Use your head Helmet mandate postponed to January 2021 By Peter Rizzo
At the April USPA board of governors meeting, conducted virtually via Zoom, the board approved a resolution to change the implementation date of new helmet requirements outlined in Outdoor Rule 4 and Arena Rule 3 from June 1 to January 1, 2021. The change in implementation date was necessitated by the deleterious effects the coronavirus pandemic had on helmet manufacturing, in particular, as well as the life-altering effects on the sport of polo and everyone, in general. You can find complete information from the USPA regarding the upcoming changes to the helmet requirements on the opposite page. Two helmet manufacturers—Casablanca and Charles Owen—currently have helmets that meet the NOCSAE ND050 Polo Helmet Standard and a number of other helmet manufacturers have plans to submit helmets for testing. It is important to note that Outdoor Rule 4 and Arena Rule 3 specified that months prior to implementation of the helmet requirements there would be ample supply to meet the demand for the specified helmets. According to USPA Executive Director of Services Carlucho Arellano, “These are some of the most comfortable helmets I’ve ever worn. I have been riding in the Casablanca Neu for several months, and I am very happy with it. It took me a few days to get used to the magnetic clasp, but now I am friendly with it and feel safer. “When the Charles Owen Sovereign arrived in stores, I had to go try it on and make my own comparison of the two. It was equally as light and comfortable. They have a very similar fit. It was refreshing to see the Sovereign is made with the original clasp we are all accustomed to. That way, USPA members who are not convinced by the magnetic clasp can choose to go with Sovereign’s 38 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
traditional clasp.” While it is uncertain when official USPA polo events will fully resume in the United States, it is certain that at some time in the future we will be playing polo again. It is important to remember riders are encouraged to wear a helmet not only when playing matches or practices, but also when stick and balling and even just riding horses. The United States Polo Association is monitoring a number of critical factors that will ensure the safe resumption of the sport. It also continues to monitor and encourage the manufacturing and dissemination of helmets that meet the NOCSAE ND050 Polo Helmet Standard. According to USPA Safety Committee Chairman Dr. Thorkild Norregaard, “There is ample evidence that protective helmets can lessen the impact of a blow to the head from falling off the horse, or being hit by a polo ball or mallet. There is no evidence that wearing a helmet increases the risk of cervical spine injuries. In fact, several large reviews of motorcycle accidents indicate that helmets offer protection against cervical spine injuries. We believe the NOCSAE ND050 Polo Helmet Standard currently offers the best protection for players. When playing, however, players still have to use common sense by avoiding dangerous play.” Polo players throughout the world have all been affected in some meaningful way by COVID-19. We are all in this together, worldwide, and it is hoped that this challenge will be met with a polo player’s tenacity and bravery. In addition, our world and our sport will have learned a great deal in the value of teamwork—fearlessly working together as a worldwide community to confront and overcome this common adversary. Be as safe as possible as we return to the polo field to enjoy our way of life with our families, friends and horses.
