Cycle polo

Cycle polo is played in a rectangular field 150 meters by 100 meters. Nevertheless, these dimensions can vary between 120 and 150 meters in length on 80 to 100 meters in width. The French rules however allow for smaller grounds usually 100 by 80 meters. The ball used is of circumference 12-15 inches and the mallet is of length 1 meter.

There are 6 members (7 in France) in a team of which 4 (5 in France) are on field at a time. The other two are used as substitutes. International matches are played for a duration of 30 minutes divided into periods of 7.5 minutes each called as a chukkar. Extra time can be used to determine the winner in case the scores are tied at normal time. The goal posts are usually widened for extra time.

If a deliberate foul is committed at the vicinity of the goal, the team that is fouled is automatically given a goal. There are no penalty strokes. Less severe fouls are awarded 15 metre and 25 metre free hits. In the event of deliberate fouls or dangerous fouls, the umpire can issue the Yellow card (warning) and in case of repeated or severe fouls the Red card (ejection). The ejected player can be replaced by a substitute after the end of the current chukkar if the umpire allows it.

History
The game was invented by an Irishman, Richard J. Mecredy in 1891. That same year the first cycle polo match was played between The Scalp and the Ohne Hast C.C..

Towards the end of the 19th century the game reached Great Britain, USA and France. The first international match was played between Ireland and England in 1901. Cycle polo was an Olympic event in the 1908 London Olympics with Ireland winning the gold beating Germany.

The sport reached its peak of popularity in Great Britain during the 1930s with the introduction of the regional leagues. Cycle polo also flourished in France during this period with the establishment of the French league. Internationals between France and Great Britain were held regularly. However the second world war marked the beginning of the demise of cycle polo in Britain. The sport managed to hang on in France though, with league championships held regularly till today.

The 1980s saw the rise of two new powers in cycle polo, India and USA. The Cycle Polo Association of India was officially created in 1966 and the Bicycle Polo Association of America was created in 1994. International cycle polo matches staged a comeback in the 90s with the first world championship organized in 1996 in USA. Teams from India, USA and Canada participated with India winning the title. The next championship was held in 1999 in Vancouver, Canada which was also won by India. From then on, the championship became a regular event held every year.

The 2004 championship was won by the USA, with teams from India, Canada, France and Pakistan participating.

Today there is organized cycle polo being played in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and USA.

Cycle polo was officially recognized by the International Cycling Union in 2001. Starting in 2007, a variation of cycle polo so-called Urban Cycle Polo is getting considerable media attention in the USA and Canada. This game is less formal and has rules adapted to accommodate urban environments.

The rules of cycle polo have been adapted in the new sport of Segway polo.

International Bicycle Polo Championships
1996 (Richland, USA) Won by India
1999 (Vancouver, Canada) Won by India
2000 (Delhi, India) Won by India
2001 (London, England, United Kingdom) Won by India
2002 (Les Lilas, France) Won by Canada
2003 (Vero Beach, USA) Won by Canada
2004 (Vancouver, Canada) Won by USA

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