Welcome

WELCOME TO I/I POLO

We are extremely excited to welcome you into the world of Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Polo! This handbook is provided by the United States Polo Association (USPA) to clubs to share with their new students and parents. The USPA is the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and not only establishes the rules to be followed, but provides resources and funding to support clubs and players. The I/I Program focuses on creating passionate and dedicated polo players both on and off the field. While your local club and coach will be your first and greatest connection to the sport, we want to ensure that you understand the programs and resources available through the USPA as well. I/I players are exposed to a variety of opportunities, ranging from earning a varsity letter, to international tournament play, to equine education & more. A staff of full time employees at the USPA manages these programs, as well as structuring tournament play and considering innovative approaches for engaging players throughout their scholastic careers and beyond.

About I/I Polo A game of high speeds, quick turning, and intense competition – polo can be played in the arena or on the field. While field polo consists of two teams with four players per team, I/I polo is played in the arena with three players per side. At the middle school level, players bring or lease appropriate horses to play. Once players step up to the interscholastic and collegiate ranks, horses are shared between teams. As with most team sports, the team who scores the most goals wins. There are many key skills that a polo player must obtain and the I/I program aims to teach these skills through clinics, competitive leagues, and tournaments. The tournament season is the highlight of the I/I program for many middle school, high school, and college students; giving them the ability to play against their peers at a variety of locations. I/I offers many programs, such as the interscholastic varsity letter and the intercollegiate scholarships, for youth polo players. Additionally, educational and funding opportunities are available for I/I teams to aid them in bringing new members into the sport.