Rule 26A · USPA Rulebook 2026
The USPA's 'no blocking' rule: at restarts and when the ball carrier slows down, teammates may not screen defenders off.
During the execution of a knock-in, Penalty 5.a or 5.b, or a free hit resulting from a ball hit out of bounds, an offensive player may not block a defensive player from marking the offensive player’s teammate who has a play on the ball (i.e., set a pick on the defending player). At all other times, when a player in possession of the ball either stops or reduces his or her speed to a slow canter or walk, no teammates of the player in possession may block a defending player within two horse lengths of the player with the ball from making a play on that player or the ball. When an offensive player improperly blocks a defensive player, the Umpires shall call a foul and award an appropriate penalty. Improper Blocking may or may not constitute Dangerous Riding. If a violation of this rule is called and not upheld, the team in possession of the ball when the foul was called shall be awarded a Fair Play Possession as in USPA Optional Tournament Condition IX.
USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026
Foul
Foul on Blue 3: improper blocking. Once the player in possession stops or slows to a slow canter or walk, his teammates may not block a defender within two horse lengths of him from making a play on him or the ball. It is a foul even without contact.
Rule 26A — United States Polo Association
For the purposes of this provision only, “the execution of a knock-in, Penalty 5.a or 5.b, or a free hit resulting from a ball hit out of bounds” shall be deemed to occur from the time the Umpire calls “Play” until the time an offensive player either hits away or runs with the ball. During that time period, improper blocking may occur and be penalized anywhere on the field where an offensive player is blocking a defensive player from marking the offensive player’s teammate who has a play on the ball. Improper blocking can occur even if there is no contact between the blocker and the defensive player attempting to mark the blocker’s teammate who has a play on the ball.
Red #3 is knocking in. Red #1 is riding alongside Blue #2 at the 30- yard line as she moves downfield for a pass from Red #3. Red #3, followed by Red #4, hits the ball slightly short and to the outside of Red #1, who continues to ride with Blue #2 and between Blue #2 and the ball. Red #3 uses Red #1 as a shield preventing Blue #2 from making a defensive play while Red #3 taps the ball then leaves it for Red #4. Improper blocking; no deliberate conduct by Red #1 is necessary. Red #3 is knocking in. Red #1 is riding alongside Blue #2 at the 60-yard line as she moves downfield for a pass from Red #3. Red #1 and Blue #2 are engaged in riding each other off and Red #1 is between Blue #2 and the ball as Red #3 taps the ball in from the backline. This is not improper blocking because Red #1 and Blue #2 are too far away from Red #3 for Blue #2 to have a play on the ball. Red #3 is knocking in with Red #4 following. Blue #3 waits at the 30-yard line. Red #3 taps the ball just short of Blue #3, then goes to Blue #3 while leaving the ball for Red #4. Because Red #3 has not yet hit away or run with ball, but instead has prevented Blue #3 from marking Red #4, who has a play on the ball, this is improper blocking.