Western Australia names their 2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals teams!

The Polocrosse Association of Western Australia have named their teams to compete at Chinchilla in 2024. Sending six teams on the 4,000km plus there is a lot to consider when selecting and preparing the players for the pinnacle event of the Australian polocrosse calendar.

We caught up with the PAWA Board to discuss their selection process plus their preparation for Chinchilla and here is what we found out!

Q1: Can you provide an overview of the team selection process for the 2024 Chinchilla Nationals? What criteria and factors were considered in selecting the players for the PAWA teams?

A: The team selection process for the 2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals is a competitive and rigorous process that involves the following steps and criteria.
The Polocrosse Association of WA (PAWA) invites nominations from its members who wish to participate in the Chinchilla Australian National Championships. The nomination form requires the applicants to provide details about themselves and their horses.
The PAWA forms a selection panel for each division consisting of experienced polocrosse players, coaches, and selectors. The selection panel evaluates the nominations to select teams to compete. 
The panel considers the applicants’ skills, tactics, teamwork, sportsmanship, and attitude.
The applicants’ suitability and compatibility with their horses. The panel considers the horses’ health, fitness, temperament, training, and ability to cope with different playing positions and also the applicants’ availability and commitment to attend the selection trials organised by the PAWA. 
The PAWA announces the final teams for the different categories. The final teams are selected based on the best combination of players and horses that can represent WA at the Chinchilla Australian National Championships

Q2: What does it mean for the players to represent PAWA at the Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals, and what are their expectations and goals for the competition?

A: To represent Polocrosse WA at the Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals is a great honour and a huge challenge for the players. It means that they have been selected as the best of the best in their state, and that they have the opportunity to compete against the top players from other states and territories. It also means that they have the responsibility to uphold the values and standards of Polocrosse WA, such as excellence, integrity, respect, and teamwork
The expectations and goals for the competition may vary depending on the players’ category, experience, and personal aspirations. However, some common expectations and goals are:

• To perform at their highest level and showcase their skills, tactics, and teamwork.
• To enjoy the game and have fun with their teammates, horses, and opponents.
• To learn from the feedback and experience of the coaches, selectors, and other players.
• To support and encourage each other and foster a positive and friendly atmosphere.
• To represent Polocrosse WA with pride and professionalism and earn the respect and recognition of the polocrosse community.
• To win as many games as possible and aim for the championship title.

Q3: Could you share some insights into the preparation and training that the PAWA teams will undergo in the lead-up to the Nationals in 2024? Are there any specific challenges they anticipate?

A: The preparation and training that the Polocrosse WA teams will undergo in the lead-up to the Chinchilla Australian Nationals in 2024 are likely to be intensive and demanding. Attending regular training camps & practice sessions, as organised by the PAWA are expected of each player. These events are designed to improve the players’ skills, tactics, teamwork, fitness, and confidence. 
Maintaining and enhancing their horses’ health, fitness, temperament, training, and ability. They also need to train their horses regularly and consistently to develop their speed, agility, endurance, and responsiveness.
Some of the specific challenges that the Polocrosse WA teams may anticipate are:

• The distance, time to travel and cost of travelling to Chinchilla, Queensland. 
• The climate and environment of Chinchilla, Queensland is different to that in some parts of WA so acclimatisation may be required.
• The competition and pressure of the Chinchilla Australian Nationals. The teams will need to face the best and toughest teams and players from other states and territories. Always enjoyable but also challenging.

Q4: Polocrosse is a team sport that requires strong coordination between horse and rider. How do the players and their horses develop this crucial partnership, and what measures are in place to ensure the welfare and well-being of the equine athletes?

A: Polocrosse is a team sport that requires strong coordination between horse and rider. The players and their horses develop this crucial partnership through various means, such as:

• Training together regularly and consistently to improve their skills, tactics, fitness, and confidence. The players need to train their horses to be responsive, agile, fast, and enduring. They also need to communicate with their horses effectively. 
• The welfare and well-being of the equine athletes are of paramount importance in polocrosse and as such they are well cared for by their riders.

Q5: Besides the competition, are there any special events, community involvement, or initiatives that PAWA will be involved in the lead up to or during the Chinchilla Nationals? How does the association aim to promote the sport of polocrosse in Western Australia and beyond through these events?

A: Some special events, or initiatives that Polocrosse WA will be involved in the lead up to the Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals are featured on our 2024 calendar that is soon to be released.  
In past years our nationals’ preparations has included hosting a fundraising dinner and auction along with a state dinner to present our teams to the families and members at home before they hit the road. We hope to do this again in 2024.
The PAWA will showcase the skills and teamwork of the WA teams and their horses at different carnivals and events leading up to the Chinchilla Polocrosse Nationals. The association has an ongoing commitment to promote the sport of polocrosse in Western Australia and beyond by raising awareness and interest in polocrosse among the general public and the media at local events and highlighting the benefits and values of the sport, such as fitness, fun, friendship, and family.

Here are the PAWA teams for the 2024 Chinchilla Australian Polocrosse Nationals:

Congratulations to all the players named to represent Western Australia. We can’t wait to see you in Chinchilla in June!