Course
The Basics: Crossing the Line
Learning Objective

In this Beginner Course on the Crossing rule, you will learn the basics of why the rule is implemented and when it is called in a game. It is a rule targeted at safety to avoid the risk of a collision between horses and ensure safety among all participants. The rule uses the right of way and the line of the ball to determine which player is able to make a play on the ball. After folllowing the below lesson, the goal is to correctly understand the rule and how it is applied.
The Crossing Rule
The definition of the crossing rule states:

"No player shall cross another player who has precedence except at such a distance that not the slightest risk of collision or danger to any player is involved."

What does this mean? First, let's take a look at a walkthrough demonstration of the rule.


Step-by-Step Demonstration
Looking at this rule in detail, we can go step-by-step through each key position of this rule.

1. Two players are approaching the ball at the same angle riding side-by-side. These two players are "engaged" or in other words, are on the same line creating the right of way (green lines). A second player in the black jersey is approaching the ball from a different angle (red line), attempting to make a play on the ball before the oncoming players. 

Crossing Phase 1
2. As the two players continue to approach the ball on the right of way, there continues to be less and less space between the players and the ball. This reduced distance means that the player in the black jersey approaching from the different angle (red line) does not have a safe amount of distance to cross over the right of way to make a play on the ball. Typically, the safe distance to cross in front of oncoming players on the right of way is at least two stride lengths.

Crossing Phase 2
3. At this instance, the infraction of the Crossing rule occurs. The two oncoming players on the right of way (yellow lines) are closely approaching the ball and potentially starting a swing or trying to pick up the ball, when the player in the black jersey crosses the right of way. Crossing in front of the two players at an unsafe distance increases the chance of a dangerous collision and endangers both the horses and players involved. At this moment, the foul would be called against the crossing player in the black jersey.

Crossing Phase 3

For the full demonstration of the crossing rule that includes each of the highlighted positions, please watch the below video. 

Evaluating the Crossing Rule

The rules of polo are centered around two common principles: the line of the ball and the right of way. In summarizing the crossing rule, any player or players that have established themselves on the right of way, meaning approaching the direction the ball is moving in with the least amount of angle, have the right to make a play on the ball. Any other player attempting to make a play on the ball must do so without crossing over in front of these players, or must do so at a distance where there is no increase in the risk of a collision. Some key takeaway messages to learn and avoid committing a crossing foul are:

  • Identify which player(s) have the right of way and which direction the ball is travelling (or travelled if it has come to a stop).
  • If approaching from a greater angle, consider if you have enough time and distance to safely make a play on the ball.
  • As a minimum, a player needs to completely cross the right of way with at least two horse strides distance between oncoming players and the ball to avoid a crossing infraction. 
Before entering play, it is extremely important to understand the rules to ensure safety for you and the other plays with crossing being a fundamental rule regarding the line of the ball and the right of way.
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