News

POLO RULES - IMPROPER BLOCKING

20 Mar 2025

APF POLO RULES, March 2025

The following Rule will be effective from 3rd April, 2025

IMPROPER BLOCKING

During the execution of a knock-in, Penalty 5.a or 5.b, or a free hit resulting from a ball hit out of bounds, an offensive player may not block a defensive player from marking the offensive players teammate who has a play on the ball (i.e., set a block on the defending player). 

At all other times, when a player in possession of the ball either stops or reduces his or her speed to a slow canter or walk, no teammates of the player in possession may block a defending player within two horse lengths of the player with the ball from making a play on that player or the ball. 

When an offensive player improperly blocks a defensive player, the Umpires shall call a foul and award an appropriate penalty. Improper blocking may or may not constitute Dangerous riding. 

If a violation of this rule is called and not upheld, the team in possession of the ball when the foul was called shall be awarded a Fair Play Drop to team in possession.  

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