The Great Game of Polo

The Ground

It is 300 yards long by 200 yards wide although if it is boarded it need only be 160 yards wide. The goalposts, open at the top, are 8 yards apart.

Duration of Play

There are 4 to 6 chukkas in a match and each one lasts for 7 minutes of actual play. At present, though due to change, when the ball goes out of play, or the whistle is blown, the clock is stopped and only restarted when the umpire calls “Play”. At the end of the period a bell rings to signify that the 7 minutes are up. However there is a further 30 seconds of play unless the whistle is blown, the ball hits the boards, or the ball goes out of play. This extra 30 seconds does not apply to last chukka unless the scores are equal.

Should a match be drawn a “sudden death” (i.e. first to score) chukka may be played, and if still a draw at the end of that chukka, another one is played with the goalposts widened. There is an interval of 3 minutes between chukkas but 5 minutes at half time when traditionally spectators are invited to tread in the divots.

The Start

Play starts with the umpire throwing in the ball between the two teams lined up in front of him. In the same way play is restarted after a goal is scored or if the ball goes out over the side boards. If the ball goes over the back line there is a hit-in by the defenders. There is no offside in polo nor is there a corner, instead a 60 yards hit from the back line is taken by the attacking side opposite where the ball went out of play.

Goals

Polo is probably the only game in which the teams change ends when a goal is scored, thus equalling out any ground or weather advantage.

Equipment

A polo player must have a helmet, with or without a visor, knee guards, & a polo stick. The ball is hit with the side of the stick not the end of the mallet as in croquet. The stick is pliable and hits of up to 100-150 yards are not unknown. The ball is no longer made of bamboo except in certain parts of India. It is now made of plastic and is 3.5 inches in diameter and weighs 4.5 ounces, still remarkably hard if it hits you.

Challenging

A player may challenge an opposing member by riding him off whether he is about to hit the ball or not. He may also hook the opponent’s sick just as they are about to hit the ball, providing it is done on the same side as the ball. In riding off, a player can prevent an opponent taking an active part, however the angle of the ‘bump’ must not be dangerous to either player or pony.

Control of the Game

Two mounted umpires control the game. After they have blown their whistle for an infringement they often consult each other on the severity of the foul. Should they disagree they can seek the opinion of the referee or “third man” as he is often known in the stands.

Safety

Polo is a fast and often dangerous game and the rules are designed for the safety of both the players and their ponies. The Three Main Aspects are The Right of Way, Dangerous Riding, Misuse of the Stick.

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