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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

Field of Play 

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.

Objective

Objective

Drive the ball between the opponent’s goal posts and score the most goals to win the game.

Chukkers

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.

Direction of Play

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.

How to Score

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.

Divot Stomp

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.

Type of Shots

Roles On Game Day

Officials
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Officials

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.

Goal Judges
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Goal Judges

In outdoor, one goal judge (flagger) is positioned on each side of the field behind the goal posts. The goal judge will wave a flag overhead to signal a goal scored or at their feet to signal the ball going over and across the end line. If a goal is not scored, the goal judge will place a ball on the field at the appropriate spot for a knock-in.

Spare holders
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Spare holders

Responsible for holding their team’s spare horses behind the end line, enabling players to easily and quickly switch horses throughout the game. Spare holders will often be seen transporting horses from one side of the field to the other, typically riding along the side boards.

Timekeeper
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Timekeeper

Responsible for keeping track of the time elapsed during chukkers and in between chukkers and of signaling the Officials and players with the horn at the appropriate times.

Scorer
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Scorer

Responsible for filling out the official scoresheet, by keeping track of the score and the number of fouls committed by each team.

Did you know? Polo is the only sport where amateurs and professionals can play side by side at the highest level of play.
Right-Handed Player Only

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.

One Player - Many Teams

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

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
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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.

Polo Ball
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Polo Ball

In outdoor polo the ball is typically about the size of a baseball (3 to 3.5 inches in diameter) and made of hard, white plastic. It weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 ounces. In arena polo, the ball is larger and inflated, similar in size to a mini soccer ball.

Helmet
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Helmet

Players are required to wear a protective helmet secured by a chin strap. As of June 1, 2019, the protective helmet required for players in a USPA Event must be NOCSAE-approved.

Safety Glasses
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Safety Glasses

Protective eyewear often worn to shield the eyes from flying debris or injury. Players are strongly encouraged to wear face and eye protection at all times during play.

White pants
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White pants

It is customary for all players to wear white pants or jeans.

Knee Guards
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Knee Guards

Padded protective equipment worn by players on their knees made of leather.

Polo Boots
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Polo Boots

Players wear leather boots that extend up to the knee to protect the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Roached mane and tied tail
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Roached mane and tied tail

The mane of a polo pony is shaved off and tail braided and wrapped to prevent entanglement with the mallet.

Polo wraps 
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Polo wraps

Leg wraps or bandages, made of a synthetic felt-like material, serve two purposes: protecting the horses’ legs from injury and providing support.

Tack
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Tack

Refers to the equipment which goes on the horse, including bridles, bits, saddles and other pieces.

PLAYER POSITIONING

Indoor Arena
Outdoor Arena

KEY TERMS

Bowl-in/throw-in 
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Bowl-in/throw-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.

Knock-in 
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Knock-in

When a team hits the ball from its endline after a goal miss from the opposing team.

Line of the Ball (LOB) 
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Line of the Ball (LOB)

Imaginary line of the ball produced forward or backward at any moment. It represents a “Right of Way” (ROW) for the last player striking the ball, and is the basis for most fouls in the game. If the ball becomes stationary while in play, the LOB is that line upon which it was traveling before stopping.

Right of Way (ROW)
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Right of Way (ROW)

Exists between two or more players in the proximity of the ball and extends ahead of the players entitled to it and in the direction those players are riding. ROW also does not depend on who last hit the ball. Players may not enter or cross the ROW except at such speed and distance that creates not the slightest risk of collision.

Ride-off
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Ride-off

When two opponents ride their mounts at full gallop next to each other and make contact or bump in an attempt to push each other off the line of the ball.

Hook
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Hook

When a player attempts to block the mallet of an opponent to prevent a shot.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 USPA 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.

ECO-Bracket-Play-Divot-Stomp-at-GPC-ChiC
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USPA COVID-19 UPDATE

Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020

The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.

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