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    Throw-in

    Last updated: August 2026

    Full Definition

    The method of starting or restarting play. The umpire bowls the ball between the two teams.

    Related Terms

    In the Rulebook

    Where “Throw-in” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.

    HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association

    “For a throw in, the ball is considered `in play' the moment it has left the umpires hand, and for a free hit the moment the player taking a free hit has either hit or hit at the ball if missed. (ii)Ball Out of Play. The ball is `out of play' if a goal has been scored or if it has gone over the back or side line or boards. A ball on the line is still in play. The whistle is not blown nor the clock stopped. (iii)Dead Ball.”
    HPA Rules of Polo (Blue Book)View source (PDF)
    “Each umpire should have a back line and side line which dictates their positioning and it is important that umpires are clear as to their positioning during play and for all throw-ins and free hits. 10. Free Hits.”
    HPA Rules of Polo (Blue Book)View source (PDF)
    “g.During a throw-in, a precedence as between players will only be established when the ball leaves the line out, either direct from the throw by the umpire or if hit away by a player. Until such time, players may play the ball from any direction or angle providing they do so without creating danger or a risk of danger to themselves, other players or ponies. h.”
    HPA Rules of Polo (Blue Book)View source (PDF)

    USPA — United States Polo Association

    “HOW PLAY COMMENCES a...EXAMPLES: Both teams arrive at the center line and jostle for position as the Umpire prepares to throw-in. Play should be stopped. There should be no contact prior to the throw-in. The teams line up, each on its own side of center, and move toward the Umpire as he prepares to throw-in. The play should be stopped if the 5-yard provision is violated. After a hard run and scoring a goal, Red #2 is slow returning to the lineup and is still 20 yards from center when the Umpire is ready to throw-in.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)
    “If play is stopped by the Umpires after the 7-minute horn or bell for any reason, the penalty, throw-in or free hit, as the case may be, shall be executed. If play is stopped by the Umpire's whistle after the 7minute horn or bell for any reason, a minimum of 5 seconds shall be allowed for execution of any penalty, free hit or throw-in, as the case may be. c.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)
    “Should they elect not to call a Penalty 1, then they shall count the field goal and resume play at center field with a throw-in. (2) The goal shall not be counted, and the appropriate penalty awarded, if a foul is confirmed against the attacking team. d. After the Umpire stops the game because the ball breaks when first hit on a foul shot or on a hit-in, play shall be resumed with another ball from the same point in the same manner. Otherwise play shall be resumed with a new ball as provided in subsection 22.e(4) below. e.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)

    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.

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