The basics of Polo
A Polo match is played by two teams of four players on a field approximately 300 yards long goal to goal, and 160 yards wide between the boards. The aim of the game is to score goals by hitting the ball using a long stick into the goal at each end. The team with the most goals after four quarters wins – simple!
A Polo match is split into four quarters known as ‘Chukkas’, each Chukka is normally seven minutes in length. After a goal is scored, the teams change ends so neither side benefits from any favorable slopes or winds.
At the end of each chukka, a bell (or siren) will sound. Play continues for a further 30 seconds or until the ball goes out of play, whichever comes first.
The Ponies
Ponies need to be able to accelerate and stop very quick, have great mobility, be able to make short sharp turns, and to be able to ride alongside other ponies or towards an approaching pony.
There's no height limit but most Polo ponies are approximately 15 hands (a hand is 4inches, so Polo ponies are around 60inches tall).
Due to the speed of the game, ponies are often rotated during matches. It is common for ponies to play a chukka, then rest for a chukka, whereas in higher intensity games you might see ponies being changed during a quarter.
A lot of care is taken to ensure the safety of the riders and ponies at all times. Bandages/boots for support is compulsory, along with helmets for riders and some more technical rules ensuring collisions are rare and heavily penalised.
Players, Officials & Rules
There are two mounted umpires, a goal official at each end and a referee in the stand to help with any disputes.
Like any team sport, Polo requires a range of skills and players will have designated positions, although these positions may be subtle to the untrained eye. The ‘Number 1‘ player is the attacker, known for fast acceleration and accurate shooting. The ‘Number 4‘ is the defender, often the most agile and with the most powerful hit. The ‘Number 2' and ‘Number 3' play in midfield, trying to control and dictate play.
When the ball goes out of play over the sides, teams line up side-by-side five yards back and the ball is thrown in by the umpire. If the ball goes out over the ends of the field and was last touched by the attacking team, the opposing teams takes a free hit from where the ball crossed the line. Should the defending team hit the ball over the back line, a penalty is called and a free hit is given from the 60 yard line.
Penalties are signaled with a whistle with playing normally resulting in a free hit from the 30, 40 or 60 yard line.
Rider Safety
Other rules and fouls are predominately based on rider/pony safety. The most common rule is to do with the ‘right of way’ where riders follow the line of the ball’s motion, and other riders are not allowed to enter that line at a perpendicular angle. Players can legally ride-off an opponent using their body (not elbows) and pony to secure possession of the ball, although this cannot be done at an angle. A player may use his stick to hook an opponents stick to disrupt a shot, but not above shoulder height.
Handicaps
The handicap system helps keep fixtures fair and balanced, ensuring all players have good opportunities to participate as well as making for even competition.
You’ll see in our Fixture lists that each match has a designated handicap (for example, ‘-4 to 0’). In a similar way to amateur golf, riders are given handicaps based on their playing prowess. Handicaps range from -4 at the lowest, to 10 at the highest, although only a small handful of riders around the world have the highest handicaps.
Teams must comprise of riders that meet the required handicap for each match. For example, if your team consists of four players with handicaps of 0, 1, 2 and 3, your team handicap is 6.
Spectators
Polo is a fast, thrilling sport. The sight of eight ponies, thundering a full speed towards the ball is a sight (and sound) to behold.
Spectators are able to park pitchside making it the perfect summer afternoon activity. Most commonly, spectators arrive with picnic blankets or deck chairs to enjoy the games, keeping well behind the safety area which runs 5m around the sides of the pitch.
We look forward to welcoming you
Spectators are welcome at New Park to watch fixtures. We charge a small entrance fee per car (cash or card accepted) with toilets, food & drink available on-site. Between matches, we ask spectators to help repair the pitch by stomping down divots – you will not believe what a 300kg pony can do to our pitch!