Rule changes for the Game of Kings?
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
Polo – with its historic ancient roots is played by many around the globe, first enjoyed by the Emperor of North India as far back as 1210, subsequent Persian courtiers from 1546 AD can still be seen with sticks uplifted immortalised mid-play in paintings.
Now, the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) has decided it is the time to test some new rules. Polo players past and present and governing bodies from around the world have all been consulted for their input, with the aim to make the game a more exciting spectator sport and faster and safer, with less fouls on the pitch.
So, with the agreement of the participating teams, this weekend in the inaugural competition of the 2014 Argentine season – The San Jorge Open, held at Club Hípico Militar San Jorge (with the finals played at Palermo for the Duke of Edinburgh Trophy) the following rules will be tested:
- Field goals will count as two points; a goal from a penalty as one.
- For a throw-in only two players per team will be allowed in the line-up; the other two players must be 10 yards away. The first player that hits the ball creates the new line.
- To hit a penalty, the hitter cannot go more than 40 yards from the ball.
- There will no 40s, only a 60 or 30. If the defending player makes a foul to save a field goal within the 60 yards, the penalty will be a goal and a penalty.
Other rules may be tested at a later stage, as the AAP have stated, changes need to be made to help improve the game for future generations of players and their spectators.