Roda Polo is a form of polo played on electric unicycles rather than on horses, originating from Argentina. It was developed by professional polo player Javier Tanoira in 2019 as a sport that allows the speed and dynamics of polo to become more accessible to a wider range of people.

Since then its popularity has extended across South America and into France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UK and the US. School teams have recently started forming across New Zealand.

It is played by all age groups but is particularly popular amongst children and youth. More information can be found at rodapolo.com

Roda Polo Rules

Roda Polo follows many of the rules used by the Argentine Association of Polo. The “Rules of the Game” and “Code of Fouls” are applied in Roda Polo but with a few exceptions summarised as follows:

• 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.
• As Roda Polo allows play with both hands, when an opponent challengers a player who has the ball on the other side of their EUC, the player with the ball must either change hands or else pass the ball backward, always allowing the opponent to block or play the ball. For head-on challenges between two players holding the mallet in different hands, the player not coming from the same sense of direction of the ball must either change hands or play on the nearside (mallet reaching to other side).
• 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.

Roda Polo Safety

Roda Polo is less dangerous than polo played on horseback, but it still has some risks. Helmets are compulsory at all times, as is protective eyewear during game practice and matches. Elbow and knee pads are recommended. Roda Polo also suggests shoulder protection. Wrist guards are always important when riding an EUC, but the palm splint might be removed when playing to facilitate holding the mallet. The ankle and Achilles tendon should also be covered, but polo boots are not recommended as their soles lack sufficient grip required for EUC pedals.

The initial period learning how to ride an EUC carries the most risk of injury. It is best to learn how to ride on (compact and firm) grass rather than a hard surface to reduce injuries when falling, and speeds should be initially limited to under 20 km/h. Falls are common while learning, as is overextending the legs when one foot is placed on the ground behind but the other foot remains on the moving EUC.

Most accidents arise when a trainee tries to use a mallet while still learning how to balance, ride and stop the EUC – generally the first two hours should be used to learn how to ride the EUC without a mallet. Those that have never played polo should learn how to hold and swing a polo mallet before attempting on an EUC.

As in horse polo attention is required to avoid being hit by the ball or a swinging mallet.

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Roda Polo Gear

Atomic EV helps foster the development of Roda Polo across New Zealand. We can arrange same-day loans of a small selection of EUCs and protective gear free of charge to Schools that would like to trial Roda Polo, and can help coordinate EUC and Polo lessons by volunteers. We also have a small set of 33 and 34 inch polo mallets available for loan free of charge. New mallets for Roda Polo can be purchased from Wood Mallets for $75 each plus shipping.

We are happy to consider support and prizes for events but to maintain independence do not ourselves sponsor individual Roda Polo teams.

Atomic EV also offers discounts on individual Roda Polo EUC+gear packages. Groups that are interested in ordering complete team packages in advance can contact us to discuss what further discounts might be possible.