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The History

Bicycle Polo was invented in Ireland in 1891 and immulates the game of regular polo. It was revived in 1930 under a consolidated regulatory body known as the Bicycle Polo Association (BPA). At that time, it was composed of 17 leagues in England, Scotland, and Nothern Ireland, with 160 teams and over 1000 registered participants. Under BPA rules, each team had six players but only four took the field at a time. The game then consisted of six fifteen minute 'chukkers', or periods and the team with the most points won.

Bike Polo in Madison, Wisconson

Today, in Madison, Wisconsin, bike polo is played every Sunday. The rules we play by are based on rules used in Chicago and Milwaukee. Here are some of the rules of our game, although they vary widely across the world.

How many people-- Usually 3 on 3 works best.

Getting started-- Set up goals. Each goal should be one bike length across. Both teams line up behind their goal. The ball is placed in the middle of the field. Both teams rush for the ball. There are no boundaries

How long to play-- The first team to score 3 goals wins the game.

Some rules:

1. It is illegal to cut off the person who has control of the ball.
2. It is illegal to kick the ball forward, although it is legal to stop the ball with your foot.
3. If a player puts her foot down, she must get out of the play and cannot be the next person to touch the ball.

External links

• Bicycle Polo Association of America
• Axles of evil (PDX)
• Twin Cities bike polo
• Tempe Bicycle Action Group