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hurlinghampolo.com
TA L K
Technology, such as live streaming apps
and slow motion cameras, is changing
the way we approach polo
A N E W P A C E O F P L A Y
As polo embraces the world’s ever-evolving technological advances,
Charlie Froggatt looks at how the game is accelerating with the times
Polo originated in Persia circa 600 BC,
and for over 2,000 years spectators and
sportsmen managed to successfully keep
score without the help of technology. Fast-
forward to 2017 and we find ourselves amid
the rapidly accelerating Age of Information,
where no area of life goes untouched by
devices and apps designed to enhance and
streamline our experiences. But, when it
comes to polo, is technology actually
providing benefits and solving problems?
Since the first drone flew over a polo
field five years ago, the sport has seen
a steady increase in the use of technology,
applied to a wide range of functions. These
include umpiring, team preparation,
individual performance and technique
review, live streaming, statistics, education
and even fantasy polo. The technology itself
comes in many different formats such as
drones, head cameras, slow motion cameras,
computer software, online platforms and
mobile applications.
Combining all these technical advances
to create something meaningful for the sport
has been a trial-and-error process. But when
examining a few keys areas where it is
making an impact, a strong case emerges
for its benefits and advantages.
The most fundamental way technology
has become embedded in the sport is as a
tool for umpires. There appears to be a direct
correlation between its increased use and
the increase in the speed of play within polo
at the highest level. Data collected during
the US high-goal season shows a 12.5 per
cent decrease in the total number of fouls
called per game in 2016, compared to the
previous year. Similar results were seen
