How long does polo match last

There are between four and six chukkers in a match. Goal: Anytime the ball crosses the line between the goal posts, regardless of who including ponies knocks it through. Knock in: After the ball crosses the back line, the defending team knocks the ball back into play from their own back line. Line of the ball : The imaginary line produced by the ball when it is hit or deflected. This creates an invisible right of way that players must adhere to for safety.

Mallet head: The part of the mallet used to strike the ball. The wide face of the head is used to strike the ball. Penalty: A free hit is awarded to the fouled team, from a set distance determined by the severity of the foul committed.

Most occur because players improperly cross the line of the ball. All penalties are called to maintain the safety of both the horses and the riders.

The match is typically 2 hours in duration. Players: There are four players on the field for each team, wearing jerseys numbered All players must hold the mallet in the right hand; left-handed play is not allowed.

Historically polo balls were made of wood. Foul: When you hear the umpire blow the whistle, a player must have committed a foul, which typically gives the other team a penalty hit. The rules are so complex that it takes 55 pages to explain them in the official rule book.

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. 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 will often be seen transporting horses from one side of the field to the other, typically riding along the side boards. 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. Responsible for filling out the official scoresheet, by keeping track of the score and the number of fouls committed by each team. All players, even left-handed, must carry the mallet in their right hand at all times for safety reasons.

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. The mallet is 48 to 54 inches long depending on the height of the pony and the reach of the player. The ball traditionally either bamboo or Willow is made of plastic.

There is no height limit but most ponies are between 15 and Much of their schooling is devoted to stopping and turning quickly and being able to accelerate and ride-off another pony and to face a fast approaching pony.

Ponies usually only play two chukkas in an afternoon with a rest of at least one chukka in between. Bandages or boots for support are compulsory and a pony blind of an eye, showing vice or not under control may not be played. A player may use his stick to hook an opponents stick to spoil a shot, but not above shoulder height. Dangerous riding, rough handling or misuse of the polo stick are not allowed.

Penalties vary according to the degree and place of the foul. Players have to imagine that there is a line that is formed when the ball is struck, and every time it is hit this line changes.

In order to try and win the line of the ball, a player can attempt to push their opposition off the line using their pony. Weight, size and skill all add to the success of the ride off. Simply two kinds of shots performed in polo, one that is hit forwards and one backwards.

Most commonly performed on the right hand side of the pony. All players must hold their stick in their right hand, there is no left handed play allowed. So any shot taken on the left hand side of the pony needs to be executed with the right hand, leaning over the opposite side of the pony.