How do handicap goals work at the start of a polo game?

In a handicap game, the lower-rated team starts with awarded goals calculated from the difference between the two teams' combined handicaps and the length of the game, and any fractional allowance counts as half a goal. Outdoor and arena polo calculate that allowance differently — the matrix below shows both.

Applies to: outdoor and arena polo.

Outdoor: the allowance is the handicap difference multiplied by the number of chukkers and divided by 6.

Arena: the matrix scales the difference to a 30-minute regulation game, so four 7½-minute periods award the full difference and two periods award half.

The organizer decides whether an event is played on handicap or on the flat (no allowance).

In outdoor events with an upper handicap limit above six goals, individual ratings of −0.5, 0.5 and 1.5 are rounded down to −1, 0 and 1 before the team total is calculated.

From January 1, 2026, an optional outdoor tournament condition lets organizers omit half-goals in Club and USPA events — half-goals are still the default.

Use the interactive matrix below: switch between Outdoor and Arena, then pick the handicap difference and game length.

Based on the USPA 2026 rulebook, Outdoor Rule 19, p.63; Arena Rule 17, p.150. Read the official rules at uspolo.org. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPA.