Ensuring balanced competition and the safety of practitioners
In an effort to promote fair competition and ensure the safety of players, coaches and referees, plans are underway to implement a ranking system in horseball. This system will be based on the handicap system used in polo. Beginner players will start with a handicap of -2 and have the opportunity to progress to a maximum handicap of 10. Provincial horseball associations will rate handicaps from -2 to 0, while the national governing body, Canada Horseball , will assess handicaps from 1 to 4. Handicaps over 5 will be the responsibility of the International HorseBall Federation. The objective is to implement this system for the 2023 season and to start the competitive season in 2024 with balanced teams, thus guaranteeing the pleasure of the players and the safety of the participants.
Implementation of a handicap ranking system
The implementation of a handicap ranking system in horseball aims to create a fair and balanced playing field, where teams are grouped according to their relative skill level. Drawing inspiration from the successful handicapping system used in polo, this initiative aims to provide equal opportunities for players of different skill levels to compete and enjoy the sport.
The system will start with all rookie players being assigned a -2 handicap. As they gain experience and improve their skills, they will have the opportunity to progress to higher handicaps. Horseball Schools affiliated with Provincial Associations will be responsible for evaluating and assigning handicaps from -2 to 0 based on individual player performance and ratings. This ensures that players in the early stages of their horseball journey are positioned correctly in the ranking system.
Then handicaps 1 and 2 will be the responsibility of the provincial horseball associations affiliated with Canada Horseball through their handicaps committee, which will be in charge of evaluating applications annually.
Finally, from handicap 3 to handicap 4, the responsibility will be transferred to Canada Horseball, the national governing body. They will assess and assign these handicaps based on a combination of individual performance, tournament results and feedback from coaches and referees. This centralized evaluation process ensures consistency and ensures fair evaluation across the country.
Handicaps from 5 will fall under the jurisdiction of the International HorseBall Federation. As players reach higher skill levels, the International Federation will assess their performance and assign appropriate handicaps. This not only establishes a standardized ranking system, but also allows players to gauge their progress against a global standard.
Benefits of the Handicap Ranking System
The implementation of a handicap ranking system has several advantages for horseball. First, it allows for more balanced and competitive matches. By grouping teams of similar handicaps together, the outcome of matches becomes less predictable, which improves excitement and engagement for both players and spectators.
In addition, the handicap ranking system encourages player development. Beginners can compete against opponents with a similar skill level, giving them the opportunity to progress and improve gradually. As players progress, they can aspire to increase their handicap, reflecting their dedication and skill advancement.
Safety is also a crucial aspect of the handicap grading system. By ensuring teams are balanced, the risk of imbalance in skill levels and potential accidents is greatly reduced. Players can focus on their performance and enjoy the game, knowing they are competing on a level playing field.
Implementation and future prospects
The proposed timeline for the implementation of the handicap ranking system is to launch it in the 2023 season, allowing time for player skill assessment and analysis. The goal is to start the competitive season in 2024 with balanced teams, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer playing environment for all participants.
To facilitate a smooth transition, clear guidelines and communication channels will be established between the Provincial Horseball Associations, Canada Horseball and the International HorseBall Federation through the Handicaps Committee. This will ensure a consistent and transparent evaluation process, where player performance will be carefully assessed against predefined criteria.
By introducing the handicap grading system, horseball in Canada aims to align with international standards and help the sport grow. It encourages fair competition, facilitates player development and improves the overall participant experience.
Conclusion
The Association Horse-Ball Québec maintains a strong relationship with the International Horse-Ball Federation (FIHB), allowing for harmonious collaboration and representation at the global level. The implementation of a handicap ranking system in horseball is an important step towards fair and balanced competition. Building on the successful model established in polo, players of all skill levels will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. This initiative not only guarantees player enjoyment, but also emphasizes the safety of all participants. With careful implementation and ongoing evaluation, the future of horseball in Canada looks bright, fostering the growth and development of the sport.
Proposal of evaluation criteria being evaluated:
Handicap -2 to Handicap 0: Beginner (Learn to practice)
Basic knowledge of horseball rules.
Ability to ride safely.
Basic skill in terms of positioning on the horse and balance.
Ability to control the horse at basic gaits (walk, trot).
Understanding fundamental game concepts and strategy.
Level 1 to 5 Canadian Rider Certificate
Handicap 1: Intermediate (Goal: Participate in provincial competitions)
Mastery of basic horseball rules and tactics.
Ability to ride a horse with good balance and correct stance.
Control of the horse at different gaits (walk, trot, gallop).
Ability to perform simple maneuvers, such as changing direction and lateral movements.
Active participation in matches and practices, with an understanding of the role in the team.
Level 5 to 7 Canadian Rider Certificate
Participation in the Provincial competition season with a field presence of over 50%
Handicap 2: Advanced (Goal: Participate in provincial competitions)
Excellent knowledge of horseball rules and strategies.
Control of balance and position on the horse in all game situations.
Precise control of the horse at different gaits, including tight turns and quick stops.
Ability to perform more advanced maneuvers, such as bends and quick changes of direction.
Fast and accurate decision-making on the pitch, with an understanding of specific roles in the team.
Level 7 Canadian rider certificate.
Participation in the season of Provincial competitions with a field presence greater than 70%.
Participation in the annual development camp per season in his province.
Provincial Referee Candidate
Handicap 3: Expert (Goal: Participate in federal competitions)
Extensive expertise in horseball rules, tactics and strategies.
Exceptional control of balance and position on the horse, even in complex and fast situations.
Total control of the horse at all gaits, with exceptional precision, anticipation and agility.
Ability to perform advanced maneuvers with fluidity and precision, anticipating opponents' movements.
Leadership on the pitch, ability to make quick tactical decisions and guide the team to victory.
Level 7 Canadian Rider Certificate
Participation in the Provincial competition season with a field presence greater than 70%
Participation in 1 development camp per season in other provinces in Canada or the United States
Active Provincial Referee
Handicap 4: Elite (Goal: Participate in federal competitions)
Complete and thorough mastery of all horseball rules, tactics and strategies.
Excellence in balance and position on the horse, even in the most demanding situations and at high speeds.
Absolute control of the horse at all gaits, with exceptional precision, anticipation and responsiveness.
Ability to perform complex maneuvers with great precision and perfect execution.
Exemplary leadership on the pitch, ability to inspire and guide the team to exceptional performance.
Level 7 Canadian Rider Certificate
Participation in the Provincial competition season with a field presence greater than 70%
Participation in 2 development camps per season in other provinces in Canada or the United States
Active Provincial Referee