Beginning in roughly 2007, scores of hardcourt bike polo players began overwhelming organizers at previously low-profile tournaments, arriving in droves with a fierce desire for competition and community. Before long it became clear that the need for proper organization was imminent.
Early in 2010, North America democratically elected 21 representatives (7 regions, 3 reps per), establishing North American Hardcourt – the first organizing crew that would begin to address the concerns of a rapidly growing constituency. NAH has thus far been instrumental in influencing and encouraging a shift to standards: a uniform set of rules and refereeing; a swiss-round tournament format; familiar court dimensions and goals; mandatory uniforms; last but not least, a platform for sponsors seeking to reach a growing audience.
Fortunately, this seems to be working in concert with the fun and spontaneous nature of the game. The community is still very independent, with local and regional tournaments happening across N.A. year-round and almost every weekend of the calendar. The goal with the inaugural NAH Tour in 2011 is to create a sanctioned tour with the express purpose of attracting teams wishing to compete at the highest level of the sport in a safe and organized environment.