The Game - Polo for the Spectator

Polo is very straightforward as a spectator sport. There are six periods (Chukkas) of seven minutes. There are four players in each team. The No. 1 and 2 are basically forwards. The No. 3 and 4 are equivalent to five-eight and back in Rugby.

The players should mark their opposite number; that is the No. 4 should mark the No. 1 preventing him from scoring by hooking and riding off.

There is no "offside" rule. The rules are common sense based on a player having the "right of way" in order to eliminate danger.

Therefore, no player shall play with his left hand. Play starts from a line up in the centre by one of the two umpires throwing the ball.

The team that scores the most goals wins. Behinds don't count. The umpires will award penalties depending upon the severity of the infringement. When a penalty I is given a goal is signaled and a throw occurs 10 yards out from the penalised team's goal mouth.

* Penalty II - 30 yards free hit
* Penalty III - 40 yards free hit
* Penalty IV - 60 yards free hit
* Penalty V(a) - free hit on the spot
* Penalty V(b) - free hit from the middle of the ground

The essence of the game is teamwork.

Photos courtesy of Derek O'Leary www.derekoleary.com & Carolyn Yencken