• Polo matchPolo Players image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com
  
  Polo is a team sport played either on an indoor arena or on a full-size ground field. Indoor games consist of three players per team, while outdoor games play with four per team. Each team vies for the most goals, scored by successfully passing the ball through the goal posts at the end of the playing field. Like all tactical team sports, each polo team has an offense and defense with specifically applied plays.
  
  

Scoring

• Goal lines are created with two goal posts placed 24 feet apart. Putting the ball across the goal line results in point scoring.
  
  

Playing Fields

• Polo is typically played out an outdoor polo field that measures 300-by-160 yards. Indoor games are played on a 100-by-50 yard field.
  
  

Line of the Ball

• The line of the ball is an imaginary line created by the ball traveling from one point to another. This line determines the number of players allowed to approach and attack the ball, or each other. Players and horses travel at a top speed of 35 miles per hour and must prevent collision during play by riding on either side of the line, giving them each safe access to the ball. Creating a hazardous situation while crossing the line may result in a foul being called by the umpire.
  
  

Fouls

• Umpires issue fouls, which result in the opposing team receiving a free goal or other awards. Three umpires officiate the game, two on horseback and one either on the sideline or midfield. Hazardous riding and dangerous mallet use generally result in infractions.
  
  

Length of Play

• A full polo game consists of eight periods called chukkas or chukkers. Each period lasts seven minutes, plus a 30-second overtime as required. Play commences with a ball throw-in by the umpire at the beginning of each period and after each goal. Because of extreme physical demands placed on the polo ponies, players must change horses after each period.