In the air
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
A ball that has not yet touched the ground. Different right-of-way and contact rules apply while the ball is airborne.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “In the air” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
USPA — United States Polo Association
“Blue #2 takes a neck shot hitting the ball high in the air. The flagman is unable to maneuver in time and is not sure whether the ball might be over the goal post. Blue claims the shot is a goal and Red argues the ball is wide and no goal is scored. The Umpires, nor the Referee, were in position to make the call. The Umpires shall award a knock-in to the Red Team, as the benefit of the doubt shall go to the defending team.”
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
View allHandicap
A rating system from -2 to 10 goals that indicates a player's skill level. A 10-goal player is at the highest level of the sport.
Line of the Ball
An imaginary line created by the ball's path of travel. Players have right-of-way based on this line, which is fundamental to polo rules.
Chukka
A period of play in polo, typically lasting 7 minutes. A standard match consists of 4-8 chukkas depending on the level of play.
Knock-in
A restart from the back line after the defending team puts the ball over their own back line. Played by the defenders.
Penalty 1
The most severe penalty: an automatic goal awarded to the fouled team plus a 60-yard hit from where the foul occurred. Issued for deliberate dangerous fouls.
Timekeeper
The official responsible for tracking game time, signaling chukka ends with a horn, and managing clock stoppages.
Red Card
Immediate ejection from the match for serious misconduct. The player cannot be replaced.
Crossing
Cutting in front of a player who has the right of way to the ball. Crossing is a foul because it forces the right-of-way player to abruptly slow or veer.
FAQs about "In the air"
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