RODA POLO
Roda Polo is a form of polo played on electric unicycles rather than on horses, originating from Argentina.
For more information contact Juana.
THE RULES
A team must be composed of three (rather than four) players.
It is possible to play with the mallet in either hand.
The measurements of a ground of play have maximum 155m and minimum 110m length, maximum 85m and minimum 70m width (the minimums coincide with the standard measurements of a soccer field, facilitating the sport being played in places where there are no polo fields).
The goalposts are 3m wide and have a minimum height of 1m. They will be located 12m from the back lines, inside the playing field.
In advanced levels of play, a tennis ball will be used. Beginners can use an inflatable soccer ball (no.1 size) or similar. The ball must be made of soft material as a hard ball can cause a fall when run over by an EUC.
In multi-day tournaments each match has 30 minutes of play, divided into two 15 minute halves (chukkas), with 5 minutes allowed for halftime. In one-day compressed format tournaments each match can be shortened to have 15-30 minutes of play, depending on the number of teams playing.
The line of the ball (current direction of travel of the ball) is used in Roda Polo but is a little less relevant than in horse polo, as EUCs have more precision handling and crossings between players are not as dangerous. The player who gets to the ball first has priority and will be allowed to enter the play even if they do not have the line, provided they do not cause danger or have possibility of contact with the player that does have the line. In case of collision between players the ruling is in favour of the player who has the line whereas the player who crossed the line is at fault.
When hitting the ball or making a challenge in order to gain possession, players must have both feet on the pedals. When a foot is placed on the ground the player is forbidden from carrying out any action.
Alpha tournaments are for beginner players and speed limits may be placed on the EUCs. Beta tournaments are for more experienced players and do not have speed limits.
When the ball crosses the back line of the ground of play outside the goalposts, any one player on the attacking team may hit a single shot to return the ball into the ground of play, but a defending player with the ball cannot be challenged by an attacking player until it is back in the ground of play.
After a goal, the goals directions are reversed and play is resumed by any player on the team that scored the goal and cannot be challenged by the opposing team until the ball has entered the ground of play.
The ball is deemed out of play when it crosses a side line or hits a fence on the side line. Play is restarted by the opposing team with a single shot.