Arena Polo
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
An indoor variant of polo played on a smaller field with 3 players per team instead of 4. Uses an inflated leather ball.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “Arena Polo” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“(v) If a person wishes to play arena polo the same membership joining process will apply with no additional charge from the HPA. b. Tournament Conditions, Player Eligibility and Team Entries. See Annex C. c. Tournament Format, Scheduling and Order of Merit. See Annex D. d. Deemed Members.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“Playing Arena (1) A playing area of 300 feet in length by 150 feet in width is considered ideal for Arena Polo. (2) Goals shall be centered at opposite ends of the Arena and the ideal size shall be 10 feet in width by 15 feet in height, inside measurement. (3) Arena polo is normally played in facilities that have walls and gates enclosing them. (a) Goals painted on the end walls do not make satisfactory goals as they do not mark a goal line across which the ball must pass.”
FIP — Federation of International Polo
“The World Polo Championship will be played by teams whose handicap is 10 to 14 goals; The Arena World Polo Championship will be played by teams whose handicap is 10 to 12 goals (Arena Polo Special Handicap grass polo handicap plus 1) and the Women's World Polo Championship will be played by teams whose handicap is 12 to 16 goals (women's handicap). 2. Federation of International Polo A. The election of the host of the World Polo Championship is prerogative of the General Assembly. B. The Executive Committee will determine the framework for each World Polo Championship edition.”
Excerpts quoted from the official rulebooks of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the United States Polo Association and the Federation of International Polo. Rules change between seasons — always check the linked source for the current wording.
More Rules Terms
View allHandicap
A rating system from -2 to 10 goals that indicates a player's skill level. A 10-goal player is at the highest level of the sport.
In the air
A ball that has not yet touched the ground. Different right-of-way and contact rules apply while the ball is airborne.
Line of the Ball
An imaginary line created by the ball's path of travel. Players have right-of-way based on this line, which is fundamental to polo rules.
Chukka
A period of play in polo, typically lasting 7 minutes. A standard match consists of 4-8 chukkas depending on the level of play.
Knock-in
A restart from the back line after the defending team puts the ball over their own back line. Played by the defenders.
Penalty 1
The most severe penalty: an automatic goal awarded to the fouled team plus a 60-yard hit from where the foul occurred. Issued for deliberate dangerous fouls.
Timekeeper
The official responsible for tracking game time, signaling chukka ends with a horn, and managing clock stoppages.
Red Card
Immediate ejection from the match for serious misconduct. The player cannot be replaced.
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