page_title: Polo
section_title: Equipment
hierarchical_section_title: Polo / Equipment
caption_attribution_description: English: A Polo helmet
context_page_description: Polo is a horseback mounted team sport. It is one of the world's oldest known team sports.
  The concept of the game and its variants date back from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD. The sport originated from equestrian games played by nomadic Iranian peoples and Turkic peoples. Polo was at first a training game for cavalry units, usually the Persian king’s guard or other elite troops. A notable example is Saladin, who was known for being a skilled polo player which contributed to his cavalry training. It is now popular around the world, with well over 100 member countries in the Federation of International Polo. It is played professionally in 16 countries. It was an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1936.
  Polo has been called "the sport of kings". It has become a spectator sport for equestrians and society, often supported by sponsorship.
  The game is played by two opposing teams with the objective of scoring goals by using a long-handled wooden mallet to hit a small hard ball through the opposing team's goal. Each team has four mounted riders, and the game usually lasts one to two hours, divided into periods called chukkas.
context_section_description: The rules for equipment vary in details between the hosting authorities, but are always for the safety of the players and mounts.
  Mandatory equipment includes a protective helmet with chinstrap worn at all times by all players and mounted grooms. They must be to the locally accepted safety standard, PAS015 (UK), NOCSAE (USA). A faceguard is commonly integral with a helmet.
  Polo boots and kneeguards are mandatory in the UK during official play, and boots are recommended for all play everywhere. The UK also recommends goggles, elbow pads and gum shields. A shirt or jersey is required that distinguishes the player's team, and is not black and white stripes like an umpire shirt.
  White polo pants or trousers are worn during official play. Polo gloves are commonly worn to protect from working the reins and mallet.
  Not permitted is any equipment that may harm horses, such as certain spurs or whips.
caption: Polo helmet with face guard
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