Rules of Polo
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Appendix A · USPA Rulebook 2026

Right of way illustrations

Seven worked situations the USPA draws to show the right of way rules applied.

  1. Appendix A I

    Example I: following against meeting

    Rule: 24(c) and 24(f) The ball has been hit from X and is about to stop at X’. A is riding in the general direction in which the ball is traveling, and provided A rides to take the ball on the off side (which will necessitate swerving to the left of the course A is shown as following) A will be entitled to the Right of Way shown. In this case B can meet the ball safely at X’ only if B can alter course to meet the ball on its exact line before A straightens out on the line. If, however, B accomplishes this before A gets to the proper side, then A loses the Right of Way to B.

    Following beats meeting
    • Line of the ball
    • Right of way (width not set by this rulebook — drawn schematically)
    • Ball
    What happens
    1. Blue 4 hits the ball.
    2. White 2 gives way to Blue 3.

    USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026

    No foul

    The same call. Between a player following the ball and one meeting it, the follower has the right of way whatever their angles, unless the meeting player is on the exact line with the line on his offside. White 2 is not, so Blue 3 has it.

    Rule 24f — United States Polo Association

  2. Appendix A II

    Example II: the backhander

    Rule: 24(c) and 24(g) A hits the ball to X, and follows its line to take it on the off side. This entitles A to the Right of Way, as shown. If B can unquestionably reach the ball at X, without interfering with A’s stroke or causing A to check in the slightest degree to avoid the risk of a collision, then B may take an off side backhander at B’. But if there is the slightest doubt about B riding clear of A, then A’s Right of Way holds good and B’s only chance of hitting the ball is to swerve towards B”, keeping clear of the Right of Way, and taking a nearside backhander. If in taking this backhander, or afterwards, B’s mount in the slightest degree enters the Right of Way, B infringes Rule 24(c).

  3. Appendix A III

    Example III: meeting on the exact line

    Rule: 24(f) A hits the ball in from behind to X. B rides to meet it and C to take it on. A collision is imminent between B and C at X. B is entitled to the Right of Way because B is meeting the ball on its exact line to take it on the off side. C must not cross this Right of Way. The only way for the team hitting in to take the ball on, is for A to follow the line and take an off side shot, because A and B are each entitled to their own Rights of Way, which are clear of one another.

  4. Appendix A IV

    Example IV: two players riding off on the line

    Rule: 24(h) The ball has been hit from the mouth of the goal to X. The Red #4 and Blue #1 are following up the line of the ball, riding each other off. These two players share the Right of Way, as shown, and no other player, or players (Red or Blue) may cross or enter this Right of Way, even if meeting the ball on its exact line.

  5. Appendix A V

    Example V: closer to the line

    Rule: 24(g) The ball has been hit to X. Neither A nor B hit it there, but the striker is not near enough to the ball to risk a collision with either. Both start to ride to the ball with equal rights. A collision appears probable at X. A has the Right of Way, as shown, as he followed more closely the line on which the ball has been traveling.

    The lesser angle has precedence
    • Line of the ball
    • Right of way (width not set by this rulebook — drawn schematically)
    • Ball
    What happens
    1. Blue 4 hits the ball.
    2. White 3 gives way to Blue 2.
    3. White 2 gives way to Blue 2.

    USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026

    No foul

    The same call. Between players following the ball, the one riding parallel to or at the lesser angle to the line has the right of way: Blue 2. Who last hit the ball does not decide it.

    Rule 24b · 24g — United States Polo Association

  6. Appendix A VI

    Example VI: hitting last is not enough

    Rules: 24(b) and 24(g) B hits the ball under his pony’s neck to X, and swings round in a semi-circle to B’. A follows the line of the ball to A’. A collision is imminent between A’ and B’ at X. Although B hit the ball last, B has failed to obtain the Right of Way because B has failed to follow the ball on its exact new line without deviation, whereas A has ridden on a line closer or more nearly parallel to the new line of the ball. A is therefore entitled to the Right of Way.

    Hitting the ball last gives no right of wayFOUL
    • Line of the ball
    • Right of way (width not set by this rulebook — drawn schematically)
    • Ball
    • Foul
    What happens
    1. Blue 1 hits the ball.
    2. Blue 1 crosses the line of the ball in front of White 2.
    3. Whistle.

    USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026

    Foul

    Foul on Blue 1. In the USPA rules the right of way does not depend on who last hit the ball: Blue 1 hit it, but White 2 is the one following the line, so the right of way is his. Blue 1 then enters it in front of White 2 close enough to risk a collision.

    Rule 24b · 24c — United States Polo Association

  7. Appendix A VII

    Example VII: forced across the right of way

    Rules: 24(h), 25(d) and 25(f) Red #2 hits the ball to X and follows its line to take again on the offside. Red #2 is therefore entitled to the Right of Way, as shown. Blue #4 ride for the ball. Red #1 goes with the Blue #4 riding Blue #4 off all the way. A collision appears probable at X. Red #1 will commit a dangerous foul if Red #1 fails to give way and consequently: (a) forces the Blue #4 across the Right of Way, thereby causing Red #2 to check to avoid collision, or (b) causes the Blue #4 to check in order to avoid being sandwiched between the two players. (c) The Umpire must observe closely whether the Blue #4 fouls by riding across the Right of Way of Blue’s own free will or whether the Red #1 fouls by forcing Blue #4 across it.