Rule 4. Officials
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 4 · Preliminary Rules for the Game
In plain English
Two umpires on the field, a referee off it, and their word is final.
- Two mounted umpires control the game, and their authority is absolute before, during and immediately after it. Anything the rules do not cover is theirs to decide.
- The referee, or third man, sits high and alone at the centre of the ground, off a phone and out of conversation, and rules only when the two umpires disagree. That ruling is final. A referee who cannot see enough to judge must say 'No Foul'.
- A goal judge stands at each goal and gives evidence when the umpire asks for it, but the umpire decides.
- A timekeeper runs the clock for the chukkas and the intervals, and may double as scorer. The scorer's figures are the ones that count, whatever the board says; the assistant scorer keeps the board up to date.
- No one else may overrule any of it.
The clause that governs
Any decision thus made may not be overruled by any other person.
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 4
7 questions on this rule
Who has the absolute authority on matters regarding the conduct of play during and immediately before and after the game?
- Team Captain
- Two umpires and a referee ✓
- Goal Judges
- Timekeeper
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
Where should the referee be positioned during a polo match?
- On the field near the players
- In an elevated and isolated position at the centre of the ground ✓
- Next to the scoreboard
- On the sideline with the team coaches
Referee. The referee (or third man) should be in an elevated and isolated position at the centre of the ground so that they have a good view and can concentrate on the play.
How many mounted umpires are normally present to control the game according to the rules?
- One
- Two ✓
- Three
- Four
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
What is the primary role of the goal judges in a polo game?
- To control the game according to the rules
- To assist players with equipment
- To give testimony to the umpires regarding goals scored or other points near the goal ✓
- To keep the time for the intervals and the time played in each chukka
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
What is the responsibility of the timekeeper in a polo game?
- To keep the time for the intervals and the time played in each chukka ✓
- To record the goals scored
- To prepare the scoreboard before the match
- To assist the goal judges
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
What is the responsibility of the scorer in a polo game?
- To keep the time for the intervals
- To record the goals scored and note the name of the player scoring the goal ✓
- To assist the goal judges
- To control the game according to the rules
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
What is the role of the assistant scorer in a polo game?
- To prepare the scoreboard before the match and update goals scored and chukka numbers during the match ✓
- To keep the time for the intervals and the time played in each chukka
- To control the game according to the rules
- To assist the goal judges
The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play.
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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.