The opposing team lines up the same way. The umpire rolls the ball between the two teams, and play begins. The game clock is stopped in case of a foul, fallen pony or rider, pony or player injured, broken tack, loss of helmet, or if the ball rolls out of bounds. A player may leave the field to change ponies without a time out being called if the pony is not playing well but isn't visibly injured. A lost or broken mallet does not stop play, and the player may leave the field for a replacement before returning to play, or simply reverse the mallet and strike the ball with the handle.
Players There are four players on a team.
The forwards are numbered one and two, and are mainly concerned with scoring. Number three is the center half, who assists the scorers and aids in defense. The number three is often the most experienced member of the team. Defense and fast breaks are the responsibilities of the back, number four. Handicaps Polo players are ranked yearly by their peers and the USPA on a scale of -2 to 10 goals.