Rules of Polo
EN

USA

United States Polo Association

USPA 2026 Arena Rules

Arena polo is played three a side in a smaller, walled arena. Its rules are a separate set in the USPA rulebook, numbered on their own.

The arena

1 rule

  1. 1Facilities

Players, ponies and equipment

2 rules

  1. 2Mounts and equipment
  2. 3Players and alternates

The game: officials, time and scoring

7 rules

  1. 4Officials
  2. 5Length and number of periods
  3. 5ARound robins
  4. 6Scoring
  5. 17Handicaps
  6. 18Protests and variations from the rules
  7. Handicap MatrixArena handicap matrix

Starting and restarting play

2 rules

  1. 7Dead ball
  2. 8Starting and restarting play

Stoppages: equipment, injury, falls

1 rule

  1. 16Interruption of play

Fouls in play

4 rules

  1. 11Line of the ball
  2. 12Right of way
  3. 13Dangerous riding and improper play
  4. 15Use of the mallet

Penalties and discipline

4 rules

  1. 9The penalties
  2. 10Calling fouls and choosing the penalty
  3. 14Unsportsmanlike conduct
  4. Misexecution of Penalty ShotsMisexecution of penalty shots