Intercollegiate Polo is played in an arena under USPA Arena Rules. A match consists of four seven and a half minute periods or “chukkas,” in which three players from each team compete to get the ball in the goal of the opposing team using mallets. The official season for polo begins in January, with preliminary, regional, and championship tournaments taking place from February to April. The Stanford Polo Club is separated into Junior Varsity and Varsity Women’s and Men’s teams for official games, and though the official season begins in January games and tournaments may be played in the fall as well (please note that the 2020-21 season will likely be subject to changes due to COVID-19). A big part of polo at Stanford is also the care and maintenance of our co-athletes, the polo ponies, and their facilities.
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Tryouts typically take place after the Stanford Activities Fair, where students are given the opportunity to learn about the club, chat with current team members, and sign up for more information. Emails are sent to those interested in trying out, and the club members facilitate transportation to Webb Ranch (a 10 minute drive from campus) where the Stanford Polo Club is located. The tryouts themselves typically consist of three parts -- riding, practicing polo-specific skills, and learning the rules of polo -- while also giving students an opportunity to learn more about the club, interact with club members, and meet the coaches. The polo club does not require prior horse-riding or polo experience, and both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to try out. Selected students are then invited back to ride, chat more with current club members, and decide whether or not the commitment is right for them.
NOTE: though this is the traditional process for joining the Stanford Polo Club, the 2020-21 recruiting process will look radically different in order to support local COVID-19 guidelines, and has not yet been finalized.
LEAGUE INFORMATION
The United States Polo Association (USPA)
The Western Intercollegiate Region
Cal Poly
Oregon State University
Montana State
Point Loma Nazarene
Stanford University
University of Idaho
UCSB
USC
Washington State University
Westmont College
