PRC RULES

B Ball

The polo ball is white, made of wood (increasingly rare) or plastic and should weigh between 120 and 130 grams. Its diameter is 76 to 89.

C Chukker

Word used mainly by Argentinians corresponds to a period of a match (7 minutes). A polo match has a minimum of four chukkers and a maximum of eight (in Palermo).

G Goal

A goal is a point obtained when the ball crosses the goal line between two wicker posts separated by 7.50 m. The posts are also called «the goals». Then, for handicaps (see H), we can also talk about goals. A team is said to have «12 goals» when the total of the players’ handicaps added together is 12 handicaps (or 12 goals).

H

Handicap

Corresponds to the level of the polo player (it varies between -2 and +10). The handicap evolves according to the performance of the player during the matches and the progress recorded during the year, the quality of their horses. The highest handicap in France is 7 and in Europe 8 (England). A 10 handicap is currently held by eight Argentineans and one Uruguayan.

Hooking

A defensive gesture consisting of hooking the opponent’s mallet with one’s own mallet to prevent them from hitting the ball. But be careful, only in cer- tain circumstances, by staying on the right side for example. (cf. Taco) K

K.O.

When a match finishes in a tie, an extra chukker is played. The first team to score the «golden goal» wins the game by... K.O.

L Line

When a player hits the ball, the imaginary line they have created between themselves, and the ball belongs to them. It is forbidden for the opponent to cross this line under penalty of punishment. Moreover, the corridor created by this line between the two players is impenetrable. The fundamental fault of this sport, complicated to understand for the public, and sometimes for the players’.

P Petisero

The “petisero” is to the polo horse what the groom is to the jumping horse. Their caretaker, their daily companion, their physical trainer and sometimes even their coach

PLAYERS:

A polo team consists of four players:

No. 1: stands in front of his teammates. Their mission is to recover the balls passed to them by their partners, and to score goals.

N°2: particularly active, always on the move, they must do everything to steal the ball from their opponents in order to get it to the goal, either by their own action or by passing it to n°1. No. 3: They are the pillars of the group. Their main function is to get hold of the ball to pass it forward. They also have a great responsibility in defense.

N°4: main defender. They execute the exits at the ends of the field.

S Sport

The oldest team sport, the fastest too with actions going up to 60 km/h. Polo requires a meticulous physical preparation for men and horses, but also a precise organization: choice and training of horses, places, and roles of players on the field

Thirdman

In polo, there are three referees: two on the field on horseback, who follow the game closely and intervene at any time, and one on the outside called the «third man». They are the one who decides when the two referees do not agree. Discussions are made via radio given the size of the field (270 m X 145 m). Y

Yards

Distance is measured in yards in polo. Penalties, depending on the location and severity of the fouls committed, are taken at 60, 40 or 30 yards. A corner kick (side of the field) is taken as a penalty, 60 yards in front of where the ball went out. On a throw-in, the first attacker must be at least 30 yards away from the opposing back (defender) who is clearing the ball.