Play by Play

The object of the game is to move the polo ball through the goal posts to score. Polo teams change direction after each goal is scored to equalize field and weather conditions. If you see a flag raised at the end of the field, a goal was scored!

The rules of polo are intended to ensure the safety of polo ponies and players. The essential concept is the “line of the ball,” a right-of-way established by the path of the traveling ball.

Any infraction of the game rules is a foul and most often results in the umpires awarding a penalty shot. Penalty shots range in distance from the goal end, depending on the severity of the foul.

There are two methods of defense on the polo field. A hook uses one’s mallet to block or interfere with an opponent's swing while a ride-off (or bump) is like a shoulder check in hockey, allowing players to use their ponies to push an opposing player and pony off of the line of the ball.