Instant Arena Polo

o One of the three fastest games in the world (others are squash & ice hockey).
o Newest (its Summer parent dates from about 1000 BC in Persia) ball game in the world.
o Most addictive after polo itself.
o First match in England within the last 20 years; now about 30 Clubs in UK.
o All Players must play right-handed for safety reasons.
o Spectators should keep behind the safety netting, polo balls are like highly-inflated miniature footballs and travel fast and hard!

Game Object: to score more goals than the other Team

YOU WILL SEE

o 1 Timekeeper monitoring each period (chukka) of playing time; should be 6.5 min, usually elapsed time is more like 11 min allowing for stoppages due to Fouls.
o 2 Umpires (one of whom is mounted, or just one in the stand) administer the Rules; they carry objects like lacrosse sticks (for retrieving balls).
o 3 Players a Team, often numbered 1 to 3 on their backs (2 Players a Team in small arenas).
o 3 virtual lines or marks parallel to the goal line: at the centre and at 15 and 25 yds from each goal.
o 4 Chukkas a Match (usually); however a player’s handicap represents the number of goals they are worth to their team in a 4-chukka match. Even newbies have to play off "0" goals.

Because of the speed of the game, the Rules are there to minimise danger and ensure fairness; both the play and the clock stop when a whistle is blown by an Umpire.

Basically, if you are following the “line of the ball” then you have “right of way”. Penalty hits may be awarded, or the decision may be “no foul” and the ball is then “thrown in”.

You may “ride off” an opponent but may not “sandwich” them and you must not use your elbows.

ENJOY YOUR DAY OR EVENING!

© 2008, Roy Law.