Rule 24 · USPA Rulebook 2026
Between players near the ball there is always a right of way; this rule says who has it, how it changes, and how it may be entered or crossed.
At each moment of the game there shall exist as between any two or more players in the proximity of the ball a Right of Way, which shall be considered to extend ahead of the player(s) entitled to it, and in the direction in which that player is or those players are riding.
USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026
Foul
Foul on White 3. The right of way has enough width and distance for Blue 1 to continue safely and play the ball on his offside; any play by an opponent must leave it clear. If he has to check or alter course to avoid a collision, the right of way has been violated. The USPA gives no width for the lane.
Rule 24a · 24c — United States Polo Association
The Right of Way (“ROW”) has sufficient width and distance to permit the player to continue safely in the direction and at the speed in which the player is riding and to be positioned to play the ball on the off side in safety. Any play by an opponent must leave the ROW clear. Should the player be required to check or alter course to avoid risk of collision or danger a ROW violation has taken place. The player with the ROW does not have a “right” to hit or hit at the ball. The player only has a right to safely continue on his course.
Red is carrying the ball on the offside. Blue rides slightly ahead and to the left of Red. As Red passes mid-field, Blue pulls to the right narrowing the ROW and Red checks to maintain control of the ball. Foul Blue. When Blue pulled to the right, Red’s ROW was infringed. Blue carries the ball on the offside. Red rides from the right to bump. Blue checks slightly, Red miss-times the play, and passes close in front of Blue. Foul Red. The ROW of Blue prevails over Red because Blue is both parallel to the Line of the Ball (“LOB”) and has the LOB on the offside. Red #2 is carrying the ball to goal. Blue #4 riding slightly ahead and to the left of Red, realizes he will not be able to wait for a ride-off and crosses to his nearside where he hopes to be able to back the ball. Red, seeing Blue only slightly ahead, checks and pulls his horse to the left, passing behind Blue. Foul on Blue for causing Red to pull out to avoid a collision.
The Right of Way, which is awarded in subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h) below, is not to be confused with the line of the ball, nor does it depend on who last hit the ball.
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
The ROW is determined by a player’s and opponent’s relationships to the LOB. The player who last hit the ball may lose the ROW to another who can better meet any of the conditions of (e), (f), (g) and (h). Once an opponent has safely met one or more of these conditions and assumed the ROW, the original player may be required to adjust speed or course to honor that new ROW.
Red, riding at speed, cuts the ball to his right. Blue, close behind, turns inside Red and places himself with the new LOB on his offside. Blue has assumed the ROW from Red. Blue hits a long ball forward. Red safely enters the ROW ahead of Blue and behind the ball. Red has now assumed the ROW and Blue must adjust his course accordingly. Blue #2 hits a strong offside neck shot. As he strikes, he crosses the new LOB extended back from the ball and turns to his left to pick up the new LOB, now on his left. Red #3, following, turns inside Blue and now has the new LOB on his right. Each player’s ROW is defined by his relationship to the new LOB, not by his ROW on the old LOB.
No player shall enter or cross the Right of Way except at such speed and distance that creates not the slightest risk of a collision or danger to any player.
USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026
Foul
The same call. In the USPA rules the right of way does not depend on who last hit the ball: it follows from each player's relation to the line of the ball, and it extends ahead of the entitled player in the direction they are riding. No player may enter it unless far enough away that there is no risk of collision. White 3 enters it about a length in front of Blue 1. The USPA does not give the lane a width.
Rule 24b · 24c — United States Polo Association
USPA · USA · Rulebook 2026
No foul
No foul. A player may enter or cross the right of way only at a speed and distance that creates not the slightest risk of collision. White 3 crosses far ahead of Blue 1, so there is none. The rulebook gives no distance; it is the umpire's judgement.
Rule 24c — United States Polo Association
Should the act of an opponent require the player on the ROW to adjust or maneuver, a foul has occurred. If the player can maintain pace and direction with no risk, no foul has occurred. If the opponent’s act creates a risk of collision or danger, a foul should be called. Relative speed and distance between the player and opponent are the determining factors. A player checking may reduce the margins required for an opponent to enter or cross the ROW. “Blocking”, “shading”, “squeezing” or infringing the ROW so as not to allow the player with the ROW a clear path to the ball is a ROW violation.
As Blue #1 carries the ball down field followed closely by Blue #3. Red rides from the right, executes a hook, and passes behind Blue #1. Foul Red. Although Red passed behind and clear of Blue #1, Blue #3 also had a ROW extending ahead of his course and was fouled by Red. Red #1 is on the ROW and carrying the ball at speed. Blue #4 comes from Red’s left at a wide angle and speed to engage Red #1 in the ride-off. As Blue flattens out, his horse’s rear quarters drift in the ROW of Red. Red #1 checks and avoids a collision. Foul on Blue for shading the ROW and causing a dangerous situation. Blue #4 knocks in and rides to follow up. Red #2 circles to Blue’s left and slightly ahead. Blue, seeing Red infringe his ROW to the ball, checks. Red pulls out of the play and gives Blue safe passage to the ball. Foul Red, but perhaps a non-call if Blue still controls the ball. Blue #2 carries the ball on his offside at speed. Red #3 approaches Blue from the left for an even ride-off. Blue #2, twenty (20) yards from the ball, checks down to a canter to avoid the ride-off. Red #3 accelerates, entering the line safely in front of Blue and plays the ball on his offside. No foul on Red #3 because Blue #2, by checking, took the danger out of the play, and allowed Red #3 to enter the ROW at a safe distance and relative speed, with no risk of collision.
When the Line of the Ball changes and, as a result, the Right of Way changes, an opponent must be granted the necessary time to clear the new Right of Way. Note: A player in possession of the ball on his offside may move the ball at any angle to the left, and the trailing opponent may only play the ball on his nearside. A player clearing the Right of Way may make no offensive or defensive play in doing so.
When the LOB changes, for whatever reason, no player may take up the new ROW without giving an opponent obstructing that ROW a chance to move off the ROW. A player who picks up the new ROW before it can be cleared and creates a dangerous situation has committed a foul. The obstructing opponent may not play the ball or the player and must select the quickest exit route. A player who changes the LOB in front of an opponent may not assume the ROW except at a distance that does not create a risk of collision or danger to any other player.
Standard of Enforcement: When deciding whether to call a turning foul, the Umpire(s) should consider the following criteria: (1) The trailing player must be exactly on the existing ROW. (2) The trailing player must be traveling down the ROW before the player in possession begins to turn the ball (as opposed to running at the player after he or she starts to turn). (3) The trailing player must be deprived of the opportunity to make a play on the ball by the act of turning. (4) The player in possession must not change the line in a manner that removes the trailing player’s option to either continue on the old LOB or adjust to the new ROW safely.
Red hits the ball forward and it rebounds off a divot toward Blue. Although Blue can meet the ball directly, and now has the ROW, he must give Red an opportunity to clear the way. Blue controls the ball and hits toward goal, changing the LOB. Red is positioned ahead of Blue and is across the new LOB. Red must be given the chance to clear the new ROW and Blue may not ride into him claiming a foul. Red rides to the ball pursued closely by Blue. Red taps the ball sharply to the right in front of Blue and turns quickly to pick up the ROW on the new LOB. Even though the LOB and ROW have changed Red has created a risk of collision or danger and may not make this play. Red, following Blue and anticipating Blue’s intent to turn the ball, accelerates to push for a foul. If Blue taps and turns on the new LOB, the burden is on Blue to safely turn; not on Red to stop or pull out. Blue, following Red, checks in anticipation of a back shot. Red, seeing Blue check, accelerates to the ball and turns it. Blue then accelerates and pushes the old LOB. No foul, Blue was late with no play on the ball. Blue rides to the Ball with Red close behind. Blue cuts the ball forward and to the right. As long as the speed and angle are such that Red can reasonably adjust to either clear the new ROW or make a legal ride off, Blue’s play is acceptable. Red, following Blue several horse lengths behind and failing to anticipate Blue’s intent to turn the ball, pushes for a foul after Blue has begun turning the ball. Any potential danger or contact created will result in foul on Red. Blue is riding on Red’s offside. Red can turn the ball to the left as there is no risk to Blue. Should Blue be on Red’s near side, Red may turn to the right. Red #3, pursued by Blue #2, checks, taps the ball forward, rakes it back, and turns around it. Foul Red. There was no real line change and Red cannot turn on the ball in front of the opponent Blue executes a flip shot to the right creating a new line, checks, turns and prepares to follow the new line. Red, following, is unable to check and turn so follows the old line until clear of the play. Blue must hold up to let Red clear. Red must ride through to avoid fouling. Red fouls if he makes a play on the ball. Blue flips the ball to the side under Red’s mount. Red, trapped on the new ROW spurs his mount to clear the way. As Red rides clear, his mount kicks the ball creating a new LOB. No foul and either player may be entitled to the new ROW. A quick line change traps Blue on the ROW. Blue checks and pulls off to the right clearing the way for Red who has held up to avoid a collision. As Red moves on the new, and now clear ROW, Blue executes a nearside hook and then plays the ball. Foul on Blue. Blue was given time to clear and may not take advantage of that privilege. Blue holds up to permit Red to clear a new line. Red clears properly, but Red’s teammate rides up to hook Blue. No foul, just the breaks of the game. If Red clears slowly to give a teammate time to ride up and hook, foul Red. This is “making a play.”
No player may have the ball directly in front or on the near side if by doing so an opponent is endangered who could have safely attempted to hook the player or to hit the ball had the original player been placed with the ball on the off side. This subsection takes precedence over subsections (f) and (g) below. A player may have the ball on the near side if any of the following conditions are met:
a legal ride off has been executed;
the opponent is traveling parallel, or nearly parallel, to the player; or
if the opponent is far enough behind for the player to safely complete the play.
There is no near side ROW. A player choosing a near side play bears the burden of safety and must give way any time a risk is created by the near side position. Players are considered parallel when the mounts are overlapped on one another and the angle between them is such that there is no risk of an illegal ride-off. If an opponent moves ahead so the player nearer the LOB is no longer lapped on, the player must switch to the offside giving the opponent a safe nearside play. This does not permit the opponent to endanger the player or mount. Players are considered overlapped or lapped on when any part of a player’s mount is next to or even with any part of an opponent’s mount while riding parallel or nearly parallel to the player.
Red is galloping on the LOB. Blue attempts a ride-off from Red’s nearside. Red checks slightly and Blue merely brushes Red, slips in front of Red and plays the ball on the near side. Foul, Blue. Blue did not execute a proper ride-off and did not safely enter the ROW. Blue carries the ball on the nearside. Red rides parallel on Blue’s offside with his stirrup even with Blue’s horse’s head. As Blue hits the ball forward, Red pulls his mount to the left to position himself for a near side play. Foul Red. Because the mounts are overlapped, Red must remain clear of Blue unless engaged in a legal ride off. Blue and Red are riding parallel on opposite sides of the ball. As they near the ball, Blue crosses the LOB, makes contact with Red, and takes the ball on his nearside. No foul. Blue has executed a legal ride-off. Red has no play. Blue and Red ride to the ball on opposite sides of the LOB. As Blue moves to the right to execute a ride-off, Red also drifts to the right so contact is not made. The players are now riding parallel. Blue may safely make the near side play. Blue rides with the LOB at a slight angle to his left. Red also rides with the LOB on his left but at a wider angle. Both will reach the ball at the same time. Blue is required to play the ball on the offside. Once Blue moves to the offside, Red has a play on the nearside, and the ROW will go to the one at a lesser angle to the LOB. Red and Blue ride together, both on the right side of the LOB. As they near the ball, Blue, on Red’s right, begins to pull ahead. Once Condition #1 (a legal ride-off) and Condition #2, (the opponent is traveling parallel or nearly parallel or overlapped) no longer exist, Red must move to the offside and allow Blue a safe nearside play on the ball.
As between two players, when one is following the ball and the other meeting the ball: Regardless of their respective angles, a player following the ball has the Right of Way over a player meeting the ball, other than a player meeting the ball with the line of the ball on the off side who is on the exact line of the ball. A player meeting the ball in this fashion has the Right of Way over a player following the ball.
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
A player meeting the ball must be on the exact LOB and with the LOB on his off side to have the ROW over an opponent following the ball. A player following the LOB, at any angle, whether or not he must cross the LOB to get to the offside, has the ROW over a player meeting the ball at an angle to the LOB. If both are on the exact line, there is no risk to either. The player with the ROW must play the ball on the offside.
Blue #3 hits an offside back-shot away. Blue #2, following, turns, crosses the new LOB and prepares to take the ball on his offside. Red #3, also following but well behind, rides toward the new LOB to meet the ball. Right of Way to Blue, following the ball. Red #3 must meet on the EXACT line to have the ROW over Blue. Blue #3 hits an offside back-shot away. Blue #2 rides to follow the ball with the LOB at an angle to his left. Red #3 rides directly to the new LOB and places himself parallel to the LOB. Red now has the ROW because he is meeting on the exact LOB. Blue must safely place himself with the LOB on the offside so the two pass safely or give way. Blue #3 hits an open back-shot. As Blue #2 turns to follow the ball with the LOB initially to his left. Red #1 finds himself facing the direction of the ball at an angle to the LOB. Regardless of their respective angles, the ROW is to Blue who is following the direction of the LOB and may take the ball on the offside even though crossing the LOB to do so. Red’s options are: 1) to hook or make a play on Blue without crossing the LOB or entering Blue’s ROW; or, 2) to position himself parallel to, and with the LOB on, his offside to meet the ball on its exact line. If Red can so position himself safely, Red assumes the ROW and at that point, Blue must either: safely change course to follow the exact LOB with the ball on his offside or pull out of the play. Blue #3 hits the ball up. Red #2, upfield, crosses the LOB and straightens out to meet the ball on his offside. If Red is exactly on the LOB and crossed without risk of collision or danger (Rule 24. c.) to Blue, Red has a ROW in meeting the ball. Once Red is properly positioned, Blue must also be exactly on the LOB to have a ROW and the two will safely pass offside to offside.
As between two players, when both are following or both are meeting the ball:
The player riding parallel to or at the lesser angle to the line of the ball has the Right of Way over the player riding at the greater angle to the line of the ball.
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
In the case of two players on opposite sides of the line of the ball riding at approximately equal angles to it, the Right of Way belongs to the player with the line of the ball on the off side.
The Umpire cannot apply a protractor to the angle of both players. Unless the player with the LOB on his left is clearly at a lesser angle, the player with the LOB on his right has the ROW.
Red starts with the LOB well to his right. Blue starts with the LOB on a slight angle to his left. Red rides directly to the LOB then turns making his course parallel to the LOB. Blue continues his course and the two will intersect at the ball. Foul Blue. Although Blue started at a lesser angle to the LOB, Red’s adjustment put him at a lesser angle and Blue must now stay on the nearside and not cross Red’s ROW. The Umpire throws the ball through the line-up. Blue #4, lined up wide of the throw in, turns to the left to take the ball on the offside. Red #3 turns to the right, crosses the LOB, and takes the ball on the offside. No foul on Red because he was clearly at a lesser angle to the LOB.
Two players when riding in the same direction on the line of the ball, either following or meeting the ball, and simultaneously making a play against each other, have the Right of Way over a single player coming from any direction. This subsection takes precedence over Rule 25.a.
Two players are considered to be “making a play against each other” when their concentration is on each other and not on another player riding from another direction. Two players do not have the ROW over one just because there are two of them. The two must be exactly on the LOB, making a play against each other, to have the ROW over a single player coming from any direction. The ROW Rules between a pair of players and a single player at angles to the LOB are the same as between two single players. Should the ROW be to the single player, the foul would be against the opponent who infringed the ROW unless pushed there by the player’s teammate. (Rule 26.d)
Blue #2 carries the ball downfield with the LOB on his right. At mid-field he is met by Red #4 and Blue #3 riding directly toward him. Foul Blue #2. Although following the ball, Blue must yield to two players on the exact LOB. Blue #2 carries the ball on his offside. Red #1 and Blue #3, riding together, but at an angle to the LOB meet Blue #2 from ahead and to his right. The two pass in front of Blue #2 at a close distance. No foul on Blue #2. The two players were not on the LOB and did not have a ROW. Foul on Red #1 for crossing Blue #2’s ROW unless forced there by Blue #3’s ride-off. If Blue #3 forces Red #1 into Blue #2’s ROW, the foul is on Blue #3. Blue #2 carries the ball and Red #3 rides with him attempting a nearside hook. Blue #1 meets the play with the LOB on his right. Foul Blue #1. Even though Red #3 was on the nearside, he was engaged with Blue #2 and the two players on the LOB have the ROW. Blue #2 is following the ball. Red #3 is riding hard to catch up and try for a hook. Blue #1 is meeting the ball. Foul Red if Red does not reach and engage Blue #2 before Blue #1 enters the play. Once Red #3 and Blue #2 are engaged, Blue #1 must yield the ROW to the two players. Red #2 carries the ball on his offside. Blue #3 waits to the right of the LOB for Red to reach him so he can hook. Red #1 rides to meet with the LOB on his offside and will collide with Blue #3. Foul Blue #3. Blue may be concentrating on getting a hook on Red when Red reaches him, but Red is not yet engaged in the play. Blue #3 is standing in the ROW of Red #1. Blue #1 carries the ball. Red #4 waits on the nearside for Blue to reach him and the two ride together on the LOB. Blue #2 sees that his teammate is in trouble and rides to meet intending to force Red #4 out of the play. Foul Blue #2. Red #4 and Blue #1 had engaged before Blue #2 entered the play. Red #4 gallops with the LOB on the nearside. Blue #1 comes from behind to take the ball on the offside. Blue #3 rides to meet the play and force a foul on Red #4. Foul on Blue #3 if Red #4 and Blue #1 are focused on each other. Foul Red #4 if he is not yet engaged with Blue.
Right of Way on the Boards: when the ball is hit toward the boards and stops or is within approximately 6” of the boards, a player following the ball that is at an angle of approximately 90 degrees perpendicular to the boards, cannot turn without allowing the trailing player to clear or make a nearside play; unless the trailing player checks or reduces speed, the player with the ball may then turn the ball in either direction providing that he maintains speed and continues the play.
When a player hits the ball past an opposing player traveling at the same speed in the same direction, the opposing player may play the ball on the offside (fore shot or back shot) provided he does not impede or endanger the original player or that player’s mount; the original player can only play the ball again on the nearside.