Understanding Polo Rules: Right of Way, Line of the Ball and Ride-Offs

Polo rules are designed to protect both players and horses. Umpires monitor matches, blow the whistle for infractions and award penalties when necessary. A key concept is the “line of the ball”, the imaginary path the ball follows after it is hit. The player who last hit the ball usually has the right of way, and other players must not cross that line in a way that creates danger. Players may approach from either side of the line when it is safe. A ride-off, also called bumping, happens when one player uses shoulder-to-shoulder contact between horses to move an opponent away from the line. For it to be legal, both horses must be alongside each other and moving at a similar speed.

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