Crack
/krahk/
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
Argentine slang for a star player or exceptional talent. Used to describe elite polo players.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “Crack” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“i. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. (i) Unless there are exceptional circumstances a player must be penalised if either he whips his pony when the ball is dead or whips with excessive force, in particular with his hand off the reins, or so that the crack can be heard around the ground or is persistent in the use of the whip. (ii) If a hit is made after the whistle for a foul, the umpires should either increase the severity of the penalty if the hit is by a member of the fouling team, or cancel the penalty, or decrease its severity if the hit is by a member of the team fouled. 21. Flags. A `technical' is no longer awarded and the umpires have the option of awarding a yellow or red flag.”
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 General Terms
View allAsado
Traditional Argentine barbecue, an integral part of polo culture. Often served after matches and during polo events.
Divot
A piece of turf displaced by a horse's hoof. Spectators traditionally stomp divots at halftime to help maintain the field.
Estancia
A large Argentine ranch where polo is often played. Many estancias offer polo holidays and training programs.
Gaucho
An Argentine horseman and cowboy. Gauchos developed many of the riding skills that influenced polo.
Stick-and-balling
Practice riding alone or with a partner, hitting the ball at walk/trot/canter without an opposing team. Foundation of polo skill development.
Three-Player Team
Arena polo teams consist of 3 players (positions 1, 2, 3) instead of 4, adapting to the smaller enclosed field.
Wood shop
Slang for the area near the boards where the ball gets stuck and players cluster to dig it out. Also called 'in the boards'.
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