The origins of Polo, its exotic ancestry and storied past have contributed to a heritage rich in      colorful expression. Understanding that language adds yet another dimension to a fascinating sport.

Chukka: This is the term used to describe the basic period of play. In polo, each chukka is    seven    and a half minutes long and there are four chukkas in each match.

Foul: This continues an infraction of the rules
   as laid down by the Polo Association. Most fouls govern safe riding and the concept of the line    of    the ball.

Goal: A point is added to 0the score each time the ball travels between the goal post,    whether hit    in by attacker, defender or pony. The team's direction of play changes after each    goal is scored.

Handicap: The comparative rating of polo players awarded by the Polo Association, Handicaps    are    expressed in goals but do not describe the number of goals the player is expected to    score, but    rather the    player's value to the team.

Hook: One of the two defensive manoeuver allowed in the rules. In this case the mallet is    used to    block or interfere with another player's swing at the ball.

Line of the ball: The imaginary line created by the ball as it travels across the field. The line    of    the ball may not be crossed or infringed except in exceptional circumstances.This is pivotal    concept    on which many fouls or infractions are based and is usually what the umpires are    discussing after    they have blown the whistle.

Mallet: The stick used to hit the ball.

Near-side: Is the left side of the horse.

Off-side: Is the right side of the horse.

Out of bounds: When the ball is hit out of bounds the clock continues to run and the ball is    thrown in by the umpires at that spot.

Penalties: Fouls result in the umpires awarding a shot at a goal (a penalty) to the offended    team    (the more severe the infringement, the closer to the goalmouth the penalty is awarded).

Puttees:The leg wraps applied to the horse's lower
   legs for support and protection.

Referee:The referee is off-field and has the final word in the case of a dispute between the    two    mounted umpires.

Ride-off: A ride -off is used to break an opposing players concentration, move him off the line    of    the ball or spoil his shot.

Throw-in: The game is started with a throw-in where the ball is literally thrown in between    the    line-up teams by the umpires.

Umpires: These are on-field officials. Mounted on horses, umpires are usually active players    responsible for enforcing the rules.

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