Chukker 

A period of play.  The game consists of either four or six chukkers, of seven minutes and thirty seconds.  There will be a horn sounded at thirty seconds and a double horn when the clock hits zero to alert players and umpires that the chukker is over.

Foul

An infraction of the rules. Polo is played by rules set by the United States Polo Association, with the safety of the horse The number one concern followed by the safety of the player. 

Goal 

A goal is scored any time the ball travels through the goal posts.

Goal Posts  

24 feet apart.  With each goal, the teams switch directions. This eliminates field advantages. 

Handicap 

 Can range from -1 to 10 goals.  Each player is given a USPA handicap based on their playing abilities. All four team member's handicaps add up to determine their goal rating for tournament. 

Hook

One of the defensive maneuvers allowed under the rules. A mallet may be used to block another player’s swing at the ball. Dangerous hooking or hitting into a pony is a foul. 

Bump or Ride-Off

This is when two players riding at the same speed and equal angle push each other off the ball.  

Knock-in

When the ball goes over the back line, wide of the goal, or missed goal.  The defending team will hit the ball back into play from the back line, when the umpire announces PLAY.  

Line of the Ball

The imaginary line created by the ball in it travels on the field of play. This is the crucial concept which is the basis of play on the polo field. 

Mallet

The tool used to hit a polo ball. The shaft is typically made of juvenile bamboo so it can flex. The head of the mallet is made of Tipa, a hardwood. The ball is hit with the side of the mallet head, not the end. Each mallet is unique and custom to each players preferences.

Out of Bounds

When a ball is hit over the side-lines, it is out of bounds. The clock continues to run.  The umpire will count to 8 and then drop the ball in favor of the team who did not hit the ball out of bounds.  That team will have 5 seconds to put the ball back into play. 

Penalties 

There are several different penalties in the sport of polo.  When a foul is committed the Umpire will award a penalty.  Penalties are awarded depending on the severity of the foul. 

The most common awarded are penalties arepenaltiesenalties arepenalties are 2's, 3's, 4's, and 5's.  

  Penalty 2 - One shot for team fouled from 30 yards to goal, undefended.

  Penalty 3 - One shot for team fouled from 40 yards to goal, undefended.

  Penalty 4 - One shot for team fouled from 60 yards to goal, defended. 

  Penalty 5 - Can either be from the "Spot" of the foul or from center field.  

The Team Positions

 #1-The most offensive player, or the forward position.

#2 - Primarily an offensive player, but also responsible for defense, inter­changing with the 

#3 player. The #2 player is often the second highest rated player on the team. 

#3 - The #3 is both defensive and offensive.  This player needs to be able to transition from offense to defense quickly.  This player could be the highest rated player on the team.  The #3 player must be a long accurate hitter but capable of close-in stick work and ball control. 

#4 - The back.  This is a defensive position but a good back must not only be able to hit a good back shot, he must also be able to turn the play from defense to offense quickly. This player could be the highest rated player on the team. #4 player is the last line of defense. 

Referee or Third Man 

The third official usually stationed on the sidelines at mid field.  Should the mounted umpires disagree, the Referee makes the final decision.

Safety
When the ball is hit over the back line wide of the goal mouth by a defending players mallet, a whistle will blow, stopping the clock, and the attacking team will be given a shot on goal from 60 yards even with where the ball went over the back line.  This is executed the same as a penalty 4, one shot at goal defended.

Neck Shot 

 Ball hit under the neck of a pony, can be from the "near" side or "off" side.

Off Side

Shot taken on the right side of the horse, can be both forward and backwards. 

Near Side

Shot taken on the left side of the horse, can be both forward and backwards.

Tail Shot 

Hitting a ball backwards behind the horses hind legs, at an angle under the tail. 

Throw-In
Begins play at the start of the game, after each goal, and to begin a new chukker if the ball ended in a neutral area.  The ball is bowled in between two lines of players, ideally lined up numerically. 

Umpire
The on-field official in charge of administering the rules. Two umpires are on-field during the game and usually wear black and white, vertically striped shirts. 

U.S.P.A. 

The United States Polo Association.The Governing body of polo in the United States. www.uspolo.org