Knock-in
Last updated: August 2026
In the Rulebook
Where “Knock-in” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“ATTACKER HITS BEHIND (HIT OR KNOCK IN). When the ball is hit over and clear of the back line by the attacking team it shall be a hit-in by the defending team from the spot where it crossed the back line, but at least 4 yards from the goal posts or boards. The ball will be placed by a goal judge clear of the back line by up to one foot within the field of play. a.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“The two Umpires, quickly consulting with the Referee, if necessary, may: a) resume the knock-in by calling "Play"; or, b) penalize the offending defensive player for delay of game by awarding the team knocking in a Penalty 5.b. 22. HOW PLAY IS RESUMED a...EXAMPLES: Red #1 hits wide of goal after a fast run and circles deep in the end zone. Red #1 is just crossing the end line on his return when "Play" is called.”
“shall make all final decisions. When the ball goes over and across the goal line or end line, the Goal Judge shall signal with a flag whether or not a goal has been scored and, if not, shall place a ball on the field at the appropriate spot for a knock-in, unless the Umpire blows the whistle to indicate a Safety as provided in Rule 21.a. b. When the ball is hit across the end line, a Goal Judge should quickly place a new ball on level ground on the field within one foot of the spot where it crossed the line except that it must not be nearer than five yards to the goal posts or side boards.”
“Should the Goal Judges and other game officials remain uncertain of whether or not the ball passed between the goal posts, play shall resume with a knock-in or a safety (Penalty 6) as determined by the Umpires. RULE 19- GOALS UNDER PENALTIES AND BY HANDICAP a. Goals awarded under penalties and by handicap shall count as goals scored. b. The team handicap is determined by totaling the individual handicaps (as assigned by the USPA) of the team members. In events with an upper handicap limit above 6 goals, individual handicaps of -0.5 goals, 0.5 goals, or 1.”
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.
In the air
A ball that has not yet touched the ground. Different right-of-way and contact rules apply while the ball is airborne.
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.
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 "Knock-in"
Track your polo journey
Log lessons, monitor skill development, and celebrate milestones as you progress from beginner to competitor.