Explaining The Basics of the Game

 

A polo team is usually made up of 4 players, although this can be 3 depending on the season and level of the players. 

The object of the game is to move the polo ball down-field, hitting the ball through the goal posts for a goal. Polo teams then change direction after each goal in order to compensate for field and wind conditions. A team is made up of four polo players.

A polo match in summer is played outdoors. A polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide, the largest field in organized sport.

A polo match lasts about one and one-half hours and is divided into timed periods called chukkas. Each chukka is between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 minutes long.

Play begins with a throw-in of the ball by the umpire at the opening of each chukker and after each goal.

Players must change horses after each chukka or during, due to the extreme demands placed on the polo pony.

Most of the rules of polo are for the safety of the polo players and their ponies. The basic concept is the line of the ball: the path of the travelling ball establishes the right of way between the players and who is able to 'make a play' on the ball at any given time. All rules can be found in the HPA handbook.

Two mounted umpires do the officiating, with a referee at midfield having the final say in any dispute between the umpires.

Penalty shots are given depending on the severity of the foul.

 

Glossary

 

Chukka - term to describe a game. In the outdoor season they are 7 1/2 minutes long, in the indoor season they are 6 1/2. There are 6 chukkas in a polo match.

 

Handicap - players are 'handicapped'. A team's handicap is the total of its players' ratings, and the team with the lower handicap is awarded the difference in goals

 

Hook - to hook someone is to block their stick with yours. A sneaky little manoeuvre

 

Line of the Ball -  the imaginary line the ball takes when in motion. Obstructing/crossing the line of the ball is one of the most common causes for penalties being awarded

 

Nearside - the left hand side of the pony (as you are sitting on it)

 

Offside - the right hand side of the pony

 

Penalty - awarded for a foul (don't worry, these are fairly common. The committee fouls on a regular basis, and Ella gave away 3 goals to the other team in the last tournament for fouls in the goal area)

 

Ride Off - the fun part! Travelling at the same speed, riding off is the act of using your horse and body weight to push another horse and rider off the line of the ball. This is where you vent all your frustration at your degree/boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever. Just take it out on the opposite team.

 

Stick - the polo mallet. The club sticks are very lightweight (and very smart with green tips. Our pride and joy!)

 

Swing - hitting at the ball with the mallet, usually nearside and offside forehands and backhands or neck shots.

 

Throw in - at the start of the match, each team lines up facing each other with sticks to the ground and the umpire rolls the ball in down the middle. There should be enough distance so that the umpire can ride through the gap between the opposing teams. Once a goal is scored, make sure you get back to line up as soon as you can, or the umpire may throw in without you!