Roseland Polo

Roselands Polo’s mission is simple: “To create a sustainable polo community in the Charlottesville area with continuous growth in the number of participants and level of play. The Roseland Polo Club is an organization of polo players and polo supporters working to increase the number and quality of polo players, clubs, schools, and tournaments in Virginia.

How a Polo Match Works - The Basics
Polo matches are broken down into play times called ‘chukkers’. Chukkers are in increments of seven minutes and thirty seconds. Each match consists of four chukkers.
For each match there are two teams that play against each other - these teams consist of four players. Each player will have a total of four horses to be ridden throughout a match, meaning a new horse will be ready for them after the conclusion of a chukker.

Need-to-Know Terms When Watching Polo 
Chukker - A period of play in the sport of polo, generally 7.5 minutes long, and each match consists of four to six chukkers.

Handicap - The skill rating of a player ranging from -2 to 10. Handicaps are summed which then creates the team handicap, determining the levels of matches and tournaments.

Mallet - The long-handled stick that players use to swing and hit the ball; the ball is hit on the long side of the mallet head. Fun fact: mallets are always held in the right hand even when the player is left-handed!

Line of the Ball - The foundation of polo rules. The imaginary line created by the ball’s path after being hit. This determines “high of way” and avoids collision.

Knock-In - When the defending team hits the ball back into play after the opposing team misses a shot.

Hook - When a player uses their mallet to block another player's swing at the ball.

Backshot - When a defensive player sends the ball in the opposite direction, back towards their teammates.

What to Wear
Some spectators choose to dress up in their Sunday best, while others opt for more laid-back attire perfect for relaxing outdoors. Polo Sundays are all about relaxing and having fun.

What to Eat/Drink
Outside food is always welcome, so feel free to pack a picnic with favorites from a local shop or prepare your own spread. Homemade charcuterie boards and family recipes are a common sight along the field. You will also find an assortment of food trucks on-site, offering delicious options to enjoy throughout the day. To complete the experience, King Family Vineyards wine is available by the bottle from roaming golf carts that circle the field, or at the Barn Patio bar just steps away. For those who’d like the full tasting experience, the King Family Vineyards Tasting Room is open during regular hours, 10AM - 5:30PM, on Polo Sundays.

Stomping Divots
Divot stomping is a festive and popular halftime tradition at polo matches where spectators walk onto the field to press down or "stomp" back into place the turf (divots) torn up by horses' hooves. It serves as both a social and practical activity that helps restore the playing surface for the second half of the match and provides a great photo opportunity as well.