Polo is a thrilling and exciting sport that combines horsemanship, physical
skill, and strategic thinking. At the heart of the sport is the polo handicap,
a rating system that enables teams to be balanced and competitive and ensures
that matches are exciting for players and spectators alike.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the polo
handicap and what it means for the sport.
What is a Polo Handicap?
A polo handicap is a numerical rating given to a polo player
to indicate their level of skill and experience in the sport. The handicap
system is based on a scale from -2 to 10, with 10 being the highest rating a
player can achieve.
The handicap is assigned by a governing body, such as the
United States Polo Association, The Hurlingham Polo Association in UK or the Federation of International Polo, and is
based on various factors, including a player's ability to hit the ball
accurately, their horsemanship, their strategic understanding of the game, and
their experience in playing in high-pressure situations.
The handicap is not a fixed rating and can be adjusted based
on a player's performance and development in the sport. For example, if a
player improves their skills and performance over time, their handicap may be
raised to reflect their increased proficiency.
Why is the Handicap Important in Polo?
The handicap is important in polo because it enables teams
to be balanced and competitive and ensures that matches are exciting for
players and spectators alike. When teams are evenly matched, games are more
challenging and exciting, and players must use their skills and strategies to
win.
The handicap system also enables players to compete at the
appropriate level. Players with lower handicaps may compete at lower-level
tournaments, while players with higher handicaps may compete at higher-level
tournaments. This ensures that players are competing against opponents of
similar skill levels and provides opportunities for players to improve and
advance in the sport.
Finally, the handicap system is an important part of the
culture and tradition of polo. Polo has a rich history, and the handicap system
is a part of that history. Many players take pride in their handicaps and work
hard to improve their skills and achieve higher ratings.
What is high goal polo?
High goal polo is a term used to describe the highest level
of polo played worldwide. The term "high goal" refers to the handicap
level of the teams competing in the tournament, which is typically 22 goals or
higher.
In high goal polo, the players are among the best in the
world and have handicaps of 7 or higher. The matches are fast-paced and
intense, and the players must be skilled, athletic, and strategic to compete at
this level.
High goal polo tournaments attract the best players from
around the world and are often held at prestigious venues such as the Guards
Polo Club in the United Kingdom, the International Polo Club Palm Beach in the
United States, and the Campo Argentino de Polo in Argentina.
Some of the most well-known high goal polo tournaments include
the US Open Polo Championship (26 goal), the Queen's Cup (22 goal), and the
Gold Cup (22 goal) in the United Kingdom, and the Argentine Open (40 goal) in
Argentina. These tournaments are considered the most prestigious events in the
sport of polo and draw large crowds of spectators and media attention.
In addition to the prestige and excitement of high goal
polo, it is also a significant part of the sport's culture and tradition. Many
players aspire to play at the high goal level, and achieving a high handicap is
a mark of excellence and dedication in the sport of polo.
In Conclusion
The polo handicap is a crucial part of the sport of polo. It
enables teams to be balanced and competitive, ensures that matches are exciting
for players and spectators alike, and provides opportunities for players to
improve and advance in the sport. So, the next time you watch a game of polo,
take a moment to appreciate the handicap system and the role it plays in this
exciting and dynamic sport.