May 13, 2022 8:07 PM
The Pacific Coast Arena League (PCAL) has a long history of success. Beginning in the late 1990s, multiple clubs have participated as hosts and even more clubs have sent players to participate in events.
2021 was a rebuilding year after COVID-19 cancellations put the League on hiatus. Lakeside Polo Club (Lakeside, California), Orange County Polo Club (Silverado, California) and Poway Polo Club (Poway, California) hosted one PCAL event each, with teams comprised of players from a variety of clubs competing in two different flights to give everyone an opportunity to play with different teammates.
For 2022, Lakeside Polo Club, Orange County Polo Club (OC Polo Club) and Poway Polo Club will once again serve as hosts, with each club on track to offer two different USPA tournaments with three flights per event.
“Hosting more USPA tournaments during PCAL this year creates a lot of benefits for participants,” said Heather Perkins, OC Polo Club manager. “They will have the opportunity to create teams and build chemistry during one weekend or over the full course of PCAL. Players will also get National Arena Amateur Cup (NAAC) points playing in USPA arena events in addition to the PCAL points. Last year, one of our players, Mila Slutzky, traveled to play in the NAAC. She had such a great time and was excited for the opportunity to qualify,” Perkins continued.
Players that choose to join PCAL as an individual will be placed on a team for league play. The A-Flight will be played as a USPA tournament for the first four teams entered at the 2- to -4 goal level and as league play for additional teams. The B-Flight will be played as a second USPA tournament at each location for the first four teams to enter and as league play for additional teams. The C-Flight, played at the -3- to -2-goal level, is for new or beginner players looking to get experience competing in a safe and fun atmosphere.
PCAL runs on a point system, with individuals receiving points based on their teams’ win/loss/tie record and additional points for Most Valuable Player, Sportsmanship and Best Playing Pony, which are awarded in every PCAL game. Teams receive trophies in accordance with USPA tournaments and league play, however there is also an End of League party and awards ceremony where participants can win High-Point Champion, Best Playing Pony, MVP, Sportsmanship, and many other unique titles in each flight. There are also additional prizes for teams that remain intact throughout the entire PCAL series and participate at every club.
Nicole Bankhead, Lakeside Polo Club manager, is looking forward to a new and improved season, sharing, “With USPA professional umpires and umpire training, great prizes, End of League awards, three different levels of play and multiple locations, there’s something in PCAL for everyone!”
Players of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up for PCAL by contacting PCAL@usarenapolo.com.
2022 Dates and Locations
June 4-5 at Orange County (OC) Polo Club (Silverado, California)
June 25-26 at Lakeside Polo Club (Lakeside, California)
July 2-3 at Poway Polo Club (Poway, California)
You can follow PCAL on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all things PCAL.
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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