What to Expect at Your First Polo Tournament

Before you sign up

• Check the level of play. Make sure the level is the right fit for you, for example a margarita league versus a two-goal tournament. Ask the organizer if you are unsure.
• Ask about the registration deadline. Spots and teams fill early, so a late sign-up can mean no spot.
• Pay your entry fee up front. Organizers use payment to confirm who is really playing before they build teams and schedules.
• Ask about the cancellation policy. If your horse is injured or ill, what happens? It is often handled case by case, but at least ask whether the entry fee is refundable. Polo logistics are complicated, so it is better to know before you pay.
• Ask how the organizer communicates. Is there a WhatsApp group for the tournament? How will you get updates and info, like schedules, field changes and weather delays?

Money, in one place

A first tournament usually involves a few separate payments, sometimes to different people. Ask the organizer for a full list up front so nothing surprises you on the day.

Four things to confirm:

• Pros: some margarita league fees already include payment to the pros. Ask whether yours does so you don't pay twice or skip a payment you owe.
• Pro's entry fee: if you hire a pro, the team is expected to cover the pro's entry fee for the tournament. Talk to your teammates about splitting it, if applicable.
• Rental horses and groom tip: ask whether the cost is part of your entry fee or billed separately. Also ask whether grooms are tipped when you rent. It varies by club and region, so ask club management.
• Stabling and feed: if you bring your own horse, ask whether feed is available for purchase. Players with their own horses usually feed them and hire their own help.

Lodging

• Ask the organizer about lodging. They may know nearby hotels or have suggestions.
• Share a place to keep costs down. Ask whether other players are splitting hotels or Airbnbs, and whether you can join them.
• Book early. Tournament weekends can fill local lodging.

Tipping grooms

• Grooms keep the day running, from tacking up to caring for horses between chukkers. A tip is a common way to say thanks.
• Customs vary widely by club and region. There is no single right amount or method.
• Renting a horse? Whether grooms are tipped when players rent varies by club and region, so ask along with your rental details.
• Ask club management what is typical at your tournament, including whether tips are pooled, handed over individually, or handled another way.
• Ask before the day. It beats guessing.

Finding a team

• Team formation varies by tournament and club. Many low-goal tournaments use scratch teams, where the organizer builds teams from whoever signs up.
• Ask the organizer how teams are set at your tournament.
• Show your interest as an individual. Tell them you want to play and that you're new. There's no harm in asking to be connected with teammates early.

The social side

Polo tournaments are social events as much as competitions. If you can, attend both the player party and the draw party. Four things to look for or set up:

• Player party: many tournaments host one. It is the easiest way to meet other players and your teammates, so go if you can.
• Draw party: some tournaments hold one where teams are drawn. Ask your organizer whether yours does and when.
• Team dinner: usually self-organized and not part of the tournament, but a good idea. Suggest one with your teammates to go over strategy.
• Optional club practice: some clubs offer a practice before the tournament. It is a low-pressure chance to get comfortable with the field, the horses, and the people you'll be playing with.

Tournament day

• Come knowing the rules, so you know where to go and what to do during competition. Use the penalty cheat sheet, the challenge quiz and the rules chat.
• Stay for the whole tournament, not just your own games. Cheering on other players and staying for the final and awards is a big part of the culture, especially at small clubs.
• Always shake hands after your game, and especially thank the umpire.
• Respect the umpires. Umpires are here to keep the game safe and fair. Things move fast, so they are making decisions under pressure. Be respectful, even when you disagree with a call.
• Questions go to your team captain on the field. The captain is often the pro, and is the only player allowed to engage directly with the umpire.
• Don't understand a call? Ask afterward, not mid-chukker. A calm question after the game gets a better answer.
• Keep it pleasant. For most people on the field this is a hobby, so practice good sportsmanship. Your self-worth should not ride on an umpire call.

Tournament duties

• Players often help run the day. Duties can include flagging, scorekeeping and timing, announcing, third man, and umpire assist.
• Duties vary by tournament, club, and region.
• Ask the organizer ahead of time whether you have a duty and when, so you can plan around it.
• Show up for your duty. If you are assigned one, be there on time. If someone is missing, it can delay the game for everyone.
• New to flagging? Read our guide: How to Flag at a Polo Tournament.
• New to scorekeeping? Read our guide: How to Score a Polo Game with Divot.