Who has the right of way in polo?

Right of way is a protected riding path, not ownership of the ball, and it does not automatically belong to the last hitter. Outdoors, a rider following the ball normally has priority over a rider meeting it — except an oncoming rider exactly on the ball's line playing it on the right-hand side. When two riders follow or meet at similar angles, the rider at the smaller angle to the ball's line has priority.

Applies to: outdoor and arena polo.

At approximately equal angles on opposite sides outdoors, priority goes to the rider taking the ball on the right-hand side. In the arena, both riders at equal angles have protection up to the line — the outdoor equal-angle rule does not carry over unchanged.

Other players must not cross the right of way dangerously. If the line of the ball changes, riders affected by the change must be given time to clear safely.

Two opponents playing each other along the line together can have priority over a single incoming rider.

Based on the USPA 2026 rulebook, Outdoor Rule 24, p.76; Arena Rule 12, p.139. Read the official rules at uspolo.org. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPA.