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    Yellow Card

    Last updated: August 2026

    Full Definition

    A warning issued to a player for dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct. Two yellow cards result in ejection.

    Related Terms

    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”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)
    “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.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)
    “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.”
    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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