Statement Regarding Home Grown Player (HGP) Rules
Following the meeting of the Stewards on 14 July 2026, it was announced that there would be no changes to the team composition rules to be applied in 2027 in 12, 15 and 22 goal Victor Ludorum polo and that the 18 goal would be considered further.
The Stewards have now approved the suspension of the application of the HGP requirement in the 18 goal for 2027. This means that teams are NOT required to include a HGP in 18 goal VL polo in 2027. The suspension will be reviewed again in July 2027.
The suspension was proposed and agreed by the Rules Committee, HGP Evidence Working Group and the High Goal Advisory Committee before being approved by Stewards to consider. All parties agreed to the suspension of the rule.
It was noted that there has been a reduction in the number of teams playing 18 goal VL. While this could be influenced by a number of factors there was some evidence that the HGP rule was creating limited number of possible team handicap combinations, particularly among HGPs rated 4 goals or below, and that there are currently too few suitably available HGPs to meet the needs of every potential 18-goal team, in addition to the medium goal and the 22 goal.
For these reasons, the 18 goal restriction may reduce a patron’s options to select a balanced team based on compatibility, playing style, horsepower, availability, and budget.
It is believed that a larger and healthier team entry is likely to produce more employment for HGPs across the season than a restrictive rule that discourages patrons from entering at all. HGPs who are competitive, well mounted, and available will continue to be selected by patrons on merit.
Suspending the requirement for 2027 is a practical measure to encourage patron participation, maintain competitive standards, and grow the overall number of professional playing positions while allowing necessary time for further analysis.
