Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Can I come and watch a game?
A
Q
How much does it cost?
A
We charge for admission at weekends, on Bank Holidays and midweek during the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup tournament. On a normal polo day (excluding our main events) the standard admission charges are:-
Car entry to include 2 adults £10
Additional adults in car/Pedestrians £5
Tickets are sold at the gate of the grounds in play. Children under 12 are free. If you wish to go into our Members' Enclosure there is an additional £5 charge.
The 2 main event days where ticket prices differ are the Semi Finals and Finals of the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup.
Thursday 15th July - Entry £15 per person over the age of 12, no charge for cars. Tickets are sold on the gates on arrival. There is no grandstand seating available for this day.
Sunday 17th July. Tickets can be purchased in advance for this event. Entry £17.50 if purchased before the 1st July, £20 per person after that date. 12 and under free. No charge for cars.
Everybody over 12 requires to pay for an admission ticket - additional grandstand seating available at £16,£26 or £36.
To book Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup Final tickets online please click here
.
Q
Where is Cowdray Park Polo Club?
A
We are located near Midhurst in West Sussex. The Polo Club has 2 sets of grounds. The Lawns and River grounds are very near to Midhurst and the Ambersham pitches are located halfway between Petworth and Midhurst. The daily schedule will show which grounds are being used - always subject to last minute change.
To view a location map please click here.
Sat Nav References - The polo grounds do not have their own postcodes, but the following are reasonably close:
Lawns - GU29 0AJ
Ambersham - GU28 0PR
The nearest train stations are Haslemere on the Waterloo line (10 miles) or Pulborough on the Victoria Line (10 miles).
Q
How long does a match last?
A
High goal matches (20-22 goal) will be played over six chukkas (lasting approx 90 minutes). Medium goal matches (15-18 goal) will be played over five chukkas (approx 75 minutes), and low goal is played over four chukkas (approx one hour).
Q
What are the rules of polo?
A
Basic rules
Grounds
The maximum permitted pitch is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.
The goal posts are 8 yards apart.
Duration of Play
The match is divided into chukkas, each lasting 7 minutes.
The interval between each chukka is 3 minutes to permit change of ponies.
At half time the interval is extended to 5 minutes.
The bell is rung at the end of each 7 minute period. Play continues after the bell until the ball goes out of play, or the umpire stops play for a foul, or the bell is rung for a second time 30 seconds after the first bell. In the final chukka play stops with the first stroke of the bell.
Changing Ends
Ends are changed after EACH GOAL scored, or at half time if no score by then.
Field Rules
Right of Way - During play there is an imaginary "line of ball", which is generally the direction in which the ball is travelling at any one moment. When a player has established the right of way along that line, it may not be crossed by an opposing player if there is the slightest risk of collision.
Crossing - Any player who crosses the player in the right of way close enough to be dangerous or cause a player to slow up, commits a foul.
Riding Off - Riding off is the term used to described the action of one player trying to take control of the ball by pushing a member of the opposing team off his chosen course, whether the other man is playing the ball or not. But it must not be done by charging in at a dangerous angle, nor must the man in possession of the ball be crossed.
Hooking sticks - A player may hook an opponent's stick provided he is in the same side of the opponent as the ball, or directly behind him, and provided the stick is below the level of the opponents shoulder. Players must not attempt to hook an opponent in front of the pony's legs.
Players Handicap
Each player is given a handicap level from -2 to 10 goals depending on his ability. The lowest handicap is -2, with 10 being the highest possible.
A team's rating is calculated by adding together the 4 players' handicaps.
The Team
Positions are No1 and No 2 who are the forwards, No 3 the pivot position, usually the best player in the team, and No 4, or Back, the goal defender.
Umpires
There are two mounted umpires and a third man or referee in the stands acts as an arbitrator if the umpires disagree.
The goal judges behind each goal wave a flag when a goal is scored.
The time keeper and scorer keep track of the timings of the match and sound the bell or hooter at the end of each chukka.
Penalties
Different types of penalties are awarded depending of the nature of the foul.
30 and 40 Yard - Shot at an open goal, the attackers have to be level with the ball when hit or hit at. Defenders have to be behind the back line.
60 yard - None of the defending team to be nearer than 30 yards.
Free hit : -
From the spot where the foul occurred, with none of the defending team to be nearer than 30 yards. From the centre of the ground, none of the defending side can be nearer than 30 yards. This is awarded at the discretion of the umpires. If the ball has gone over the back line, but not through the goal, then the defending team hit it back into play at the point where it crossed the line. The attacking team must be 30 yards away.
Q
What should I wear?
A
Generally we recommend smart/casual clothes, with comfortable shoes for 'treading-in'. However if the weather is inclement please dress accordingly. No shorts are permitted in our Members' Enclosure.
Q
Can I get anything to eat?
A
On a normal day we cannot guarantee that there will be a catering outlet on the grounds. At weekends and midweek during the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup tournament our Members' Enclosure will be open for lunches and teas, but there is an additional charge of £5 for non-members to enter the enclosure. If you wish to book any meals with our Club caterer, Keith Hanson, he can be contacted on 07907 328032.
At our larger events, such as the Semi-Finals and Final of the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup, there will be a number of food outlets on the grounds.
You are also very welcome to bring your own picnic, folding chairs and/or a rug to sit on.
Q
Where is the nearest station?
A
The nearest train stations are Haslemere on the Waterloo line (10 miles) or Pulborough on the Victoria Line (10 miles).
Q
Can I bring my dog?
A
Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the vehicle. Please clear up after your dog.
Q
Can I bring my own picnic?
A
Yes, you are very welcome to bring your own picnic, as well as folding chairs etc. Picnics cannot be taken into the Members' Enclosure.
Q
Where can I buy a ticket?
A
Tickets can be bought on the gate of the grounds in play.
Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup Final tickets are available from 3rd May 2011 and can be bought in advance by calling the Ticket Line on 01730 814110 or online by clicking here.
If you want to book tickets in advance for a special occasion or group booking please contact the polo office on 01730 813257 or click here.
Q
Are groups allowed?
A
Groups are welcome to come and watch the Polo. If you wish to arrange tickets and/or catering in advance, or have special requirements, please contact the polo office on 01730 813257 or click here.
Q
Can I book lessons?
A
As a club we do not keep any horses or provide tuition.
Q
Accommodation in the area?
A
We cannot arrange accommodation for you, but there are a number of hotels, guest houses and B&Bs in the local area. The following sites may assist you in your search:-
http://www.cowdray.co.uk/holiday_cottages.htm
