Field of Play
A full-sized outdoor, or grass, playing field is 300 by 160 yards, approximately the area of nine football fields. The arena, or indoor, playing field is considerably smaller, measuring 300 by 150 feet.
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Direction of Play
The initial direction of each team is chosen based on a coin toss at the beginning of the game. Teams move in the direction of their goal until the first goal is scored, after which teams switch goals. Direction is changed after each goal is scored. In arena polo, the direction is only changed after each chukker.
Objective
Drive the ball between the opponent’s goal posts and score the most goals to win the game.
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How to Score
Goals are awarded by handicap, or during play from either the field or penalty opportunities (Outdoor Rule 19). Handicap goals are given, for example, when the tournament is a 12- to 14-goal and a 14-goal team is playing a 12-goal team. The lower rated team will receive goals in handicap at the onset of the game. The number of goals, in this example two, is calculated by multiplying one-sixth of the difference between the two teams by the number of chukkers.
In this example, the 12-goal team gains two "goals on handicap" in a regular six chukker outdoor game based on the handicap matrix (Rulebook pg. 244-245). To calculate this you would divide two (difference between teams) by six to get 0.333. Multiply this number by six (number of chukkers) to get two for the handicap awarded.
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Chukkers
A polo match generally lasts one to two hours and is divided into periods called chukkers, which last seven-and-a-half minutes each. Excluding overtime, a polo game, outdoor or indoor, consists of between four and six chukkers, depending on tournament stipulations.
Divot Stomp
At halftime, it is customary to invite the spectators onto the grass field to help replace the divots kicked up by the horses hooves. This tradition is a great time to walk the field, take photos and socialize before the second half of the game. Depending on the club there may be a champagne toast or other free giveaways.
POLO 101
spectator guide
“Beyond all else, however, it is the basic feelings of intensity of playing a sport like ice-hockey-on-horses, running around at speeds of up to thirty mph, that I am addicted to. It makes me feel alive” – Adam Snow, former 10-goal player
Polo is a breathtaking exhibition of teamwork and coordination between horse and rider, without an understanding of the game’s progression however, it can sometimes be difficult to follow. Whether you are refreshing your polo knowledge or experiencing polo for the first time, reference our spectator guide below for a breakdown of key game concepts and common terminology to help fans understand what makes the polo experience so unique.
anatomy of the game
Types of Shots
Players are allowed to hit the ball form either side of the horse. you may hear the announcer point out a few specific shots, so be on the look out for theses.
Nearside
Left-hand side/ A nearside backhand is hit on the left side of the horse and propels the ball in the opposite direction.
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Offside
Right-hand side.
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Neckshot
Hitting the ball underneath the horse's neck from either side.
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Backshot
Backhand swing propelling the ball in the opposite direction.
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Pony Goal
When the ball bounces off the pony and into the goal.
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Tail Shot
Hitting the ball behind and across the ponies backside.
roles on game day
OFFICALS
Every game requires two mounted umpires and a referee, or three mounted umpires. These officials are responsible for seeing that the game is conducted in accordance with the rules. The referee typically assists from the sidelines and serves to decide the call if the two mounted umpires disagree. In games where a drone is available, a team may challenge a call on the field (once per half) which is then reviewed by the Instant Replay Official (IRO) who has the power to overturn.
Did you know? Polo is the only sport where amateurs and professionals can play side by side at the highest level of play.
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Right-Handed Player Only
All players, even left-handed, must carry the mallet in their right hand at all times for safety reasons. The only exception to this rule is left-handers registered with the USPA prior to January 1, 1974.
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One Player - Many Teams
Compared to other sports, polo players switch teams frequently and are hired per tournament or season. They do not belong to one team year-round, but often play with many, giving them the opportunity to play with or against a wide variety of players across the United States and internationally. Teams also benefit from this structure by allowing them the flexibility to enter different tournament levels.
Sponsorship & Team Owners
Each team is named for their particular sponsor which funds the players’ polo-related expenses while on the team. The team owner, either male or female, usually refers to the individual person who is involved with the sponsorship and often plays on the team with the professionals he/she hired.
Equipment
MALLET
The mallet is 48 to 54 inches long depending on the height of the pony and the reach of the player. Resembling a long stick, the mallet is made of bamboo with a hand grip similar to a tennis racquet. A cloth safety strap at the top wraps around the player’s thumb to prevent the mallet from slipping.
player positioning
Number 1 & 2
Forwards, or attacking offensive players. They must be able to hit the ball accurately and powerfully on goal.
Number 3
Pivot position and is comparable to a quarterback in football. This attacking position is typically the best player or team captain and tasked with hitting the ball up the field to positions one and two.
Number 4
Focuses on defence and moves the ball up the field to the team's offensive players.
key terms
BOWL IN/ THROWN IN
When the umpire tosses the ball underhand between two teams at center field to begin the chukker, after each goal, or from the sidelines to resume play after the ball has bounced out of bounds.
Did you know? The Women's Handicap system was created by Sunny Hale in 2014.
handicap system
A handicap is a rating given to a player to indicate his/her skill level relative to another player. Provided to actively Registered Player Members of the USPA, handicaps are expressed as “goals” that range on a scale from C (-2) to 10, with 10 being the highest. These ratings are unrelated to the number of goals a player scores, but rather reflect a player’s skill, horsemanship, strategic ability, knowledge of polo, team play and sportsmanship. Twice per year handicaps are reviewed and can change either up or down the scale dependent on these factors. For example, a 4-goal player has a handicap of four.
dress, game etiquette & tips
Historically spectators used polo events to express themselves fashionably, in contemporary polo spectating however dress often depends on the type of polo you are attending, whether it be a casual tailgate, practice or ticketed Sunday polo. It is advised to contact the individual club before attending if you’ve never been, but generally casual clothes are acceptable. Often spectators can drive up on the side of the field and tailgate with friends and family for a fun afternoon. Attire for Sunday polo can be dressy, with men wearing collared shirts and women wearing dresses. Wedges are preferred over heels as a slim heel will get stuck in the grass if you participate in the divot stomp.
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Remember to always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Sometimes a flying ball can find itself out of bounds and headed in the direction of spectators.
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Stay behind the designated line often visible on the outside of the sideboards because this is the true boundary. The playing field extends beyond the sideboards several feet and horses will jump over the boards so stay clear and make sure children are always supervised.
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Tune into the announcer’s commentary, if available, for real-time explanation of penalties and elements of the game to familiarize yourself while watching. Also, stream the USPA Polo Network livestream, if applicable, to hear commentary for any covered games without an announcer on site.
SPECTATORS WELCOME
Check out the tournaments tab to access the tournament calendar and navigate by year or month. All ZPA tournaments that are open to spectators can be found there and will be indicated. Spectator clubs host many games during their seasons which are open to the public, both free and ticketed.
