Polo Rules Test

Stoppages

6 situations. Each one is drawn on the pitch in the app; the call and the rule behind it are below.

During open play, a player falls off and is in no danger. What should the umpire do?

Stop play when the play is neutral. The umpire waits for the play to be neutral before stopping.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 22 - Injured or Fallen Player

During open play, a player falls off and is in danger. What should the umpire do?

Stop play immediately. Danger to a player or pony stops the game immediately.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 22 - Injured or Fallen Player

During open play, a player loses their helmet. What should the umpire do?

Stop play when the play is neutral. Play stops when neutral so the helmet can be recovered.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 20 - Lost Helmet or Broken Equipment

During open play, the ball is trodden into the ground and cannot be moved. What should the umpire do?

Stop play immediately. The umpire blows at once and restarts with a throw-in.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 19 - Buried or Damaged Ball

During open play, a loose pony runs onto the field. What should the umpire do?

Stop play immediately. The game stops and restarts with a throw-in from where the ball was.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 18 - Restart When the Ball Has Not Left the Field of Play

During open play, a dismounted player hits the ball clear. What should the umpire do?

Stop play immediately. A dismounted player may not hit the ball nor interfere with the game.

Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 21 - Dismounted Player

Make the call yourself

Every one of these is drawn on the pitch in the app, and you make the call before you see the answer.

Every rule here is stated in our own words, with short quoted extracts from the HPA Blue Book 2026 and Green Book 2025 and a link to the book itself. Polo Rules Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association. In any dispute the published rulebook governs.