Rule 11 · USPA 2026 Arena Rules

Line of the ball

How the line of the ball is set in the arena, from a free hit, a bowl-in, a stopped ball and a change of direction.

1. 11a

   What the line is

   The Line of the Ball (hereafter referred to as “Line”) is the line of its course or that line produced forward or backward at any moment.

2. 11b

   When the ball is put into play by a free hit:

3. 11b(1)

   Free hit: the line points at the goal

   A Line is created from the ball to the center of the goal when the Umpire calls “PLAY”.

4. 11b(2)

   Free hit missed

   If the ball is hit at and missed, the Line remains to the center of the goal until changed.

5. 11b(3)

   Free hit struck

   Once hit, the Line assumes the direction of the hit, forward and backward from the ball.

6. 11c

   Bowl-in

   When the ball is put into play by a bowl-in, a Line is created at the instant the ball leaves the Umpire’s hand.

   • Line of the ball
   • Right of way (width not set by this rulebook — drawn schematically)
   • Ball
   • Foul

   What happens

   1. 0.5 s The umpire bowls the ball in.
   2. 1.6 s White 2 crosses the line of the ball in front of Blue 3.
   3. 2.2 s Whistle.

   USPA Arena · USA · Arena Rules 2026

   Foul

   Foul on White 2. In the arena a bowl-in creates the line of the ball the instant the ball leaves the umpire's hand, so the line runs from his hand through the line-up before anyone has hit the ball. Blue 3 rides forward to meet the ball on that line, with it on his offside: he has the right of way. White 2 turns across it a few metres in front of him, close enough to cause a collision. This is the rulebook's own example under rule 11; its Red player is White here.

   Rule 11c · 12b — United States Polo Association

7. 11d

   Ball at rest

   Should the ball become stationary while still in play, the Line remains the last Line traveled before the ball became stationary except as provided in Rule 11.b.

8. 11e

   Change of direction

   At any time the ball changes direction, from whatever cause, a new Line is immediately established and a new Right of Way (Rule 12) as determined by the new Line may be created.

9. 11 interpretation

   The Line of the Ball exists at all times, even though the ball has not been hit by any player. Players positioning themselves for the commencement of play must respect this anticipated Line and the Right of Way determined by it.

10. 11 examples

    Red #3, defending a Penalty 4 places herself broadside in the goal mouth and is across the Line when the Umpire calls “Play” and Blue #3 hits the ball. Red must make her play quickly, but if she does so, no foul has occurred. Blue #2 defends a Penalty 5 by placing his mount 5 yards directly in front of the hitter and blocking the path to goal. This is not a safe distance and Blue fouls. Red #3, hitting a defended Penalty 5 sees his opponent across the projected Line. Rather than canter to the ball, Red rides at a gallop, misses the ball, and collides with the Blue defender. Double foul: Blue for blocking the Right of Way and Red for dangerous riding. Blue positions to meet Red’s Penalty 5 with the Line from ball to goal mouth on his off side. The ball, when hit, is a little to Red’s right and the new Line catches Blue on the Right of Way. Red must give Blue the chance to clear and Blue may not make a play. If the ball rebounds off Blue, new Line and new Right of Way. As the Umpire bowls in, Red #2 turns his mount to block the ball. Blue #3 rides forward to meet the ball and runs into Red #2. Foul Red #2 - Line of the Ball is from Umpire’s hand through the line-up.