Bike polo is a recent addition to the Black Canon Collective and we are very excited about it. You don’t need to be a member to get involved and you don’t need any special equipment either.

BCC Bike Polo Rules

Games are 3- a- side and last for 10 minutes, or the first team to 5 goals. At this point the next two teams will come onto the pitch, the rotation continues until all teams have played.

• To start the game, the ball is placed in the centre of the court by the referee, when the referee shouts “3,2,1,POLO!” one person (non-left hander) from each team must charge to the centre to win the ball.
• To score, the ball must be struck with the “business”/narrow end of the mallet, rather than pushing / hitting it through the goal with the side.
• Your feet must stay off the ground at all times- If/when you dab your foot you must “tap out” on either side of the court along the centre line by touching the side.
• After a goal is scored the scoring team must retreat behind the halfway point, allowing the other team to bring the ball back to halfway.
• Any contact must be like for like: e.g. body on body, bike on bike and mallet on mallet – but contact isn’t encouraged.

Please read the following information before attending your first session:

1. Where and When.

Meet at Frome Youth Centre, Vallis Road, Frome, BA11 3EF, every Wednesday evening. The first game will start at 7:30 and the session will finish at 9:30. There is a small car park, so we would like to suggest riding to the start venue,  but where this is not possible, car- sharing is recommended. On arrival, please park your vehicle legally, carefully and considerately.

View BCC Bike Polo in a larger map

2. Equipment.

The Black Canon Collective provide the following equipment:

• Polo mallets
• Polo balls
• Goals
• Bibs

Each player will need to bring the following:

• Working bicycle
• Helmet
• Gloves

We would also suggest bringing knee and elbow pads as there is a chance you may fall off. For safety reasons players may only use their own mallet if it is safe, so we’ll need to check all mallets before they’re taken onto the court.

3. Cost.

There is a small cost involved to cover the hire of the court and equipment. Any money reased from BCC bike polo is put back into supporting BCC bike polo. There are two payment tiers:

• BCC members- £2/ session
• Non Members- £5/ session

The rule is simple; pay before you play

4. Ensure your bike is in good working order.

Although Bike Polo does not require any particular type of bike, it needs to be in full working order, with at least one working brake (that can be operated by the non mallet arm) .

5. No helmet, no ride.

A helmet must be worn if you wish to play and should be a good fit, in good condition and free from any damage.

6. Wear appropriate clothing.

Make sure that you dress suitably for the weather, avoid flapping or baggy clothes which can tangle with your bike or catch on the mallet. Gloves are also advisable.

7. Food and drink.

Ensure you bring a drink as we do not have guaranteed access to drinking water, a snack bar would be suggested as well.

8. Spares and repairs.

We play on a hard court, so punctures are unlikely but it is better to be prepared. A multi- Tool is also a very good idea for any other technical issues.

9. Accidents.

Accidents are inevitable whilst playing Bike Polo. The Black Canon Collective assume no responsibility for any damage caused (to people or equipment) whilst playing. If an accident happens it is the responsibility of the two parties involved to resolve the issue amicably.