Polo Terms to Know
Chukker
A period of play in the sport of polo. A game consists of either four or six chukkers. A chukker is seven minutes and thirty seconds. There will be a horn sounded at thirty seconds and a double horn when the clock hits zero to alert players and umpires that the chukker is over. If there is a goal scored, a foul committed, or the ball is hit out of bounds in chukkers one through 3 (in a four chukker game) or 5 (in a six chukker game) after the thirty second horn has sounded the chukker will end. In the final chukker of the game the last thirty seconds will be played out.
Foul
An infraction of the rules. Polo is played by rules set by the United States Polo Association.
Goal
A goal is scored any time the ball travels through the goal posts, which are 24 feet apart. Each time a goal is scored the teams switch directions that way there is no wind, sun, or field advantage.
Handicap
Handicaps can range from -1 to 10 goals. Each player is given a USPA handicap based on their playing abilities. To play in USPA clubs, each player must also be a member of the United States Polo Association. All four team member's handicaps add up to determine their goal rating for tournament.
Hook
One of the defensive maneuvers allowed under the rules. A mallet may be used to block another player’s shot at the ball, although it must be used in an appropriate manner. Unsafe hooking or hitting into a pony is a foul.
Bump or Ride-Off
This is when two players riding at the same speed and equal angle push each other off the ball.
Knock-in
A knock in takes place when the ball goes over the back line, wide of the goal mouth by the attacking team. The defending team hits the ball back into play from the back line.
Line of the Ball
The imaginary line created by the ball in it travels on the field of play. This is the crucial concept which is the basis of play on the polo field.
Mallet
This is the tool used to hit a polo ball. The shaft of the mallet is usually made of bamboo so it can give or bend when swung. The head of the mallet is hardwood. The ball is hit with the side of the mallet head, not the end. Each mallet is unique and custom to each players preferences.
Out of Bounds
When a ball is hit over the side-lines, it is out of bounds. The clock continues to run. The umpire will count to 8 and then drop the ball in favor of the team who did not hit the ball out of bounds. That team will have 5 seconds to put the ball back into play.
Penalties
There are several different penalties in the sport of polo. When a foul is committed the Umpire will award a penalty. Penalties are awarded depending on the severity of the foul. The most common awarded are penalties are 2's, 3's, 4's, and 5's.
Penalty 2 - One shot for team fouled from 30 yards to goal, undefended.
Penalty 3 - One shot for team fouled from 40 yards to goal, undefended.
Penalty 4 - One shot for team fouled from 60 yards to goal, defended.
Penalty 5 - Can either be from the "Spot" of the foul or from center field.
Positions
Number #1-The most offensive player. This is similar to the forward position in hockey or soccer.
Number #2 - Primarily an offensive player but also responsible for defense, interchanging with the #3 player. The #2 player is often the second highest rated player on the team.
Number #3 - The #3 is both defensive and offensive. This player needs to be able to transition from offense to defense quickly. This player could be the highest rated player on the team. The #3 player must be a long accurate hitter but capable of close-in stick work and ball control.
Number #4 - The back. This is a defensive position but a good back must not only be able to hit a good back shot, he must also be able to turn the play from defense to offense quickly. This player could be the highest rated player on the team. #4 player is the last line of defense.
Referee or Third Man
The third official usually stationed on the sidelines at mid field. Should the mounted umpires disagree, the Referee makes the final decision. Safety
When the ball is hit over the back line wide of the goal mouth by a defending players mallet, a whistle will blow, stopping the clock, and the attacking team will be given a shot on goal from 60 yards even with where the ball went over the back line. This is executed the same as a penalty 4, one shot at goal defended.
Neck Shot - A ball hit under the neck of a pony, can be from the "near" side or "off" side.
Off Side
A shot taken on the right side of the horse, can be both forward and backwards.
Near Side
A shot taken on the left side of the horse, can be both forward and backwards.
Tail Shot - Hitting a ball backwards behind the horses hind legs.
Throw-In
The throw-in begins play at the start of the game, after each goal, and to begin a new chukker if the ball ended in a neutral area. The ball is bowled in between two lines of players, ideally lined up numerically.
Umpire
The on-field official in charge of administering the rules. Two umpires are on-field during the game and usually wear black and white, vertically striped shirts.
U.S.P.A.
The United States Polo Association.The Governing body of polo in the United States. www.uspolo.org