Line of the Ball
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
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.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “Line of the Ball” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“Line of the Ball and Precedence. As a general principle, the player who creates the danger should be penalised. It is important to try to be consistent in what is blown and what is allowed. a. Line of the Ball (LOB).”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“RULE 11 - LINE OF THE BALL a. The Line of the Ball (hereafter referred to as "Line") is the line of its course or that line produced forward or backward at any moment. b. When the ball is put into play by a free hit: (1) A Line is created from the ball to the center of the goal when the Umpire calls "PLAY". (2) If the ball is hit at and missed, the Line remains to the center of the goal until changed.”
“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. e.”
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.
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 "Line of the Ball"
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