In the Rulebook
Where “Yellow 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”
“elbowing or pushing with hand or mallet) should also not tolerated and should be penalized with a yellow card in accordance with Rule 33.b(1)(a). 27. ROUGH OR ABUSIVE PLAY c...EXAMPLES: White #3 places his mallet in front of Blue #2's horse's head to impede Blue's horse. In Blue's attempt to make a play, he strikes White's mallet with the butt of his mallet. The Umpires blow the whistle and announce an offsetting foul, but elect to assess both players two yellow cards and sit them each down for two minutes of play with no substitutions. (See Rule 33.”
“Yellow Card: The Umpire shall immediately assess a yellow card against a player who demonstrates unsportsmanlike conduct as described above. (i.) The player's first yellow card (offense) in a game will result in a penalty and may increase or decrease an existing penalty's severity. Any subsequent yellow card or red card will also result in a penalty and may increase or decrease an existing penalty's severity. (ii.”
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.
Red Card
Immediate ejection from the match for serious misconduct. The player cannot be replaced.
FAQs about "Yellow Card"
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