International Polocrosse Rules PDF format.

• Adopted 21st & 22nd June 1976
  Amended 10th & 11th April 1978
  Amended 2nd & 3rd June 1983
  Amended 15th & 16th July 1987
  Amended 19th May 1992
  Amended 16th & 17th April 1996
  Amended 9th July 2002
  Amended 30th April 2007

1. Height of Horses

(a) The height of horses shall not be restricted. Such horses shall be fit and safe from dangerous vices and disease.

2. Horse not to be played - Penalty 5

(a) A horse blind of an eye shall not be played. A stallion shall not be played. A horse showing vice, or not under proper control shall not be allowed in the game. A horse in the umpire’s opinion if unfit or unsafe to other players or horses shall not be played.

(b) Performance enhancing drugs shall not be permitted in any horse in any polocrosse tournament unless prescribed by a veterinary officer with a certificate and full disclosure.

3. One horse per player

(a) Only one horse shall be allowed each player in any one tournament, or match, except in the case of accident or injury to a horse, when a substitute is permissible with permission of the Tournament Disputes Committee. Two players may not ride one horse.

Substitute Horse

(b) If a player or horse is injured, a period of up to 10 minutes may be allowed for recovery otherwise a named horse/rider or a substitute horse/rider shall take their place. The Captain of the affected side may immediately re-organise the players of the affected section. The original horse or player may be replayed if considered fit by a vet or a doctor. All reserve horses shall be immediately available but at the umpire’s discretion a period of up to 10 minutes may be allowed for a substitute horse to take the field.

4. Fresh horse

No player shall play a fresh horse during the course of a match without the permission of the Umpire. Such permission will only be granted:

(a) In the case of injury to a horse when such injury in the opinion of the Umpire renders the horse unfit to continue

(b) When the Umpire considers a horse unfit or unsafe.

(c) In the event of the umpire or a vet declaring a horse unfit to play due to stress and a replacement horse coming in the opposing section has the option of also bringing in a fresh horse. (d) That no team may offer up a substitute horse to another team unless they have played all their scheduled games and that the horse has had adequate recovery time and will not exceed the permitted maximum playing time allowed.

5. Substitute Player

(a) Play will be stopped for blood wounds for either horse or rider. Play will not continue until blood wound has been properly dealt with.

(b) If a player or horse is injured, a period of up to 10 minutes may be allowed for recovery otherwise a named horse/rider or a substitute horse/rider shall take their place.

6. Size of Ground

(a) The size of the field shall conform to the dimensions in the diagram after Rule 22.

(b) Goal posts are to be 2.5 metres apart and at least 5 metres high and light enough to be pushed over or break when collided with and constructed or supported by such material that will not cause injury to player or horse.

(c) All lines shall be clearly marked and defined so as to be readily seen by both players and umpires.

(d) Boundary and Penalty Lines shall also be marked with flexible 1m high flags, which shall be situated 3m out from the sideline.

Umpire’s power to suspend play

(e) The Umpire shall have the power to suspend play until he/she is satisfied that field, horses, players and officials conform to the rules as laid down.

(f) The standard size of a Polocrosse Field shall be:- Length: 146.5 metres Width: 55.0 metres Goal Scoring Areas: 27.5 metres in length Centre Area: 91.5 metres in length Goal Posts: 2.5 metres apart, 5 metres high Radius of Goal Circle: 10.0 metres.

7. Ball

(a) The ball shall be a thick-skinned sponge rubber ball 100 to 103 mm in diametre with a finished weight of 140-155 grams. The ball should have a 55% to 65% bounce when dropped at sea level.

8. Players

(a) A team shall be limited to six a side, consisting of two sections of three players in all matches. These sections shall play alternate Chukkas and the total score of the two sections make up the final score except in the case of Penalty 4.

(b) A team may consist of any combination of male and female players up to the limit of six a side. The exact combination shall be decided upon prior to the tournament or match by the association or club conducting the game. The following combinations are recognised as standard:- Men’s Team 6 Men Women’s Team 6 Women Mixed Team 3 Men and 3 Women Open Team Any combination of Men & Women to a limit of 6 players Intermediate Team Any combination of players 16 & under 21 years to a limit of 6 players Junior Team Any combination of juniors under 16 years to a limit of 6 players Primary Juniors Team Any combination of juniors under 14 years to a limit of 6 players Veteran’s Team Any combination of senior players of at least 40 years of age to a limit of 6 players.

Age limit determination

(c) Where an age limit exists it is that player’s age as at the first day of January in that year.

Proof of date of birth

(d) Where age limits exist, proof of date of birth is to be lodged with the nation’s executive body at the time of registration/affiliation with that national body.

Performance enhancing drugs

(e) Performance enhancing drugs shall not be permitted in any player in any polocrosse tournament unless prescribed by a doctor with a certificate and full disclosure.

Bad or Foul Language. Penalty 1 and if persistent penalty 2 or 3

(f) Any player using foul or bad language during the course of the game will be penalised.

9. Nomination of Sections

(a) The team captain shall nominate the team, section order and the position of play to the umpire immediately prior to any match and ride on from opposing ends chosen by the toss of a coin when requested to do so by the umpire.

(b) For international matches or when required, this should be completed two hours before the game starts. The details are to be placed in sealed envelopes and handed to the referee and are not to be opened until both are to hand.

Mixed Teams Played

(c) In “Mixed Team” competition the mens section shall play the mens section and womens section play the womens section throughout the whole of the tournament.

(d) Once nominated for their first match, the players in a team shall play within that section throughout the remainder of that tournament. This shall not apply to international competition.

10. Change of Players

Players within one section of a team may change positions during the course of a game, provided that:

(a) The change is affected between chukkas.

(b) The umpire is informed.

(c) The opposing captain is informed.

(d) The players’ shirt numbers are changed.

(e) When a substitute horse and/or player is played the captain of the team may use the horses or players of the affected section to his satisfaction.

(f) A penalty goal shall be awarded against the offending team for failing to comply in a), b), c) and d).

(g) When a substitute horse and/or player is played, such substitute horse and/or player must not be of a higher standard than the horse and/or player they are replacing so as not to alter the team’s grade. This rule shall not apply to international matches.

11. Left-handed Players

(a) A player shall not change stick hands during the course of the game.

(b) The Umpire must be informed of the presence of left-handed players before the commencement of the match and shall inform all players.

12. Substitute of Players in Tournament

(a) In tournaments (unless conditions of the tournament provide otherwise) if a player having taken part in the tournament for any reason be unable to play, or if a bona-fide member of a team be unable through sickness or accident to take part in the earlier parts of the tournament, he/she may be replaced by a player who by the rules is qualified. In all instances under this rule the tournament organisers must be consulted.

13. Doubling up of Players

When only five players are available to play, the team is made up by one player playing two horses, one in each section:-

(a) Only at the discretion of the tournament or game organisers is doubling up possible.

(b) The team concerned must accept any available surplus player of a similar grade at a tournament or competition providing that a player is available before the commencement of the tournament or competition.

(c) When doubling up occurs the player that is playing in both sections must play at the No 2 position in one section

(d) Doubling up can only occur with one player i.e. 5 players in a team are the minimum.

(e) Associations and clubs fielding more than one team at a tournament must where a vacancy exists in their teams, fill their strongest graded team first.

14. Two Umpires

(a) When two umpires control a match one shall throw the ball in and the second umpire may be offset behind any line-ups. Umpires shall alternate throw-ins after a goal is scored. Both umpires shall have equal powers at all times during the match. The umpires shall keep the players between them at all times with one attending the ball carrier and the other attending back play at any given time

(b) The captain of each team shall have the right to select one umpire each from a panel of up to four of whom two may be nominated by the host country and two by the visiting country.

Referee

(c) The referee shall be appointed by the tournament organising committee or host country.

(d) The captain of a team or the captain’s deputy in the other section are the only people who may register a protest to the umpire, but shall not enter into any discussion or argument whatsoever. The Umpire’s decision shall be final.

15. Goal Judges

(a) At all tournaments, Goal Judges shall be appointed, each of whom shall be adult and give testimony to the Umpire at the latter’s request in respect of goals or other points (especially the 10-metre circle) near his/her goal. But the Umpire shall make all decisions.

(b) The Goal Judge shall wave a racquet above his/her head to signal a goal or across below knee level to signal a miss and shall be 3 metres behind the goal posts.

Line Umpire

(c) Side Line Umpires, if appointed shall be mounted and shall signal to the umpire if the ball goes out of play.

Umpire may over-rule

(d) The umpire or umpires shall be entitled to over-rule goal judges notwithstanding any signal from them or the lack thereof.

16. Timekeepers & Scorers

(a) An official timekeeper and an official scorer shall be employed in all games and matches. They shall report the state of the game as regards numbers of goals scored and amount of time left to play if requested by the umpire. Each competing team shall have the right to have and official representative with the timekeeper and scorer. At international matches scoreboards shall be provided with numbers no less than 230 mm high and shall be clearly visible to all spectators.

17. Duration of Play

(a) The maximum duration of play shall be eight chukkas of eight minutes each with intervals of two minutes after each period. Each section shall play alternate chukkas. A representative from each Team in consultation with the Tournament Committee to decide one hour prior to the start of the game the length and number of chukkas to be played. Each section of the team shall change over and play in the opposite direction in successive chukkas. If agreement cannot be reached the match referee to make the final decision.

Maximum time of play

(b) No horse shall be required to play more than a maximum total of fifty-four minutes in one day.

Shorter duration handicap calculation

(c) Where matches are played under handicap and the Chukkas be less than the maximum, they shall be worked out pro-rata according to the number played. Mistakes in handicaps or in computing goal allowances must be challenged before the match begins and no objection shall be entertained afterwards.

18. Termination of Chukka

(a) Each Chukka shall end at the expiration of the prescribed time and the ball dead on the first sound of the bell.

Foul on termination

(b) In the event of a foul being committed before the expiration of time and insufficient time is available to execute the penalty, that penalty shall be executed at the commencement of the next chukka. In the final Chukka of the game if a penalty is awarded to the attacking team in the goal scoring area too late to be taken before the bell, time is extended to allow a goal throw to be made. Provided there is no further infringement by the Defence the ball is then dead.

Draw

(c) In the case of a draw, the section off the field shall continue the game until the next goal is scored on a chukka basis.

(d) The Umpire has the right to declare time off for any reason he/she considers necessary.

19. Unfinished Game

In the event of a game being stopped by the Umpire for darkness, weather or for any other cause during the day, it shall be resumed at the same point as regards score, time, chukka and position of the ball where it stopped. If the conditions provide no further play on the prescribed day or days of the tournament, the game shall be deemed abandoned and re-organisation is left to the host club or host committee.

20. Most Goals wins Game

(a) The side that scores the most goals wins the game.

21. Protective Headgear.

(a) No player shall be allowed to play in a tournament or match unless he/she wears a protective helmet or cap which has been type approved of by his/her Country’s Standards Association. A minimum of a three point harness with fast release clip must be fitted to the helmet.

Loss of Headgear

(b) If a player loses his/her helmet the Umpire shall stop the game to enable such player to recover it. The game shall be restarted by the Umpire giving a free throw to the opposing side from where the ball became dead.

22. Correct dress and gear.

(a) Players must be properly dressed in registered National Association colours, riding boots, approved headgear and white trousers.

(b) Umpire shall be properly dressed in white trousers, white standards approved helmet, umpire jacket and riding boots.

(c) No player shall wear spurs with sharp rowels.

(d) The Umpire shall have the right to determine the safety of all bits. Bits with protruding sidebars shall not be permitted. Bits to have a mouth piece and reins attached.

(e) All gear must be sound and in good order.

(f) All saddles shall be equipped with girth, surcingle and breastplate or combination girth, surcingle and with breastplate.

(g) Roping saddles or saddles equipped with a horn shall not be used

(h) The Polocrosse stick may be of any length but the head shall have an internal stringing area no greater than 216 mm in length by 184 mm and shall have no metal reinforcements or any protrusions.

(i) Players must be correctly numbered with clearly visible numbers not less than 230 mm high on their backs and a second number of no less than 115 mm which shall be clearly visible on either the front or the arm. “Attack” players shall be numbered 1 “Centre” players shall be numbered 2 “Defence” players shall be numbered 3

(j) Horses will play with protective bandages/boots and coronet boots on all four legs.

(k) All whips to have a flapper on the end at least 12.5 mm wide and 50 mm long.

(l) No split or running reins shall be allowed. A running rein is defined as any attachment from hand through bit to saddle, girth, breastplate etc., or anything, which may be construed as a second rein. A professionally manufactured Market Harborough is accepted.(m) A list specifying the use of spurs/whips and any other equipment usually used on the horse whilst playing polocrosse be supplied and the owner to supply the bit with the horse in which it is to be ridden in at all times.

23. Goal Scoring Areas

(a) Goals must be attempted from within the areas AXYZA1B1B or DPQRD1C1C. These are termed the ‘goal scoring areas’. It shall not be deemed a goal if it is attempted from outside BB1 or CC1 nor from inside XYZ or PQR.

Throwing in after an attempt at goal has failed

(b) Should an attempt at goal fail or should an attempt at goal be deflected over the back line by the No 3, the defending “Back” shall throw the ball into play from behind the penalty line at a position in a direct line from where the ball crossed the back line. The ball in this instance must be thrown at least 10 metres in any forward direction. No player is to be within 10 metres of the spot from where the throw is to take place, except the “Attack” player of the opposing side who shall follow (horse’s nose to horse’s hip) the “Back” out but only at such distance as not to obstruct the throw being executed. No player shall attempt to touch the ball or interfere with the player taking the throw until the player and ball have travelled 10 metres. The player taking the throw shall have first attempt at the ball provided the player maintains control of the ball.

(c) Should the throw not travel 10 metres the umpire shall throw in from the nearest sideline in centre field.Obstruction at throw in Penalty 1.

(d) Should the “Attack” obstruct the thrower or should the others not observe the 10 metres a penalty shall be awarded.

Umpire’s signal:

23(b) Unsuccessful attempt at goal

24. Defined areas of play

(a) Only the Green “Attack” player and the Red “Defence” may play in the area AA1B1B and only the Red “Attack” and Green “Defence” in the area DD1C1C. All players including the “Centre” players of both sides may play in the area BCC1B1, this is the only area in which the “Centre” players may play.

25. How the game commences

At the commencement of the game the players shall line up as follows:-

(a) In two parallel files, knee to knee facing the umpire.

(b) No 1 (Attack) players nearest to the throw-in, followed by No 2 (Centre) players with the No 3 (Defence) players in the rear. All horses shall be no closer than nose to tail and no further apart than one horse’s length.

(c) The “Attack” players to be 5 metres from the sideline and the Umpire shall be at least 3 metres from the players.

(d) Each section shall line up on the side of the field nearest the goal it is defending.

(e) On the centre line of the field near the sideline indicated by the umpire.

(f) The umpire shall throw the ball in by hand (over-arm) within reach of the players’ sticks above the players’ heads between the opposing ranks of players. The umpire will hold the ball down until the moment of throw. In the event of the ball not being thrown in correctly and/or the ball being deflected out of play the umpire is to blow the whistle and repeat the throw.

(g) However, with reference to 25(f) above should the ball be taken in the net and lost out of play the umpire will award a penalty(h) No player may make any move for advantage in the game until the ball has left the umpire’s hand.

(i) After each goal is scored the Umpire shall throw the ball in from the alternate sideline.

(j) A reasonable amount of time must be allowed for the teams to line up.

(k) The first line up of a chukka shall start on the same side of the field as the timekeeper.

26. How a goal is scored.

A goal is scored if:

(a) The ball is thrown by the “Attack” from within the goal scoring area and passes through and between the goal posts at any height provided that his/her horse’s feet are not on or over the 10 metre circle and that the “Attack” does not throw stick and ball through the posts.

(b) The ball is thrown by the “Attack” and hits in passing the opposing “Back” or his/her horse, even if the “Back” is inside the 10 metre circle and passes through the goal posts. Attack’s stick permitted over Centre Line at International Competitions

(c) The “Attack” stick with the ball in it may pass over the centre line of the horse without constituting a foul or penalty, provided the player is in the act of attempting to throw the ball at his/her goal, and his/her horse’s feet are not on or over the 10 metre circle and provided that the “Attack” does not throw stick and ball through the posts.

(d) If the Number 3 or Back catches the ball before it goes through the goal posts with his/her horse’s feet on or over the back line between the posts.

Umpire’s signal:

26. Successful Goal

27. Crossing Penalty Line - Penalty 1

(a) The ball must not be carried over the Penalty Lines BB1 or CC1.

(b) A player carrying the ball up to the Penalty Line must throw the ball over the line so that it hits the ground on the opposite side of the line and so that he/she does not have possession whilst his/her horse is crossing it. However, the ball may be thrown by one player from one side of the Penalty Line and may be caught on the full by another player on the opposite side of the Penalty Line.

(c) If a foul is committed by a player carrying the ball over the penalty line, the spot from which the penalty is to be taken shall be in the area to which the player was proceeding.

28. Ball out of play.

(a) If the ball or hoof is on the line, the ball is deemed “out of play”. When carrying the ball the player shall be judged in or out of play by the position of his/her horse’s feet or foot and not the position of the ball relative to the boundary line or any other line.

Ball on Penalty Line - Penalty 1.

(b) A ball resting on the penalty line may only be picked up by the players in centre field.

(c) If the ball is out and becomes an umpire’s throw in it is thrown in a near the spot where it went out. Umpires should use discretion if the exact spot is close to the Penalty line or boundary line but no closer than 5 metres from the Penalty line or boundary line.

29. Player allowed to re-enter field - Penalty 1 or 2.

(a) Any player riding deliberately outside the boundary of the field, or any player being ridden off and forced outside the boundary line must be allowed by his/her opponents to re-enter the field at a point within 10 metres from the point at which he/she went out and/or was forced out; provided that the player must re-enter the field in the area from which he/she went out.

Deliberately over-riding the line - Penalty 1

(b) A player must not deliberately over-ride the boundary line with the ball in his/her possession.

Player carrying ball over line - Penalty 1

(c) If a player carrying the ball is being ridden off and overriding the boundary line seems inevitable, he/she shall throw the ball back into the field before over-riding the boundary line and must not ride over it with the ball in his/her possession.

30. Back line Penalty

(a) A penalty given for a player ridden out over or deliberately riding out over the back line, and who is in possession of the ball, such penalty shall be taken from the spot where he/she crosses the back line and shall be thrown at least 10 metres.

(b) To execute this Penalty a player may move up to the spot on the back line nominated by the Umpire from outside the perimetre of the field.

31. Ball over Boundary Line - Penalty 1, 2 or 3

(a) A player shall not throw the ball out over a boundary line of the field or cause by use of his/her stick or person a ball to go out over a boundary line of the field. The penalty shall be given from the spot where the ball crossed the boundary line. If a player causes a ball to go over the boundary line from a throw, pick up or from having his/her stick hit whilst in his/her possession, then a free throw is awarded to the other side. Ball Out of Play.

(b) A penalty given for a player causing the ball to go out over the back line or boundary line within the penalty area shall be taken from the spot where the ball crossed the back line or boundary line within the penalty area and shall be thrown at least 10 metres in any direction. (c) Where a ball goes out off a horse accidentally across the back-line or boundary line, the play will recommence with a line-up at the exact spot where the ball crossed the line. Both teams shall line up correctly. When a player is about to be forced over a boundary line and deliberately deflects the ball out off his own or another players horse, a penalty shall be awarded against that player.

Umpire’s Signal:

Rules 27 to 31. Player crossing penalty line or side line whilst in possession of the ball Penalty 1.

32. Player over riding Penalty Line - Penalty 1, 2 or 3.

A player who is not permitted to play in the goal scoring area may over-ride the Penalty Line provided that: -

(a) He/she does not carry the ball over the line.

(b) He/she pulls out of the way immediately so as not to either hinder or intimidate in any way the players permitted in the area.

(c) Leaves the area immediately and must not obtain advantage when they re-enter the centre field area.

33. Crossing - Penalty 1,2,3, or 4

(a) No player may cross another player except at such a distance as does not involve the possibility of collision or danger to either player. Any player leaving the field has no automatic right of way when returning to the field.

Example: Rule 33 (a)

A throws the ball to X, If B can unquestionably reach the ball at X without causing A to check to avoid collision the B is entitled to possession and pick up the ball. But if there is reasonable doubt, then it is B’s duty to turn to B1 and attempt a nearside pickup. Penalty 1,2,3 or 4

(b) Two players following the line of the ball attempting to ride one another off have the right of way over a single player coming from any direction.

Example: Rule 33 (b)

The ball has been thrown to X. Blue 1 shall give way to Red 3 & Blue 2 because two player have the right of way over one.

Penalty 1,2,3 or 4

Possessor of Ball - Penalty 1,2,3, or 4

(c) That player is in possession of the line of the ball who is riding in the direction in which it was thrown, on, or at the least angle to the line of the ball.

Example: Rule 33 (c) Crossing.

The ball has been thrown to X. Neither A or B have thrown it there.If A and B start riding towards the ball and collision seems probable, B shall give way to A because A has followed more closely the line on which the ball has travelled.

Penalty 1,2,3 or 4

Possessor of ball given way to - Penalty 1,2,3, or 4.

(d) If two players are riding from different directions to pick up the ball and a dangerous collision seems probable, then the player in possession of the line of the ball must be given way to.

Example: Rule 33 (d)

A player riding in the same direction in which the ball is travelling has the right of way over all other player. Player A & B must give way.

(e) A player riding in the direction in which the ball is travelling, at an angle to its line, has possession rather than a player riding to meet the ball at an angle to its line.

(f) As between players both riding to meet the ball, that player is in possession of the ball whose course is at the least angle to the line of the ball.

(g) No player shall enter the line of the ball in front of a player in possession, except at such a distance as does not involve the possibility of collision or danger to either player. If a player enters safely on the line of the ball another player shall not ride into that player from behind.

(h) A player is not in possession of the line of the ball because he/she was the last thrower if he/she has deviated from the exact course of the ball.

Example: rule 33 (h):

.

A collision at X is imminent.

B on the ball throws to X and swings around in a semi-circle. A is following the line of the ball.Although B threw the ball, B loses possession because A has ridden on a line closer and more nearly parallel to the line on which the ball has been travelling.

A is entitled to possession of the ball and must be given way to.

Penalty 1,2,3 or 4

Penalty 1,2,3, or 4

(i) &nbAsp; No player shall pull up across the line of the ball if by doing so he/she endangers himself/herself or a player on the line of the ball.

(j) If the ball has no line of travel, the player closer to the ball has possession, when a collision becomes possible.

(k) Any player standing stationary on the line of the ball must immediately move from that line. The player may catch the ball provided that he/she moves immediately from the line of the ball and does not involve the possibility of a collision or danger to either player.

Example: Rule 33: Crossing

No 1 WHITE in possession of the ball throws to X.

.

All three players ride for the ball No. 2 WHITE riding off the No 3 BLACK all the way and a collision between the three is imminent at X.No. 1 WHITE is entitled to possession. A dangerous foul should be given against No. 2 WHITE causes No. 3 BLACK to cross No. 1 or if No. 2 WHITE causes the No. 3 BLACK to pull up so as to avoid a collision with No.1.

.

Umpire’s Signal:

Rule 33. Player crossing dangerously in front of other player (s).

Penalty 1,2,3 or 4.

34. Line of Ball over Penalty Line - Penalty 1,2,3 or 4.

The “Defence” and “Attack” players when following a ball from the goal scoring area towards and/or over the Penalty Line have the line of the ball. Those players in Centre Field must give way.

35. Dangerous Riding - Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6.

No player shall ride dangerously as for example:

(a) Bumping at an angle dangerous to a player or his/her horse.

(b) Pulling across or over a horse’s forelegs in such a manner as to risk tripping the horse.

(c) Bumping with sufficient force to dislodge a horse from its line of travel.

(d) Pushing across a horse’s loins or neck.

(e) No jostling or bumping during time-off.

(f) Intentionally losing contact with the reins during play.

(g) Riding off is allowed provided that contact is made with the horses facing in the same direction and pushing shoulder to shoulder.

(h) When horses are facing in opposite directions, pushing is permitted sideways provided that horses are kept parallel and either player does not push across the other horse’s loins or back or under the opposing horse’s neck.

Umpire’s signal:Rule 35.

Horse bumping dangerously into another horse behind the saddle. Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6

36. Rough Play - Penalty 2,3,4 or 6.

(a) No player shall seize with the hand, strike or push with the head, arm or elbow, but a player may push with his/her arm above the elbow provided the elbow be kept close to his side.

Horse’s head - Penalty 2,3 or 5.

(b) No player shall permit his/her horse’s head to contact another player if in so doing it is likely to cause injury or interference to the other player.

Swinging stick wildly - Penalty 2,3,4 or 6

(c) No player shall swing his/her stick wildly so as to intimidate or injure horse or rider. Any attempt to hit an opponent’s stick which in the umpire’s opinion constitutes a wild or vicious swing shall be deemed dangerous play.

(d) The swinging of the stick in more than one consecutive circle constitutes dangerous play.

(e) No player shall be allowed to swing at an opponent’s stick whilst coming from behind, until the player’s body is level with the opponent’s horse’s hip and no further forward than the horse’s shoulder for a backward swing but at all stages players must be within reach of an opponent’s racquet before attacking the racquet.

Umpire’s signal:

Rule 36. A wild or dangerous swing that could cause injury to horse or rider. Penalty 2,3,4 or 6

Penalties 2,3,4,6 or 7. (f) Any wild or uncontrolled hit with a racquet to the player or horse shall not be permitted.

37. Striking horse with stick - Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6.

(a) No player shall be allowed to hit a horse intentionally with a polocrosse stick.

Umpire’s signal:

Rule 37. Hitting or prodding horse with the racquet. Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6

Wrongful use of spurs or whip - Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6.

(b) No player shall use his/her whip, stick or spurs to intimidate or injure another horse or rider. Removal of spurs or whip

(c) The Umpire may after ordering a player to remove spurs or whip for injury to his/her horse prevent him/her from using any spurs or whip for part or the remainder of the game.

38. Wedging of player - Penalty 1,2,3,4 or 6.

No player shall ride dangerously such as occurs when one player is wedged between two players with dangerous contact between the three horses concerned. The last player making contact causes the penalty.

39. Carrying ball - Penalty 1

(a) Any player carrying the ball must carry it on his/her stick side and not across the horse’s neck or back to the opposite side. It is permissible to pick the ball up on either side providing that the stick is immediately brought back to the carrying side.

Umpire’s signal:

Rule 39. Player crosses centre line of horse whilst in possession of the ball. Penalty 1 (b) A player’s stick with the ball in it may pass over the centre line of his/her horse without constituting a foul or penalty provided he/she is in the act of throwing the ball.

40. Two-handed throws.

(a) Two-handed throws are not allowed.

(b) A player in possession of the ball shall not throw or pass his/her stick with the ball in it to another player. (c) No player shall deliberately throw his/her stick either at his/her opponent’s stick or at the ball in flight.

41. Hitting of stick

(a) A player may hit his/her opponent’s stick but only in an upward direction to dislodge the ball or to prevent the opponent from gaining possession of the ball but only from the “Stick Side”.

Umpire’s Signal:

Rule 41.

Player hitting down on opposing player’s racquet to dislodge the ball. Penalty 1,2,or 3 Stick Side

(b) The “Stick Side” is deemed that side the opponent has his/her stick at the instant you attempt to hit it. Penalty 1, 2 or 3

(c) The stick shall not be hit unless the opponent is in the act of gaining possession or has possession of the ball. Penalty 1 or 2

(d) A player shall not reach across or under an opponent ’s horse’s neck or body in order to dislodge the ball from his stick. (e) A ball may be caught or thrown overhead but not struck.

42. Ball tapped along - Penalty 1.

A ball may be tapped along the ground but the stick must not be raised above the hock or knee in doing so.

43. Catching the Ball - Penalty 1

(a) A player shall not catch or hit the ball with anything but his/her stick. He/she may block it with any part of his/her body.

Carrying ball

(b) A player shall not carry the ball other than in his/her stick; he/she must not hold the ball in the stick by the use of his/her body, or that of his/her horse. In the event of a ball lodging against a player, horse or its equipment, it must be dropped immediately.

44. Dismounted player - Penalty 1 or 2

No dismounted player shall interfere with the ball or the game in any way. Similarly no dismounted player can be obstructed in any way.

45. Accidents

(a) If a horse falls, or a player or a horse be injured, or in case of an accident to a horse’s gear which in the opinion of the umpire involves danger to the player or other players, the umpire shall stop the game.

Broken bandages

(b) The umpire shall stop play for broken or loose bandages. The player with the broken or loose bandages shall be penalised. Play shall recommence with a free throw to the opposition.

Umpire’s signal:

Rule 45. Time Off

(c) The umpire shall use his/her discretion regarding stopping the play for broken or loose gear. Play shall recommence with a free throw to the team in possession or a line up.

Dropped or broken stick

(d) The umpire shall not stop the game for a broken or dropped racquet unless it is the result of an infringement by the opposing team.

46. Infringement a foul

Any infringement of the rules constitutes a foul and the umpire may stop the game by the use of a whistle.

Ball Dead

If the umpire blows his/her whistle, the ball becomes dead, and the umpire must recommence the game by throwing the ball in, or awarding a free throw.

47. Umpire’s power of Discretion

It is within the discretion of the umpire not to stop the game for the purpose of inflicting a penalty, if the stopping of the game and the infliction of the penalty would be a disadvantage to the fouled side.

48. Re-start

If for any reason other than a foul, the game is stopped it shall be re-started by the umpire throwing the ball in from the nearest boundary line. Where a game is stopped for injury to horse or player, the game shall be re-started by the umpire giving a free throw to the side in possession of the ball at the time the game was stopped.

49. Assistance to players - Penalty 1 or 2

No person is allowed on the ground during play for any purpose whatever, except the players and umpires. A player requiring a stick or other assistance from an outside person must ride to the ends of the field or the sideline to procure it. This applies to the No 1 and No 3 in the goal area where no player from the centre field may enter the area to pass a stick.A free goal shall be awarded against a player receiving a dropped racquet lost in the field of play from any person not playing on the field.

No person shall intentionally leave their dropped racquet in the field of play.

50. Dead-lock

In the event of a deadlock (two opposing players unable to make any progress without possession of the ball in the goal scoring area) lasting more than 10 seconds, the umpire shall stop the game and throw the ball in from the nearest boundary line.

51. Incidents not provided for in Rules

Should any incident or question not provided for in these Rules arise, such incident or question shall be decided by the umpire or umpires and their decision shall be final. If the umpires disagree, the referee’s decision shall be final.

PENALTIES

1. A free throw to the non-offending side from the spot at which the infringement took place or the spot nominated by the umpire.

a) All penalty throws may be thrown in any direction.

b) The player may throw from a stationary position or moving, provided the throw is executed from the spot nominated by the umpire.

c) The player may not execute the free throw until directed to do so by the umpire. The throw must be taken within a reasonable time.

d) If the throw does not travel 10 metres the umpire throws the ball into play from the nearest side line or back line.

e) The ball must be thrown at least 10 metres and other players may not be closer than 10 metres from the penalty spot. This free throw, if not accepted as a pass, must hit the ground before the thrower can touch the ball.

f) No player shall attempt to touch the ball or interfere with the player taking the throw until that player and ball have travelled 10 metres.

g) If a player deliberately throws the ball at another player when executing a penalty, the umpire will throw the ball in from the nearest sideline.

2. A free throw, taken within Centre Field, from a central spot on the Penalty Line.

a) The No. 3 may defend his/her goal but must not be within 10 meters from the spot where the throw is taken.

b) Clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of Penalty 1 apply.

3. A free throw at goal from a central spot outside the 10 metre line.

a) The ball must be thrown at goal.

b) The defence has the line of the ball but cannot stand closer than 8 metres to the spot where the throw is taken.

4. If in the opinion of the umpire a player commits a dangerous foul, the side fouled shall be allowed one goal. The game shall be recommenced by the umpire throwing the ball into play in the centre of the field.

5. The horse ordered off the field by the umpire and disqualified from being played again during the match:

A substitute may be played by the affected player only.

6. The umpire may exclude a player from the game for part of the match in addition to any other penalty, in the case of a deliberate dangerous foul, persistent fouling after being warned, or conduct prejudicial to the game. A substitute player may not be played. In the event of a player being sent off, the captain of that team has the right to re-organise the section affected to the best advantage. The sidelined player shall not re-enter the playing field until such time as indicated by the umpire. The sidelined player must come onto the field into the vacant position. A player cannot be sidelined for more than a maximum of three minutes playing time in any one period. The umpire at the tournament shall prepare a written report within 24 hours and it shall be forwarded to the national association to whom the player is registered and to the International Polocrosse Council within sixty (60) days of such incident occurring.

7. The umpire may exclude a player from the game for part or the whole of the match, in addition to any other penalty, in the case of a deliberate dangerous foul, persistent fouling after being warned, or conduct prejudicial to the game. After a period of three minutes a substitute player may be played. In the event of a player being sent off, the captain of that team has the right to re-organise the section affected to the best advantage with the use of the reserve player. In all instances, the player sent off shall be the subject of a written report by both umpires and the referee to be prepared within 24 hours and to be forwarded to the national association to whom the player is registered and to the International Polocrosse Council within sixty (60) days of such incident occurring.

INTERNATIONAL POLOCROSSE RULES

INDEX

Accidents	12, 45a
Advantage	47
Assistance to players	49
Backline	26d
” Out over	30a, 30b
Ball
” Bounce	7
” Carrying	29c, 32a, 39a, 43b
” Dead	18a, 18b, 21b, 46
” Gaining possession of	41a, 41c, 43a, 43b
” Hitting along ground	42
” In flight	40c
” Line of definition	33c, 33 NB
” On Penalty line	28b, 28c.
” On Boundary line	28a, 28c
” Out of play	28a, 28c, 31c
” Possession on the ground	33j
” Size	7
” Stationary	33j
Bandages broken or trailing	45b
Bell	18a, 18b
Bits	22d
Blind of eye	2a
Boundary line or Side line	6d, 25c, 28a, 28c, 29a, 29c, 31a, 31b
” Umpires	15c
” Restarting play from	23b, 28c
” Riding over	29a, 30a
” Ridden off over	29a, 29c
” Ball out over	28c, 29b
Breastplate	22f, 22
Broken gear	45c
Captain Team	3b, 9a, 10c, 14b, 14d
Tournament disputes Committee	3a, 3b
” Organisers	8b, 12, 13a, 17a, 19
Centre line	26c, 39b
Change of positions	10
” of hands	11a
Chukkas final	18b
” First	25j
” Length of	17c
” Number of	17a, 17b, 17c, 18a
” Termination of	18a
Collision	33a, 33d, 33g, 33j, 33k
Combination of players	3b, 5, 8a, 8b, 9c, 9d, 10
Control, horses out of	2a
Crossing, a players line of progress	33a, 33i, 34, 35b
” Penalty line	34
Dangerous riding	35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 36c, 38
” Vices	1, 2a
Dead ball	18a, 18b, 21b, 46
Disease, free from	1
Dismounted player	44
Doubling up	13
Draw	18c
Dress, players	22a
” Umpires	22b
Drugs, performance enhancing	2b, 8d
Duration of play	17a, 17b, 17c
Equipment	43b
” Ball	7
” Bandages	45b, 22j
” Bits	22d
” Broken gear	45c
” Reins	22l
” Saddles	22f, 22g
” Spurs	22c
” Surcingle	22f
” Whips	22k
Foul play	18b, 27c, 46, 48, Penalty 4
Gear	22e, 22f, 45c
Goal judges	15a, 15b, 15d
” Posts	6b
” Scoring	26a, 26b, 26c, 26d
” Scoring area	23a
” ” who permitted into	24, 32
Handicap	17c
Headgear	21a, 22a
” Loss of	21b
Hitting, ball into the air	41e, 43a
” Ball on the ground	42, 43a
” Horse	37a
” Opponent’s stick	31a, 40c, 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d
” Opponent	36b
Host country	14b, 14c
Horse, fallen	45a
” Fresh	4, 4c
” Head of	36b
” Height of	1
” Hitting with stick	36c
” Hoof	28a
” Injured	3a, 3b, 4a, 45a, 48
” Nose	23b, 25b
” Not permitted to play	2a, 4a, 4b, 4c
” Number permitted	3a
” Protective gear	22j
” Reserve	3a, 3b
” Substitute	3a, 3b, 10g
Injured, horses	3a, 3b, 4a, 45a, 48
” Players	3b, 5, 45a, 48
International matches	9b, 9d, 10g, 14b, 16
Intimidation	32b, 36c, 37b
Judges, goal	15a, 15b, 15d
” Sideline	15c, 15d
Lack of progress	50
Left handed players	11b
Limit, age	8b, 8c
” ” Intermediate	8b
” ” Junior	8b
” ” Primary juniors	8b
” ” Veterans	8b
” ” Governing date	8c
Line up	25a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j, 31c
Line of ball, definition	33c, 33NB
” ” Entering	33b, 33d, 33e, 33f, 33g, 33h
” ” Over Penalty line	34
” ” Stationary ball	33j
” ” Stationary interceptor	33k
” ” Stopping on	33i
Loss of helmet	21b
Maximum play	17a, 17b
Measurements, ball	7
” Field	6f, 22
” Goal scoring area	6f, 22
” Stick	22h
Missed attempt at goal	23b, 23c, 23d
Nominations of sections	9a, 9b
Number of horses allowed	3a
” Of players in a team	8a, 8b
Obstructions at throw in	23d, 25g
Out of play	15c
” Over backline	30a, 30b, 31b, 31c
” Over boundary line	28c, 29a, 29b, 29c, 31a, 31b, 31c
Outside person	49
Penalties, areas of definition	Penalty 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
” At end of chukka	18b
” Backline	30a, 30b
” Penalty goal	10f
” Side or boundary line	28c, 31a
Penalty line, Ball on	28b,
” ” Crossing	27a, 32
” ” Players riding over	32, 32a, 32b, 32c
” ” Where penalty taken	27c, 28c
Play restarting	21b
Playing field	6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 22
Players, age limit	8b, 8c
” Areas	24, 29
” Assistance to	49
” Change of positions	10
” Crossing line of progress	33a
” Combination of	3b, 5, 8a, 8b, 9c
” Dismounted	44
” Dress	22a
” Doubling up	13a, 13b, 13c, 13d
” Injured	3b, 5, 45a, 48
” Left handed	11b
” Numbers	22i
” Progress, lack of	50
” Protest	14d
” Permitted, goal scoring area	23a
” Pushing with body	36a
” Pushing with horse	35d, 35g, 35h
Players, Right of way	34
Players, Spurs	22c
” Substitute	5, 10g
” Two handed	11a, 40a
” Waiting for injured	5
Referee	9b, 14c, 17a, 51
Reserves, horse	3b, 4c
” Player	3b
Restarting play, after goal	25h
” ” After missed goal	23b, 23d
” ” After injury, broken gear	48
” ” Failure to restart	23c
Re-entering the field	29a
Riding off	29a, 35g, 35h
Right of way	34
Rough play	35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 36a, 36b
Rules not covered	51
Saddles	22f, 22g
Safety of bits	22d
Sandwich	38
Score	20
Scoring areas, definition	23a
Score keepers	16
Sections, nominations	9a
Side line, see boundary lines	6d, 25c, 28a, 28c, 29a, 29c, 31a, 31b
Standards Association	21a
Starting play	25a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j
Stallion	2a
Stick, dropped or brokeN	45d
” Hitting horse with	37a
” Hitting opponents	31a, 36c, 36e, 36f, 37b, 41a, 41c, 41d
” Over centre line	26c, 39b
” Size	22h
” Spectator touching stick	4 9
” Stick side	39a, 41a, 41b
” Swinging wildly	36c, 36d
” Throwing	40b, 40c
Spurs	22c, 37b
Strongest graded team	13e
Substitute, horse	3a, 3b, 10g
” Players	5, 10g
Ten metre circle	26b
Throwing	25f, 26c, 27b, 29c, 31a, 39b, 40a, 40b, 40c
” Ball over boundary line	31a
” Stick	40b, 40c
Time extended	18b, 18c
” Keepers	16, 25j
” Out	18d, 35e
” Played	17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b
Umpires, advantage	47
” Boundary line	15c, 28a, 29a, 31a, 31b
” Discretion	28c, 45b, 45c, 47
” Decision	14d, 15a, 15c, 15d
” Dress	22b
” Hand	25g
” Helmet, loss of	21b
Umpires, not covered by Rules	51
” Power to suspend play	6e
” Removal of whips & spurs	37c
” Restarting game	21b, 25h, 31c, 48
” Signals	23a, 26d, 27c, 33k, 35a, 36e, 37a,39a, 41a,45a
” Starting game	25a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j
” Stopping game	18d, 19, 21b, 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d
” Safety of bits	22d
” Throwing into line out	25f, 28c
” Time out	18d, 35e
” Two	14
Veterinary Officers	2b, 4c
Visiting country	14b
Waiting for injured players	5
Whips	22k, 37b
Whistle use of	25f, 46
Wild swinging of sticks	36c, 36d
Winning the game	8a, 20