Polo is a team sport featuring two teams of four players riding on horseback. The objective in polo is to score in an opposing team's goal. Players attempt to score by driving a small wooden or plastic ball into the goal with a long-handled mallet. Traditionally, the sport of polo is played on a large grass field, however, polo matches also may be contested on a beach or in an arena setting.
Measurements
A polo match is usually played outdoors on a grass field that is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide. At both ends of the field is a goal post made of two uprights and a cross bar. The match consists of four to six chukkers, or periods, that are each 7 and a half minutes long. A 30-second warning bell sounds at 7 minutes and a final bell ends the chukker.
Equipment
Each player wears a polo helmet, knee pads, gloves and goggles. Each player also uses a polo mallet and whip. Polo mallets are available in lengths ranging from 49 to 54 inches to accommodate the length of the players' arms and the height of the horse. The proper attire for polo consists of white jeans, brown boots and a jersey that in the team's colors. The jersey also must have the team's name on the front and the position number on the back.
Players
Each member of a team wears a jersey numbered 1 through 4, that corresponds to their position and duty on the field. Player No. 1 is the offensive forward player and concentrates on scoring and defends against the other team's No. 3 player. Players No. 2 and 3 are the most skilled players on the team. Player No. 2 pairs with No. 1 for offensive attacks. Player No. 3 is similar to a quarterback in football, helping to set up plays and pass the ball upfield. Player No. 4 is chiefly responsible for defense.
Game Play
Three referees officiated a game of polo. One official follows each team and one remains at midfield. The referees call fouls that stem from dangerous play such as crossing the path of an opposing player's swing. Play begins with the throw-in of the ball from the referee at the beginning of each chukker and after each goal. Polo teams change direction after each goal to compensate for the wind and other conditions. Players also change horses after every chukker because of the physical demands of the sport.
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