Handicap
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
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.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “Handicap” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“The brackets signal that a player's handicap is under review and is therefore more likely to be changed at any time. Brackets will only be removed by the HPA when it is clear to the main Handicap Committee that the player is correctly handicapped. 4. CV Form. The allotment of a handicap will be at the discretion of the Handicap Committee but in general no handicap will be awarded to a new or returning player on the basis of a CV form (available on the HPA website) until mid-January.”
“Handicaps. a.Club Handicap Committees. Each affiliated club must have a Handicap Committee which shall consist of not less than three members. The HPA must be informed at the beginning of each season of the names and of any subsequent changes. b.Recommendations. It shall forward its recommendations for the alteration of handicaps and the allotment of new handicaps to the HPA for approval at such times as it thinks fit or is required to do so by the HPA.”
“Subject to the minimum handicap and abiding by the conditions of their visa: a. Any such non- EEA under 18 player may play in any level if they are 4 goals or above. They will be counted as a non- EEA player and if they wish to play 22 goal will need to obtain a 22 goal handicap. b. Any such non-EEA under 18 player who is less than 4 goals may play the 15 goal and below only and will not count as a non-EEA player. 4. Pairing of Players.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“opponent the full handicap difference. In a handicap Event, League, or Series of Events, any such team having a new total handicap under the handicap limit of the Event, League, or Series of Events shall receive from an opponent the full handicap difference.”
“Goals may be awarded by handicap or penalty (See Rule 19), or may be scored from play. A goal is scored from play when the ball passes between the goal posts or the imaginary vertical lines produced by the inner surfaces of the goal posts and across and clear of the goal line. The ball must go all of the way over and across the side, end or goal line to be out of bounds or a goal. A ball on the line is still in play.”
“The aggregate handicap of a team must, at the time of the draw, fall within the limits specified for each Event. No team whose handicap is higher or lower than the specified limits shall be permitted to participate, except as provided in Rule 1.c and 3.c.”
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 allIn 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.
Crossing
Cutting in front of a player who has the right of way to the ball. Crossing is a foul because it forces the right-of-way player to abruptly slow or veer.
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