The Complete Guide to Polo Handicaps

The handicap system is the backbone of competitive polo. It rates every registered player on a scale from -2 to 10, enabling fair matches between teams of different abilities. Understanding handicaps is essential whether you're a new player chasing your first rating or a spectator trying to follow the sport. Use the [polo handicap calculator](/handicap-calculator) to see how handicaps affect team matchups.

How the Scale Works

Unlike golf, where a lower handicap means a better player, polo handicaps work in the opposite direction:

How Handicaps Are Assigned

National polo associations (HPA in the UK, USPA in the US, AAP in Argentina) assign handicaps through a committee process:

1. **Initial assessment**: New players are observed during supervised chukkas or assessed by qualified umpires

2. **Seasonal review**: Handicaps are reviewed at the end of each season based on tournament performance

3. **Committee decision**: A handicap committee of experienced players and officials votes on changes

4. **Notification**: Players are informed of their rating, which takes effect for the following season

Team Handicap and Matching

In tournament polo, team handicaps determine which competitions you can enter:

Each team sums the handicaps of its four players. If teams are unequal, the weaker team starts with a goal advantage equal to the difference.

Differences Between Systems

HPA (UK)

Scale: -2 to 10. Reviews twice yearly (winter and summer). Separate arena handicaps.

USPA (USA)

Scale: -2 to 10. Reviews annually. Outdoor and arena ratings tracked separately.

AAP (Argentina)

Scale: -2 to 10. Considered the benchmark for global ratings. Argentine 10-goalers are recognised worldwide.

FIP (International)

The Federation of International Polo maintains a global register but defers to national associations for rating decisions.

How to Progress

Moving up the handicap ladder requires demonstrated improvement across multiple dimensions:

Practical Tips for Progression

Common Misconceptions

**"Handicaps are just about scoring goals"** — No. Defence, positioning, and team contribution all matter.

**"I can buy a higher handicap with better horses"** — Better horses help, but committees assess the player, not the string.

**"Handicaps are permanent"** — They change every season based on performance. Players can go down as well as up.

The handicap system makes polo uniquely fair. Embrace it, work within it, and let your rating reflect your genuine development as a player. Read more about the [polo handicap](/handicap) page, or look up [famous polo players](/famous-players) to see where the legends ranked.