A full-sized outdoor, or grass, playing field is 300 by 160 yards, approximately the area of nine football fields. The arena, or indoor, playing field is considerably smaller, measuring 300 by 150 feet.

Drive the ball between the opponent’s goal posts and score the most goals to win the game.

A polo match generally lasts one to two hours and is divided into periods called chukkers, which last seven-and-a-half minutes each. Excluding overtime, a polo game, outdoor or indoor, consists of between four and six chukkers, depending on tournament stipulations.

The initial direction of each team is chosen based on a coin toss at the beginning of the game. Teams move in the direction of their goal until the first goal is scored, after which teams switch goals. Direction is changed after each goal is scored. In arena polo, the direction is only changed after each chukker.

Goals are awarded by handicap, or during play from either the field or penalty opportunities (Outdoor Rule 19). Handicap goals are given, for example, when the tournament is a 12- to 14-goal and a 14-goal team is playing a 12-goal team. The lower rated team will receive goals in handicap at the onset of the game. The number of goals, in this example two, is calculated by multiplying one-sixth of the difference between the two teams by the number of chukkers.

In this example, the 12-goal team gains two "goals on handicap" in a regular six chukker outdoor game based on the handicap matrix (Rulebook pg. 244-245). To calculate this you would divide two (difference between teams) by six to get 0.333. Multiply this number by six (number of chukkers) to get two for the handicap awarded.

At halftime, it is customary to invite the spectators onto the grass field to help replace the divots kicked up by the horses hooves. This tradition is a great time to walk the field, take photos and socialize before the second half of the game. Depending on the club there may be a champagne toast or other free giveaways.

All players, even left-handed, must carry the mallet in their right hand at all times for safety reasons. The only exception to this rule is left-handers registered with the USPA prior to January 1, 1974.

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.

Each team is named for their particular sponsor which funds the players’ polo-related expenses while on the team. The team owner, either male or female, usually refers to the individual person who is involved with the sponsorship and often plays on the team with the professionals he/she hired.

Right-Handed Player Only

All players, even left-handed, must carry the mallet in their right hand at all times for safety reasons. The only exception to this rule is left-handers registered with the USPA prior to January 1, 1974.

One Player - Many Teams

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.

Sponsorship & Team Owners

Each team is named for their particular sponsor which funds the players’ polo-related expenses while on the team. The team owner, either male or female, usually refers to the individual person who is involved with the sponsorship and often plays on the team with the professionals he/she hired.