POLO. Its very mention evokes images of horse and rider thundering across a seemingly endless expanse of green turf, of sidelines brimming with elegant and relaxed spectators, of colorful flags whipping in the wind, and of victory celebrations culminating hotly contested battles fought with the highest standard of sportsmanship.
The world of polo is a way of life in which tradition is revered and competition is fierce. Acknowledged as being one of the fastest games in the world, polo captivates an audience. And the game is afoot in North Texas!
Come join our way of life and experience the camaraderie and the thrill of the sport. Whether seated on a horse or in a field-side box, the choice is yours. No fancy hats required -- the attire and atmosphere of polo in North Texas is relaxed and comfortable.
Read on to find out how you can saddle up and become an active part of the historic sport of polo.
A WAY OF LIFE
Polo is the perfect sport if you are seeking the ultimate outdoor experience. Polo makes for a family-friendly social gathering. It's a perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoons relaxing in the breeze, sipping something cool, watching the big game with friends -- you know, hot dogs, apple pie and POLO ! <italic>
A pre-game program, "Introduction to Polo," is given 30 minutes prior to every Sunday match. It teaches newcomers the rules of engagement, and there's time to ask questions, even to here the latest on Prince Charles and sons William and Harry, all accomplished polo players.
At halftime, everyone participates in the champagne divot stomp. Enjoy champagne on our pampered polo lawn as you stomp divots kicked up by all of those fleet hooves.
Post-game, following trophy presentations, take the opportunity to mingle with the players; ask about the horses or mention the big goal that won the match.
Witness the fun from the luxury of one of our elevated boxseats. Or bring your blanket and wiggle your toes in the soft green grass. Season tickets are available; included are 19 weeks of polo, invitations to all of the special events, and promotions throughout the year. For more information call 214.373.8855.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Chukker
There are six chukkers in a polo match, each lasting seven minutes. Between each chukker players change horses.
Divot Stomping
An activity that involves spectators in the game. During halftime, spectators are invited to go onto the playing field to replace pieces of the turf that have been dug-up by the horses, while sipping champagne!
Field
The goal posts have an eight-yard span. The polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide (10 acres).
Goal
Any time the ball crosses the line between the goal posts, regardless of whether a horse or mallet causes the ball to go through. The teams direction of play changes each time a goal is scored.
Handicaps (HCP)
Registered players are rated from a scale of –2 through 10 (the higher the better). The handicap is based on the player’s overall worth to his team, taking into consideration his ability to hit the ball, horsemanship, team play and sportsmanship.
Hook
Defensive technique; A player may spoil another’s shot by putting his mallet in the way of the striking players mallet.
Knock-In
Should a team, in an offensive drive, hit the ball across the opponents’ backline, the defending team resumes the game with a free hit from their backline.
Line-of-the-Ball
This imaginary line follows the path that the ball takes. On each side of this line is a lane and these two lanes determine the right-of-way of the player.
Mallet
Also know as a “stick”. The shaft is made of bamboo cane with a hardwood head, The head is made from a tipa tree found only in South America and is beveled on one end to allow a full swinging flush to the ground. The mallet is highly flexible and variesa in length.
Near-Side Shot
Made from the left side of the horse, back hand of polo shots.
Off-Side Shot
The right side of the horse. It is the most commonly used shot in polo.
Penalty
A free hit towards the goal from a set distance. May result in automatic goal.
Polo Match
Consists of four or six chukkers, depending on the number of available horses, the level of play, or the nature of the tournament.
Ponies
Ponies can play two chukkers in the afternoon, but must rest at least one chukker in between. There is no limit to the height of the ponies.
Positions
Number 1 is the most forward offensive player. Number 2 is as aggressive and plays deeper. Number 3 is the pivot between offense and defense trying to turn all plays to offense. Number 4 is a defensive player protecting the goal.
Ride-Off
Occurs when two riders attempt to push each other off the line of the ball, to prevent the other from striking it.
Safety
Penalty 6 When a defending player hits the ball across his own backline, the other team is awarded a free hot 60 yards from the backline with the ball placed at the same distance from the sidelines as to where it went out.
Tail Shot
Used to clear the ball when it is behind the pony.
Third Man
A referee who sits off the field. If and when the two umpires on the fielde are in disagreement, the third man makes the final decision.
Time-Out
An umpire calls a time-out when a foul is committed, an accident occurs or at his own discretion. A player may only call time-out if he has broken tack or he or his is mount is injured.
Umpires
Two mounted umpires on the field consult one another after each infringment and impose a penalty only if they both agree. If they do not agree they consult the third man. They also monitor the safety for the players and horses.
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