POLOCROSSE
© 1998 Francis J. Wolfe
78 Little York Road
Warwick, NY 10990

Proposal for Coach Certification

• Rules Knowledge
  • Attend minimum of one A.P.A. Umpire Clinic.
  • Pass A.P.A. approved written umpire test.
• Playing Experience
  • Played in at least three recognized tournaments preferably at the same or higher level than they will be coaching.
• Coaching Ability
  • Attend two A.P.A. approved coaching clinics.
  • Pass A.P.A. approved written test for coaches.
  • Pass basic skills test (pickups, bounce, pass at canter along with simple riding test).
  • Observation of teaching different levels of players by a member of the certification panel or a certified coach.
• Approval
  • Must be recommended, in writing, by a club which they have worked with for at least one season including a critique of thei coaching.
  • The certification panel will have at least three members, including the Chief Umpire.
  • Coaches will be recognized for the following levels of play: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Juniors.
• Renewal of Certification
  • Attend at least one coaching clinic per calendar year.
  • A questionnaire must be given at every clinic given by the approved umpire. The results of which will be submitted to the A.P.A. for their records.
  • Any team/club that is coached on a regular basis by a certified umpire must answer a questionnaire every calendar year. The results of which will be submitted to the A.P.A. for their records.
  • The panel must re-approve all coaches annually.

Possible Coach Exam

1. List three locations where polocrosse may be taught. Include one benefit and one drawback to each location.
2. List five skills that are needed by the horse and rider in order to play polocrosse. For each of the skills that you list, include an example of how the same skill is used in another riding activity or sport.
3. Describe at least three points about the design of a polocrosse racquet.
4. List at least five ways that a player might gain possession of the ball.
5. Compare and contrast two different methods of bouncing the ball and including when each is appropriate.
6. Describe how to ride off another player.
7. List five drills for each of the following categories:
   • Individual on foot
   • Individual on horseback
   • Mounted group of at least three people
8. List five exercises that help train a horse for polocrosse and the purpose for each exercise.
9. Describe how to throw a polocrosse ball.
10. List five things that a player might do when the opposing team get possession of the ball. If any of these items would only happen under certain conditions, include the conditions.