Explaining the Rules of Freestyle Polo
Everything about Freestyle Polo
Did you know that Shandur Pass, the world’s highest polo ground, hosts a thrilling freestyle polo every year?
Usually, it is held from July 7–9 every year, but due to Muharram observances this year it has been scheduled earlier — from June 28–30, 2024.
I am honored to announce that I will be the English commentator for this year’s tournament, bringing you live coverage from this breathtaking location. As someone who watched this exhilarating sport from the crowd in my childhood, always envying those who had seats on the stage, sharing the commentary booth is a dream come true. The journey from being a wide-eyed fan to having the privilege of narrating the action is a significant personal achievement. This article, which outlines the distinctive rules of freestyle polo, is part of my research in this regard.
Freestyle polo, synonymous with Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral, is characterized by its rule-free, exhilarating, and fierce nature.
Here are the rules of freestyle polo:
- Freedom from Formal Rules: True to its name, free-style polo operates without strict regulations, setting it apart from traditional polo. This lack of formal rules allows for a more spontaneous and adaptive style of play, enhancing the excitement for both players and spectators.
- Team Composition: Each team consists of six active players on the field, with one reserve player. Unlike other sports where reserves can substitute for players at any time, in free-style polo, reserves do not replace players mid-game. Instead, if a player is injured and cannot continue, the corresponding player on the opposing team must also stop playing. This unique rule ensures balance, even if it means the game continues with fewer players.
- Injury Protocol: Injuries are common in freestyle polo due to the physical nature of the game. When a player is injured and falls off their horse, the match is paused. If the injury is minor, the player receives first aid and may return to the game. For serious injuries, the opposing team’s player with the same jersey number is also removed from the field. This can lead to games where the number of active players diminishes significantly, sometimes even down to just two players per team, as seen in a recent Jashn-e-baharaan polo tournament in Gilgit.
- Game Commencement: The match begins with a ceremonial ball throw at the center line, usually performed by a distinguished guest or the chief guest of the match. Both teams line up on either side of the center line, and the sound of a bugle marks the official start of play, signaling the teams to charge toward the ball.
- Scoring Rituals: In freestyle polo, scoring involves a distinctive ritual called the thambooq. After scoring a goal, the player (usually the corresponding jersey number of the goal) grabs the ball, gallops at full speed towards the center line, and executes the thambooq — tossing the ball into the air and striking it with their mallet — just before crossing the center line. The ball must be hit near the center line and should not cross it. If the ball crosses the center line during this process, the bugle is blown, and the ball is rethrown from the center line. This rule adds an element of precision and control to the game.
- Aerial Interceptions: One of the thrilling aspects of freestyle polo is the possibility of aerial interceptions. If a player catches the ball mid-air, they can attempt to score by maneuvering the ball towards the goal with the coordination of their teammates. This often leads to intense and aggressive attempts by opponents to snatch the ball away, showcasing the high level of skill and athleticism required to play the game.
- Match Duration: The total duration of a free-style polo match is 50 minutes, divided into two halves with a break in between. The match is paused for player falls and injuries. Minor injuries are treated with first aid on the field, allowing the player to return. For serious injuries, the game resumes only after the corresponding player from the opposing team is also sent off the field, maintaining an equal number of players on both sides.
- Physical Play: Unlike traditional polo, free-style polo does not penalize physical contact between players or horses. This lack of penalties for physicality adds to the rugged and authentic nature of the game, where robust challenges and aggressive plays are common and accepted.
- Goal Officiation: Goal judges are stationed near each goal post, holding red and white flags. A red flag signals a goal, while a white flag indicates a wide or non-goal. The height of the goal posts is around 7–8 feet, and any ball flying above this height is considered wide, thus not counting as a goal.
- Jury Decisions: In cases of confusion or disputes during the game, a jury is present to make the final decision. This ensures fair play and helps resolve any contentious issues that may arise during the match.
- Equipment Management: The physical nature of freestyle polo often leads to the breaking of mallets during play. Mallet-carrying attendants remain alert on the sidelines, ready to rush onto the field to provide players with replacement mallets. This swift action ensures the game continues smoothly without significant interruptions.
- Skill and Courage: Playing free style polo demands exceptional skill and bravery. Players must simultaneously control their horses, manage the reins, handle the mallet, and strategize against their opponents. The game requires split-second decisions and precise movements, making it a sport for the lion-hearted. The courage and skill needed to excel in free style polo are unparalleled, making it one of the most challenging and thrilling sports in the world.
Wrap up
Freestyle polo is a testament to the spirit of adventure and competition. Its lack of formal rules, dynamic gameplay, and the sheer courage required to participate make it a unique and captivating sport, deeply cherished in the regions where it is played.
Hit me up if you liked it or want to know more or more importantly you too want to join me in witnessing this one-of-its-kind sport at the roof of the world — Shandur Polo Ground!
