Timekeeper
Last updated: August 2026
In the Rulebook
Where “Timekeeper” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“The Timekeeper's responsibility in this matter is therefore of great importance. 39. Last Chukka. The last chukka ends on the first bell unless teams are tied in which case the extra 30 seconds are played. 40. Additional 5 Seconds. It is very important that the timekeeper understands when he adds 5 seconds as his bell, which might be the first or second bell depending on whether teams are tied, ends the chukka.”
“They will be assisted by goal judges and a timekeeper who may in turn be assisted by a scorer and assistant scorer. b.Referee. The referee (or third man) should be in an elevated and isolated position at the centre of the ground so that he has a good view and can concentrate on the play. He should not be drawn into conversation or use a mobile phone and must make his position known to the umpires before the game.”
“A strong whistle is a sign of confidence and the timekeeper must be able to hear the whistle as well in order to stop the clock a. If either umpire sees a foul he should blow the whistle. If the umpire on the line blows for acrossing foul, the other umpire should usually defer to him unless he is very clear that the distance and speed were safe. b.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“RULE 10- TIMEKEEPER AND SCORER An official Timekeeper and Scorer shall be appointed in all games. The Timekeeper shall be charged with the responsibility of keeping track of the time elapsed during the periods and in between periods and of signaling the Officials and players with the horn at the appropriate times. (Note: See Rules 14, 15, 16, and 17.”
“Timekeeper (1) A Timekeeper shall be appointed by the Committee whose responsibility it shall be to keep track of time elapsed during and between periods of the game. (2) The Timekeeper shall signal the expiration of time to the Officials. In all cases, time expires at the sound of the horn and the Umpire's whistle confirms the end of a period. (3) The authority of the Timekeeper shall be subordinate to that of the Umpire.”
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.
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.
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