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Instant Polo
o Biggest (300yd x 200yd) ground of any ball game (9 football pitches)
o One of the three Fastest games in the world (others are squash & ice hockey)
o Oldest (about 1000 BC in Persia) ball game in the world
o Most addictive
o First match in England: 1869 on Hounslow Heath; now over 60 Clubs in UK
o Only game where half-goals appear on the scoreboard (handicapping system)
o All Players must play right-handed for safety reasons
o Spectators are encouraged to go on the ground at half-time (treading in) – at all other times keep behind the safety line, polo balls are hard and fast!
Game Object: to score more goals than the other Team (NB Ends are changed after each goal, there is no offside rule) YOU WILL SEE o 1 Timekeeper monitoring each period (chukka) of playing time; should be 7.5 min, usually elapsed time is more like 15 min allowing for stoppages due to Fouls
o 2 Umpires (sometimes only 1) administer the Rules; they wear shirts like pyjama jackets and carry objects like toilet-plungers (for retrieving balls)
o 2 Goal Judges, they wave a flag to show a goal is scored
o 4 Players a Team, often numbered 1 to 4 on their backs
o 4 Chukkas a Match (usually); however a player’s handicap represents the number of goals they are worth to their team in a 6-chukka match (historical)!
o 5 virtual lines or marks parallel to the goal line: at the centre and at 30, 40 and 60 yds from each goal line
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! © 2007, Roy Law.
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Contributor's Note
Public interest in Polo is increasing, accelerated by 'Zero to Hero' TV programmes featuring celebrities - the latest involving a member of Girls Aloud.
This Intel should enable anyone to appreciate as well as enjoy watching their first game.
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Go & watch polo near you!
A cartoon of the Author commentating at Aldershot Polo Club in the 20th Century
PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
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The copyright for this content entitled "Instant Polo" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
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This intel was contributed by Roy Law
Roy Law
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May, 2012
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