What Is a Polo Handicap? How Player Ratings Work

The handicap rating system is one of the most distinctive features of polo. It balances the matches when players with different level of experience and mixed abilities play against each other.

Unlike rating systems in other sports, polo handicaps are based on assessments conducted by dedicated committees. This human element makes the system flexible and controversial at the same time.

What is the meaning of a polo handicap?

In polo, a handicap is a numerical rating given to a player based on their overall abilities and contribution to the game. A player's horsemanship, ball skills, understanding of the game, strategy and teamwork are all considered when their handicap is assessed. The commonly used handicap scale runs from -2 to 10, and breaks down as follows:

-2 to 0 goals: beginners who are developing their skills

1 to 3 goals: intermediate players who are gaining experience

4 to 6 goals: advanced players with strong horsemanship and strategy skills

7 to 10 goals: elite players

However, the way handicaps are assigned can vary between countries and polo associations. A handicap doesn't tell how much experience a player has and players with the same handicap can have different strengths.

In this context, the term “goals” refers to the player's abilities and not the number of goals a player can score in a match.

How are polo handicaps assigned?

Handicap ratings are assigned by handicap committees within national associations or authorized polo organizations. These committees, consisting of former elite players, coaches and association officials, review available information about a player's performance and ability and use it to decide what handicap best represents their level of play. A player's handicap is not simply calculated from the number of goals they score, but instead, it is a judgment of their overall value as a polo player. The exact process differs between countries.

The Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP) has the strictest handicap assessment rules, as it rates the best players in the world.

Why is the polo handicap system controversial

While other sports calculate a player's rating based on mathematical numbers, the handicap system is highly subjective. Committees take into consideration the horse's abilities when giving the handicap, which often turns against good players who can't afford to invest in horses with good polo abilities. Because the ratings are changed after each season, most young players see their handicaps increase rapidly, as they gain experience, while seasoned players can keep their peak-season handicap for a long time, even after their performances begin to decline. Apart from the subjectivity of the human factor, the differences in handicap assessments across different nations can lead to confusion during international tournaments, as a player rated with a 4 goal handicap in their country might find themselves rated as with a 2 goals handicap in another country.

Team handicaps and fair games

Individual handicaps play an important role in the team. The team's handicap is calculated by adding the handicaps of all four players.

For example, if the four players have handicaps of 2, 3, 4 and 5, the team's total handicap is 14 goals.

In handicap tournaments, teams with different total handicaps may receive a starting advantage to help balance the match.

For example, if one team has a lower total handicap than its opponent, it may start the game with a number of goals on the scoreboard.

The exact advantage depends on the rules of the tournament. Under FIP rules, for example, the starting advantage is based on the difference between the teams' handicaps and the number of chukkers being played.

The system is not perfect, and its reliance on human judgment can lead to debate. However, handicaps remain a fundamental part of competitive polo and help make matches more balanced, competitive and exciting.