Rule 23 · USPA Rulebook 2026

Line of the ball

The line of the ball is the ball's path, extended both ways, and every right of way is measured against it.

1. 23a

   Definition

   The line of the ball is the line of its course or that line produced forward or backward at any moment.

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

   What happens

   1. 0.4 s Blue 1 hits the ball.
   2. 2.4 s White 3 gives way to Blue 1.
   3. 2.5 s White 4 gives way to Blue 1.

   USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026

   No foul

   No foul. The line of the ball is its course, carried on ahead of it and back behind it. Blue 1 follows the ball on that line with it on his offside: a player following has the right of way over one meeting it off the exact line (White 4), and of two following, the one at the lesser angle has it (White 3 comes in at an angle). Both give way.

   Rule 23a · 24f · 24g(1) — United States Polo Association

2. 23b

   Swing and miss at a dead ball

   When a dead ball has been put into play through being hit at and missed, the line is considered to be in the direction in which the player was riding when the ball was hit at.

3. 23c

   Ball comes to rest

   If the ball becomes stationary while remaining in play, the line of the ball is that line upon which it was traveling before stopping.