Arena Rule 9. Penalties

In plain English

The arena penalties, 1 to 10.

• A foul is penalised according to its severity, where it happened and what it did to the game, and a deliberate foul earns a heavier penalty than the same offence committed accidentally.
• Blocking: after any restart, penalty or goal, nobody on the side taking the hit may ride off or block an opponent going for the hitter - or for a team-mate the ball has been left to.
• Penalty 1 is a goal outright, given when a defender's foul near the goal took away a virtually certain score. Play resumes with a Penalty 4 to the fouled side, which scores one point if it goes in.
• Penalty 2 is a free hit 15 yards out at an undefended goal - except that one defender may stand inside the 15, so long as they are not between ball and goal. Penalty 3 is the same arrangement from 25 yards.
• Penalty 4 is from 25 yards with one defender who must be within 5 yards of the back wall, and it is worth two points. Penalty 4b lets the fouled side choose between a Penalty 4 and a hit from the spot, between halfway and the defenders' 25, worth one point.
• On all of those nobody stands within 10 yards of the striker, the ball must go 5 yards forward, and play continues whether or not it scores.
• Penalty 5 is a free hit from the centre of the arena and Penalty 6 from the centre of the defenders' 25 yard line. Everybody else is 10 yards back, the striker must mean to clear the 10 yard line, hits once, and may not touch it again until somebody else does or it hits a side wall - while keeping the right of way, so they may ride off but not hook.
• Penalty 7 is 60 seconds in the sin bin plus a 15 yard penalty hit, taken once the player has left. Penalty 8 removes a player for the rest of the game; Penalty 9 sends a player or pony off, returning once the equipment is fixed.
• Location sets a floor: any defensive foul inside their 25 or 15 yard areas is at least a Penalty 2, and between halfway and the 25 at least a Penalty 4b.
• Get the procedure wrong as the fouling side and the hit is retaken - or a Penalty 1 is given, if the umpire thinks the block cost a goal. Get it wrong as the fouled side and the ball is thrown in, at the centre for Penalties 2 to 4 or at the spot for 5 and 6.

A violation of these Rules may be penalised by the Umpire in accordance with its severity, its location, and its effect on the game, by awarding a penalty to the offended team.

Quoted extract · Green Book 2025, Rule 9

Read arena rule 9 in the Green Book 2025

What is the minimum penalty awarded if a foul is committed by the defending team within their 25 or 15 yard areas?

• Penalty 1
• Penalty 2 ✓
• Penalty 3
• Penalty 4

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is the minimum penalty given if a foul is committed by the defending team within their halfway and 25 yard lines?

• Penalty 2
• Penalty 3
• Penalty 4a
• Penalty 4b ✓

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

According to polo rules, what factors does an umpire consider when penalizing a violation?

• The type of violation and the time of violation
• The number of times the violation has been committed in the game
• The severity, location of the violation and its effect on the game ✓
• The severity of the violation and the team committing the violation

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is the umpires' response in polo if a player commits a deliberate foul to hinder the progress of another player?

• The game continues as usual
• The player committing the foul is given a warning
• A more severe penalty is awarded ✓
• The player committing the foul is expelled from the game

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

What is the rule regarding blocking in polo when play is resumed with a hit after a break, when a penalty is awarded, or when a goal is scored?

• Any member of the team taking the hit is permitted to ride off or block an opponent
• It is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter ✓
• The player leaving the ball for a teammate can then ride off or block an opponent
• The player leaving the ball for a teammate cannot play anymore

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Following a hit after a break, penalty or when a goal is scored, in a situation where the ball is left for a teammate following, what is the rule regarding the player who leaves the ball?

• The player who leaves the ball may then ride off or block an opponent
• The player who leaves the ball is free to engage in any action to stop the opponent
• The player who leaves the ball may not then ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the player who has been left the ball ✓
• The player leaving the ball is required to stay stationary on the field until the play is completed

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What does a Penalty 1 entail?

• The team fouled is awarded two goals and play resumes with a Penalty 5
• The team fouled is awarded a goal and play resumes with a Penalty 4 in favour of the team that was fouled ✓
• The team fouled is awarded a free hit and play resumes at the center of the field
• The team fouled is awarded a goal and play resumes with a Penalty 2 in favour of the team that was fouled

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Under what circumstance should Penalty 1 be awarded?

• When a foul is committed anywhere on the field
• When a foul is committed in the attacking half of the field
• When a foul is committed in the close vicinity of the goal and the attacking side has been deprived of a virtual certain goal-scoring opportunity ✓
• When a foul is committed by the attacking team

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Where is the free hit taken from in a Penalty 2?

• At the center of the field
• From a spot 15 yards in front of the mouth of the goal ✓
• From the spot where the foul occurred
• From a spot 10 yards away from the opposing team's goal

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is the minimum distance other players should maintain from the player making a hit in Penalty 2?

• 5 yards
• 10 yards ✓
• 15 yards
• 20 yards

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Can the team taking the hit in Penalty 2 elect to take a different penalty instead?

• No, they must follow the umpire's decision
• Yes, they may elect to take a penalty 3 instead
• Yes, they may elect to take a penalty 4 instead for 2 points ✓
• Yes, they may elect to take a penalty 5 instead

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Where does the free hit take place during a Penalty 3?

• At the center of the field
• From a spot 15 yards in front of the mouth of the goal
• From a spot 25 yards in front of the mouth of the goal ✓
• From the spot where the foul occurred

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

One defender is allowed to be within the 25 yard line during a Penalty 3. Can they be between the ball and the goal?

• Yes
• No ✓

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

How far must players be from the player making a hit in Penalty 3?

• 5 yards
• 10 yards ✓
• 15 yards
• 20 yards

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is the starting position for the free hit in a Penalty 4?

• From a spot 15 yards in front of the mouth of the goal
• From a spot 25 yards in front of the mouth of the goal ✓
• From the center of the field
• From the spot where the foul occurred

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

How far must the ball travel forward when hit during a Penalty 4?

• 5 yards forwards ✓
• 10 yards forwards
• 15 yards forwards
• 20 yards forwards

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

In a Penalty 4b, what choices does the fouled team have?

• They can choose a Penalty 4 or a free hit from the halfway line
• They can choose a Penalty 4 or a free hit from the spot where the foul occurred between the halfway line and the defenders 25 yard line ✓
• They can choose a Penalty 3 or a free hit from the halfway line
• They can choose a Penalty 2 or a free hit from the spot where the foul occurred

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

How far must the ball travel forward when hit during a Penalty 4b?

• 5 yards
• 10 yards ✓
• 15 yards
• 20 yards

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

How many points will be awarded if a goal is scored as a result of Penalty 4b?

• One ✓
• Two
• Three
• Four

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

In a Penalty 4b, where should one defender from the fouling team be positioned?

• Within the 25 yard line but not between the ball and the goal ✓
• At the center of the field
• Within 10 yards of the player making the hit
• Within 5 yards of the back wall

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Where must all players, except the hitter, be positioned during a Penalty 5?

• Behind the 25 yard line
• Behind an imaginary line across the arena 10 yards from the ball ✓
• At the center of the field
• Within 5 yards of the back wall

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What can a hitter do to prevent an opponent from hitting or hitting at the ball during a Penalty 5?

• They can "ride off" an opponent ✓
• They can hook an opponent’s mallet
• They can move the ball with their hand
• They can ask the umpire to intervene

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

If a foul occurs between the 25 and halfway line during continuous play after a goal had been scored, what happens?

• The fouling team is given a penalty
• The fouled team should be given the choice of a hit from the halfway line or a 25 defended ✓
• The game is paused for a review
• The fouling team is given a free hit

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Where is a free hit taken from during a Penalty 6?

• From the centre of the halfway line
• From the centre of the 25 yard line nearest the defenders’ goal ✓
• From the spot where the foul occurred
• From the centre of the arena

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

During a Penalty 6, what is the hitter NOT allowed to do to prevent an opponent from hitting or hitting at the ball?

• Ride off an opponent
• Hook an opponent’s mallet ✓
• Both A and B

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

Under which circumstances can a player be sent to the Sin Bin according to Penalty 7?

• If the player misses a hit
• If the player commits dangerous or persistent fouls ✓
• If the player's horse is injured
• If the player argues with the umpire

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

How long does the Sin Bin penalty last according to Penalty 7?

• 30 seconds of play
• 60 seconds of play ✓
• Until the end of the chukka
• For the remainder of the game

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What happens if a player sent to the Sin Bin wishes to return in the same chukka according to Penalty 7?

• The player must return on a different horse
• The player must return on the same horse, unless their team exercises the option under Rule 16 j (changing ponies) ✓
• The player can choose whether to return on the same horse or a different one
• The player is not allowed to return in the same chukka

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

Under what circumstances can the umpire remove a player from the remainder of the chukka according to Penalty 7?

• If the player's horse is injured
• If the player argues with the umpire
• If the player commits a deliberate or dangerous foul, or conduct prejudicial to the game ✓
• If the player fails to score a goal

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

If a player is sent to the Sin Bin and returns in another chukka, what are the rules regarding their horse according to Penalty 7?

• The player must return on the same horse
• The player is entitled to change horse prior to returning to the field of play ✓
• The player is not allowed to change horses during the game
• The player must return on a different horse

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

Under what circumstances can the umpire remove a player from the remainder of the game according to Penalty 8, additional to any other penalty?

• If the player's horse is injured
• If the player argues with the umpire
• If the player commits a deliberate or dangerous foul, or conduct prejudicial to the game ✓
• If the player fails to score a goal

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is a Penalty 9?

• A player deliberately fouling
• A player or mount being sent off due to incorrect equipment ✓
• A player missing a goal shot
• A player obstructing an opponent

The player or mount shall be sent off.

What conditions must be met for a player or mount to return to the game after being sent off under Penalty 9?

• The player must apologize to the umpire
• The player must change their polo mallet
• The player or mount can return when the offending equipment is removed or replaced ✓
• The player has to sit out the rest of the game

Penalty 9. The player or mount shall be sent off.

What happens if the team committing the foul fails to correctly carry out Penalties 2, 3 or 4?

• The team fouled is granted a goal
• The game is paused until the correct procedure is followed
• The fouling team is removed from the game
• Another free hit is granted to the hitter, if a goal has not been scored ✓

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

If the original free hit was missed or blocked due to the failure of the fouling team to correctly carry out the penalty, what penalty can be awarded?

• Penalty 1 ✓
• Penalty 2
• Penalty 3
• Penalty 4

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What happens if the team fouled fails to correctly carry out Penalties 2, 3 or 4?

• The game is paused until the correct procedure is followed
• The ball is thrown in at the centre of the arena ✓
• The team fouled is removed from the game
• The ball is thrown in where the foul occurred

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

If the team fouled fails to correctly carry out Penalties 5 or 6, where is the ball thrown in?

• The ball is thrown in at the centre of the arena
• The ball is given to the fouling team
• The ball is thrown in at the halfway line
• The ball is thrown in where the foul occurred ✓

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

When can the team fouled hit or hit at the ball again during the penalty?

• When the referee allows it
• Whenever they want to
• After the defender has hit or hit at the ball ✓
• After a goal is scored

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

On Penalties 5 and 6, can the penalty taker still retain the Right of Way if they hit the ball further than 10 yards but not against a wall or other player/pony?

• Yes ✓
• No

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

On which penalties is there to be no contact between any player and opponent until the ball is hit or hit at?

• Penalties 5, 6, 7
• Penalties 1, 2, 3
• Penalties 3, 4, 5
• Penalties 2, 3, 4, 4b ✓

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What must occur before contact can be made between players on Penalties 2, 3, 4, and 4b?

• The whistle must be blown
• The ball must be hit or hit at ✓
• The penalty must be announced
• The umpire must signal play

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

After awarding a penalty 1, how is play resumed?

• Throw in towards centre on 25 yard line
• Throw in towards side on 25 yard line
• Penalty 4 - 1 point awarded if penalty 4 scored in this scenario ✓
• Penalty 4 - 2 points awarded if penalty 4 scored in this scenario

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

What is unusual about the scoring for a penalty 4b?

• Despite being further than 25 yards away, only one point is awarded ✓
• The hitter can only hit with a nearside shot
• The hitter can dribble the ball
• The hitter cannot shoot, they must pass the ball

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, when a penalty is awarded or when a goal is scored, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter.

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