The Handicap system of Polo can be quite confusing, however once you get the hang of a couple of principles it is very simple.

1. Handicaps range from a -2 (beginner) to 10 goals (best in world)
2. The number given to you is linked to your ability and refered to in goals (for example I am a -1 goal player)
3. Every member on a team has a handicap
4. The team handicap is the sum of its players' handicaps
5. The team with the lower handicap is awarded the difference in goals at the start of the game

For example, if there is a team of players all with a 0 goal handicap, their team handicap would be 0. Likewise if the players had a 1,2,3,1 skill level each then their totoal handicap would be 7.

Competitions run for teams of different level handicap, these are roughly split into low, medium and high goal polo.

Low goal polo is normally for teams with a total handicap of -8 to 4. Medium goal polo is from 4 to 16 and high goal 16 up to a maxium of 40. These bands are further subdivided to ensure similar standards of experience.

At the end of every season the handicap committee of every club will sit and discuss all the players and decide whether they need to be raised, lowered or remain on the same handicap. These recommendations are put forward to the Hurlingham Polo Association for review and then a formal list published. The player will then next season play of their 'new' handicap.

Arena Polo

Arena Polo is different to grass and requires a different set of skills. Therefore, if a player competes in the arena season (winter) they will have two separate handicaps. Generally arena handicaps are one higher than grass, (for example, I am a -1 on grass but a 0 in the arena). Although the RAF does not compete in the arena some members do, so please get in touch if you would like more information.