HANDICAP EVALUATION CRITERIA

from F.I.P. - fippolo1@msn.com
 

Players should be evaluated on Rules, Horsemanship, Hitting Skills, Teamwork, and Strategy.
 

Beginner:   A person who is in the introductory stages of active participation in polo and is a true beginner with little or no experience in polo, has had no previous riding experience at speed, and has no technical understanding of the game. This player could also be a player who is an expert rider but who is just learning to hit the polo ball and learning game strategy. A novice is should not be eligible to play in any sort of games until he is able to ride so that his horse is under control and he is not endangering himself or other players on the field. Once the player is declared to be safe, they would be allowed to play in games under the direct control of the club.
 

-2 Goal:      This Player has a very basic understanding of “game strategy”, and should play, under club guidance, in practice games only. They have the following skills:

     Limited knowledge of the polo rules.

     Beginner or basic riding skills at speed.

     Can execute offside shots some of the time, but not necessarily a good striker of the ball.

     Assist with offensive plays some of the time, can finish some plays, but has a hard time initiating new plays. Possess he ability to execute “hooks” some of the time.

     Minimal position experience. Requires direction in order to be properly positioned for “throw-ins”, “knock-ins”, and “penalties” in accordance with the team plan.

-1 Goal:      This player has limited experience and may take plays away from teammates. They can play under tournament conditions without constant coaching and is able to create a limited number of plays for their teammates.

     Basic understanding of rules of the game.

     Beginner or intermediate riding skills and be capable of playing in a relatively safe manner.

     Execute some of the shots most of the time in a satisfactory manner.

     Assist in offensive plays from the “end-line”, “throw-ins”, “turnovers”, and “passing”.

     Possess the ability to execute legal “ride-offs”, “bumps”, and “hooks” some of the time.

     Minimum understanding of some game strategies and plays.

0 Goal:       This player is an asset to the team. This player produces more positive plays than negative plays. This player can adapt with little coaching to new situations. This player can ride at speed, make plays and hit the majority of the strokes. This player is able to hit the ball more than twice at a fast gallop down the field under pressure.

      Has good understanding of the games rules.

      Intermediate or better riding skills and be capable of playing safely and under control at speed most of the time.

      Execute most of the strokes the majority of the time in a satisfactory manner, and occasionally be able to “turn” and/or “dribble” the ball without fouling. Offensive: Possess the ability to initiate offensive plays from the “throw-ins”, “turnovers”, and “passing”. Defensive: Possesses the ability to execute legal “ride-offs”, “bumps”, “hooks”, and shall be able to turn the play from defense to offense without fouling most of the time.

      Possess a clear understanding of his or her position played.

      Survey the field visually with the intent to pass to the open player, to defend an uncovered offensive player, to assist a teammate in trouble, or to anticipate advantageous positioning.

      Have minimal experience in planning and implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in most effective manner.

1 Goal:         This Player shall have:

   Clear understanding of the game and shall be able to verbally explain and demonstrate the rules of play to others.

   Shall have intermediate or better riding skills and be capable of playing in a safe manner.

   Execute most of the shots, a majority of the time in a satisfactory manner, including the ability to “turn the ball” and “dribble” in a 30-meter circle most of the time.

   Offensive: Player shall possess the ability to initiate offensive plays from the “end-line”, “throw-ins”, “turnovers” and “passing”. Defensive: Player shall possess the ability to execute legal “ride-offs”, “bumps”, and “hooks” and will usually be able to turn the play from defense to offense without incurring a penalty.

   Minimal experience in planning and in the implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in the most effective manner.

2 Goal:         This Player shall have:

   Clear understanding of game rules and shall be able to verbally explain and physically demonstrate the rules of play to others.

   Advanced riding skills and capability of playing in a safe manner and under control.

   Ability to execute all shots, at will, in a satisfactory manner, including the ability to “turn the ball” and “dribble” in a 30-meter circle. Offensive: Possess the ability to initiate offensive plays from the “end-line”, “throw-ins”, “turnovers”, passing and be counted upon to successfully convert 50% or more of all penalties 2, 3, & 4. Defensive: Possess the ability to execute legal “ride-offs”, “bumps”, “hooks” and “blocks”, and shall be able to turn the play from defense to offense without incurring a penalty.

   Shall routinely survey the field visually with the intent to pass to the open player, to defend an uncovered offensive player, to assist a teammate in trouble, or to anticipate advantageous positioning. Shall be properly positioned at all times in accordance with the team plan.

   Shall possess moderate understanding and have minimal experience in planning and implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in the most effective manner.

Received from Veronica at F.I.P. -- fippolo1@msn.com -- July 2007

First of all it must be clear that you must work together with the Thailand Polo Association. As you know handicapping is one of the most challenging issues in polo. Above is a document that I hope can help you evaluate players from -2 to 2 goals. In addition I recommend the following:

1. Handicaps should be reviewed yearly. Establish a time so that the review process is at the same time every year.

2. Set up a Handicap Committee. The members should consist of experienced polo players with good knowledge of the rules. It is best to have Members from the difference clubs in the country to make it easier to observe the players.

3. Establish clear and concise rules and procedures regarding handicaps and handicapping in Thailand, such as “Voting Rights of Handicap Committee Members”, “Changing of Inaccurate Handicaps” etc.

4. Have each player submit and application asking general information, possibly recommendations, and if they have a handicap in any other country.

5. Side note: Some countries (like Singapore), use a handicapping system that starts at -4 (not -2). So players can range from -4 to 10.