Polocrosse Association of NSW Incorporated eNewsletter

Welcome to the 2022 Polocrosse Season.

Could each Club and Zone please carefully review your members player gradings early in the 2022 season. After 2 years of being effected by Covid a lot can change. Also closely look at any new players to your club, a lot come through as 0.5 points and then stay that way until a grading meeting is held. Please plan for a grading meeting for your club and zone so we can update players throughout the year, once decided please email me your proposed date. If any assistance is required please do not hesitate to ask. Cheers,

Jo McFayden, NSW State Grading Officer – 0428 527 224.

PANSW are holding an auction to help offset the costs of NSW teams attending Ballarat Nationals.

This is in line with a decision for representative polocrosse to be a self-funding/user pays system rather than being drawn from general membership monies. Keep your eye on socials for details on the items and the online auction link.

Included are some fantastic items including but not limited to;

A Foxsports Corporate Box at SCG, for 4 people watching the Panthers v Roosters
Stallion Service fees - from multiple Stallions value over $5000
Horseshoe garden art
Accommodation Package - 1534 on the Murray (Accommodation at Barham)
- 2 x Accommodation Vouchers:- 2 adults x 2 nights (value approx. $190 each)

Each Nationals team is donating an item and we would like all members to share the upcoming social media posts with friends and family far and wide to assist with the success of this initiative.

More details on the Auction link from Auctions Plus to come, there will be online bidding and items up for grabs at the State Training on February 26/27 at Coolah Recreation Grounds.

Kunjin Virus – Horse owners beware

Kunjin virus has been detected in the Hunter Valley as well as other areas where it was previously not present. The virus is transmitted to horses via mosquitoes and can be a serious illness. With the current wetter than normal season, cases are becoming more prevalent.

For more information, the NSW DPI has an informative fact sheet

West-nile-virus-in-australia.pdf

We finally have game balls available

These are approved by the PAA and meet the rules for competition balls. Thanks to Graham Bennett, the new Bennett balls are the only ball currently available that meet the polocrosse rules.
Available in White, Pink, Yellow and priced at $50 AUD each with discounts available on bulk orders.

It is recommended that all clubs conducting tournaments prior to the Nationals purchase these balls as they will be the balls used at the Ballarat Nationals.

They are available on The website https://www.polocrosse.biz/shop/match-day-supplies-c-6/polocrosse-balls-p-6

Over the past few months, the Board have been developing a strategic plan to ensure that polocrosse in NSW thrives and we can continue to enjoy the sport we all love so much.

We have utilised the data from the PAA members survey and also the feedback from the NSW clubs through the PAA toolbox project so our plans are based on knowledge gained from you. We will present the summary of the plan at the AGM and when it is finalised we will be setting up sub-committees with specific tasks and timeframes and we would love your involvement.

As part of the process, facilitated by Andrew Kikeros (Andrew has been doing considerable work for the PAA and other equine groups many years) we have produced an issues paper and a summary of the Strat Plan, to ensure we are on the right track.

These are located on our website via the links below. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Andrew Kikeros on andrew@lifetimewise.com.au

We would really appreciate feedback on the work completed to make sure the final plan delivers growth and improves the quality of your Polocrosse experience.

NSW_Polocrosse_Association_Strategic_Plan_February.docx

NSW Polocrosse Draft Issues Paper.pdf

Congratulations to the following NSW members who have been selected in PAA teams for Ballarat Nationals

Juniors
Maggie Fuller – Burradoo
Hugh Gallagher – Quirindi
Roy Lawler – Merriwa
Harry Ray – Marra Monkeys
Charlie Stuart – Mendooran

Intermediates

Jayde Smith – Quirindi
Mitch French - Jugiong

We wish you the very best of luck on your Nationals journey!

We want to share your events!

PANSW encourages all clubs to share details and photos of their events and any exciting club news so we can promote new initiatives & good things happening in polocrosse for example the Hunter Valley "Summer Series"

Hunter Valley zone has been hosting a “Summer Series” over a 4/6 week period, which has been well supported by both long term & new players.

Glen Innes Show
An exhibition game was held at the Glen Innes show 7pm Friday 11th February. The game was held prime time with teams consisting predominately of Nationals players. It showcased polocrosse to a larger than expected audience.

Players involved include Darcy & Lachie Brennan, Brad Wamsley & Josh Berry, Alec & Matt Grills, Cameron Neville, Joe & Mitch Wamsley, Cody, Josh & Brett Woodward

Please send in your clubs successes so we can share them.

All clubs and members are encouraged to follow NSW Health governement directives in regards to COVID protocols and NSW Community Sport.

In some instances those of you that attend shared facilities will have to abide by that facilities rules and regulations so please familiarise yourself with these prior to attending a location. Clubs if you have rules or regulations please share them on your invites so other members are aware.

The below sites are resources for clubs and members to stay up to date on government regulations, please check on them regulalry.

NSW Health

NSW Sport

Reminder the PANSW AGM will be held Friday 25^th February 2022 at Coolah Recreation Grounds commencing at 12:00 noon.

AGM specific information including calls for nomination for positions have previously been issued and returned. Contact your Zone secretary for more information.

We look forward to welcoming the delegates and having a face to face meeting finally

2022 The Australian Stock Horse Society initiative, for more information contact the ASHS.

Nominate now for the 2022 ASHS Hi-Point Polocrosse Awards

The Australian Stock Horse Society is pleased to launch the ASHS Hi-Point Polocrosse Awards. These awards are open to ALL Competition Eligible, Registered Australian Stock Horses playing polocrosse Nationally and Internationally.

Best Playing ASHS Certificates will be awarded throughout the 2022 Polocrosse Season at Club Carnivals. Points are accumulated by the number of certificates won throughout the year. Certificates will be awarded to Zone Level winners. Rugs and cash prizes will be awarded to State and National level winners.

For more information, please contact the team at ASHS Head Office: 02 6545 1122.

Updated Fixtures List

PANSW have been notified that entry to the Ballarat Nationals 2022 will require proof of Vaccination for both players and spectators. The VPA have provided the current Victorian Government Covid Status requirements as a minimum guideline for the March 2022 Ballarat Polocrosse National competition.

Vic Govt Guidelines - Community Events

The 2022 National Polocrosse Competition falls within the classification of a “Community Event” as per the link above. Under such classification all players and spectators older than 12 years and 2 months will require proof of full vaccination or a valid exemption to enter the event. Covid Marshalls will be onsite facilitating QR check in and checking proof of vaccination. Our advice at this stage is that the definition of "full vaccination" includes your booster shot if it is due.

All players selected in NSW teams will be required to provide proof of full vaccination to PANSW over the coming weeks for submittal to the organising committee.