Timekeeper
Last updated: August 2026
In the Rulebook
Where “Timekeeper” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“The Timekeeper's responsibility in this matter is therefore of great importance. 39. Last Chukka. The last chukka ends on the first bell unless teams are tied in which case the extra 30 seconds are played. 40. Additional 5 Seconds. It is very important that the timekeeper understands when he adds 5 seconds as his bell, which might be the first or second bell depending on whether teams are tied, ends the chukka.”
“They will be assisted by goal judges and a timekeeper who may in turn be assisted by a scorer and assistant scorer. b.Referee. The referee (or third man) should be in an elevated and isolated position at the centre of the ground so that he has a good view and can concentrate on the play. He should not be drawn into conversation or use a mobile phone and must make his position known to the umpires before the game.”
“A strong whistle is a sign of confidence and the timekeeper must be able to hear the whistle as well in order to stop the clock a. If either umpire sees a foul he should blow the whistle. If the umpire on the line blows for acrossing foul, the other umpire should usually defer to him unless he is very clear that the distance and speed were safe. b.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“RULE 10- TIMEKEEPER AND SCORER An official Timekeeper and Scorer shall be appointed in all games. The Timekeeper shall be charged with the responsibility of keeping track of the time elapsed during the periods and in between periods and of signaling the Officials and players with the horn at the appropriate times. (Note: See Rules 14, 15, 16, and 17.”
“Timekeeper (1) A Timekeeper shall be appointed by the Committee whose responsibility it shall be to keep track of time elapsed during and between periods of the game. (2) The Timekeeper shall signal the expiration of time to the Officials. In all cases, time expires at the sound of the horn and the Umpire's whistle confirms the end of a period. (3) The authority of the Timekeeper shall be subordinate to that of the Umpire.”
Excerpts quoted from the official rulebooks of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the United States Polo Association and the Federation of International Polo. Rules change between seasons — always check the linked source for the current wording.
More Rules Terms
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Un sistema de calificación de -2 a 10 goles que indica el nivel de habilidad de un jugador. Un jugador de 10 goles está en el nivel más alto de este deporte.
In the air
Un balón que aún no ha tocado el suelo. Se aplican diferentes reglas de derecho de paso y contacto mientras la pelota está en el aire.
Line of the Ball
Una línea imaginaria creada por la trayectoria de la pelota. Los jugadores tienen derecho de paso según esta línea, que es fundamental para las reglas del polo.
Chukka
Un período de juego de polo, que normalmente dura 7 minutos. Un partido estándar consta de 4-8 chukkas dependiendo del nivel de juego.
Knock-in
Un reinicio desde la línea de fondo después de que el equipo defensor coloca el balón sobre su propia línea de fondo. Jugado por los defensores.
Penalty 1
La penalización más severa: un gol automático otorgado al equipo objeto de la falta más un golpe de 60 yardas desde donde ocurrió la falta. Emitido por faltas peligrosas deliberadas.
Red Card
Expulsión inmediata del partido por falta grave. El jugador no puede ser reemplazado.
Crossing
Cortar delante de un jugador que tiene el derecho de paso al balón. Cruzar es una falta porque obliga al jugador con derecho de paso a reducir la velocidad o desviarse abruptamente.
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