Riders for national teams or international teams must meet the selection criteria governed by the Board of Directors.

To be considered for national or international competition a member must complete an application form. The rider must have been a USMGA member the previous year as of January 1, and competed in at least three MAJOR USMGA competitions the previous year. In the exceptional case of not enough qualified applicants the coach may use his/her judgment in the selection.

A deposit will be required to confirm commitment. If not selected the deposit will be credited towards the rider's next USMGA competition. Deposits from selected riders will be applied toward the entry fee and/or related expenses for the competition which they are selected for.

Riders must commit to meeting the practice schedule of the team. Riders must show excellent games skills and have the willingness and ability to switch ponies. All try-out riders are required to follow the bit rule in the IMGA rulebook. Selection will not be solely dependent on tryouts; competitions, clinics, and other games events can be a factor for selection. The member must show good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and a respect for coaches and peers as well as having an active role in USMGA through helping organize clinics and competitions.

The top riders will be considered for an international team depending on their ability to meet the practice schedules. Members must show responsible behavior and show an understanding of the diplomacy expected of a representative of the United States.

All selected riders and parents of riders under 18 must carefully review and sign a contract that sets the standards of conduct and participation before they are accepted for a team. Riders who do not meet the terms of their contract will be dismissed from the team and replaced with an alternate rider. All fees paid will be forfeited. (See Appendix A)

Riders will be responsible for their own expenses and the expenses of their coach during international travel. Riders under 18 must either provide a chaperone or pay for the expenses of a chaperone to travel with the team.

Team selection is at the sole discretion of the coach. The coach will advise the board as soon as the team is selected.

USMGA shall adopt the rules of IMGA, therefore any rider wishing to try out for overseas competitions and all IMGA divisions must adhere to the IMGA bit rule.

Riders of any age may compete at USMGA events.

Abuse of a pony will not be tolerated at any time. Any official or member of the organizing committee may issue a warning. If the abuse continues or is repeated, the committee will eliminate the rider from the remainder of the competition. Eliminations due to abuse will be recorded and the board of directors may review the situation and dismiss offending riders from USMGA.

All riders must wear SEI or ASTM approved helmets and appropriate riding boots.

No dogs are permitted in stable or arena.

No children under 14 in arena area.

Only official USMGA photographer may be in arena of play; cameras of any kind are not allowed in the arena of play.

A fun division for those new to riding, very young riders, or those that prefer not to dismount to fix mistakes. The division runs with modified games. The starter division is a non-competitive division for anyone looking for a fun time.

Riders of any age who are not confident enough to ride in IMGA divisions or Open/U18 riders with novice ponies. If any rider chooses to compete their pony in an IMGA division but decides that they need to move back to the Norman Patrick division, this will be permitted but the rider/pony combination must stay in the Norman Patrick division for the remaining season.

A competitive division for riders under the age of 18 as of January 1.

The highest level of competition. There is no age restriction on open level competitors.