Coaching

The HPA holds a register of qualified coaches and instructors which can be found by using the 'coach search' facility. If your coach or instructor is not listed they are not registered with the HPA. In all cases we advise that the client checks that they are happy with the insurance cover his or her coach/instructor has in place.

Coach Grades

There are four grades of coaches/instructors, the guidelines for which are set out below. 

Coach

• Should normally have reached 3 goals.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the HPA guidelines.
• Would normally be able to demonstrate stick work and riding correctly and to a high standard.
• Must have a full knowledge of the rules and excellent understanding of how they relate to the tactics of the game.

Instructor

• Qualified to instruct without guidance or supervision.
•  Should attend a seminar annually.
• Ability and experience to get a player above 0 goals and to coach a low goal team.
• Must have good understanding of the HPA guidelines.
• Would normally be able to demonstrate stick work and riding correctly.
• Must have a full knowledge of the rules and a good understanding of how they relate to the tactics of the game.

Club Instructor

• Qualified to instruct unsupervised but may need guidance.
• Should attend a seminar annually.
• Ability and experience to teach players up to and including -1 goals.
• Would normally be able to demonstrate stick work and riding correctly.
• Must have a good knowledge and understanding of basic rules and tactics.   

Assistant Club Instructor

• Qualified to assist with a lesson under the supervision of a registered HPA coach or instructor.
• Must attend a seminar annually.
• Must have a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the HPA Guidelines and the rules.

To Obtain a Qualification

There will be two three day courses a year for prospective coaches and instructors.  Anyone attending the course must be eligible by age and handicap; normally 18 years and 0 goals. They must also have an umpire grade and valid First Aid Certificate.  Anyone who has not reached more than 1 goal will need to attend as a minimum the first 2 days of their first course and all 3 days of their second before they can expect to qualify; a total of 5 days. Prior to the course, those attending for the first time will be sent the guidelines and the coaching DVD.

Please call the HPA office or email amanda@hpa-polo.co.uk to request an enrolment form.

To Upgrade a Qualification

If a coach or instructor wishes to upgrade his or her qualification they must apply in writing to the Chairman of the Coaching Committee. Applications must be accompanied by written recommendation from two registered coaches. Candidates may be required to attend a practical assessment; this may be in situ at the applicants club or at another club, or as part of an HPA course; costs to be met by the applicant. Please note that an upgrade will not normally be considered unless an instructor has been registered with their current qualification for at least two years and has been instructing on a regular basis during that period.

To Register a Qualification

Coaches and instructors must register annually (period 1st April - 31st March) with the HPA and no coach or instructor will be included on the HPA web site until the HPA has received the following:

• The completed registration form.
• The annual subscription; £50.00 due on 1st April.
• Details of their insurance cover.
• A copy of a valid first aid certificate to show they have completed either a British Red Cross ‘Emergency Life Support’ course or St John’s Ambulance ‘Essential First Aid’ course or equivalent.

Overseas Players

Players that are based overseas are welcome to attend our coaching courses. However, unless they are current playing members of the HPA they will not be entitled to register as an HPA coach or instructor upon completion thus they will attend for the purpose of education only.

Criminal Record Bureau Checks

It is necessary for anyone coaching or teaching children, whether or not for gain, to have a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check. These can be either be arranged by a childs Pony Club or School or the HPA now also offer this service.

Please contact Oliver Hughes in the HPA Office for further details. Oliver@hpa-polo.co.uk

Seminars

There will be half day seminars held each season which instructors and coaches are encouraged to attend.

Voluntary Assistant Training

There will be a course held annually for those that wish to assist with a lesson but are not necessarily members of the HPA and do not wish to hold a formal qualification. The course will be based on the HPA coaching guidelines in order to give participants a basic understanding of the game.

Annual Diary  (The dates for 2013 are below, bookings will be taken from January 2013)