Course
Blocking


Why Blocking is a Rule

When play is resumed with a hit after a break in play, it is not permitted for any member of the team taking the hit to ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the hitter. If the ball is then left for a team mate following, the player leaving it may not then ride off or block an opponent attempting to make a play on the player who has been left the ball. 

Blocking is a rule to ensure quick and open polo immediately following a knockin from the line or an open field penalty. It ensures that all team members are marking their respective opponents and thus creates a good balance. It ensures quick and open play.

How the Blocking Rule is Applied

No attacking player may ride off or interfere with the primary defender. If the hitter leaves the ball for a trailing teammate, that player may not engage with the primary defender, the primary defender must be readily and easily identifiable by the officials on the field.


Procedure of the Blocking Rule

The penalty for breaking the blocking rule will be a foul blown against the offending team.

The outcome and ball placement for breaking the blocking rule are dependent on field position. If within the 60 yards zone, a 60 yard penalty will be awarded. Generally in open field penalties, a spot hit will be sufficient.

The game is started after an infringement of the blocking rule by penalty in favour of the team that has been infringed.


The Blocking Rule at Different levels of Polo

There is no difference in the blocking rule interpretation across all levels of Polo.

The common errors players make when being blown for the breaking the blocking rule are a lack of knowledge of the rule and a lack of cohesion and team tactics.
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