Atilio writes in his comment on Silly Season about what he sees as perhaps an unholy plot to make sure that no one born below the equator wins any more polo matches in the UK or possibly more correctly, he sees too much time spent endlessly rewriting rules when most often it is bad interpretation and weak enforcement that causes the problems?

Whichever way it is A. the irony is that since you wrote your comments the AAP, governing body of Argentine polo, have wielded the BIG STICK. In an attempt to cut out turning of the ball, “2 man trains” and any tactical innovation that has come into the game since the late eighties, they have legislated and BIG TIME. The USPA have followed suit and now we are doing so here in the UK. Feverish rounds of Umpire Meetings at all levels lasting well into the night and once again it will all come down to the enforcement. I believe that in the US Open they were even blowing people for turning left? I have not seen any film yet or spoken to many players who participated but would not surprise me. Anyway watch this space.

Nick Walter wrote of his boredom at the High Goal in reply to Silly Season and as you can see above they are trying to open it up but the proof will be in the pudding. Skill levels have changed and the legislators themselves never possessed skills anywhere approaching these levels. So they cannot really conceptualise how today’s players might adapt or mutate their play to the circumvent the legislature this time. My pitch-side reporter at the US Open (only a 5 goaler but skilled in his own right) reported that Adolfito just did as he pleased and played turning the ball just as much as usual but within the new rules and parameters. Play deeper-anticipate more? They have to hit backhands too?!