Rule 33. Rough Play
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 33 · Precedence and Personal Fouls
In plain English
Dangerous riding off. Flag territory, not just a penalty.
- Dangerous riding off carries a red or yellow flag on top of any penalty. The rulebook gives four examples.
- An angle that endangers or unbalances a player or pony, contact in front of or behind the saddle, or a speed difference big enough to be dangerous.
- Carrying a ride off on over the back line or through the goal, which puts the goal judge at risk.
- Riding an opponent across another player on the line, or in a way that endangers an umpire.
- Two team-mates riding the same opponent off at once - sandwiching.
The clause that governs
The following are examples of what may be considered to be dangerous riding off and may lead to the umpires awarding a red or yellow flag in addition to any penalty:
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 33
4 questions on this rule
Which of the following actions is considered dangerous and can lead to a red or yellow flag being awarded?
- Riding off an opponent from the side
- Riding off an opponent while maintaining control of the ball
- Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal, endangering a goal judge ✓
- Riding off an opponent at a safe speed and angle
Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal thereby endangering a goal judge. c.
What is considered dangerous when riding off an opponent near another player on the line of the ball or an umpire?
- Riding off an opponent across another player on the line of the ball or in such a way as to endanger an umpire ✓
- Riding off at a safe speed
- Riding off while keeping a safe distance from other players
- Riding off and stopping before crossing the line of the ball
Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal thereby endangering a goal judge. c.
What is referred to as "sandwiching" in polo and is considered to be dangerous riding off?
- Riding off an opponent while keeping a safe distance from other players
- Riding off an opponent from the front and the back simultaneously
- Riding off an opponent at the same time as another member of your team ✓
- Riding off an opponent while maintaining control of the ball
Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal thereby endangering a goal judge. c.
Which of the following is considered dangerous riding off in polo?
- Riding off an opponent while travelling at the same speed and maintaining a safe angle
- Riding off at such an angle as to endanger a player or pony, or riding off over the backline or through the goal ✓
- Riding off an opponent only if the ball is in play
- Riding off an opponent while shouting "Ride off!"
Continuing to ride off another player over the back line or through the goal thereby endangering a goal judge. c.
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.