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during the UK high-goal season with a 10 per
cent reduction in fouls in the 2016 Cartier
Queen’s Cup and a 29 per cent reduction in
the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, when
compared to their 2015 counterparts. The
past two years have seen more use of instant
replay in playback, better coverage through
more camera angles, and more choice of
reviewing apps for umpires. While instant
replay may pause the action, it ensures the
game is officiated accurately. Collaboration
between the national associations AAP, HPA,
USPA and FIP to train umpires in how to
use technology efficiently seems to have
made the biggest difference. Umpires have
adapted readily, and the way replay is used
has been refined through protocols to ensure
minimal disruption to play.
But it’s not just during the game that
technology is speeding things up. Online
platforms now offer players fast access to
high-definition footage they can stream on
their phone, tablet or computer. Enabling
them to review their performance and gain
insight into the style and techniques of
competing teams. Spectators also benefit
from new state-of-the-art camera work and
streaming services, with drone footage
capturing exhilarating new angles
demonstrating the skill and horsemanship
in play from a viewpoint that is, arguably,
better than the top stadium seats.
When it comes to data capture and
analytics, many players are not overly keen
on seeing their ‘numbers’. But for coaches,
data provides an invaluable tool. Fed back
to the team in the right way, the information
is hugely beneficial and, ultimately, can be
used to gain an edge on opponents.
But it’s not only coaches who are keen
to keep abreast of the latest algorithms –
data of this kind is now being used by
Fantasy Polo League players. The computer-
based game has armchair specialists
thoroughly engaged and the data has a real
value as players compete for cash prizes.
Evidently the polo industry is discovering
and embracing uses for technology that both
solve a problem and increase engagement.
The next step is to ensure this technology is
accessible not only by the top players, but all
players from entry-level upwards.
F E D B A C K T O T H E T E A M I N T H E R I G H T WAY,
D ATA C A N B E U S E D T O G A I N A N E D G E
