Rules of Polo
EN

UK

Hurlingham Polo Association

Blue Book 2026

The field

2 rules

  1. 1Facilities and access during play
  2. Annex ALayout of the field and safety zone

Players, ponies and equipment

2 rules

  1. 2Players
  2. 3Ponies, equipment and tack

The game: officials, time and scoring

7 rules

  1. 4Officials
  2. 6Common terms and rules
  3. 7Winning and scoring goals
  4. 8Duration of the game
  5. 9Unfinished game
  6. 10Duration of chukkas
  7. 13Changing ends

Starting and restarting play

7 rules

  1. 11Start of play
  2. 14Attacker hits behind (knock-in)
  3. 15Defender hits behind (Corner 60)
  4. 16Ball out over the boards or sideline
  5. 17Restart after an interval
  6. 18Restart when the ball is still in the field
  7. 19Buried or damaged ball

Stoppages: equipment, injury, falls

4 rules

  1. 20Lost helmet or broken equipment
  2. 21Dismounted player
  3. 22Injured or fallen player
  4. 23Injured, tired or fallen pony, lost shoe

Fouls in play

10 rules

  1. 26Crossing
  2. 27Line of the ball
  3. 28Right of way
  4. 29Carrying the ball
  5. 30Improper use of the stick
  6. 31Riding off
  7. 32Impeding the primary
  8. 33Rough play
  9. 34Dangerous play
  10. 35Unsportsmanlike conduct

Penalties and discipline

15 rules

  1. 36Foul, no foul and advantage
  2. 37Positioning the ball and calling play
  3. 38Penalty 1: goal awarded
  4. 39Penalty 2: spot or 30-yard hit
  5. 40Penalty 3: 40-yard hit
  6. 41Penalty 4: 60-yard hit
  7. 42Penalty 5a: spot hit
  8. 43Penalty 5b: centre hit
  9. 44Penalty 6: corner 60
  10. 45Penalty 7a: infringement, penalty retaken
  11. 46Penalty 7b: infringement by the team fouled
  12. 47Penalty 8: throw-in
  13. 48Penalty 9a: pony sent off for equipment
  14. 49Penalty 9b: player sent off for equipment
  15. 50Awarding of flags