here is a link to the official turf bicycle polo rules. These rules, like any official sport, are very detailed and tedious to follow. To get us started I am going to strip away the 'technicalities' to get the gist of the game down.
TIPS/RULES/INFORMATION
1. we play off pavement: aka on turf - be it grass, dirt ect.
2. there are goals set up at each end of the field -- fields range depending on availability of space a little larger than a football field works best.
3.each team consist of even number of players for the 'tip off' each team starts at their goal and charges the ball. whoever gets to it first takes it. the objective is to make a goal. Be sure to remember which direction your goal is! It is easy to get turned around if the ball is being toggled between teams.
4.Once a goal is scored, the team who 'scores' gets to stay at that end of the field and the opponents must take the ball up field for the next attempt.
5. After the initial tip off to start the game, the ball is then driven from the goal point of the team that did not score last.
6.It is not okay to t-bone a player or interfere in any harmful way while someone is in control of the ball.
7. It is okay to ride close, mallet to mallet contact, steal the ball and psych out your opponent.
8. It is not okay to sabotage someones bike. be respectful.
9. Avoid 'high sticking' that is when you swing back too far to hit the ball, putting people at risk for being bashed in the face so you can get your hit on. Truth be told, polo is about control and finesse. Not all speed and brut strength.
10. If you put your foot down you must roll out of the play completely to re-enter.
11. no kicking the ball, no hand ball violations. you can catch the ball with your bike - if you're lucky!
bottom line: be repectful. have fun. no high sticking! roll out on foot down
