWas is Polocrosse?