Rules of play
Clubs across the world have slightly varied rules and tournament rules can be quite detailed. During our casual pick up games (randomly mixed teams) there are no ref's. Players call themselves and each other if they breach the rules.
Here are some of our basic rules.
Set up - Teams of 3 line up at their end of the court, a call is made to start the game play and players joust for the ball (sitting in centre court).
1. Don't be a dick! This is polo so be a gentleman/gentlewoman.
2. If you put a foot down and you need to 'tap in' at the designated half way points to get back into game play.
3. Goals can only be scored off the end of the mallet.
4. Like for Like contact: mallet on mallet, bike on bike, body on body.
5. No ramming (T-boning), elbowing, grabbing, pushing, slashing (hitting hard with mallet). Refer to rule #1
6. Your mallet is your responsibility. No throwing mallets, mallets in spokes or tripping other players with your mallet.
7. Ensure your equipment is safe to play with e.g. you must have end caps on your handle bars and mallets. If unsure, bring your bike and we'll help ensure it's polo ready. More information (Tournament standard)
After a team scores, they return to their half of the court. They may only pass over half way once the defending team has bought the ball past half way. The game finishes when one team reaches 5 goals or when an agreed time limit is reached e.g. 15 minutes.
Tips to improve your fun
- Go easy on yourself and smile! Laugh at yourself even. It usually takes 3+ sessions before you'll start to feel comfortable.
- Pass the ball between team mates.
- Take turns at being goalie. There are no set positions in bike polo, share the action!
- Heckling can create some laughs (avoid overly offensive or personal heckles or anything that will fall under rule #1)
FAQ
What type of bike can I use?
Any bike is fine. At first you may have a few oopsies so usually the old bike you find in the back of your garage or at the dump is a great start. Regular players will give you some suggestions and you'll find yourself tweaking some things as you play more and check out other peoples set up.
What about a mallet?
Players usually have a spare to lend new players. We'll help you make your own mallet once you are hooked. It can be as easy as an old ski pole, a piece of plastic pipe, a nut and bolt. Alternatively you can get all the gear at www.downlowpolo.com or google search for alternative suppliers.
Other questions?
Ask any exisiting players - all are happy to answer any questions you may have
Here are some of our basic rules.
Set up - Teams of 3 line up at their end of the court, a call is made to start the game play and players joust for the ball (sitting in centre court).
1. Don't be a dick! This is polo so be a gentleman/gentlewoman.
2. If you put a foot down and you need to 'tap in' at the designated half way points to get back into game play.
3. Goals can only be scored off the end of the mallet.
4. Like for Like contact: mallet on mallet, bike on bike, body on body.
5. No ramming (T-boning), elbowing, grabbing, pushing, slashing (hitting hard with mallet). Refer to rule #1
6. Your mallet is your responsibility. No throwing mallets, mallets in spokes or tripping other players with your mallet.
7. Ensure your equipment is safe to play with e.g. you must have end caps on your handle bars and mallets. If unsure, bring your bike and we'll help ensure it's polo ready. More information (Tournament standard)
After a team scores, they return to their half of the court. They may only pass over half way once the defending team has bought the ball past half way. The game finishes when one team reaches 5 goals or when an agreed time limit is reached e.g. 15 minutes.
Tips to improve your fun
- Go easy on yourself and smile! Laugh at yourself even. It usually takes 3+ sessions before you'll start to feel comfortable.
- Pass the ball between team mates.
- Take turns at being goalie. There are no set positions in bike polo, share the action!
- Heckling can create some laughs (avoid overly offensive or personal heckles or anything that will fall under rule #1)
FAQ
What type of bike can I use?
Any bike is fine. At first you may have a few oopsies so usually the old bike you find in the back of your garage or at the dump is a great start. Regular players will give you some suggestions and you'll find yourself tweaking some things as you play more and check out other peoples set up.
What about a mallet?
Players usually have a spare to lend new players. We'll help you make your own mallet once you are hooked. It can be as easy as an old ski pole, a piece of plastic pipe, a nut and bolt. Alternatively you can get all the gear at www.downlowpolo.com or google search for alternative suppliers.
Other questions?
Ask any exisiting players - all are happy to answer any questions you may have