Kho Kho

National Club Games

Rule Book
Kho-Kho
A B

2.25 2.25
Mts. Mts.
2.50+30 2.30+30 2.30+30 2.30+30 2.30+30 2.50
c.m. c.m. c.m. c.m. c.m.

D 20 Metres 20 c.m. x 14 Metres E

PART-1
KHO-KHO GROUND
1 Endline
The lines AB and CD running parallel to each other and equal in length to the length
of the Kho Kho field are known as ENDLINES.
Note: Measurement of ENDLINES for: 14 Mts.
2 Sidelines
The lines AD and BC running parallel to each other and equal in length to the length
of the Kho Kho field are known as SIDELINES.
Note: Measurement of SIDELINES for: - 20 Metres 20 Centimetres
3 Field
The limits of the Kho Kho field are formed by meeting the Endlines and Sidelines at
ABC&D.

4 Court
The area between the post lines formed by points EFGH is known as COURT.

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5 Posts
Two strong wooden posts, smooth all over 120 to 125 cms. Above and perpendicular
to the ground, fixed firmly in the free zone at tangent to the Post Lines at M and N
are known as POSTS. The points M and N shall coincide with centre of the posts and
shall be at a distance exactly half the width of the Kho kho Court. Their diameter
shall be uniform throughout and shall measure between 9 and 10 Cms.
Note: The POSTS shall not be taper. Top of the Posts shall be free from any sharp
edges.

6 Central Lane
CENTRAL LANE is a rectangle in between two Posts measuring 30Cms. x length
of the court which divides the Court into two equal halves and forms Square at the
intersection of Cross Lanes.
Note: The length of the Central Lane: 10.70 Mts.

7 Cross Lane
Each of the rectangles measuring 30 Cms. x width of the court that intersects the
Central Lane at right angle is known as CROSS LANE.

8 Square
The area 30 Cms. x 30 Cms. formed by the intersection of the Central Lane and the
Cross Lane is known as a SQUARE.
Note: 1. Distance between adjacent Squares: 230 Cms.
2. Distance between Post Line and 1st Cross Lane: –250 Cms.

9 Lines of the Posts

The lines which are at right angles to the Central Lane and run parallel to the
Cross Lane at tangent to the Posts are known as Line of the Post or Post Lines
(EF & GH).

10 Free Zone
The remaining portion of the field on either end of the Court is known as FREE
ZONE.
Note: The dimension of the Free Zone: –225 Cms. x 14 Mts.

11 Lobby
The area surrounding the field by a measure of 1.5 Mts. in width is known as LOBBY.

12 Width of the Line

Width of each line should be around 3 Cms. To 5 Cms. and is included in all measurements.

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13 Entry Zone
The area marked in the lobby parallel to the Side Line and in the both side of Scor-
er’s table with the outer line of the lobby measuring 1 Mt. in width and from Post
Line to 3rd. Cross Lane in length is known as ENTRY ZONE. It is meant for the
Runners to take entry to the field for defence.

14 Sitting Block
Sitting Block for Reserve Players, Coach & Manager shall be either side of the Field
just outside of the Lobby adjacent to the end lines.

15 Chasers
The players who chase the opponents with a view to put out them and at the same
time score points are known as CHASERS.

16 Attacker
A player who pursues the players of the opposite side i.e. defenders with a view to
tag and touch them is known as an ATTACKER.

17 Runners
The players of the side other than the Chasers are known as RUNNERS.

18 Defenders
The runners who are inside the field foe their turn of defence are known as DEFENDERS.

19 To Give Kho
To give KHO an Attacker should touch the Chaser by hand from behind him and
then utter the word “KHO” loudly and distinctly.
Note: If the action of uttering the word “Kho” precedes the action of touching by
hand, then it shall be deemed as a foul. Simultaneous action of touching and uttering
“KHO” is not a foul. Single action of touching will not be deemed as foul. However,
uttering “KHO” will be considered as foul. If an Attacker touches a chaser sitting in
the Square nearest the Posts, “KHO”, shall be given. If an Attacker utters any word
other than the word “KHO” it will be deemed as a foul. Also uttering the word
“KHO” or any other word resembling the word “KHO” by any of the Chasers will
be treated as foul. The other actions being perfect, the following three actions of the
Attacker where a “KHO” is given will be allowed. However, the feet of an Attacker
shall not go beyond that Cross Lane.
A. An attacker’s front foot need not necessarily be in touch with the Cross Lane.
B. An attacker may be in the Cross Lane.

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C. An attacker’s foot should have in touch with the Cross Lane, with the other
portion of his body going beyond that Cross Lane.
1. After touching a chaser except nearest to the Post (1st & 5th Chaser) if an Attacker
moves away beyond the Cross Lane, he will be deemed to have continued his attack
and hence shall not be allowed to utter “KHO” from the distance. However, on
Cross Lane he may come back and give “KHO”.
2. An attacker cannot rest or support on the Chaser to put out a Defender. It will be
deemed as a foul.

20 Foul
If an Attacker or a Chaser violates any Rules, it is known as a Foul.

21 To Take a Direction
When an Attacker goes from one Post line to another Post line and/or after getting a
Kho, he goes towards a particular Post line he is said to have taken a direction.

22 Shoulder Line
An imaginary line running through the centre of the shoulders of an Attacker is
known as SHOULDER LINE.

23 To Recede
When as Attacker while going to a particular direction, touches the ground which he
had already covered, he is said to have receded.
Explanation: The Ground Covered will always refer to ground covered
by Rear foot in opposite direction.

24 To Leave the Free Zone

When an Attacker loses contact of his feet with the Free Zone and comes in contact
with the Court with his feet, he is said to have left the Free Zone.
Note: Keeping within the Rule of taking direction, an attacker can change his direc-
tion by kicking the Post by his one leg and another in the air.

25 To Reach the Free Zone

When an Attacker loses contact of his feet, with the Court and comes in contact with
the ground of the Free Zone by his feet he is said to have reached the Free Zone.

26 Out of Field
If a defender loses contact of his feet with the Field and comes outside, he is said to
have gone OUT OF FIELD.

27 Entry
A runner is said to have entered the Field as soon as he loses the contact with the

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ground outside the Field with his feet and comes in contact with the ground inside
the Field with his foot.

PART-2
RULES OF THE GAMES
1. The play ground (FIELD) shall be marked as shown in Part 1
2. Referee shall call both the captains for the spin of the coin (TOSS). He shall instruct
one of them to call the choice of the side of the coin. He shall then declare the
winner of the TOSS.
Referee shall stand at the centre of the court FACING the scoring table with
Captains on either side.
Note: A. The winner of the toss will raise his arm and indicate immediately by his
index finger either the Central Lane or the Side Line for the option of
Chasing or the Defence. No captain shall touch the coin.
B. Any 5 chasers shall occupy the Square facing the Side Lines in such a
way that no adjacent chasers face the same Side Line.
The 6th chaser shall stand in either of the Free Zone to start
the chase.
A. At the commencement of the turn, the first batch of two Defenders
shall be inside the limits (Field) and the remaining Runners shall
occupy the seats meant for them.
B. After a Defender is out he shall occupy the seat meant for him.
C. After commencement of the turn, no chaser shall leave the Square
without getting Kho or change the face. If he does so, it is a Foul and
repetition of the same will amount to misbehavior.
3 An Attacker, as a rule, shall not cross the Central Lane to go to the other half of
the court or to the Free Zone.
Crossing/touching of Central Lane by any part of the body except note is an of-
fence. It shall be treated as Foul.
Note: If an Attacker while chasing crosses/touches that line of the Central
Lane which lies on the side of his chasing half the Foul shall not be
declared. However, if an Attacker while touching or at the time of touching
the Defender or as a result of the action of putting out a Defender
does it, foul shall be declared and Defender will not be declared out.
4 If a Kho is to be given, it shall be given from behind a Chaser. It shall be given
in a sufficiently loud tone so that the Defenders and the officials can hear. The
Chaser shall not get up without getting Kho.

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Note: A. An Attacker shall not give Kho by touching the arm or leg or any part
of the body extended or tilled towards him by a Chaser.
B. To give Kho touching on the back of the Chaser should not be
insisted upon.
5 After giving a Kho, an Attacker shall cease to be so and shall sit down immedi-
ately in the Square of the Chaser to whom he has given a Kho.
Note: A. After giving a perfect Kho if the Chaser while sitting looses the
contact of the Cross Lane it shall not be a Foul.
B. The natural time needed to sit on the Square after giving Kho must be
allowed. However, this should not obstruct the game of Defender. If
he does so it should be declared as Foul.
6 After getting a Kho Chaser will immediately be an Attacker and shall go to the
half that he is facing and shall go in the direction which he has taken by going the
Cross Lane or turning his shoulder towards any of the Posts.
An Attacker shall take the direction according to one of the actions, which
ever he has performed first.
Note: A. As long as any part of the foot of an Attacker is touching the ground
of a cross lane he has not gone beyond that Lane.
B. Defender shall be declared “OUT”, if an Attacker puts him out (touch-
es him) before leaving the SQUARE without committing foul.
7 An Attacker shall take the Direction to which he turns his Shoulder Line. When
Attacker, while going in a particular direction, turns his shoulder line through
more than a right angle to the direction which he has already taken it shall be a
Foul.
8 Once an Attacker has taken a direction, he shall go in that direction till he reaches
the Free Zone unless he gives a Kho before that. An Attacker shall not go to the
other half of the court unless he turns around the Post through the Free Zone.
9 If an Attacker leaves the Free Zone, he shall go in the direction of the other Free
Zone, remaining on that half of the Court where he was, when he left the Free
Zone.
10 The rules about taking the direction and receding shall not be applicable in the
Free Zone.
11 The chaser shall sit in a manner which shall not obstruct the Defenders. If a de-
fender becomes out by such an obstruction he shall not be declared out.
Note: A. If a chaser is found to be deliberately moving any part of his body
which may obstruct the defender, he shall be warned by officials and
appropriate action will be taken.
B. The ACTION of moving/tilting shoulder thigh or any other part of
the body towards a Defender who is running near the Central Lane

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and closer to a chaser shall be treated as a “FOUL”.

12 During a turn, an Attacker may go out of court but he shall observe all the rules,
about taking a direction and receding even when he is out of court.

Explanation
The word “court” is to be noted. Rules of court are applicable within the area
covered by or between the EXTENDED POST LINES.
Attacker will be allowed to enter the Field/Court as he wants, if he goes out of
Court beyond the extended post line. He shall not be insisted to enter through the
Free Zone.
13 A Defender shall not touch a Chaser. If he does so he shall be warned once in a
turn. If he repeats the same, he shall be declared out.
Note: Warning to the Defender should be recorded in the Remarks Column
of the Score Sheet.
14 A defender shall be declared out, if he is touched by hand by an Attacker without
violating any rule or if he goes out of Field. He shall be declared out by a short
blow of the whistle.
Note: A. Deliberate pushing, catching, pulling even by uniform or hitting will
be treated as misbehavior.
B. While chasing a Defender, if an Attacker pushes the said Defender
out of field, the Defender shall NOT BE DECLARED OUT.
C. If a defender goes out of field he shall be declared out.
15 An Attacker and the Chasers shall not violate any of the rules pertaining to them.
It shall be a Foul if any rule is violated.
Note: A. If a Defender is put out as a result of such a Foul or if Foul is committed
immediately as a result of the action taken in putting a defender out,
the Defender shall not be declared out. The protection from being
out due to a foul is applicable to the Defender who was being actually
chased at the time of committing foul.
B. At the time of “Touching At Post” (POLE DIVE), dragging of rear leg
and turning of shoulder line more than 90 degree will not be a foul
but touching and/or crossing the Central Lane by any part of the body
will be a Foul. In this case shoulder line foul should be ignored.
16 If an Attacker violates any of the rules, the Umpire shall declare a foul by blow-
ing a short whistle continuously and shall immediately compel the Attacker to
go in a direction opposite to that of which he is going. Immediately on hearing
a signal given by the Umpire by his whistle, the Attacker shall take the direction
indicated by the Umpire and if the Defender, being chased at that time, thereby
becomes out he shall not be declared out and the Attacker shall have to follow the

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direction indicated by the Umpire, he need not give Kho.

Note: In as a result of the action of putting out there should be any lapse of time
between Foul and action. Foul must be committed in a continuous
action/follow through.
17 Advantage Rule
If a foul committed by either the Attacker or chaser does not give any advantage
whatsoever to the chasing side in their chase and disadvantage to the Defenders,
it shall not be declared by the continuous short blast on whistle.

PART-3
RULES ABOUT MATCHES
1 Each team will consist of One Manager cum coach and 7 players for competition.
Five players will be named for a match, only two players shall be Reserve .
2 A. An inning will consist of a chasing and defending turns which shall be of 5
minutes each for. Each match will consist of 2 innings. There shall be an interval
of 5 minutes after an inning and 2 minutes break between turns for boys and
girls. At the beginning of a turn 2 runners shall be inside the Field for defence.
Immediately on these 2 defenders being declared out, the next 2 runners shall be
inside the Field before 2 Khos are given. Those runners who fail to enter within
the period shall be declared out. The runners who may enter early shall not be
declared out but called back. Thus the Runners will continue to enter the field
in the same batch till the end of turn. The Attacker who has put out the third de-
fender shall not chase the new batch. He shall give Kho. If he chases any of the
new Defenders, it shall be a Foul. Each side shall enter its Runners to the field
from the portion marked for them in the lobby (Entry Zone).
2 B. Time to enter the Field (TWO CORRECT KHOS) is given to Runner. Hence
Defender who is inside the Field can be chased after One Correct Kho is given.
To Chase a new batch two Khos should not be insisted.
As soon as 1st Defender of a batch is out, the next two Runners must enter the
Entry Zone.
Referee shall have the option to declare out Runners of the next batch, who have
not entered the field after two correct Kho’s are given.
An Attacker shall not pursue a new batch after the last Defender of a batch is out
in whichever manner. He must give Kho.
Runners who enter early shall be called back by the Referee.
3 The captain of the chasing team shall have the option to end the turn before the
allotted time. He shall inform the Referee about the same by raising his arm and

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request him to stop the turn until the Referee has signaled to stop the turn, the
turn is not closed. The chasing side shall not leave the Squares until the Referee
has declared the turn as closed.
Note: Defending side can also request the Referee to close, the turn of defence
in the 2nd innings, provided the match is conceded as “Defeated”. The Referee
can allow this, if the difference in points at that time is 15 or more.
4 The chasing side shall score one point for each Defender out. If all six Runners
are out before the completion of the turn they shall maintain the same order of
defence. Order of the Runners shall not be changed during a turn.
5 In the knock out matches the side that scores more points at the end of the match
shall be declared as winner. If the points, are equal one more inning (one turn
for each side as chasers and runners) shall be played. If again the points are equal
an additional inning shall be played on minimum chase basis as follows: Referee
will start the turn of his additional inning. As soon as the first point is scored the
turn shall be closed by the Referee. He shall stop the “stop watch” with him si-
multaneously. The time for scoring of this first point shall thus be noted. The side
that takes less time to score this first time (Minimum chase) shall be declared as
winner of the match. (The Referee shall stop the match, if the time exceeds more
than 30 seconds than the recorded time of the opponents). If needed be, this pro-
cess shall continue till the winner is decided. In the league system the winner shall
score two points and the looser shall score no points. In case of a tie, both the
sides shall score one point each. If there is a tie in the group league points scored
in the league the concerned teams in the group will replay the match or matches
with knock out system after drawing lot. But if it is not possible to conduct match/
matches for some unavoidable circumstances the match/matches can be played
in minimum chase basis.
6 If a match is not completed for any reason, it shall be continued further at another
time with the same players and the same officials, provided it is played in the
same session, the scorers of the completed turns, of each side shall be counted the
match being continued, from the beginning of the incomplete turn. (The same
nine players at the time of interruption and officials will be there). If the incom-
plete match is not played in the same session, the entire match will be replayed
from the beginning. In this case the players and officials need not be the same.
Time for a Session will be as follows: Morning sunrise to 12.00 Noon Afternoon/
Evening 12.00 Noon to end of the day.
Note: A match started in one session and completed in the next session will be
treated as played in the next session.
7 After completion of 1st inning if the points of a side (who chaser 1st at the starting
of the match) exceeds the points of other side by nine or more the former side
shall have the option of requiring the later side to follow on its turn as chaser
without forfeiting its own right to take its turn as chaser afterwards. In case the

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other side exceeds its score.

Clarification
Option to give “follow on” is restricted upon 9 points only. It will be mandatory to
give “follow on” if the difference is more than 9 points. In case of “follow on” the
Result will be won by “an inning”.

8 Substitution
Any number of substitutions can be allowed by the Referee on the request of
Coach or Captain.
A. For chasing turn at any time during the match.
B. For Runners substitution is allowed only before they enter the field.
Note: A. During substitution the substituted chaser shall not enter the field, unless
the outgoing chaser comes out of the field.
B. Substituted attacker shall not pursue the defenders directly. He must
give a Kho.
9 If a Defender is out he shall return to the sitting place through the lobby entering
from the nearest End or Side Line only.
10 The teams will not leave the ground till the Referee declares the result of the match.

PART-4
OFFICIALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MATCH
(AUTHORITY DUTY AND RIGHTS)

The following officials shall be appointed for the management

of a match:
A Referee, Two Umpires, a Timekeeper and One Scorer.

REFEREE
1 The referee shall perform the following duties.
A. He shall check the score sheets, ground etc. and take the toss before starting the
match. He shall help the umpires, to perform their duties and shall give his final
decision in case of any difference between them.
B. If a player intentionally obstructs the conduct of the play or behaves in an
ungentlemanly or mischievous manner or intentionally violates any of the
rules, the Referee shall at his discretion penalize the defaulting players. The
penalty at his discretion shall range, according to the default from warning a
defaulting player or the entire team to participate in further play of the match.

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C. He shall announce the warning by calling the chest number of runner or chaser
and showing a “Yellow” Card. It shall be recorded by the Scorer-1 by marking
the chestnumber in warning column. He shall announce the forbiddance from
the participation in future play in similar way as warning but showing a “Red”
Card. This will also be recorded by the Scorer-1 by marking the “F” against the
chest number in defence column. Such a player shall be immediately replaced
and asked to leave the arena.
Note: If a defender is shown a red card by the referee to penalize his offence he
will be declared out and shall be forbidden from the participation for that particular
match and in the next match too. His substitute will be allowed to play in the same
batch if the batch is to come/play again in that particular turn.
D. He shall synchronize his watch to that of time keeper and shall check the time
after each turn.
E. He shall check the scores of the sides at the end of each turn from the score
sheet also announce the result of the match.
F. He shall be responsible for the general supervision of the match.
G. He shall alone keep the time during the additional inning of minimum chase.

2 Umpire
The Umpire shall move in the lobby and shall conduct the games. For any reasons, if
he enters the field, he shall come back to the lobby immediately without obstructing
the progress of the match. He shall give decisions and also help the other Umpire to
give correct decisions. The Umpire shall declare a foul and compel the Attacker to act
up to the rules, if the latter does not follow the rules. If there is any unfair means in
the ground he will warn the concern players verbally and will bring it to the referees’
notice for further action if necessary.

3 Time Keeper
The Time Keeper shall start the turn by blowing a long whistle followed by a short
after getting direction from the Referee. The end of the turn shall be declared by him
by blowing a long whistle. He shall enter the lobby and declare the completion of
each minute of play loudly by raising his arm holding an indicator.
Note: Referee/Umpire/Time Keeper, should exhibit as shown in Part-IX SIGN IN
KHO-KHO.

4 Scorer
Scorer-1 shall note down and check the names and numbers of the players, shall
record the performance of the players. At the end of the match he shall prepare the
scores of the two sides and the Result of the match. He shall get the score sheets duly
signed by all officials. After completing the score sheet he shall hand over to the

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Referee for checking and declaration of the result.

Scorer-2 shall record the order of the Defenders. He shall keep a record of the De-
fenders who are out and make them sit in the place provided for them. He shall
execute the process of substitution and shall note down with scorer.
1 After the start of the match, if any of the officials is unable to officiate, the remain-
ing officials shall manage the officiating till the end of the turn. If the official is
unable to resume the work, he shall be replaced by a new official.
2 The officials of the match shall be appointed by the competent authority and shall
function under the guidance of Referee.

PART- 5
RULES ABOUT PLAYERS/ MANAGERS/COACHES

1 Players Uniform
Uniform of a Kho-Kho player shall include spots/canvas shoes (free from any metal
part anywhere that may cause injury) short and vest (half sleeves) or “T-shirt” for men
and Boys: shirt or “T-shirt” for women and girls.
Each player shall be numbered in front and back of his “T” shirt/shirts with number
of solid color contrasting with the color of “T” shirt. The number shall be printed/
stitched of size 10 cms. High and 2 cms. Wide on the back (contravention) on the
lesser size will be treated as misbehavior. The numbers shall be printed to 1 to 15.
Players of the same side shall neither wear duplicate a tournament/championship. (In
case the need arises. Referees will allow change of chest numbers).
Manager shall furnish scorer-1 the list of players and chest numbers.

2 Rights & Duties of Players

a All players must know the rules of the game and abide by the rules.
b During the game, a player may address the referee only through the team captain;
the team captain may address the referee and shall be the spokesman for his
players. He may also address the other officials but only on matters concerning
their duties.

3 Conduct of Players/Substitutes/Coaches and Managers

The managers, Coaches & Substitutes shall sit in the place provided for them.
The following acts, are punishable:
a) Persistent addressing of officials concerning their decision.
b) Making derogatory remarks to officials.
c) Committing actions tending to influence decisions of the officials.

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d) Making derogatory acts or personal remarks to the opponents.

e) Deliberate coaching during the game from outside the ground.
f) Leaving the ground without the permission of the referee during the match and
before declaration of the result.
Referee shall take action according to the gravity of their offence.

4 Penalties
a For a minor offence, such as talking to opponents, spectator or officials, shout-
ing, etc. a verbal warning will be given by the Referee. In case of repetition of
the offence warning will be given by showing a yellow card.
b For a serious offence, Referee may disqualify the concerned players and others
from rest of the match by showing a red card.
Note: If a player is shown yellow card twice in a match, he shall be forbidden in that
match of the particular tournament and also in the next match if he is shown a yellow
card in two different matches in a particular tournament, he will be forbidden from
participation for next match of that particular tournament.
If a player is shown red card in a match he shall be forbidden from the participation
for the rest of the match and for next match also of that particular tournament. As
mentioned in the rule 1, 2, 3, of Part 5 shall be taken by an Umpire and/or Referee.
The concerned shall report the matter in writing to the proper Authority (in charge
of officials, Observer, Organizing Secretary, Convener, Referees Board of respective
Federation/Association, Secretary General.
Note: Masculine gender assumes feminine gender and singular number assumes
plural number whenever necessary in all the preceding parts.

PART-6
IMPLEMENTS
The following should be used:
A. Posts.
B. Strings.
C. Measuring tape (steel)
D. Stop watches (two on each ground).
E. 2 Rings having inner diameter of 9 cms & 10 cms. respectively.
F. Score-sheet, Performance Count.
G. Time placard 1 to 8
H. Red & Yellow card.

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