NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2012

BMW INTERNATIONAL POLO SERIES:
Congratulations to the South African team in winning the BMW International Series 2-0 against India. Unlike 2011, the weather Gods were kind and provided two gloriously hot days at Shongweni and Johannesburg respectively. The South African team consisting of Leroux Hendriks, Lance Watson, Duncan Watson and captain Bryan Hein played entertaining polo to take the Series. Our commiserations go to Gillespie Armstrong who suffered a fracture to his left hand during a training session and was unable to take the field. Gillespie has since had surgery on his hand to rectify the problem and is recovering well.

Tours such as this would not be possible without the generous contribution from the pony lenders. The Association records its thanks to those players that continually lend their valuable ponies to ensure that touring teams have a fair chance of winning. After digging up some stats of pony lenders the following interesting points arose for the Shongweni internationals:

Played the last 4 out 4 Tests:

Paula belonging to John Gowar

Played the last 3 out of 4 Tests:

Grease Lightening (Brad Gace)

Pluto (Brad Gace)

Played in the last 3 Tests:

Shiraz (John Eustace)

Valuer (Chippie Watson)

Atomic (Sean O’Sullivan)

Played in the last 2 Tests:

Copper Union (John Eustace)

Chukka (Sean O’Sullivan)

Played 2 out of the last 3 Tests:

Serene (Chippie Watson)

Socks (Chippie Watson)

Cross Wind (Joe Mandy)

Blushing Tail (Harry Mandy)

Becky (Angus Williamson)

Flight (Brad Gace)

West (Brad Gace)

Baranja (Sean O’Sullivan)

In the last ten years, Sean O’Sullivan, John Eustace and Chippy Watson have lent ponies eight out of the ten years whilst Selby Williamson, Skei Marlton and Brad Gace have provided ponies six out of the ten. Mike Osborn has made his entire string available every year for the past four years. Unfortunately, we do not have detailed stats for the Johannesburg Tests but managed to glean the following information: Between 2006 and 2012 the listed players have loaned ponies on the following basis:

Duncan Ellis - Every year – in 2010 the tourists played 6 of his ponies

Nigel Pilling - 5 times – in 2006 they played 4 & 2010 x 3

Davey Evans - Every year – in 2008 they played 8 Evans ponies

Dirk Uys - 4 times – in 2010 they played 4 & 2012 x 6 ponies

James Kane Berman - 5 times – in 2007 played 6 & 2010 x 4

JP Rey - 4 times

Hannes Pickard - 4 times – in 2012 the Indians played 7 of Hannes’ string including the best playing pony.

Dirk van Reenen - 3 times - in 2011 Dirk’s pony was best playing pony & in 2012, 3 of his ponies were used.

Brad MacGibbon - 3 times – lent ponies whilst he himself was playing for SA

Ian Stewart - 3 times??? information not clear

SAPA salutes the gentlemen who support South African polo so unselfishly. Bear in mind that SAPA is a non-profit organisation with income generated from the internationals being ploughed back into improving polo in South Africa. Our thanks also go to many of the younger players who have lent ponies – Dirk van Reenen, Cody Ellis, Byron Watson James Gardiner, Tyson O’Sullivan, Travis Timm and Joe Mandy. If I have omitted anyone my apologies – I am merely reporting from information supplied. Our gratitude to the Pony Masters, Kate Holmes and Wayne Hartley for the thankless task of mustering horses and seeing to the tourists needs at both venues.

 2013 FIXTURE LIST:

We recently circulated a questionnaire regarding the format of the 2012 fixture list and what changes you, the players, would like to see implemented particularly with regard to the Sat/Sun format of four chukka polo. My thanks to all those who took the time to respond and provide feed back regarding next year’s fixtures.

The general consensus seems to be that most players are happy with the 2012 format with the exception that major tournaments introduce 4 chukka Sat/Sun polo for sections below three goals in handicap. This would still enables 4 x one-goal players the opportunity to play together in 6-chukka polo. The 4 chukka format should encourage players with a limited number of horses to play over weekends without losing work time – likewise school children with minimal disruption to their school studies.

It was felt that individual Clubs should decide their own tournament formats i.e. 4 chukkas Sat/Sun or the conventional three-day format - or both. 

An interesting concept was proposed regarding Club tournaments (excluding SAPA tournaments and Provincial Championships) whereby a “free market” system be introduced allowing Clubs to hold their tournaments whenever it suited with the onus on the Clubs to make their fixtures attractive enough to entice players to participate!!!! Any comments????

We will be formulating a draft fixture list with related handicap levels, which we will circulate to selected players and officials for comment. Please let’s not have a repeat of last year where positive replies were later over turned with negative comments by certain individuals after the calendar had been ratified.

SASCOC:

As many of you may now know, all equestrian disciplines have to affiliate to SASCOC (South African Sports Council & Olympic Committee) via the South African Equestrian Federation. SASCOC report directly to the South African Sports Council under the leadership of the Minister of Sport and Recreation.

SAPA’s affiliation to SAEF/SASCOC has added a huge administrative burden on this office; however the upside to its membership is accessibility to Lotto funds for sporting transformation and development.

This means all affiliated Associations need to have their “houses in order” with Constitutions in line with those of government policy, submission of annual audited financial statements, business plans complete with budgets, five year strategic plans, and high performance plans for selected athletes. Associations can no longer issue National Colors to athletes without prior permission from SASCOC who will only consider such upon receipt of the conditions listed above. In addition, notification of the event has to be made to government and provincial bodies, the SAPS and local health and safety JOCs.

COACHING & COACHES:

Government legislation implemented through SASCOC requires that by the end of 2013, coaches in all sporting disciplines must be qualified and that by the end of 2016 must be registered and licensed with the Department of Sport & Recreation. Failure to do so will apparently lead to prosecution of the individual coach. In addition, sporting disciplines not conforming will not be granted national colors nor allowed to hold international events. Whilst these measures appear draconian, it is Government’s and SASCOC’s intention to keep abreast with worldwide coaching practices and for sporting disciplines to improve their skills before the 2016 Olympics.

Details of their plans will be explained at a Coach’s Conference to be held in Johannesburg from the 16-18 November. I recently attended a “coach’s roadshow” in Durban along with other equestrian disciplines, including polo crosse where there was widespread opposition to the legislation. We were emphatically informed that the legislation is “here to stay” and it is SASCOC’s intention to implement such. Coaches who qualify will be recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) with a passport to coach in any country under the FEI umbrella.

My understanding is that there will be various levels of coaches, from Level 1 being the basic care and welfare of the horse to Level 4 being a national team coach or “Head Coach”. Each national Association will need to submit technical standards for their sport over and above normal horse care/welfare for the different levels up to “Head Coach” level. Aspirant coaches will be assessed by SASCOC appointed assessors probably from within the discipline.

Anyone over 40 years of age who has been coaching will not be required to learn/write the exams but be given recognition for their knowledge. This is termed “Recognition of Prior Learning” or RPL. Such coaches will be required to demonstrate their knowledge/skills to assessors but not physically write the exams. The entire system and roll out will be explained in depth at the Coaching Conference in November. Anyone wanting to attend the conference please let me know before 30^th September so we can register you. The venue for such is still to be announced.

There is more than enough for digestion in the above but we will keep affiliated members informed as to developments regarding the above. Those Clubs holding spring “mini” tournaments – may the weather be kind with plenty of fun polo for all.CLIVE PEDDLE
Executive Director – South African Polo Association

NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2012

TO ALL POLO PLAYERS:

2012 has been a difficult year for South African polo with attendance at many tournaments down and a general apathy and lack of support. During the past few weeks, a number of emotive issues have arisen with much behind the scenes “bar talk” undermining individuals, Clubs, Provincial structures and SAPA.

It is important to remember that we play polo for the love of the sport and that no one is bigger than the game. It is equally important to recognize that we are a small “polo family” possibly on the decline due to a worldwide recession and the economic squeeze. Events during the past weeks have resulted in emotional outbursts with emails, often derogatory, flowing back and forth not to mention backstabbing of certain individuals. With the BMW International Series around the corner, I appeal to players and polo followers to pull together as gentlemen becoming the sport. I humbly ask that we put aside differences, support our national team and show world polo that we are a force to be reckoned with.

The above plea doesn’t mean that administrators and/or players should be unaccountable but the manner in which differences/disputes/disagreements are handled is crucial to the success and happiness of the sport and its members. There are correct channels to work through if systems are not being implemented or adhered to. Communication is crucial and it is impossible for administrators to execute their duties without feedback from the players. Issues arise of which I have no knowledge until it is too late to rectify – issues which could have been resolved with communication from the you players. Previous newsletters have alluded to the importance of this with only a handful of players responding with feedback.

I appeal to all SAPA’s members to pull together for the good of polo in South Africa. That way the “happy polo family” can be restored again.

CORONATION CUP:

I was privileged to attend this prestigious event and many of you will have watched the match on the Internet. Our young South African team did us proud playing aggressive quality polo. With the average age of the team being 22 as opposed to that of the England side weighing in at 33 we have much to be proud of. I am certain England will extend another invite in the near future – it was said to be the best international day they have had in years.

For those who are interested – I have included the official match report of the day below:

AUDI INTERNATIONAL SEES ENGLAND CLINCH VICTORY 

AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN CORONATION CUP

Luke Tomlinson, captain of Audi England, lifted the Coronation Cup for a third successive year after a nail-biting match against South Africa at Guards Polo Club, Windsor. Audi England faced a tough and talented South African opposition and, with the teams adding up to a 26- and 25-goal handicap respectively, those watching the match were ensured a competitive and exciting display of the sport. Thousands of spectators, including VIPs HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Dominic Cooper, Matt Smith, Douglas Booth, Dionne Bromfield, Gemma Chan, Annabelle Wallis and Steven Moyer, enjoyed some rare English summer sunshine after months of endless rain.

Under the captaincy of 23-year-old Nachi du Plessis, the Equus & Co sponsored South Africans also included Chris Mackenzie, Jean du Plessis and Tom de Bruin - four players under the age of 25, not only making them the youngest international team ever to have taken to Smith’s Lawn on International Day, but also an indication of the young polo talent that South Africa, as a country, is producing. After the match, David Woodd, Chief Executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association was quick to praise the South Africa team saying: “It was a great privilege for England to play a young go-getting South African team.”

On the other end of the spectrum, the England line-up is one we have seen many times before – James Beim once again playing in the Number One position, the Tomlinson brothers, Mark and Luke, working together in the middle, and Malcolm Borwick at back – a combination that has previously produced England with the desired results. It was perhaps the team cohesion that has been established as a result of playing with one another for many years now that gave them that extra advantage, plus some experienced coaching from another International Day captain, Chile’s Jose Donoso.

From the moment the ball was thrown in, it was evident that the game would be one between two very competitive sides, with the young and fresh energy of South Africa facing a more experienced England side. With the half time score reading 5-3 in favour in England, the home crowd was perhaps beginning to relax a little. However, impressive team play and confident attacks from South Africa kept England on edge and in the final chukka, with just six minutes left of play, de Bruin equalised for South Africa, and this game was very much back on. The next crucial play was by none other than the England captain himself, who executed a perfect 30-yard penalty shot to take the home team into the lead with just five minutes to go and who deservedly won the Most Valuable Player Award which he later received from HRH Prince Philip.

Adding more excitement to the game, the du Plessis duo together produced another goal for South Africa, equalising again with just two minutes left of play. It was England’s Borwick though who would be the one to secure the 2012 show, sending what would be the final and most important shot of the day which somehow found its way between various players and finally the posts as well thus securing England their third successive Coronation Cup victory, after defeating New Zealand (2010) and Brazil (2011).

England’s James Beim was delighted to receive the Best Playing Pony award for his own Yacht. This 11-year-old chestnut gelding is James’s favourite pony and he showed his delight in the post event press conference, saying “It is always wonderful when your ponies are recognised, not just for me but for my grooms too.”

The young South African team can be proud of their achievement and certainly did their country proud. David Woodd Chief Executive of the HPA commented that England were lucky to have played the South African team in 2012 and not in a few years time !!

HANDICAPS:

The SAPA Handicapping Committee reviewed handicaps at the recent meeting held at IPT in Bergville. The full list of changes will be circulated to players with changes being effective after the Plett December season. This will give younger players the opportunity to compete alongside international and local high goal players.

All lady players will now carry a “Ladies Handicap” in addition to their official handicap on the website. This will come into effect when playing in local “all ladies” tournaments. It will mean the handicap differential between the lady players can be widened to allow more flexibility between them and is in keeping with our objectives to adhere to HPA regulations. The list will be finalised by the Handicap Committee in consultation with SAPA’s lady representative.

LADIES TOUR TO CHINA:

A South African ladies team toured Canada during July taking part in the Calgary tournament and playing a once off international against the Canadian ladies team. This they convincingly won six goals to one – our congratulations to  Amy Gace, Alida Vermaak, Kate Holmes and Catherine Hartley. Our thanks and gratitude to Joe Henderson who made his whole string available to the SA team. Our ladies were extremely well mounted by their Canadian colleagues.

The Canadian hospitality was “top drawer” with the touring party attending the Calgary Stampede and being afforded five star treatment wherever they went. It is envisaged that SAPA will host a reciprocal tour to South Africa in 2013.

SA CHAMPS:

Entries for this year’s SA Champs were disappointing with 6 sides in the 14 goal, 6 in the zero goal and 2 in the 4 goal. Whether this was due to the recessionary influences of our economy or players having too much polo is not entirely clear. Despite this, there was some quality polo played on the newly revamped “Benson” field – all were unanimous in their praise of the Cynodin grass which could mean the end of Paspalum fields in the future. Concerns that it wouldn’t stand up to winter conditions and heavy traffic were soon dispelled.

The Beresford Cup was won by the Beestespan team consisting of Cody Ellis, James Kane Berman, Duncan Ellis and Bryan Hein. Leroux Hendriks who represented Epol was adjudicated the most valuable player of the tournament. Congratulations to the winners and our thanks to the Karkloof Club and Benson family for their input and hard work. 

AFRICA CUP:

Congratulations to the Inanda Club and polo club Captain JP Rey for hosting a very successful Africa Cup. This tournament has grown in stature each year attracting large crowds and corporate sponsorship. Participating teams were all at six-goal level including the Poloafrica team which acquitted themselves very well at this level. Their progress has improved in leaps and bounds under the management and supervision of Catherine Cairns. The tournament was won by the Cintron team consisting of Leroux Hendriks, Christo Spies, Dirk Uys and Lerey Young. Tournament Director and organiser, Craig James ensured the smooth running of a busy tournament which promises to grow each year.

POLO LEAGUE:

This initiative has been talked about for many years but has never successfully got off the ground. HPA will be launching a polo league in 2013. Initially the league will involve eight of the leading clubs and played over four months between May and August, with a final play-off between the top two clubs to decide the overall winner.

Their League will be played between teams of 12-14 goal handicap, with the UK’s highest handicapped players each being allocated to a club. The league will include “Development Players” who will be selected from the HPA Grass Roots Development Program.

David Woodd, Chief Executive of the HPA said, “The Polo League is a great step forward for the sport in the UK and by including a HPA Development Player in each team, we will be giving the next generation of English players the opportunity to take part in some highly competitive games throughout the season.”

There have been discussions in some of our provinces regarding a league and the planning of such needs careful consideration. The possibility of an inter-provincial league at six-goal level whereby the finalists from each province compete for an overall winner could become a reality. Any suggestions would be welcomed or better still a meeting of interested parties to thrash out ideas in finding a way forward should be convened.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity in wishing the national team every success in the forth coming BMW Series. India are a proud polo nation and will be tough opposition for the South African team so let’s get behind our boys and give them all the support they deserve.

CLIVE PEDDLE
Executive Director – South African Polo Association

SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN CORONATION CUP 2012

CORONATION CUP 2012

The Coronation Cup takes place on the 22nd July and is probably the second biggest event (to the Argentine Open) in world polo. South Africa last played in this event in 1975 where we were heavily beaten. The team that has been selected to play is as follows:

1. Ignatius du Plessis (8 goals) (Captain)
2. Stuart Erskine (7 goals)
3. Jean du Plessis (6 goals)
4. Chris MacKenzie (5 goals)
Reserve – Tom de Bruin (6 goals)

This young team however, have played a lot of polo abroad, are very experienced and probably the highest handicapped team to leave these shores. Two of the players, Chris MacKenzie and Ignatius du Plessis took part in the final of last year's British Open (Gold Cup) at Cowdray Park. It is great honour to be invited to participate in the Coronation Cup, especially considering it is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

Chris is the son of former South African captain Buster MacKenzie whilst the du Plessis brothers grew up in Swartberg (East Griqualand) under the tutelage of incumbent South African captain Selby Williamson. Stuart Erskine is the son of former South African number one Andrew Erskine also another household polo family.

Tom de Bruin, renown for his wonderful string of ponies, is also from the East Griqualand area and is a solid player with very good skills.

We wish the team the best of luck!

NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2012

SNOW POLO IN CHINA:

The South African team recently returned from China after a very successful tour. Having never played on snow before we were not expected to get past the pool stages but thanks to some determined efforts often under pressure the team succeeded in making the final. This was lost to Hong Kong (7-4) after a poor start from which the team never quite recovered.

The pool results were as follows:

-- Lost 7-6 against England (who were the tournament favourites and top seed)

-- Won on a penalty shoot out against Argentine after ending the match 2-2

-- Beat India 9-2

This qualified us second in our pool for the quarter finals where we came up against Australia (Glen Gilmore, Kelvin Johnson and Will Gilmore) This was by far one of the toughest matches on tour and we were ecstatic to win the game 5-3. Sweet revenge after our defeat at the hands of the Aussies in last year’s BMW Series.

The tournament was staged at the Metropolitan Polo Club in Tianjin (which is a big city about two hours drive from Beijing) The facilities at the MPC are unprecedented with state of the art stables, indoor arena and two magnificent polo fields. These are over looked by the five star Goldin Metropolitan Hotel which makes many of our top hotels poor cousins!!!

The organisation of the tournament was slick and the quality of the horses (mostly bought in from Australia and New Zealand) was very good. The South African team consisting of Tom de Bruin, Jean du Plessis, Leroux Hendriks and Terence Spilsbury (reserve) were great ambassadors for our country. It was a happy tour with no disciplinary problems both on and off the field. South Africa was complimented by the FIP for their good behaviour on and off the field, punctuality and smart turn out. I got the impression that we surprised many of our competitors and soon became the tournament favourites.

For those interested, pictures of the tour will be posted on the SAPA website.   

AUSTRALIA:

The team travelling to Australia for the March/April series is as follows:

1. Davey Evans (4)
2. Brad MacGibbon (5)
3. Joe Henderson (5)
4. Duncan Watson (5)

Duncan Ellis will travel with the team as “Manager/Coach” and will also fill in as a substitute in the event of an injury. Joe Henderson was one of South Africa’s highest rated players but due to his overseas professional commitments has never played for South Africa. He is delighted at the prospect and his astute tactical knowledge can only benefit the team.

The South African Colts Under 21 team will travel with the national side and will do duty in the curtain raiser matches to the Internationals. The SA Colts team is as follows:

1. Byron Watson (2)
2. Dirk van Reenen (2)
3. Cody Ellis (2)
4. Joe Mandy (2)

CORONATION CUP:

South African has been invited to play against England for the Coronation Cup. This is an extremely prestigious international particularly as it marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The fact that we have been afforded this honour bear’s testimony to the high regard the HPA hold South African polo.

England have requested a 26 goal team to play against their top team which will consist of two seven’s and two sixes. The international will take place at Guards Polo Club on Sunday 22nd July. More information on this will follow in future newsletters.

SOUTH AFRICAN EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION:

In terms of the National Sports & Recreation Act of 1998 as amended in 2007, all equestrian disciplines are compelled to fall under the South African Equestrian Federation which in turn reports directly to SASCOC (South African Sport Confederations Olympic Committee). SAEF is governed therefore by the rules and regulations of the Sports Act - the most important of which is the awarding of Protea National Colours to its members. These will in future have to be submitted to SASCOC for approval in all instances.

On the “plus” side SAPA, as an affiliated member of SAEF, can apply for government funding for the development of polo in South Africa and for assistance with overseas tours.

PROFESSIONAL UMPIRING & RULES:

SAPA has set aside a considerable budget for the use of professional umpires at all provincial championship tournaments as well as one other prominent tournament in each province. This will be in addition to the SAPA run tournaments on the calendar. First prize would be to sponsor all country tournaments but budget constraints prohibit this.

It appears that the HPA won’t be making many rule changes for 2012. The only one that I am aware of is the Penalty 5(a) and 5(b) where the umpire will place the ball and call “play”. In other words the player will not have the opportunity to tee up the ball. There could also be an amendment to the time taken for penalties with umpires giving players a time limit when taking penalties. South Africa will only adopt any rule changes once they have been ratified and published by the HPA which we expect to take place during the course of this month.

NATIONAL SELECTORS:

The following members have been voted in by the senior players as national selectors for 2012.

• Duncan Ellis
• Campbell Macnab
• Donovan English

SAPA Exco appointed Clive Peddle to serve as Convener. Congratulations to these men who give up a lot of their time to assess and select teams for the various Internationals.

LADIES POLO:

A ladies international against the touring World Fusion team is planned for May and will be held at the same time as Highveld Champs. (East Rand Polo Club). Amy Gace has already notified the ladies on this and it is hoped to field four teams, each with a touring visitor participating on Friday and Saturday. The ladies international match will take place on the Sunday as a curtain raiser to the final of Highveld Champs.

Canada has also issued an invitation for a national ladies team to tour their country in July. This coincides with the Calgary Stampede and should be a wonderful tour. It is hoped Canada will reciprocate with a tour to South Africa over President’s Cup.

A South African Schools girl’s team will be selected at the SAPA Clinic – it is envisaged that this team will take part in the ladies section of President’s Cup. Girls eligible for selection must attend the Clinic unless they have other school sports commitments that might clash.

I have no doubt that you are all looking forward to the season/year ahead – let’s hope it’s a successful one for our national teams and Clubs some of which are fighting for survival. 

CLIVE PEDDLE
Executive Director – South African Polo Association