There are 18 basic rules of play in Arena Polo. The following is only a “SUMMARY” that provides the key elements of each rule. To view the un-edited rules in their entirety as they are published by the U.S.P.A., please click on the following link to view or print the 2006- U.S.P.A. Arena Rule Book: View Rule Book


RULE 1
FACILITIES:
A playing area of 300’ long by 150’ wide with walls and gates.
Goals centered at opposite ends of the Arena, 10’ wide by 15’ high.
Balls not less than 12.5" or more than 15" in circumference, weight not less than 170 grams or more than 182 grams.

RULE 2
MOUNTS AND EQUIPMENT:
A horse of any breed and size.
Cannot play a mount blind in one eye.
A mount showing vice or not under control must be removed from game.
Shadow rolls, blinders, or any device that obscures a mount’s vision is not allowed.
Shoes with outer rim, toe grab, screws, or frost nails are not allowed.
No mount may be played by more than one team.
If blood appears in mouth, or flanks, or anywhere, mount must be removed from game.
Boots or bandages mandatory on front legs, recommended on hind.

RULE 3
PLAYERS AND ALTERNATES:
Three players on each team, designated as No.1, No.2, and No.3.
Each team designates one player as Captain who speaks to Umpire.
Players must wear proper uniform including a suitable helmet with chinstrap.
No sharp spurs or gear with protruding buckles or studs.
No player can play in any match or event at any USPA member-club unless the player’s USPA registration fee is paid and a handicap issued in the year the event takes place.

RULE 4
OFFICIALS:
A committee appointed by the Association or Host Club will conduct each USPA event. The Committee shall be clearly identified to all participants. The Committee, or its representative, will determine the eligibility of all players and teams. The Committee may impose penalties, including Penalty 9, and may initiate disciplinary action as provided in Association By-Law 11.

Every tournament will have two Umpires and a Referee. The authority of the Umpire shall extend from the beginning of the game until it ends. The Umpire is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining proper control over the players and teams. Subject to Rule 18, all decisions of the Umpire shall be final. If two umpires disagree, the Referee decides which umpire prevails. The Umpire has the authority to impose any penalty as set down in Rule 9.

A Timekeeper appointed by the Committee is responsible to track elapsed time during and between periods of play. The Timekeeper will signal the expiration of time to the officials. In all cases, time expires at the sound of the horn and the Umpire’s whistle confirms the end of a period.

RULE 5
LENGTH AND NUMBER OF PERIODS:
Four periods of 7-1/2 minutes with intervals of 4 minutes after each period except the second period, which has a 10-minute interval. A match can be played with six periods of 5 minutes each, with intervals of 4 minutes after each period except the third period which will have a 10-minute interval.

The timer will sound a horn to signal the end of a period. Play continues in all periods except overtime until ended by final horn. Play stops at sound of horn and ball is dead at that instant. Umpire confirms end of period by sounding the whistle. In an arena without a visible clock, it is recommended that a 30-second warning be sounded. In the event of a tie, a winner shall be produced by one of the following:
(a) The game continues, after a 10-minute interval, first team scoring wins. (b) A “shootout” after a 2-minute interval, conducted as follows: Each player will attempt a free hit from the 25-yard line at an undefended goal. Team with most goals wins.

RULE 6
SCORING:
Team scoring most goals wins. All goals count one point except as follows: A ball hit from beyond the centerline which scores directly, or off the wall, but not off the roof structure, without being touched by another mount or player shall count two points. The ball must pass between the goal posts, through the plane of the mouth of the goal, and beneath the top of the goal. Following a goal, play is resumed by a bowl-in at the center of the arena

RULE 7
DEAD BALL:
Any time the Umpire sounds the whistle, the ball is dead and no further play may be Made. Play is resumed by a free hit or a bowl-in as specified elsewhere in these Rules. A dead ball occurs if:
(a) The ball is broken or trodden into the ground.
(b) The ball strikes the Umpire or umpires mount and affects the flow of play.
(c) The ball becomes lodged against a player, mount, or equipment, and does not drop immediately.
(d) The ball is involved in a melee that neither team can make a play.
(e) The ball is driven outside the arena, even if it bounces back.

RULE 8
COMMENCEMENT AND RESUMPTION OF PLAY:
Teams decide by lot which goal each shall defend initially, thereafter, goals will change for each period including extras periods. Game begins with both teams positioning themselves for a centerline bowl-in. Subsequent periods may begin with a centerline bowl-in or Penalty hit as directed by the Umpire. When play is begun with a bowl-in: the Umpire indicates the “center line” of the bowl-in. At the arena center, this line will be marked on the floor. At all other points, the “center line” will extend from the Umpire’s hand perpendicular to the wall. Each team shall be positioned on the same side of the centerline, as the goal each is to defend. Each player shall be at least 3 yards from the Umpire and shall not be moving toward the Umpire. The Umpire shall bowl-in the ball, underhand and hard, along the centerline. The timer shall start the clock (if stopped) the moment the ball leaves the Umpire’s hand.

RULE 9
PENALTIES:
Penalty 1. The team fouled is awarded a goal. On resumption of play, the Umpire shall bowl the ball in toward the sideboards at a point 15 yards in front of the center of the goal defended by the fouling team.
Penalty 2. A free hit from a spot 15 yards in front of the center of the goal defended by the fouling team, all players to be behind the point from where the free hit is made until the ball is hit or hit at. No opponent shall be within 5 yards of the player making the hit. Play continues, in the event no goal is scored on the free hit.
Penalty 3. A free hit at the ball by the team fouled from a spot 25 yards in front of the center of the goal defended by the fouling team. All players to be behind the point from where the free hit is made until the ball is hit or hit at. No opponent shall be within 5 yards of the player making the hit. Play shall continue in the event no goal is scored on the free hit.
Penalty 4. A free hit at the ball by the team fouled from a spot 25 yards in front of the center of the goal defended by the fouling team, all players to be behind the point from where the free hit is made until the ball is hit or hit at, except one of the fouling team, who may be placed within a 5-yard arc of the goal. No opponent shall be within 5 yards of the player making the hit. Play shall continue in the event that no goal is scored on the free hit.
Penalty 5. At the discretion of the Umpire, a free hit at the ball by the team fouled from: A point not more than one foot beyond the mid-point of the center line of the arena; both teams to position themselves anywhere in the arena except that no member of the fouling team shall be within 5 yards of the ball when the Umpire calls “PLAY” and the ball is hit or hit at. Play shall continue if no goal is scored on the Penalty hit or, the point of infraction, both teams to position themselves anywhere in the arena except that no member of the fouling team shall be within five (5) yards of the ball when the umpire says, “PLAY”, and the ball is hit or hit at. Should the point of infraction be less than five (5) yards from the wall, the ball shall be hit or hit at from the nearest spot on the floor, which is five yards (5) from the wall. Play shall continue in the event that no goal is scored on the free hit.
Penalty 6. In the event of a failure to correctly carry out Penalties 2, 3, 4 or 5 by the fouling team, another free hit shall be granted the hitter at the same place originally called for in the penalty awarded, if a goal has not been scored. However, if, in the opinion of the Umpire, the original free hit would have resulted in a goal, but was missed or blocked because of failure of the fouling team to correctly carry out the Penalty; Penalty No. 1 shall be awarded the team making the free hit. In the case of failure to correctly carry out Penalties 2, 3, 4 or 5, by the team fouled, the ball shall be bowled-in at the center of the arena. Any goal scored as a result of the original free hit shall not be counted.
Penalty 7. If a player is disabled by a foul to the extent the Umpire permits or orders the player’s retirement from the game, the Captain of the team fouled may have the option of providing a qualified substitute; designate the removal of a player from the fouling team whose handicap is nearest and above that of the disabled player. If the disabled player’s handicap is equal to or higher than that of any player on the fouling team, any member of that team may be designated. In the event of a handicap game, there shall be no change in the handicap from as it was at the commencement of the game. Penalty 8. The player or mount shall be disqualified. If the disqualification is for illegal equipment, the player or mount may return when the offending equipment is removed.
Penalty 9. The match is forfeited. In the event both teams commit a rule violation in the same game invoking Penalty 9, both teams shall forfeit the game regardless of which violation occurred first.
Penalty 10. The Umpire may remove a player from all or any part of the remainder of the game in addition to any other penalty.

RULE 10
CALLING OF FOULS AND SELECTION OF PENALTY:
The Umpire can declare any violation of the Rules of Play, a foul when seen, or when not seen, upon satisfactory evidence to the Umpire. When a foul is called, the Umpire shall stop play by sounding the whistle and announce the foul and Penalty.
There are degrees of dangerous and unfair play. Where more than one Penalty is prescribed, the selection is at the discretion of the Umpire. Among the considerations:
(a) Degree of danger or unfair advantage.
(b) Location of the violation.
(c) Position of players on the field.
(d) Frequency of similar violation.
More than one penalty can be called by the Umpire when appropriate. If both teams commit a foul at the same time, no free hit is taken and the ball is bowled-in at the point where play was stopped but not less than 15 yards from nearer goal.

RULE 11
LINE OF THE BALL:
The “Line of the Ball” is the line of its course or that imaginary line produced forward or backward at any moment. If the ball is hit at and missed, a Line is established at the time of the stroke forward and backward. When the ball is put into play by a bowl-in, a Line is created the instant the ball leaves the Umpire’s hand. Should the ball become stationary while still in play, the Line remains the last Line traveled before the ball became stationary except as provided in Rule 11. At any time the ball changes direction, from whatever cause, a new Line is immediately established.

RULE 12
RIGHT OF WAY:
At each moment of the game there shall exist between any two or more players in the proximity of the ball a “Right of Way”, which gives to the player entitled, the right to proceed in the direction in which the player is riding. No player may enter, cross or obstruct the Right of Way of the player entitled to it unless at such a distance that no risk of collision or danger to either player is involved. When the Line of the Ball changes, and, as a result, the Right of Way changes, a player must be granted the necessary time to clear the new Right of Way. A player clearing the Right of Way may make no offensive or defensive play in doing so.

RULE 13
DANGEROUS RIDING:
Careless or dangerous riding or lack of consideration for the safety of any player, or mount, regardless of team, or right of way, is a foul.
Dangerous Riding:
(a) Riding off at an angle or speed dangerous to a player or to a mount.
(b) States of exhaustion of the mounts involved.
(c) Lack of readiness of an opponent for the ride off (blind siding).
(d) Running into or over the rear quarters of another mount.
(e) A player may ride from behind, between an opponent and the wall, if the player’s speed is reasonable relative to the opponent, the player rides between the opponent and the wall, not into the legs of the opponent’s mount; and the player executes a hook stopping the stroke of the opponent.
(f) Pulling up on or across the Right of Way of another player. (g) Zigzagging in front of another player.
(h) Riding an opponent dangerously across the Right of Way of another player.
(i) Running the head of a horse into an opposing player.
(j) Riding an opponent’s mount dangerously into the side or end walls.
(k) Two players of the same team riding-off an opponent at the same time.
(l) Riding one’s mount into the stroke of another player.

RULE 14
IMPROPER PLAY:
A player shall not strike an adversary’s or a teammate’s mount with hands, whip or mallet. A player shall not strike the ball or interfere in the game when dismounted. A player shall not seize with the hand, strike or push with the head, hand, arm or elbow, an opponent, but a player may push with the shoulder, provided the elbow is kept close to the side. A player may not hold the ball in the hand, arm or lap; nor kick or hit at the ball with any part of the person in such a way as to direct its course. The ball, however, may be blocked with any part of the person or mount. Whip and spurs may not be used unnecessarily or excessively, such as: sash whipping - loud and repeated strokes, or whipping - in excess of three strokes, or when mount is laboring. Unsportsmanlike conduct such as, but not limited to vulgar or abusive language, disrespect toward any official, player, coach, or spectator, arguing with Umpires, or other officials.

RULE 15
USE OF THE MALLET:
A player may hook or strike the mallet of an opponent with the mallet provided the opponent is in the act of striking at the ball, including both the upward and downward phases of the stroke; or the opponent is attempting to hook the hitter, in which case, the hitter may strike back at the opponent’s mallet. The player is on the same side of the opponent as the ball or in a direct line behind, the hook is made below the level of the mount’s back. A player may not reach over, under, in front of, or behind another’s mount.
A player may not strike another’s mount with the mallet. No player may use the mallet carelessly or dangerously, for example:
Taking a full swing in close quarters.
Hooking, striking or slashing an opponent’s mallet with unnecessary force.
Carrying the mallet in such a way that it might become entangled in a player or mount’s equipment.
No player may swing the mallet in “windmill” fashion as in appealing for a foul or celebration.

RULE 16
INTERRUPTION OF PLAY:
The Umpire shall stop the game immediately and take time out when a mount falls, or a player or mount is injured or in danger of being injured. Any player may request that the Umpire take time out in the event of equipment breakage, which endangers a player or mount. Time out may be requested when the ball is in play only for a situation which presents an immediate and serious hazard. What constitutes a dangerous situation is left to the Umpire. There shall be no time out for a lost or broken mallet. However, time should be taken following a goal or when play is otherwise stopped to remove the mallet. In the event of a runaway or uncontrollable mount, the Umpire shall stop play and order the mount removed. In the event of injury to a player, the player shall have not more than fifteen minutes time out after which the player shall be considered disabled and the provisions of Rule 3.

RULE 17
HANDICAPS:
A player’s handicap is based on a game of four 7-½ minute periods. The aggregate handicaps of the players of each team shall constitute the team handicap. In games played with handicaps, the difference in team handicaps will be awarded to the team with the lesser handicap and count as goals scored. In events of other than four periods, the team handicap shall be determined under Rule 17. divided by four, and multiplied by the number of periods to be played. Fractional handicaps of one-half or more shall be rounded up and less than half rounded down to the nearest whole number.

RULE 18
USPA: PROTESTS, VARIATION FROM RULES, ENFORCEMENT:
Protests of the decisions or manner in which the Tournament Committee and/or Officials conduct an event or involving disciplinary matters shall be resolved in accordance with The By-Laws of the Association.
No team may protest the scorekeeping or timekeeping of a match once the final horn has sounded.

© 2006-2008 Rancho Amistad. All Rights Reserved
This Site Developed, Maintained, and Hosted by Equivision On-Line™
www.equivision.net