Rule 29. Carrying the Ball
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 29 · Precedence and Personal Fouls
In plain English
You may block the ball with your body once. You may not carry it.
- You may block or deflect the ball with any part of your body, but only once in a play.
- You may not catch it in an open hand and you may not carry it deliberately.
- If it wedges against you, your pony or your tack so that it cannot be dropped straight away, the umpire whistles and throws in at the point where the carrying began.
The clause that governs
A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of their body but they may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally.
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 29
4 questions on this rule
What is the rule regarding carrying the ball in polo?
- A player can carry the ball as long as they please
- A player can carry the ball if they catch it mid-air
- A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of his body but may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally ✓
- A player can carry the ball but must drop it before crossing midfield
A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of their body but they may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally.
If the ball becomes lodged against a player, his pony, or its equipment, what should the umpire do?
- Allow the player to remove the ball and continue playing
- Award a penalty shot to the opposing team
- Blow the whistle and restart the game with a throw-in at the point where the ball was first carried ✓
- Allow play to continue until the ball is dislodged
A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of their body but they may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally.
How many times may a player block or deflect the ball with their body in one play?
- Once ✓
- Twice
- As often as they like
- Not at all
A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of their body but they may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally.
The ball becomes lodged against a player’s pony and cannot be dropped. How does play restart?
- A throw-in at the point where it was first carried ✓
- A Penalty 5a where the ball came to rest
- A fair play dropped ball at the 30 yard line
- A free hit to the opposing team
A player may make a one-time per play only block or deflection of the ball with any part of their body but they may not catch it with an open hand or carry it intentionally.
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.