Polo Handicap System in Argentina
Asociación Argentina de Polo handicap system guide — scale, assessment criteria, and official resources.
Overview of the AAP System
Argentina's handicap system is managed by the Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP), the world's most prestigious polo governing body. As the birthplace of modern high-goal polo, Argentina sets the global standard for handicap assessment. The AAP system is renowned for its rigorous evaluation process, with Argentine handicaps widely considered the most accurate measure of player ability worldwide. A 10-goal rating from the AAP carries exceptional weight in the international polo community.
Handicap Scale
0 to 10
Review Frequency
Biannual
Association
AAP
Variations
1
Handicap Scale Details
The AAP uses a 0 to 10 goal scale, where 0 represents a competent beginner and 10 represents the absolute elite of world polo.
Unlike some other countries that use negative handicaps for beginners, Argentina's official scale starts at 0. Players must demonstrate basic competence before receiving their first AAP handicap. The scale progression is notably strict—Argentine players at any given handicap level are often considered equivalent to players rated 1-2 goals higher in other countries. Currently, there are approximately 10-15 active 10-goal players worldwide, with the majority holding AAP ratings.
Handicap Levels Reference
Novice
Learning the basics, can ride safely
Beginner
Can play slow chukkas, understands rules
Intermediate
Club-level tournament player
Good Amateur
Skilled, consistent technique
Strong Amateur
High amateur, often semi-pro
Professional
Top-tier professionals
Elite
World-class players (~50 globally)
Assessment Process
The AAP Handicap Committee (Comité de Handicaps) conducts formal evaluations twice per year. The committee comprises experienced polo professionals, former high-goal players, and association officials who assess players based on tournament performance, competitive records, and direct observation. For new players, initial handicaps are assigned after participation in AAP-sanctioned events and recommendation from registered clubs.
The December review focuses specifically on high-goal changes (typically 8-10 goal adjustments) and becomes effective January 1st. The mid-year review addresses general handicap movements across all levels. All handicap changes are published on the official AAP website and through PoloLine media channels.
Evaluation Criteria
Horsemanship
Supreme control at speed, ability to ride off opponents, quick direction changes
Hitting Ability
Power, accuracy, and consistency across all swing types including nearside and backhand
Game Strategy
Positional awareness, anticipation, decision-making under pressure
Team Play
Coordination with teammates, communication, supporting plays
Sportsmanship
Fair play, adherence to rules, conduct on and off the field
Update Schedule: Biannual
High-goal handicap changes are announced in December and take effect January 1st. General handicap reviews occur mid-year (typically June/July). The AAP publishes complete handicap lists after each review period. Significant tournament victories can trigger off-cycle reviews for exceptional performance.
Handicap Variations
Women's Handicaps
Argentina introduced the Handicap Femenino (H.F.) system in 2012, creating a separate women's handicap scale specifically for women's polo tournaments. Women may hold both a general handicap (for mixed play) and a separate H.F. rating for women-only competitions. This dual-rating system has been adopted as a model by several other countries.
Eligibility & Rules
To receive an AAP handicap, players must be registered with the association through an affiliated club, have participated in AAP-sanctioned events, and submit an application endorsed by their home club. Foreign players playing in Argentina receive temporary AAP handicaps based on their home association ratings, with adjustments made after performance evaluation.
Official Resources
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