News
DRAFT 2018 APF HELMET RULE
3 Jul 2018
The Australian Polo Federation is reviewing the Helmet Rules, the new rules (currently in draft) will require all players to wear a helmet with a 3 point harness attachment, further information will be provided in due course.
The new helmet rule draft wording is:
2.3 PLAYERS EQUIPMENT.
a. Helmets. All players shall wear an approved helmet with the chin strap fastened at all times whilst playing the sport of polo. Any person riding a horse at a polo ground or venue must wear a helmet and
- The helmet must have a three-point harness attachment
- It must be noted Helmet Manufacturers generally recommend replacing a helmet every 5 years.
- Players and Clubs should be conscious that if a player has a hard-blow impact accident while wearing their helmet, that it should immediately be replaced with a new model as there may be damage to the helmet that is not visible to the naked eye.
- It is recommended that players take note that:
- the Australian Horse Industry Council Horsesafe code of practice states “Helmets that comply with AS/NZS3838 or ASTM F1163 and are less than five years old from the date of manufacture are deemed to provide an adequate level of protection to the wearer in all circumstances. Helmets that have had significant impacts (i.e. where the strength and integrity of the shell is likely to have been compromised) or have been otherwise structurally damaged must not be used.”
- From 01 January 2018 HPA rules stipulate that helmets must be type approved to the standard PAS015:2011 or PAS015:1998 with CE mark (type approval must be performed by a UK headquartered Notified Body for Personal Protective Equipment), SNELL E2001, VG1 01.040 2014-12, or UTAC/CRITT 04/2015.
- The USPA has developed standards by which various helmets can be evaluated in terms of how much protection they afford. Players are encouraged to take these standards into consideration in the selection of a helmet. As of June 1, 2020, the protective helmet required (by USPA) for players by this rule must be NOCSAE-approved.
Click here to view USPA 2017 Helmet Testing ResultsLatest News