Basic Rules
Grounds
The maximum permitted pitch is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.
The goal posts are 8 yards apart.
Duration of Play
The match is divided into chukkas, each lasting 7 minutes.
The interval between each chukka is 3 minutes to permit change of ponies.
At half time the interval is extended to 5 minutes.
The bell is rung at the end of each 7 minute period. Play continues after the bell until the ball goes out of play, or the umpire stops play for a foul, or the bell is rung for a second time 30 seconds after the first bell. In the final chukka play stops with the first stroke of the bell.
Changing Ends
Ends are changed after EACH GOAL scored, or at half time if no score by then.
Field Rules
Right of Way – During play there is an imaginary “line of ball”, which is generally the direction in which the ball is travelling at any one moment. When a player has established the right of way along that line, it may not be crossed by an opposing player if there is the slightest risk of collision.
Crossing – Any player who crosses the player in the right of way close enough to be dangerous or cause a player to slow up, commits a foul.
Riding Off – Riding off is the term used to described the action of one player trying to take control of the ball by pushing a member of the opposing team off his chosen course, whether the other man is playing the ball or not. But it must not be done by charging in at a dangerous angle, nor must the man in possession of the ball be crossed.
Hooking sticks – A player may hook an opponent’s stick provided he is in the same side of the opponent as the ball, or directly behind him, and provided the stick is below the level of the opponents shoulder. Players must not attempt to hook an opponent in front of the pony’s legs.
Players Handicap
Each player is given a handicap level from -2 to 10 goals depending on his ability. The lowest handicap is -2, with 10 being the highest possible.
A team’s rating is calculated by adding together the 4 players’ handicaps.
The Team
Positions are No1 and No 2 who are the forwards, No 3 the pivot position, usually the best player in the team, and No 4, or Back, the goal defender.
Umpires
There are two mounted umpires and a third man or referee in the stands acts as an arbitrator if the umpires disagree.
The goal judges behind each goal wave a flag when a goal is scored.
The time keeper and scorer keep track of the timings of the match and sound the bell or hooter at the end of each chukka.
Penalties
Different types of penalties are awarded depending of the nature of the foul.
30 and 40 Yard – Shot at an open goal, the attackers have to be level with the ball when hit or hit at. Defenders have to be behind the back line.
60 yard – None of the defending team to be nearer than 30 yards.
Free hit : – From the spot where the foul occurred, with none of the defending team to be nearer than 30 yards. From the centre of the ground, none of the defending side can be nearer than 30 yards. This is awarded at the discretion of the umpires. If the ball has gone over the back line, but not through the goal, then the defending team hit it back into play at the point where it crossed the line. The attacking team must be 30 yards away.