Within and Between-Tournament Variability in Equestrian Polo.

The research presents a comprehensive study on the variability of performance measures in the sport of Polo, examining the differences between players within tournaments and across various tournaments. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of Polo performance and guide coaching and game strategies.

Methodology

• This study used data from 618 chukkas (periods of play) in Polo, covering a range of levels from 0- to 16-goal and Women’s Polo. The data was collected over three Polo seasons in New Zealand.
• The researchers utilized global positioning systems to record the external work carried out by the Polo ponies during tournament play.
• To calculate within-tournament variability, standard error and coefficient of variation were used. Between-tournament variability was assessed using median percentage difference and Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients.

Findings

• The study found that playing duration, average and maximum speeds, and distance metrics typically increase with the level of Polo play.
• There is a decrease in within-tournament variability as the level of Polo play increases. This implies that performance measures become more consistent among players at higher levels of play.
• The analysis showed that the 0-, 6-goal, and Women’s Polo had comparable within-tournament variability measures. This indicates similar consistency in performance measures within these levels of play.
• The research highlighted a high degree of between-tournament variability in Polo. It showed that the variability in performance measures within players often surpasses the variability between different players. This impacts the reliability of mathematical interpretations.

Contribution to the Field

• The findings provide insight into variability in the sport of Polo, aiding coaches in making informed decisions, developing game strategies, and facilitating horse development.
• Z-scores are proposed as an alternative method for demonstrating between-tournament variability, simplifying the process of comparing across tournaments and seasons. The research also provides example boundaries using this method in Polo.