Kho Kho Rules and Regulations: An In-Depth Guide

Kho Kho is one of Indias most traditional and fast-paced sports, rooted in simplicity yet demanding high levels of athleticism and strategy. Though it may look straightforward to the untrained eye, Kho Kho is governed by a detailed set of rules and regulations that make the game exciting, fair, and highly competitive. This guide provides a complete end-to-end breakdown of the rules and regulations of Kho Kho for players, coaches, and fans alike.

? What is Kho Kho?

Kho Kho is a tag sport that involves chasing and dodging, played between two teams. It is traditionally played on a rectangular court with minimal equipment and maximum energy. Unlike other tag games, Kho Kho involves complex strategies, timed moves, and precise coordination between teammates.

? Basic Structure of the Game

Each game of Kho Kho involves two innings, with each team having the chance to chase and defend. Every inning consists of a chasing turn and a defending turn for each team.

Team Composition: Each team consists of 12 players, of which 9 players take the field during a turn, and the remaining 3 are substitutes.

Objective: The goal is for the chasing team to tag out all the defenders within the allocated time to earn points.

? The Playing Field

The standard Kho Kho field is a rectangular area measuring approximately 29 meters long and 16 meters wide for mens competitions. The court is divided by a central lane, and there are eight cross lanes where chasers sit, alternately facing opposite directions. Two poles are placed at both ends of the central lane, which play a crucial role in movement and turning for chasers.

? Roles of the Players

Chasers: One active chaser starts the game by running, while the other eight sit on the central lane. The active chaser can pass the chase to a seated teammate by giving a kho a hand touch on the back along with a verbal call.

Defenders: The defending team sends three players at a time onto the field. Their aim is to avoid being tagged for as long as possible.

? Game Timing

The standard game is divided into two innings, and each inning has:

Chasing Turn: 9 minutes

Defending Turn: 9 minutes

For junior or womens categories, the time per turn may be shortened to 7 minutes. There is a short break between each turn for teams to switch roles.

? How the Game Is Played

1. Start of the Game:
   
   

A toss is conducted to decide which team chases first.

The chasing team positions 8 players on the central lane, and 1 begins the chase.

Three defenders from the opposing team enter the field.

2. Tagging:
   
   

The active chaser must tag the defender with their hand to score a point.

They can pass the responsibility to another chaser by giving a kho to the seated teammate behind them.

The kho must be given while staying in the same direction, without turning back or changing direction illegally.

3. Turning Around:
   
   

The active chaser can only change direction by going around the pole at either end.

Directly turning around without going around the pole is considered a foul.

4. Batch Entry:
   
   

After the current batch of three defenders is out, the next batch enters the field.

This continues until the end of the 9-minute turn or until all defenders are dismissed.

? Rules and Regulations

• Valid Kho:
  
  

• A kho must be given by touching the back of a sitting chaser and calling kho clearly.
  
  

• If either the touch or the verbal command is missing, it is considered an invalid kho.
  
  

• Central Lane Violation:
  
  

• Chasers cannot cross the central lane or skip lanes while chasing.
  
  

• Any violation results in a foul and the play is temporarily stopped.
  
  

• Field Restrictions:
  
  

• Defenders must remain within the boundaries.
  
  

• Any player stepping out is automatically considered out.
  
  

• Substitutions:
  
  

• Only 3 players are allowed as substitutes.
  
  

• Substitutions are allowed only during designated breaks.
  
  

?? Officials in the Game

Every official Kho Kho match is supervised by a panel of referees and scorers:

Referee: Oversees the entire match and ensures that the rules are followed.

Umpires: Monitor each half of the field and rule on any fouls or disputes.

Timekeeper: Keeps track of game time and signals the start and end of turns.

Scorer: Records points scored and tracks the number of players dismissed.

? Winning the Match

The team that scores the highest number of points (i.e., most defenders tagged out during their chasing turns) by the end of two innings is declared the winner. If both teams score the same number of points, tie-breaker rules or an additional inning may be applied.

? Common Fouls

Giving an invalid kho

Turning back illegally

Crossing the central lane

Blocking or pushing the defenders

Interfering with defenders during their run

Each foul results in a temporary stoppage of play and may lead to penalties or disqualification, depending on the severity.

? Advanced Formats and Variations

In professional leagues and modern adaptations like the Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK), variations include power plays, special roles like the Wazir (a chaser with extended freedom), and other dynamic changes to make the game more television-friendly. However, the foundational rules remain largely unchanged from traditional play.

? Learn More

For a detailed overview and updates on competitive events, visit the full guide at:
? Kho Kho Rules and Regulations SportsNScoop

Final Thoughts

Kho Kho is not just a schoolyard gameit is a structured, highly strategic sport that combines agility, alertness, and team coordination. Its rules and regulations ensure fairness and excitement, making it a great platform for both grassroots development and professional competition. Understanding the games structure helps elevate the performance of players and enhances the viewing experience for fans. Whether youre learning to play or just getting to know the sport, knowing these rules is the first step toward mastering Kho Kho.