It is one of the oldest team sports known, but what exactly are the rules of polo? This contest between riders and horses, where the goal is to score the most goals, dates back more than 2,500 years to ancient Persia, where it was played by the nobility of that civilization.
However, the modern version of polo originated in India, where a game called Sagol Kangjei was played and the wooden ball was known as pulu (which means ball). The British later adapted the name and simply called the sport polo.
Polo is a fast-paced sport played on a field measuring 275 meters long by 180 meters wide, where eight riders (four per team) compete to drive the ball into the opposing goal, which is 7.3 meters wide and marked by posts that are 3.0 meters high.
How long does a polo match last?
The four riders must play the entire match, but the horses are changed during each break due to the intense physical effort. A match can last four or eight chukkers, each seven minutes long (with four-minute breaks). A horse may participate in more than one chukker, but not consecutively.
There are professional leagues in 16 countries. Argentina has the strongest league and is even called the capital of polo due to the sport’s deep roots there, although it is played in almost every part of the world.
The polo field
As mentioned, the field is very large, measuring 275 meters by 180 meters. It can be made of grass, snow, or sand, although grass is the most common surface.
All the pieces of turf that are torn up by the horses’ galloping are called divots, and there is a tradition known as treading-in, where spectators enter the field during breaks to replace the divots and help restore the surface for the next chukker.
The goalposts are made of wicker, stand 3.0 meters high, and are placed 7.3 meters apart.
There is also a variation called Indoor, or Arena Polo, which is played indoors. In this version, the field is reduced to 91 by 46 meters and only three players per team participate. Since it is indoors, the surface is sand, as maintaining natural grass is very difficult.
How many players are there in a polo match?
Each team consists of four riders, wearing jerseys numbered from 1 to 4.
- Number 1: This is the most advanced player on the field, similar to a forward. Their role is to pressure the opposing team’s last defender and also help defend when possession is lost.
- Number 2: This is one of the most demanding positions, as it involves constant movement between offense and defense. This player has the freedom to move anywhere on the field to support both areas.
- Number 3: This is the team leader, usually the player with the highest handicap, responsible for organizing plays. They must have a strong hit to send the ball forward and create scoring opportunities, while also contributing defensively.
- Number 4: This is the most defensive player, positioned furthest back. Their role is to protect the defense and support the team while number 3 moves forward to attack.
These four players must complete the entire match and can only be replaced in the event of a serious injury, a penalty, or another issue that prevents them from continuing.
In addition, each player has a rating called a handicap, which ranges from 0 to 10. The higher the number, the more skilled the rider.
What equipment do riders need for polo?
In addition to the uniform, which includes pants and a short-sleeved shirt with a collar and buttons (which is why this type of shirt is called a polo), riders must wear protective gear such as a helmet, protective goggles, riding boots, knee pads, gloves, elbow pads, and also carry a riding crop or whip.
The mallet used to hit the ball is made of a cane shaft with a wooden head, and the grip is covered with rubber to improve handling. This mallet must always be held with the right hand, while the left hand holds the reins to guide the horse.
Horses in polo
This is one of the most important aspects of polo, as the horses used must be thoroughbreds or thoroughbred crosses. They typically measure between 1.47 and 1.63 meters in height and weigh between 410 and 500 kilograms.
Due to the high physical demand, each rider usually uses one horse per chukker, especially in major tournaments with eight periods, where a different horse is used in each one. In other matches, the same horse may be used in different chukkers, but never consecutively, as the animal must be allowed to rest.
What is the ball called in polo?
It is called a bocha and is usually made of high-resistance plastic, although it can also be made of bamboo, leather-covered cork, or willow root. It must measure between 7.8 and 8.0 centimeters in diameter and weigh between 99 and 127.5 grams.
How many referees are there in a polo match?
Because of the speed and intensity of the game, several referees are required.
The main referees are two mounted officials on the field. There is also a third referee off the field who assists if the two main referees cannot agree on a decision.
Flag judges confirm goals by raising a flag and also signal when the ball leaves the field illegally.
There is also a timekeeper, who manages the official match time, and a scorer, who records each goal.
Fouls in polo
There are several penalties, but the main rules state that players cannot use the mallet to hit an opponent. When attempting to block a shot, they must do so below the opponent horse’s shoulder level, trying to hook the opponent’s mallet. It is common and legal for riders to bump opponents with their horses to move them out of position.
Players are also prohibited from touching the ball with their hands, elbowing opponents, hooking a horse’s legs with the mallet, using abusive language, or mistreating a horse. Violations may result in a yellow card, red card, or suspension, depending on the referees’ decision.
