Spectators’ Guide to Polo

Polo at OC Polo Club is more than a sport—it’s an unforgettable display of speed, strategy, and horsemanship. If you're new to the game or need a quick refresher, our Polo Spectator Guide will help you follow every play with confidence.

Whether you're attending your first polo match in Orange County or returning for another exciting day at the OC Polo Club, this guide breaks down the basic rules of polo, match structure, and key terminology. Learn how the game is played, what to watch for, and why polo is one of the most exhilarating equestrian sports in Southern California.

The Arena

The ideal playing area is an arena 300x150 ft (100X50 yards) with solid sides (AKA boards). Goals are centered at opposite ends (10 feet wide by 15 feet high). Unlike in grass polo or football, if you hit the ball into the goal above 15 feet, the point does not count.

Arena Polo Rules

THE UMPIRES

There are two mounted Umpires in the arena and a ‘third man’ seated on the sidelines in the middle of the arena. The role of the third man is to be consulted by the mounted officials if they disagree on a foul/penalty. This third man also serves as time and scorekeeper.

THE EQUIPMENT

Players wear a safety helmet, face mask, knee-high boots, and knee guards.

THE BALL - An inflated ball is approximately 13 inches in circumference and very similar to a small soccer ball.

THE MALLET - The handle is wrapped with rubber material for added grip and has a strap designed to go around the thumb. The shaft is made from Manau cane (not bamboo because it is hollow). The head of the mallet is made from Tipa wood and the ends are often painted in the player’s “colors”.

The Polo Pony

Polo ponies rarely qualify as “ponies”. They can be any breed or size. The important thing is to be fast, agile, robust, and brave. The average size of a polo pony ranges from 14.2 to 16 hands tall.

The Tack

Bridle: The bridle is crafted from strong yet supple leather, giving the rider precise control while remaining gentle on the horse's mouth. It typically includes a simple snaffle or gag bit to aid quick maneuvers.

Martingale: A standing martingale helps keep the horse’s head at the correct height, improving control and safety during fast-paced play.

Saddle: Polo saddles are flatter and lighter than traditional riding saddles, allowing the rider to move easily for better balance and quicker swings.

Polo Wraps: The horse’s legs are wrapped with protective bandages, known as polo wraps, to support tendons and ligaments and help prevent injuries during high-speed turns and impacts.

The Players

Arena polo is played with three players on each team. They are assigned positions, designated with numbers from one to three, and worn on the team jerseys.

Number 1 is the most offensive player, like a forward in soccer.

Number 2 is responsible for pushing the play both on offense and defense.

Number 3 is often referred to as the “back” and is responsible for defense.

Number 2 and 3 are usually the highest-rated and most experienced players, with Number 3 frequently being the quarterback or field captain. Just like golf, players have handicaps according to their skill level. Handicaps start at -2 goals and go to 10 goals. In this context, the term “goal” refers to a player’s skill level, not the number of goals expected from the player. 

Fun Facts

White pants? 
The tradition of wearing white pants dates back to the nineteenth century when Indian royals played in the heat, hence the preference for light and weight fabrics.

All Levels Welcome
Polo is played with amateurs and professionals on the same team. Most amateurs are rated -2 – 3 goals, while the professionals are typically 4 – 10 goals. There are very few 10-goal players, most of whom are Argentine.

Arena vs. Outdoor Grass Polo

ARENA POLO

  • Field: Smaller, enclosed dirt arena 300x150 ft (100X50 yards).

  • Team Size: Three players per team. 

  • Ball: Larger, inflated ball (similar to a mini soccer ball). 

  • Chukkers: Typically 4 chukkers of 7 and a half minutes each. 

  • Goal: Goal posts are height-limited. 

  • Play: Quicker, more physical, with more ball bounces off the arena walls. 

  • Cost: Arena polo is typically more financially accessible than outdoor polo.

  • Season: Arena polo can be played year-round, making it popular in winter.

OUTDOOR (GRASS) POLO

  • Field: Large, open grass field (300 yards long by 160 yards wide).

  • Team Size: Four players per team.

  • Ball: Hard, white plastic ball.

  • Chukkers: Typically, 6 chukkers (periods) of 7 and a half minutes each.

  • Goal: Goal posts are 8 yards apart.

  • Play: Faster pace, more space for galloping. 

Polo Glossary

  • A defensive shot hit in the opposite direction, used to reverse the play and move the ball away from the goal.

  • A full-length outdoor polo game consists of six chukkas (or chukkers or periods), while arena polo has four. Each chukka lasts seven minutes. There is no overtime at the end of the last chukka unless the score is tied; in that case, a seventh period will be played.

  • Handicaps in polo range from -2 to 10 “goals,” with 10 being the best. A player playing above his or her handicap level (e.g., a 3 playing as a 5) is known as a ringer and is a valuable but short-lived commodity. Handicaps are assessed and revised twice a year.

  • A defensive move where a player uses their mallet to block or disrupt an opponent’s swing.

  • An imaginary line that represents the path of the ball. It determines the right of way and is the basis for most fouls.

  • The long stick used to strike the ball, made of a cane shaft and a wooden head. It ranges from 48" to 55" depending on the pony's height.

  • The left side of the horse. Most shots are made from the off side, but skilled players also use the near side when necessary.

  • The right side of the horse and the standard side for swinging the mallet.

  • Awarded after a foul; it can be a free hit from a specific distance. The severity of the foul determines the type of penalty.

  • When two players ride alongside each other and make shoulder-to-shoulder contact to gain advantage or push the opponent off the line.

  • The way play is started or resumed: the umpire rolls the ball between the two teams.

  • Called by the umpire for fouls, injuries, or broken tack. Players cannot call a time-out for changing horses or mallets unless safety is a concern.

  • Two mounted referees who enforce the rules on the field, often assisted by a third man or goal judges on the sidelines.