Photo by Dorthea Jean Vegara
P OLO T ERMS
GOAL: Polo is based on trying to score the most goals by hitting the ball through the goal posts of the defending team. After a goal is scored the teams return to the center of the field for a throw in, switching directions so that each team defends alternate goals after each score. GOAL JUDGES: Each set of goal posts has a goal judge who holds a flag up when a goal is scored and waves the flag in a downwardmotion when the ball goes wide of the goal posts. HANDICAP: Polo players are assigned a handicap, between -2 to 10 goals. This reflects their theoretical worth to their team and is not related to how many goals they may make in a game. A -2 is an absolute beginner, and 10 goals is the highest a player can be rated. The handicaps of the four players on a team are added to create the team handicap.
HOOK: In a defensive move, a player may hook or strike the mallet of the opponent to keep them fromhitting the ball. A player may not ‘cross hook,’ which is reaching over, under or across his opponent’s horse, or ‘high hook,’ a hook above the shoulder of the player in an outdoor game. KNEE GUARDS: Polo is a contact sport requiring equipment which pro- tects the player and horse. Knee guards are leather pads which protect the player’s knees. KNOCK-IN: When the ball goes off the field, over the end line but not through the goal posts, the defending teamwill hit the ball back in from the point it went out. The players on the opposing teammust stand 30 yards or more from the player knocking in until the ball is in play. Continued on page 38
Tinicum Park Polo Club | 2021 | Polo Life Magazine ® | 25
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