Rule 13. Changing Ends
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 13 · Interruptions and Restarts After Break in Play
In plain English
Ends change after every goal. Twenty-five seconds to get set.
- Ends change after every goal, and play restarts with a throw-in on the centre line. The exception is a Penalty 1, after which the restart is a Penalty 5b.
- Players get 25 seconds to be ready. Any unnecessary delay is a Penalty 5b against the side dawdling, so running the clock down costs a free hit from the centre.
- Ends also change if nobody has scored by half time.
- If the umpires let the teams line up the wrong way round, play carries on. Should the chukka then finish goalless, ends are changed and the game restarts at the corresponding position.
The clause that governs
Ends shall be changed after every goal; play is restarted with a throw-in on the centre line unless a Penalty 1 has been awarded in which case the restart shall be with a Penalty 5b.
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 13
5 questions on this rule
When are ends changed in a polo match?
- After every goal
- If no goal has been scored by half time
- If the umpires have inadvertently permitted the teams to line up the wrong way
- All of the above ✓
b. Ends shall also be changed: (i) If no goal has been scored by half time.
In a penalty 1, after the goal is awarded how does play resume?
- With a throw-in on the 30 yard line, 20 yards from the boards with the umpire facing the centre of the pitch
- With a throw-in on the 60 yard line, 10 yards from the boards with the umpire facing the nearest boards
- With a penalty 5b ✓
- With a penalty 5a
The players shall be allowed 25 seconds before play is restarted.
When play is restarted following a change in ends, how long are players allowed before play is restarted?
- 5 seconds
- 8 seconds
- 20 seconds
- 25 seconds ✓
The players shall be allowed 25 seconds before play is restarted.
How long are the players allowed before play is restarted after a goal?
- 15 seconds
- 25 seconds ✓
- 30 seconds
- 45 seconds
The players shall be allowed 25 seconds before play is restarted.
What is awarded for unnecessary delay in restarting after a goal?
- A Penalty 5b ✓
- A Penalty 3
- A throw-in
- A yellow flag
b. Ends shall also be changed: (i) If no goal has been scored by half time.
Test yourself
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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.