Rule 32 · HPA Blue Book 2026
When a player with the ball stops or slows, their teammates may not block the opponent coming to challenge them.
After a break in play. When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or impede the primary opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter. The primary opponent must make themselves clearly identifiable to the umpires by raising their stick before play is called. If the ball is then left for a teammate following, the player leaving it may then not ride off or impede an opponent in that phase of play.
At all other times. When an unchallenged player in possession of the ball either stops or reduces to a slow canter or walk, no teammate of the player in possession of the ball may ride off, impede, or block an opposing player who is within two horse lengths of the player in possession of the ball from making a play on the player or the ball. If within the 60-yard line of the team in possession of the ball then a penalty 4 shall be awarded. If the foul is blown but subsequently not upheld, the team in possession of the ball when the foul was called shall be awarded a Fair Play dropped ball. ‘Challenged’ is being paired up with an opposition player, being ridden off, or an opposing player making an attempt on the ball or player’s stick.
HPA · UK · Blue Book 2026
Foul
Foul on Blue 3. When an unchallenged player in possession stops or slows to a slow canter or walk, no teammate may ride off, impede or block an opponent within two horse lengths of him who is making a play on him or the ball. Blue 3 rides off White 2.
Rule 32b — Hurlingham Polo Association