THE ‘ETIQUETTE’ OF GOOD POLO POLOBARBADOS
Although it doesn’t always look like it, there is etiquette within polo that separates it from all contemporary sports. Such is the high standard expected from polo players, that virtually no other sport can match it, even in the squeaky clean and highly-principled world of professional golf. Perhaps it was its military background or the high skills required by highland horsemen to participate, but polo has always adhered to its own discipline and a willingness to play within the rules and in the spirit of the sport. Players dress properly, they are kitted out with appropriate gear, they adhere to the umpires and their decisions and they respect each other on and off the field. Discipline is an integral part of military life so the etiquette displayed by the cavalry officers who spread the game all over the British Empire came as second nature. When the game moved away from its military surrounds it was copied by amateurs who loved the fun and challenge of competitive equestrian sport and who wanted to preserve its decorum and dignity in much the same way as the dashing cavalry horsemen. Dress was fundamental and although uniforms were often used by the military, other teams still adhered to a common dress code to ensure everyone knew who was who and the spectators were not confused. This tradition has stood the test of time and it would be unthinkable in modern polo to have teams with different tops. Helmets tend to be optional, but in the best-turned out teams they all conform to the same type and colour. What makes the sport of polo special is its style and preservation of tradition. The players line up together and present themselves to the dignitaries in the clubhouse prior to play and on many occasions a special guest is introduced to the teams. Regimental bands are part of the preliminaries and when appropriate, National Anthems are played to add dignity and prestige to the occasion. Prayers add a sombre and chilling atmosphere before play and when all the pomp and ceremony is over the teams gather at the centre of the field to commence play. But the etiquette still remains and as the players prepare for action the spectators settle into their seats with a glass of wine or High Tea, delicate little sandwiches, cup cakes et al. Out on the field the two Umpires are normally dressed in similar Black and White attire and their whistles hold the key to everything that happens in the ensuing chukkas. Good players don’t question an Umpire’s ruling and even when there is a difference of opinion, etiquette demands a third opinion and that is provided by an Umpire in the clubhouse. His decision is final. Of course, in the heat of battle players will appeal and grunt and groan with their adversaries, but the really good players are above such triviality and observe the traditions of the sport, which demand the Umpire’s decision is sacrosanct. Rarely would an umpire have to discipline a player for anything other than a rules infringement and the thought of a player being sent off
for ungentlemanly conduct goes against all the best traditions of the sport. It is simply not done. And what other sport would allow an opposing player the opportunity to recharge his or her batteries during a game? This is an integral part of the game and although it can stop the continuity of the play, the action temporarily stops when a player Cristian Chaves
dismounts, falls off the pony or asks the Umpire to change horse. The same respect is shown when a penalty hit is being taken as everyone stands still to allow the player a free hit before the action takes off again. At the end of play both teams shake hands with each other and the umpires and then gather together in front of the clubhouse for the presentation of awards, speeches and in due course celebrations. After this stage the formal side of polo is officially finished and the social side takes over. Understandably it operates with a lot less decorum and etiquette although the tradition for revelry and camaraderie lives long. However, by that stage only the strong and the brave remain!
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