The Rules
There a numerous rules in place in the game of polo and primarily this is for the safety of the horse and rider. Typically competetive polo is regulated on the field by two mounted umpires and a third man on the side lines.
Fouling
Fouling is common at all levels of the game and the rules of polo are in place to protect both the horse and rider. Two of the most common fouls are:
- 'Crossing the Line' - This is the most frequent foul in polo. The line of the ball is the imaginary line the ball travels in - or rather the extended line in which the ball has travelled.
- The 'Right of way' - Players have a 'right of way' on the ball when it is in play and if you cross that 'right of way' you commit a foul. The right of way is determined by various factors with the 'right of way' usually belonging to the player travelling in the same direction as the ball who has established himself quickest on or at the closet angle to the line of the ball. It may not necessarily belong to the player who last hit the ball.
Penalties
Penalties are awarded to penalise a foul. The umpire will decide what penalty to award depending upon the severity of the foul. Penalities are simply a free hit toward the goal when a foul is committed. The hit is taken from a set distance, dependent on the severity of the offence.
Penalty 1: Fouled team awarded a goal
Penalty 2: Free hit from the spot or a 30 yard hit
Penalty 3: Free hit from 40 yards
Penalty 4: Free hit from 60 yards
Penalty 5a: Hit from the spot where the foul took place
Penalty 5b: Free hit from the centre
Penalty 6: A 60 yard hit if a defender hits the ball over his own back line
Penalty 10: A player sent off with no substitute allowed
This is a very brief overview to help understand the basics of watching or playing a game of polo- further reading is recommended should you wish to fully explore and comprehend the rules behind the game.