Players and the handicap system

In the modern polo two teams, each of them consisting four mounted players ( men or women) are fighting with each other. Player 1 is expected mainly to score goals and play offensive. Number 2 is also an offensive player, but has to be more aggressive. Number 3 is the pivot player, and ususally the long ball hitter and the playmaker with short passes and also takes the very important penalty shots for the team. The number 4, or back , is the defensive player whose primary function is to guard the goal and keep the opponents from scoring. During the play these posts may alternate either by tactical reason or spontaneously, thus all player shall be able to play according to her/his actual position.

Each player in polo is rated with handicap from -2 to 10. ¬10 is the highest available rating. This system is organized and maintained by regional and national committees of different polo associations.¬ Since the inception of the handicap-system in 1890, less than 50 players have ever been awarded a perfect handicap of 10-goals. The term goal is a players ‘rating’ not to be confused with how many goals he or she will score in a match. The four players’ handicaps are totaled to arrive at the team handicap. A players’ handicap is based on many factors such as horsemanship, hitting, team play, gane sense and quality of horses. The criteria for different handicap levels are well described by some associations. In general, above three goals a player is considered to be professional.

Due to the handicap system, amateur players (with a handicap limit) and professional players can compete together as a unique feature of the polo. According to it, in a 16 -20 goal tournament a team can consist of two 7, one 5 and a 1 goal player. Even in high goal tournaments the team supporter, the “patron” can be the member of the team with his far less handicap. The lower rated team is then awarded the difference in goals from the higher rated team on the scoreboard prior to the start of the match. For example, a 7 goal team playing a 8 goal team would start out with one goal on the scoreboard.

According to the team handicap, low goal polo is for teams rated zero to four goals, medium goal polo is for teams rated six to fourteen goals, high goal polo is considered to be for teams rated twenty goals or over. Of course the highest level of polo is played at the high goal tournaments. Among these the most honoured events are the famous Argentine Open tournaments, the Tortugas Open , the Hurlingham Open and the top game, the unofficial world championship of the polo, the Palermo Open, the „Abierto”, where the best teams (sometimes with 40 goal!!) are meeting each other.

USPA Hendicap system

-2 Goal Player "C"

Rules: This player is beginning to develop an understanding of the rules for "Right Of Way" and "Line Of Ball". This person usually has minimal understanding of USPA rules.

Horsemanship: Player has beginner or better riding skills.

Playing Skills: Player can execute offside shots some of the time.

Offensive: Player will assist with offensive plays some of the time.

Defensive: Player shall possess ability to execute "hooks" some of the time.

Position Knowledge: Player has minimal position experience.

Teamwork: Player requires direction in order to properly positioned for "throw-ins", "knock-ins", and "penalties" in accordance with the team plan. Player shall not verbally abuse teammates, umpires or opponents and shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Strategy: Player has some understanding of the "basic game strategy."

Ponies: In match play, player should own, lease or control an adequate number of ponies whose athletic ability and game experience are equal to or greater than said players handicap.

-1 Goal Player "B"

 Rules: Player shall have a moderate understanding of the rules of the game as published from time to time by the USPA.

Horsemanship: Player should have beginner to intermediate riding skills and be capable of playing in a relatively safe manner, most of the time.

Playing Skills: Player shall have the ability to execute some of the shots some of the time in a satisfactory manner.

Offensive: Player shall possess the ability to assist in offensive plays from the end-line, "throw-ins", turnovers, and passing.

Defensive: Player shall possess the ability to execute legal "ride-offs", "bumps", and "hooks" some of the time.

Position Knowledge: Player shall have some match experience at one or more positions.

Teamwork: Player is learning to visually survey the field so as to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Player will usually require some direction in order to be properly positioned for all "throw-ins", "knock-ins", and "penalties" in accordance with the team plan. Player shall not verbally abuse teammates, umpires or opponents and shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Strategy: Player should possess minimal understanding of some game strategies.

Ponies: In match play, player should own, lease or control an adequate number of ponies whose athletic ability and game experience are equal to or greater than said players handicap.

0 Goal Player "A"

Rules: Player shall have a good understanding of the rules of the game as published from time to time by the USPA and shall have participated successfully in umpiring up to 2 goal matches.

Horsemanship: Player shall have intermediate or better riding skills and be capable of playing in a safe manner, under control most of the time.

Playing Skills: Player shall have the ability to execute most of the shots most of the time in a satisfactory manner, and occasionally be able to turn and/or dribble the ball without fouling.

Offensive: Player shall possess ability to initiate offense plays from the "throw-ins", turnovers, and passing.

Defensive: Player shall possess ability to execute legal "ride-offs", "bumps", "hooks", and shall be able to turn the play from defense to offense without incurring a penalty most of the time.

Position Knowledge: Player shall have experience at 2 or more positions and shall possess a clear understanding of those positions.

Teamwork: Player is learning to survey the field visually with the intent to pass to the open player, to defend an uncovered offensive player, to assist a teammate in trouble, or to anticipate advantageous positioning. Player should not exclaim "leave it", "take the man", etc., unless such instructions are truly critical. Player shall be on time for all "throw-ins", "knock-ins", and penalties and shall be properly positioned at all times in accordance with the team plan. Player shall not verbally abuse teammates, umpires, or opponents and shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Strategy: Player shall possess minimal understanding and have minimal experience in planning and implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in the most effective manner.

Ponies: In match play, player should own, lease or control and adequate number of ponies whose athletic ability and game experience are equal to or greater than said players handicap.

1 Goal Player

Rules: Player shall have a clear understanding of the rules of the game as published from time to time by the USPA and shall have participated successfully in umpiring up to 4 goal matches and shall be able to verbally explain and demonstrate the rules of play to others.

Horsemanship: Player shall have intermediate or better riding skills and be capable of playing in a safe manner, under control most of the time.

Playing Skills: Player shall have the ability to execute most of the shots, a majority of the time in a satisfactory manner, including the ability to "turn the ball" and "dribble" in a 30 meter circle most of the time.

Offensive: Player shall possess the ability to initiate offensive plays form the end-line, throw-ins, turnovers and passing.

Defensive: Player shall possess the ability to execute legal "ride-offs", "bumps", "hooks", and "blocks", and will usually be able to turn the play from defense to offense without incurring a penalty.

Position Knowledge: Player shall have experience at 2 or more positions and shall possess a clear understanding of those positions.

Teamwork: Player shall routinely survey the field visually with the intent to pass to the open player, to defend an uncovered offensive player, to assist a teammate in trouble, or to anticipate advantageous positioning. Player should not exclaim "leave it", "take the man", etc., unless such instructions are truly critical. Player shall be on time for all "throw-ins", "knock-ins", and penalties and shall be properly positioned at all times in accordance with the team plan. Player shall not verbally abuse teammates, umpires, or opponents and shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Strategy: Player will usually have minimal understanding and minimal experience in planning and implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in the most effective manner.

Ponies: In match play, player should own, lease or control an adequate number of ponies whose athletic ability and game experience are equal to or greater than said players handicap.

2-9 Goal Player

A rating of 2 goals and above usually indicates a professional polo player.

Rules: Player shall have a clear understanding of the rules of the game as published from time to time by the USPA, and shall have participated successfully in umpiring up to 8 goal matches and shall be able to verbally explain and physically demonstrate the rules of play to others.

Horsemanship: Player shall have advanced riding skills and be capable of playing in a safe manner, under control most of the time.

Playing Skills: Player shall have the ability to execute all shots, at will, in a satisfactory manner, including the ability to "turn the ball" and "dribble" in a 30 meter circle.

Offensive: Player shall possess the ability to initiate offensive plays from the end-line, throw-ins, turnovers, passing, and be counted upon to be successful on fifty percent (50%) or more of all penalties 2,3 and 4.

Defensive: Player shall possess the ability to execute legal "ride-offs", "bumps", "hooks", and "blocks", and shall be able to turn the play from defense to offense without incurring a penalty.

Position Knowledge: Player shall have experience at all positions and shall possess a clear understanding of the responsibilities of each.

Teamwork: Player shall routinely survey the field visually with the intent to pass to the open player to defend an uncovered offensive player, to assist a teammate in trouble, or to anticipate advantageous positioning. Player should not exclaim "leave it", "take the man", etc., unless such instructions are truly critical. Player shall be on time for all "throw-ins", "knock-ins", and penalties and shall be properly positioned at all times in accordance with the team plan. Player shall not verbally abuse teammates, umpires, or opponents and shall demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.

Strategy: Player shall possess moderate understanding and have minimal experience in planning and implementation of various game strategies, including the ability to position teammates, schedule ponies, and select plays in the most effective manner.

Ponies: In match play, player should own, lease or control an adequate number of ponies whose athletic ability and game experience are equal to or greater than said players handicap.

10 Goal Players

This is the highest rating a polo player can achieve. A 10 goal player is considered to be perfect.