Is coronavirus the end of the world? (polo season)

Note: correct at time of writing

The Corona Virus pandemic is undoubtedly already having an effect on sporting events internationally, cancelling the NBA, postponing Formula 1 and all football in the U.K. to name just a few. As you would expect, Polo has not escaped the virus, with American high goal games still taking place, but being held behind closed doors, with only critical staff permitted. All this has already led to speculation that the virus could essentially wash out the entire U.K. polo season, dooming it before many of the preparations have even begun.

Although it may be easy to take the pessimistic view that the season is over already, there are things that can be done to minimise the risk of spreading the infection, all without the need for cancellation. The Pony Club has already set a good example of setting CoronaVirus guidelines for both competitors and organisers to follow. Many of these could also be carried over to polo, and hopefully help towards making the 2020 season a success.

The Pony Club have expressed a desire to move as much of the organisation and registration process online, in order to reduce the amount of time people spend around one another, as a result lowering the risk of spreading the disease. Although many polo clubs run on a much more informal system, text systems and the like can be used to inform people of everyone’s arrival and catering services can be reduced to decrease the build up of people in one area, another thing the Pony Club have suggested, instead is to ‘bring your own food and drink to eat in cars’.

The Pony Club also suggests reducing the overall time competitors are at the event by posting out prizes and sharing final results online, as a result making a prize giving ceremony obsolete. Polo could easily copy the idea of posting prizes, and unlike many equestrian sports, the final score should be known by the end of each match regardless, making things much easier for the organisers.

Finally, one of the big changes which may manage the spread of CoronaVirus is limiting the total number of people allowed to attend. While it is unlikely that spectators will be permitted, the numbers of grooms and family members may also have to be regulated. The Pony Club suggests one accompanying person to the competitor, however this number would have to be debated when transferred to polo, as many will argue that it won’t be possible to properly operate with a single groom, especially when it could come at the detriment to horse welfare.

The CoronaVirus will no doubt pose a huge challenge to the polo community in 2020, however when the livelihoods of so many people are on the line, it is important that we make all the possible changes to keep moving forward. Spectator numbers are likely to be down, even if they are permitted at all, which will only knock-on to a lack of investment from sponsors. Team and player numbers will probably be down, and many of the big events may be postponed or even cancelled. However, the situation continues to evolve day by day and nobody can really predict the situation a few months down the line. We will just have to take things as they come and try our hardest to ensure the safety and security of everyone while ploughing on as best as possible.

From the HPA

The HPA released a update on the COVID-19 virus and how it plans to respond to the challenge over the 2020 polo season. The overriding message of the release was that the HPA, along with its clubs and supporting members, are taking all measures to try and keep the season running as smoothly as possible. In order to achieve this the HPA has set out a number of ‘strict set of hygiene guidelines’ that all affiliated clubs will be expected to follow. These are as follows:

1. When polo is being played each club must retain a record the names of all those entering the club.

2. Each person must self-certify that they have no virus symptoms. Ideally temperature testing should be undertaken.

3. Clubs should make soap and water or equivalent available on entry to ensure all entrants observe hygiene guidance.

4. Anyone with signs of sickness such as a fever or cough or any flu like symptoms should self-isolate and avoid entering a club for at least 7 days.

5. Anyone coming into contact with someone who has been infected with the virus should avoid entering a club for a minimum of 14 days.

6. Clubs should discourage public spectators and everyone in attendance at games should respect social distancing and practice good hygiene as above. This includes the banning of mate sharing at games etc.

7. Every individual needs to take these responsibilities seriously and comply fully. Correct at time of writing See latest details below

Latest As of 1 st April 2020

In the HPA’s most recent statement of time o publishing they have made the decision to suspend all polo at any affiliated club until further notice. This includes “no chukkas, lessons or stick & ball”. They continue to work towards the beginning of the season being on the 1 st of May, however this is under constant review. Despite this they seem confident that torn ament polo will be played in 2020 and are urging both players and clubs to pay their HPA membership.