Red Card
Last updated: August 2026
In the Rulebook
Where “Red Card” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
USPA — United States Polo Association
“two or three yellow cards or a red card with imposed penalties as described above for a player's first, second or third offense. (3) In addition to and separate from the provisions of this rule that require various suspensions for excessive yellow or red cards, players are subject to a Conduct Violation Complaint by the Chief Operating Officer, Chairman of the Association, or member of the Executive Committee under the USPA's Disciplinary Procedures Policy for misconduct resulting in”
“Any subsequent yellow card or red card will also result in a penalty and may increase or decrease an existing penalty's severity. (ii.) A second offense will be a second yellow card and the player will sit out for the following two minutes of play with no substitute at a location designated by the Umpire and/or the Host Tournament Committee. (iii.”
“USPA Tournament Conditions. When a player is suspended for all or any part of his or her next game (or two games) of equal or higher handicap or receives an enhanced yellow card status for that game as the result of one or more yellow card(s) or a red card issued him or her during or after a Club Event, that suspension (including any unserved time in the penalty box) or enhanced yellow card status must be served or accepted in the player's next game (or two games) of equal or higher handicap in a Club Event or a USPA Event that is not a consolation game, the first round game in a subsidiary event, or a shootout.”
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.
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.
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 "Red Card"
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