1. Life Plan
Unit 4. Task 4.4
Name: Tess Noll
Dubai British School
Centre No: 91515
Candidate No: 8331
2. I have been riding horses since I was four years old and played polo for over 4 years. I play
competitively in local and national competitions. I am a member of the Governing Body of Polo, the
Hurlingham Polo Association (see appendix one). I have progressed through the talent identification
pathway from captaining my school’s polo team to playing for the Pony Club (see appendix two). I am
currently sponsored by Madeline Lloyd Webber and have played in tournaments for St Bartholomew's
School, Pangbourne Collage, Watership Down and Desert Palm.
During the summer season of 2009 I played and was sponsored by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber on the
Watership Down Polo Team. The team is trained by Mark Holmes who plays for the England team.
I currently live in Dubai and play at Desert Palm Polo Club (DPPC) (see appendix three). The club is
owned by Ali Albwardy and managed by Martin Valent. Ali Albwardy is the current patron to the Dubai
team. I receive coaching from Martin Valent and Matias Machado 2-3 times a week. Martin and Matias
have represented Argentina and Dubai in international tournaments including the Cartier International
Polo Coronation Cup (see appendix four).
My long term aspirations include representing England which I hope to achieve by going to Argentina,
playing polo with some of the world’s best polo players. In September 2011 I will attend the University
of the West of England (UWE). UWE have one of the best university teams in England and I aim to be
a part of this team (see appendix five).
Present Performance Level – My background
3. Time Line: Performance History of Progression in Polo
1992
Birth
1996 – Started horse
riding (given my first
pony)
2010
2008 – moved to Dubai.
Started playing for Desert Palm
1999 – First equestrian
competition – showing and
showjumping competition
2006 – Started
playing polo at
Watership Down
2003 – Started St
Bartholomew’s
School
2007 - Played in SUPA
National Championships for
St Bartholomew’s School
2008 - Played in SUPA National
Arena Championships for
Pangbourne College
2007 - Played in SUPA National
Arena Championships for St
Bartholomew’s School
2009 – Played for Andrew
Lloyd Webber at Watership
Down
1997 – Started
primary school
4. Pathways after Sixth Form
Sixth Form
University Work Gap Year
During my gap year I will work on a polo yard in
Argentina. This will give me opportunities to earn
money and play polo. Taking a gap year in
Argentina will allow me to play polo at a higher
level than if I stayed in England or Dubai as the
world best players are from Argentina (see
appendix eight).
Start at the University
of the West of
England (UWE) in
September 2011
Start at the University of the
West of England (UWE) in
September 2010.
The university has its own polo team. This will
allow me to play in the Schools and
Universities Polo Association competitions and
leagues (see appendix six). From this I will be
able to progress as all matches are regulated
by the Hurlingham Polo Association meaning
my handicap will increase if I continue to make
progress (see appendix seven).
At the end of the 2010 academic year I will
leave the Dubai British School (DBS); from
here there are three pathways open to me.
5. TimeLine: My Future in Polo
2008 Current Level Retirement
2052. Age 60.
Currently studying at
DBS playing at Desert
Palm Polo Club 2008 -
2010. Age 16 -18.
Take a gap year in
Argentina. Working and
playing polo on Marianela
Castagnola’s polo yard
2010 – 2011. Age 18 – 19.
Attend the University of the
West of England – play in
SUPA competitions for the
University 2011 – 2014. Age
19 – 22.
Gain sponsorship and a patron,
become a professional polo player
travelling internationally for
tournaments 2014 – 2032. Age 22
– 40
Write as a
journalist
2015 – 2047.
Age 23 - 55
Gain HPA
Coaching
qualification
2012. Age 20.
Play in The Queen Mothers
Centenary Cup (40 WPT
Points) 2018. Age 26
Play in Prince of Wales
Trophy (60 WPT Point)
2020. Age 28
Play in Cámara de
Diputados Cup (100 WPT
points) 2022. Age 30
Play in Argentine
Republic Cup (50
WPT Points) 2019.
Age 26
Play in Queens Cup (120
WPT Points) 2023. Age 31
Play in Hurlingham
Polo Open (150 WPT
Points) 2024. Age 32
Play in British Polo
Open (150 WPT
Points) 2025. Age 33
Play in Gold Cup
(Ellerstina) (60
WPT Points)
2021. Age 29
World Polo Tour Rating (WPT) (see appendix nine)
6. Stages in Polo
Unlike many sports, it is hard to pinpoint optimum performance for a polo player as it is often dependent on
opportunities. The worlds current top polo players are aged between 24 and 41 years (see appendix ten).
Stage Age
Stage One 16 - 18
Stage Two 18 - 20
Stage Three 20 - 23
Stage Four 23 - 40
Stage Five 40 - 60
Stage Six 60 +
There are no published progressive pathways in polo, one
progresses through gaining sponsorship or a patron via social
contacts and scouts at certified HPA competitions. I have created
my own development pathway.
School Polo
Pony Club Polo
Club Team
There are six stages to my life plan.
National Team
International Team
7. Occupation: Full time student
October –May: Club chukkas and training twice a week at DPPC, this is the Dubai polo season. Due to the
small polo circuit in Dubai there are no provisions to play in HPA qualified competitions. This means that my
handicap is not monitored and can not increase until I play in England or a HPA governed match.
June-September: Participate in club chukkas and tournaments at Watership Down Polo Club a HPA registered
club; this is the English polo season. Watership Down is my local polo club where I train as well as compete.
Playing in two different countries I get to experience a wide array of polo ponies and two different styles of polo.
The playing conditions and facilities in Dubai are incredibly different to England, also the players I play with in
each country have varying styles and are at different standards, this means I rarely play a predictable game due
to the constantly changing circumstances. Having the experience of playing in both locations allows me to gain
a more holistic view of polo and improve my game dramatically compared to players who constantly play the
same polo ponies, with the same people.
Stage One
Age: 16 – 18
8. Occupation: Gap Year
Travel to Argentina to work on Marianela Castagnola’s polo yard in Cañuelas, Buenos Aires Province. I
will play polo and receive coaching from her brother Lolo, who is a ten goal players and plays for
Argentina and La Dolfina (see appendix eleven).
This will give me further experience in the polo industry, I will gain greater knowledge in all areas of the
sports, not only as a player.
Marianela is a two goal player. I will travel and assist her at the competitions and play in low goal
tournaments myself. Making connections in Argentina will help me progress in the polo world, as the vast
majority of the top players are Argentinean.
Stage Two
Age: 18 – 20
9. Occupation: Full time student at UWE
Attend the UWE from September 2011 - June 2014. The degree course I will study is Journalism, media and
cultural studies (http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/pp53/2010 ).
The university have a polo team and train at Druids Lodge Polo Club. After contacting and playing alongside
the captain of the polo team, Eden Ormerod, I have already secured a place on the polo team. The team
participate in all university matches throughout the summer and winter seasons. This will give me plenty of
opportunities to play in HPA tournaments, improve my handicap and present myself to future patrons
During the three years I will be at university I will aim to complete the basic coaching grade (club instructor
grade) from the HPA. I aim to use this qualification in stage four and five (see appendix twelve).
After three years I will have my degree and will be able to work as a journalist for the PoloTimes
(www.polotimes.co.uk) or seek to turn professional.
Stage Three
Age: 20 - 23
Journalist Professional Polo Play
I will aim to work for
PoloTimes, this will be my
main commitment and I will
play polo as a hobby.
Through sponsorship I will be
able to play professionally. My full
commitment will be to playing
polo.
University
10. Occupation: Work as a polo journalist and professional player
I aim to have a job working for a polo publication, such as PoloTimes or The Polo Magazine. Due to the
nature of job I will be traveling around the world reporting on events and interviewing players.
As well as reporting on polo events I aim to be a professional player participating in the events.
In order to be a professional polo player you need to have your own string of polo ponies or have a
patron who provides polo ponies. If I have my own string I will be running a polo yard as well as playing
and writing.
During stage four I plan to marry and have children. This will prevent me from playing for a period of
time however I will be able to continue writing. Once my children reach the age of five I plan to stay
permanently in Argentina where my children will be educated.
Having completed the HPA Club Instructors grade in stage three I will aim to move onto the HPA
Qualified instructors course.
Stage Four
Age: 23 - 40
HPA Qualified Instructor
Official HPA Instructor
HPA Qualified Coach
Official HPA Team Coach
11. Stage Five
Age: 40 - 60
Stage Six
Age: 60 to death
Occupation: Work as a polo journalist, professional polo player and coach
After owning my yard I can coach new players in the sport. Due to the nature of the sport being a small
community, polo is mainly a social event and having made a permanent residence in Argentina, this should not
pose a problem.
I will play competitively for as long as possible, retiring from competitve Polo in stage 5. I will move to low goal
competitions before retirement and continue to play socially until stage six. There are no veteran competitions or
leagues in polo, as competition is balanced through handicap and not their age.
During stage six I will retire completely from playing polo, I will mainly focus on coaching others to play.
12. Participation Rates
http://www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_sur
vey/active_people_survey_3/detailed_sport_results.aspx
Note: I was unable to attain a graph containing more current information
displaying rates across various activity areas. Sport England published this
data which I researched from their archive. From this graph one can see that
there is a decline in participation in sport as age increases.
This graph is based on all sports, games and physical activity. If
I match the average decline in participation with the stages in
my life plan one can see that the rate of participation decreases
by 55% from stage one to stage six.
60 +
40 – 60
23 – 40
20 – 23
18 – 20
16 – 18
AgeStage Participation Rate
Stage One 80%
Stage Two 75%
Stage Three 70%
Stage Four 65%
Stage Five 50%
Stage Six 25%
13. Change in number of participants (at least once a week) in Equestrian APS2 baseline
versus most recent reporting period
Number of participants
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
16 -
19
20 -
24
25 -
29
30 -
34
35 -
44
45 -
64
65+
Age
NumberofParticipants
Number of
participants
‘Sport England’ research has found that
participation in equestrian sport
decreases between the 16 – 19 age
bracket until the 30 -34 age bracket,
after this there is a dramatic increases in
participation. I believe this dramatic
increase is due to an increased level of
disposable income people have during
the 45 – 64 age bracket. Equestrian
sports are an expensive leisure time
activity and this restricts access for many
at different life stages.
Source -
www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/active_pe
ople_survey_3/detailed_sport_results.aspx
14. Overall sports participation: Number achieving at least 3 sessions a week x 30 minutes moderate
sports participation APS2 baseline versus most recent reporting period –all aged 16 and over
Number of participants
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
16 -
19
20 -
24
25 -
29
30 -
34
35 -
44
45 -
64
65+
Age
NumberofParticipants
Number of
participants
The same pattern can be seen on the
graph below representing an increased
involvement of participants taking part
three times a week. Equestrian sports do
not follow the traditional decline in
participation that can be seen in the figure
1 ‘Participation Rates’.
Source -
www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/active_peo
ple_survey_3/detailed_sport_results.aspx
15. Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are important to consider. They can occur at any point
however certain circumstances are more predictable than others.
The following are a number of circumstances that can effect ones lifestyle;
Motivation
Family
Coaching
Official
Relocation
Injury and hypokinetic disorders
16. Injury rates and Hypokinetic disorders
• As I progress in my life plan maintaining fitness will become more difficult as I anticipate family demands
decreasing my available leisure time, this could potentially result in reduced fitness and therefore increased risk of
injury but also increased likelihood of hypokinetic disorders. When I retire from competitive polo I will continue to
ride in order to help offset hypokinetic disorders (see appendix thirteen). With age I will have to take into
consideration my bodies natural changes such as the menopause (see appendix fourteen).
PREVIOUS RESEARCH ON INJURY RATES IN POLO
M Costa-Paz, L Aponte and D L Muscolo undertook a study into the injury rates of polo players the results of
which highlight this and can be found in appendix fifteen.
17. During different stages in my life
I will experience events which will
change my motivation. One
event might be playing in high
goal tournaments during stage
four.
Stage Age
Stage One 16 - 18
Stage Two 18 - 20
Stage Three 20 - 23
Stage Four 23 - 40
Stage Five 40 - 60
Stage Six 60 +
In stage four of my life plan I hope to
marry and have children. This will effect
the amount I can play both during and
post pregnancy. This will not only impact
my physical fitness but also restrict my
participate in tournaments, affecting my
handicap. I will not be able to live such a
transient life, living between Argentina
and England for the polo seasons, as
once I have children they will need
consistency for schooling.
If a member of my family is ill now or later in
life, it might be difficult for me to see or help
them due to our varying locations around
the world. I would have to be prepared to
give up playing polo for a period of time in
order to do so.
As I will be living between countries during stage
two and four of my life plan I will have friends in
many countries, however constantly moving
might mean I lose contact with friends. Although
during stage five of my life I aim to take up a
permanent residence in Argentina.
Lifestyle changes
Living between Argentina and
England in stages two and four will
mean I will not have my family
geographically close for periods of
time. This will effect me as the
support from my family keep me
motivated and confident in my
performance.
18. Coaching / Official
The HPA offers 6 coaching leadership awards starting from a one day volunteer’s course progressing to Official
HPA Team Coach.
The game of polo has a number of positions for officials. These include Umpire, Coach, Goal Judge, Score-
keeper. Formal examinations are taken in these positions at a recognised official level (see appendix twelve).
These exams are run by the HPA. In the UK there are 213 Polo clubs and 124 are offering positions for leaders.
Voluntary Assistants
Club Instructor
HPA Qualified Instructor
Official HPA Instructor
HPA Qualified Coach
Official HPA Team Coach
Stage Age
Stage One 16 - 18
Stage Two 18 - 20
Stage Three 20 - 23
Stage Four 23 - 40
Stage Five 40 - 60
Stage Six 60 +
I aim to achieve a club instructor
grade during stage three, then
complete the further grades
during stage four. I will use them
during the later stages in my life
plan.
The HPA is connected to the
Federation of International Polo,
as a result of this the HPA
grades are recognised and valid
world wide.
Word Count
1098
20. Appendices Index
Appendix One – The Hurlingham Polo Association
Appendix Two – Pony Club Polo
Appendix Three – Desert Palm Polo Club
Appendix Four – Cartier International Coronation Cup
Appendix Five – The University of the West of England
Appendix Six – Schools and Universities Polo Association
Appendix Seven – Information on handicaps
Appendix Eight – World Polo Tour – nationality of players
Appendix Nine – World Polo Tour – tournaments
Appendix Ten – World Polo Tour – worlds top ten players
Appendix Eleven – Bartholome Castagnola
Appendix Twelve – HPA coaching and officiating
Appendix Thirteen – Hypokinetic disorders
Appendix Fourteen – Menopause
Appendix Fifteen - Injuries to polo players
21. Appendix One - The Hurlingham Polo
Association
Website: http://www.hpa-polo.co.uk
The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) is the governing body for polo in the UK,
Ireland and many other countries throughout the world. As such, it is responsible
for the regulations and rules under which the game is played. This includes the
handicapping of any one playing in the U.K. or Ireland, and the fixtures list.
The object of the HPA is to further the interests of polo generally and support by all
possible means the common interests of its affiliated clubs and associations. In
2004, the HPA became an incorporated company limited by guarantee. The
directors of the company are the Stewards who form an executive committee
which meets usually four times a year. The members of the company are the
elected Council representatives of the affiliated clubs and associations. The
Council meets twice a year, in December and in May for the AGM and approval of
the accounts. Beneath the Stewards, the following sub committees have specific
responsibilities to the Stewards as indicated by their headings: Handicap,
Development, Coaching, International, Finance and Grants, Umpire and Rules,
Umpire Grading, Disciplinary, Polo Pony Welfare, and Arena.
22. Appendix Two – Pony Club Polo
http://www.pcuk.org/Disciplines/Polo/
Aims & Objectives
To provide Members with an introduction to the game of polo.
Pony Club Polo has four objectives:
• Help young players to understand the basic principles of polo: rules, riding, tactics, striking the ball and the care and welfare of
ponies
• Set high standards of conduct with a competitive spirit in a team sport
• Provide a bridge to the adult game
• Have fun!
Pony Club Polo Rules
Although the Rule Books can be downloaded, it is strongly recommended that you buy a copy of the appropriate discipline Rule
Book(s) so that you always have it to hand for your competitions. All Rule Books are available from The Pony Club Shop at a
cost of £3.00.
Section Age Ranges
Under 116Jorrocks
Under 149Handley Cross
Under 1511Surtees
Under 1512Hipwood
Under 1714Loriner
Under 1815Langford
Under 2115Ledner
Under 2115Rendell
Under 2116Gannon
Age on 1st JanMin Age
Section
23. Appendix Three – Desert Palm Polo Club
http://www.equuspassport.com/equus-venues/desert-palm-dubai.html
24. Appendix Four – Cartier International Coronation Cup
The following artile was published by Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/polo/5913622/Adolfo-Cambiaso-leads-the-charge-as-Argentina-thrash-England-in-
Coronation-Cup.html
Adolfo Cambiaso leads the charge as Argentina thrash England in Coronation Cup
England suffered their worst-ever defeat to Argentina on Cartier International Day at Windsor Great Park, beaten in the Coronation
Cup 12-5 by the rampant visitors, led by imperious Adolfo Cambiaso.
England were always underdogs and in front of more than 20,000 spectators, Argentina made full use of the skills of Cambiaso, and
the young pretender to his throne, Facundo Pieres.
In a scrappy match, Argentina dominated the first half and were 5-2 ahead after three chukkas. The South Americans have now
beaten England three times for the Coronation Cup, 10-9 in an extra seventh chukka 10-9 in 2000, and 14-8 in 1995.
For England, captain Luke Tomlinson scored four goals and led an England rearguard which saw the home quartet fight back to 5-4 in
the fourth chukka, before two rapid replies put Argentina into a position from which they dominated the match.
Tomlinson, his brother Mark, Malcolm Borwick and James Beim all battled valiantly, but Cambiaso and Pieres took the game away
from them.
Cambiaso, the 35-year-old star of the sport, showed exactly why he remains the world's best player, rarely failing to thrill with his skills
and horsemanship.
Cambiaso received the Coronation Cup from Prince Charles, on Cartier's 25th anniversary of supporting International Day, yet player
of the match went to Argentina's three-goal player Martin Valent. It was a day for Argentina to celebrate and one for England to forget.
England: James Beim (7), Mark Tomlinson (6), Malcolm Borwick (6), Luke Tomlinson (7, capt).
Argentina: Gustavo Usandizaga (3), Facundo Pieres (10), Adolfo Cambiaso (10, captain), Martin Valent (3).
25. Roll Of Honour
National Universities Champions - Outdoors
West of England draw against Oxford Brookes2004
West of England2003
Bristol University2002
Oxford Brookes2001
Edinburgh University2000
Durham University1999
Durham University1998
Durham University1997
Royal Agricultural College1996
Edinburgh University
1995
Appendix Five – University of the West of England Polo
26. Appendix Six - SUPA
Schools and Universities Polo Association
Website: http://www.supa.org.uk/
SUPA was established to promote and develop Schools and Universities Polo. Founded in
1991, SUPA acts as a central point of reference for advice, guidance and encouragement.
SUPA organises tournament, representative teams and seeks to distribute financial support
as far as possible. There is now an extensive winter and summer programme of polo for
Schools, Junior Schools and Universities. SUPA supports an active winter programme of
training and development, National Arena Championships and regional tournaments.
The summer programme features National Junior Schools, Girls Schools and National
Universities Tournaments. All of these tournaments feature beginners, novice, intermediate
and Open Divisions.
There are on average around 20 players in each school - with some schools having over 40
players. There are around 50 schools and 50 universities involved with SUPA and well over
2,500 young players represented and supported by SUPA.
27. Appendix Seven – Handicapping
Handicaps.
a. Upon payment of the appropriate fee for the current year, each Registered Player, who is not under
suspension by the Association, will be entitled to an outdoor and/or arena handicap.
1) An individual registered with the Association during the prior year, who has had a handicap assigned
for the current year, may activate that handicap by the payment of the current year’s Registration Fee
including any applicable penalty.
2) An individual who does not have a handicap assigned for the current year must complete a written
application requesting that a handicap be issued. Such handicap does not become effective until the
office of the Association is so notified by the Chairman of the National Handicap Committee and the
Registration Fee is paid.
3) An application for a handicap, including handicap recommendations, must be signed by the Delegate
of the Club through which the individual is registered, the Circuit Handicap Chairman, and the National
Handicap Chairman.
4) The National Handicap Committee will use the designation “NR” for any individual for whom the
Committee feels it does not have adequate input.
5) The National Handicap Committee may append a “T” to the handicap of any individual. Such a
handicap is subject to review and change at any time until the “T” is removed. The review of a “T”
handicap may be requested by any member of a Circuit Committee or of the National Committee.
28. 6) Registered Players will be handicapped on a descending scale of 10 -1, A (0), B (-1), C (-2), N (Novice)
or NR (No Rating). In calculating team handicaps the numeric equivalents of A, B and C will be used.
7) Any Player not registered during the prior year will be issued a “T” handicap for the current year.
b. The National Handicap Committee will consist of a Chairman, the Chairman of the Association, the
Chairmen of each Circuit Handicap Committee, and eight members appointed by the National Committee
Chairman, each for a one-year term. Committee members may be reappointed for an indefinite number of
terms.
1) The National Handicap Committee Chairman will be appointed by the Chairman of the Association, with
the approval of the Board of Governors, to serve for a one-year term. The same person may be
reappointed for an indefinite number of one-year terms.
2) The National Handicap Committee Chairman will be selected from the current members of the National
Handicap Committee.
3) There will be an Arena Handicap Sub-Committee consisting of a Chairman appointed by the National
Handicap Committee Chairman and not less than three additional members appointed by the Sub-
Committee Chairman. All Arena Sub- Committee members will serve one-year terms and be eligible for
reappointment.
e. Emergency handicaps may be assigned by the National Handicap Committee Chairman or by the
Chairman of the Association. No Individual who has not been given a handicap as above provided will be
eligible to play in any Association match, game or tournament event at any Member Club
30. Appendix Nine - World Polo Tour
Website http://www.worldpolotour.com/ranking.php
New standards have been introduced to measure the performance of international level polo
players.
This system shows the level of excellence of the sport.
The World Polo Tour (WPT) is the international ranking of Polo Players. Each player is being ranked
according to their performance, during the course of the year, in the main tournaments around the
world.
The system came up as the result of the urge, by players and club managers, to create a circuit that
reflects the best Polo in the World.
There are four levels of tournaments; Challenger, Cup, Masters and Grand Slam, plus the Master
Series which is only for professional polo players.
In order to determine the category of each tournament, several aspects are taken into consideration:
The handicap of the tournament, the place, the organization, the amount of teams entered and the
level of players participating and the amount of spectators attending the last editions.
The lists of tournaments are being reviewed every year in order to reflect the reality of the
International Circuit.
31.
32.
33. World Polo Tour Ranking: 1
Name: Adolfo Cambiaso
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1975 (35 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 2
Name: Gonzalo Pieres Jr.
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1982 (28 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 3
Name: Facundo Pieres
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1986 (24 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 4
Name: Pablo Mac Donough
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1982 (28 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 5
Name: Juan Martin Nero
Nationally: Argentina/ Italy
Birthyear: 1981 (29 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
Appendix Ten - Ranking of the worlds top ten polo players;
World Polo Tour Ranking: 6
Name: Eduardo Novillo Astrada Jr.
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1972 (38 years old)
Handicap: 9 (Argentina), 9 (United Kingdom),
10 (United States)
34. World Polo Tour Ranking: 7
Name: Hilario Ulloa
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1985 (25 years old)
Handicap: 9 (Argentina), 8 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 8
Name: Mariano Aguerre
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1969 (41 years old)
Handicap: 10 (Argentina), 10 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 10
Name: Ignacio Novillo Astrada
Nationally: Argentina
Birthyear: 1978 (32 years old)
Handicap: 9 (Argentina), 8 (United Kingdom),
8 (United States)
World Polo Tour Ranking: 9
Name: David Stirling Jr.
Nationally: Uruguay
Birthyear: 1981 (38 years old)
Handicap: 9 (Argentina), 9 (United Kingdom),
9 (United States)
35. Appendix Eleven – Bartholome Castagnola
Bartolomé Castagnola
Born
June 16, 1970 (1970-06-16) (age 39)
Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires Province
Occupation Polo Player
Spouse(s) Camila Cambiaso
Children 3 sons
Bartolomé Castagnola born June 16, 1970 in Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires Province is an Argentine polo player with a 10-goal
handicap and ranked among the top twenty players. He is often referred to as Lolo.
Bartolomé Castagnola started playing polo seriously, when he was 14 and his father took him to the La Martina Polo School, where
he got to know Adolfo Cambiaso. In 1988, he started playing polo abroad, when he went to San Diego with Marcelo Caset and won
the San Diego Open. Since then, he won the Sotogrande Gold Cup, the US Open, the USPA Gold Cup, the Queen’s Cup and the
Hurlingham Open among other.
He participated 14 times in the Campeonato Argentino Abierto de Polo (Argentine Open), won 6 times and took part in the final
another 3 times.
Castagnola played for La Martina, Ellerstina, Outback and Dubai and played in Argentina, Spain, Dubai, United Kingdom and
Australia. He founded the La Dolfina Polo Team, together with Adolfo Cambiaso, where he usually plays on position 4.
Bartolomé is married to Camila Cambiaso, sister of Adolfo Cambiaso. He has three sons.
36. Appendix Twelve – HPA Coaching and Officiating
Information on coaching and officiating from the Hurlingham Polo Association
Website - http://www.hpapolo.co.uk/membership/coaching.asp
Coaching Criteria
There are several different grades of coaches/instructors. Guidelines as to their
capabilities are set out below. This does not prevent an individual from coaching
or instructing at higher levels.
Official HPA Team Coach
• Currently used by the HPA to coach HPA selected teams and to help with
courses and seminars.
• Appointed annually by the Development Committee.
HPA Qualified Coach
• Ability and experience to coach players of 3 goals and above and teams
of 8 goals and above.
• Should have reached 3 goals.
Official HPA Instructor
• Currently used by the HPA to help with courses.
• Appointed annually by the Development Committee.
37. HPA Qualified Instructor
• Ability and experience to get a player above 0 goals and to coach a ‘low
goal’ team.
• Would normally have reached 2 goals and be over 21 years of age.
• Technically correct when demonstrating stick work and riding.
Club Instructor
• Good understanding of the rules and positioning for set plays and basic
team tactics.
• Teaches according to HPA Guidelines.
• Must normally have held a handicap of at least 0 and be over 18 years of
age.
Voluntary Assistants
• Those who have attended the one-day course to learn the basic
guidelines in order to help in a voluntary capacity (e.g. at their club or in
the Pony Club).
• No assessment has been made of their knowledge or ability to help with
instruction and thus they do not hold any qualification.
TO OBTAIN A QUALIFICATION
There will be two courses a year for prospective coaches and instructors.
Anyone attending the course must be eligible by age and handicap for the
qualification that they are trying to achieve and also have an umpire grade and
valid First Aid Certificate. Prior to the course, those attending for the first time
will be sent the guidelines and the coaching DVD.
38. Appendix Thirteen - Hypokinetic disorders
The definition of hypokinetic from the mdical dictionary – http://medical-
dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hypokinetic
Etymology: Gk, hypo, under, kinesis, movement pertaining to diminished power of movement or motor function,
which may or may not be accompanied by a mild form of paralysis.
Hypokinetic diseases are conditions that occur from a sedentary lifestyle. Examples could include obesity and
complications arising from sedentary behaviour.
The term first originated in the book: Hypokinetic Disease (Kraus & Raab, 1961). It describes many of the diseases
and conditions associated with inactivity and poor fitness such as those conditions outlined in "Physical Activity and
Health: A Report of the U.S. Surgeon General".
Health problems brought about by lack of exercise have increased. Charles Corbin (an American health expert)
refers to these as "hypokinetic diseases" which he says are due to lack of activity. This can be accounted for, to
some extent by the change from jobs needing physical effort to more sedentary occupations (e.g. office jobs).
These diseases include:
obesity
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
osteoporosis
osteoarthritis
low back pain
adult onset (type 2) diabetes mellitus
39. Appendix Fourteen – Menopause
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/Pages/Introduction.aspx
The menopause is sometimes known as the 'change of life' and is marked by the ending of menstruation (when a
woman's periods stop).
A woman’s periods do not usually stop suddenly. They generally become less frequent, the odd period is missed
and then they stop altogether.
When it happens
In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 52.
A woman is said to have reached the menopause once she has not had a period for one year. After this point, she
can be described as post-menopausal.
If the menopause occurs in a woman who is under 45 years of age, it is known as premature menopause. It is
estimated that premature menopause affects 1% of women under the age of 40 and 0.1% of women under the age
of 30.
What happens?
During the time leading up to the menopause (perimenopause), the hormonal and biological changes that are
associated with the menopause begin. As a result of these hormonal changes, many women experience both
physical and emotional symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats and irritability. The menopause is the end of
egg production (ovulation). This occurs as a result of falling levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen, which
regulates a woman’s periods.
Treatments
Most women reach the menopause without seeking medical advice. However, treatments are available that can
ease menopausal symptoms that are severe or distressing.
40. Appendix Fithteen – Injuries to polo players
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/33/5/329.abstract
Br J Sports Med 1999; 33:329-331 doi:10.1136/bjsm.33.5.329
Injuries to polo riders: a prospective evaluation.
M Costa-Paz,
L Aponte-Tinao,
D L Muscolo
Carlos E Ottolenghi Institute of Orthopaedics, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess prospectively the incidence, nature, and severity of injuries to polo riders
competing in the 1996 Argentine High Polo season.
METHODS: Assessment, documentation, and provision of care for all injuries sustained during the 1996
season by one of the authors. Riders were also surveyed retrospectively for their previous polo injuries.
RESULTS: 34 riders took part in the study. Nine injuries were sustained prospectively and 55 injuries were
reviewed retrospectively (64 total). The injuries were categorised as minor (10), moderate (13), and major
(41). Twenty five (39%) injuries occurred in the arms, 20 (31%) in the legs, 12 (19%) in the head, 3 (5%) in
the back, and 4 (6%) in the face. A fracture occurred in 25 (39%) injuries as most resulted from a fall from
the horse. Additionally, facial lacerations occurred prospectively in five riders but did not result in missed
play. An overall injury rate of 7.8/1000 player-game hours was calculated.
CONCLUSIONS: Although many sports have injury rates much greater than 8/1000 player-game hours,
the severity of most injuries occurring in polo was classified as major, with fractures and facial lacerations
common. The use of a helmet with a face protector is recommended to decrease injury to players. A
doctor experienced in the management of serious trauma should be present at all polo matches.
