Polo, it is thought, was created in India more than 2,500 years ago, and is one of the oldest team sports. Arena polo in the United States began in 1910 at the Manhattan Riding Academy. Many polo clubs play arena polo year-round. Arena and grass polo are similar, but there are slight differences. The most noticeable is the pitch size, or playing surface, but team size and the ball also differ slightly.
Players
Arena polo requires three players per team. The number three player stops attacks, and begins the attack for his team. The numbers one and two players continue to press an attack once it's started.
The Pitch
Arena polo uses a much smaller pitch, or playing field, than does grass polo. The pitch consists of either sand or dirt, with dimensions ideally of 300 feet long and 100 feet wide. There is a barrier, ideally 4 feet high, usually made of wood, to keep the ball in play surrounding the pitch. The goal dimensions are a 10-by-15-foot zone, built into the wall.
Periods of Play
Arena polo is separated into four chukkas, or periods, of play. Each chukka is 7:30 in length, with three minutes allowed between chukkas. A five-minute intermission is allowed for halftime. Players change their mounts, or ponies, at the end of each chukka. A player most often has two ponies at his disposal. Teams change directions at the end of each chukka.
The Ball
The ball used for arena polo is slightly larger than the one used in grass polo. The cover is made from leather and is inflatable. The color of the ball is usually white, which makes it visible against the dirt or sand playing surface.
Fouls
A player earns the right of way if he is following the same line as the ball. Encroachment on this line by a defensive player deemed dangerous is a foul. Dangerous play is always discouraged. A defensive player may hook sticks with an offensive player, provided the ball is between himself and the offensive player's pony.
Scoring
A team is awarded one point when it successfully strikes the ball into its opponent's goal.
Officials
There are three officials. Two are on ponies, with the third off to the side of the pitch. Fouls are mostly for overly aggressive play with the pony or mallet. When a team takes issue with a ruling, only the team's captain can address the umpire about the call.
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