Measurement
(Penalty 9.) * Subject to local alterations, except in the United Kingdom. 2.-No pony showing vice or not under proper control shall be allowed in the game. (Penalty 10.) 3. The goals to be not less than 250 yards apart, and each goal to be 8 yards wide.
A full-sized ground should not exceed 300 yards in length by 200 yards in width, if unboarded; and 300 yards in length and 160 yards in width if boarded. 4.-The size of the balls shall not exceed 34 in. in diameter, and the weight of the ball shall not exceed 5 oz. 5.-Each side shall nominate an Umpire, unless it be mutually agreed to play with one instead of two; and his or their decisions shall be final.
In important matches, in addition to the Umpires a Referee may be appointed, whose decision in the event of the Umpires disagreeing shall be final. 6.-The Umpire shall carry a whistle, which he shall use as required. If the Umpire blow his whistle the ball is dead, but if the other Umpire disagrees, a Referee shall be called in, who, after consulting both Umpires and taking any necessary evidence, shall decide on the course to be pursued.
Any infringement of the Rules constitutes a foul. In case of an infringement of Rules 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31, the Umpire shall stop the game; and in the case of infringement of Rule 27 the Umpire shall stop the game on an appeal by anyone of the side which has been fouled. 7.-An official Timekeeper and Scorer shall be employed in all games and matches. 8. The number of players contending is limited to four a-side in all games and matches. 9.-The game commences by both sides taking up their position in the middle of the ground, and the Umpire throwing the ball into the centre of the ground between the opposing ranks of players. players. duration of play in a match shall be one hour, divided into 6 periods of ten minutes each, with an interval of three minutes after each period except the third (half-time), when the interval shall be five minutes.
The first 5 periods of play shall terminate as soon as the ball goes out of play after the expiration of the prescribed time, or on boarded grounds, when the ball strikes the boards; any excess of time in any of these periods, due to the ball remaining in play, being deducted from the succeeding periods.
On play being resumed, the ball shall be thrown in as laid down in Rule 15.
The last period shall terminate, although the ball is still in play, at the first stroke of the final bell, wherever the ball may be.
In case of a tie the last period shall be prolonged till the ball goes out of play, and if still a tie, after an interval of five minutes, the ball shall be started from where it went out of play, and the game continued in periods of ten minutes, with the usual intervals, until one side obtain a goal, which shall determine the match. 11. The bell shall be rung to signify to the plavers that the ten minutes has expired, and it shall be rung again when the ball next goes out of play, to indicate the time for changing ponies . 12.-(a) With the exception of the intervals allowed in Rule 10, play shall be continuous; any change of ponies, except according to the above provision, shall be at the risk of the player. * Subject to local alterations, except in the United Kingdom. (b) When a foul is allowed by the umpire, the time shall be deducted from the period till the game starts again. The ball is dead till the umpire says "Play." 13.-If the ball be hit behind the back line by one of the opposite side, it shall be hit off without of the opposite side, it shall be hit off without delay from where it crossed the line, but at least 12 ft. from the goal-post, after giving the opposing side reasonable time to get to the 30 yards line.
None of the attacking side shall be within 30 yards of the back line when the ball is hit off. (Penalty 5.) N.B. There must be no unnecessary delay. (Penalty 6. ) 14.-If the ball be hit behind the back line by one of the defending side, penalty 4 shall be exacted, provided the ball does not glance off another player or another pony. (Penalty 4.) 15.-When the ball is hit out, it must be thrown into the ground by the Umpire from the exact the ground by the Umpire from the exact spot where it went out, in a direction parallel to the two goal lines, and between the opposing ranks of players, no player to stand within 5 yards of the side line. There must be no delay whatsoever on any consideration for absent players. 16.-The ball must go over and clear of the boundary line to be out. 17. A goal is gained when a ball passes between the goal-posts and over the goal line. If a ball is hit above the top of the goal-posts, but in the opinion of the Umpire, between those posts produced, it shall be deemed a goal. 18. The side that makes most goals wins the game. 19.-Ends shall be changed after every goal, or if no goal have been obtained, after the 3rd period. After a goal has been scored the game shall be restarted from the centre of the ground as described in Rule 9. 20.-A player may ride out an antagonist, or interpose his pony before his antagonist, so as to prevent the latter reaching the ball, but he may not cross another player in possession of the ball, except at such a distance that the said player shall not be compelled to check his pony to avoid a collision. (Penalty 1.) If two players are riding from different directions to hit the ball, and a collision appears probable, then the player in possession of the ball (that is, who last hit the ball, or if neither have hit the ball, the player who is coming from the direction from which the ball was last hit) must be given way to. (i.) Any player who follows the exact line of the ball from the direction from which it has ball from the direction from which it has been last hit, is in possession of the ball rather than any player coming from any other direction.
The last striker is in possession provided that no other player can, without causing the striker to check his pony to avoid a collision, get on the line of the ball in front of him. Under these circumstances the last striker may not ride into the adversary from behind, but must if necessary take the ball on the near side of his own pony.
No player shall be deemed to be in possession of the ball by reason of his being the last striker if he shall have deviated from pursuing the exact course of the ball. (ii.) Any player who rides to meet the ball on the exact line of its course is in possession rather than any other player riding at an angle from any direction. (iii.) Any player riding from the direction from which the ball has last been hit, at an angle to its course, has possession rather than any player riding at an angle in the opposite direction. (iv.) If two players are riding from the same direction, that player is in possession whose [POLO course is at the smallest angle to the line of the ball. (v.) If two players are riding from opposite directions to hit the ball, one of these being a left-handed player, the latter must give way.
N.B. The line of the ball is the line of its course, or that line produced at the moment any question arises. 21.-No player shall play with his left hand, except left-handed players registered at Hurlingham during 1907. 22.-No player shall ride dangerously. (Penalty I.) As for example :- (a) Bumping at an angle dangerous to a player or his pony. (b) Zigzagging in front of another player riding at a gallop. (c) Pulling across or over a pony's forelegs in such manner as to risk tripping the pony, &c., &c. 23.-No player shall use his stick dangerously. (Penalty 1.) 24.-In the case of a player being disabled by a foul, penalty 8 may be exacted by the side that has been fouled, and penalty I shall be exacted in any case. 25.-No player shall seize with the hand, strike, or push with the head, hand, arm, or elbow, but a player may push with his arm, above the elbow, provided the elbow be kept close to his side. (Penalty I or 2 or 3.) N.B.-Penalty I shall only be exacted if the Umpire considers the play dangerous. 26.-(a) No player shall crook an adversary's stick, unless he is on the same side of an adversary's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and his stick is neither over nor under the body nor across the legs of an adversary's pony. The stick may not be crooked unless an adversary is in the act of striking at the ball. (Penalty 2 or 3.) (b) If a player in attempting to strike the ball across the forelegs of an adversary's pony crooks the latter's stick, this constitutes a foul unless he succeeds in striking the ball. 27.-No player who is offside shall hit the ball, reaching or hitting the ball. (Penalty 2 or 3.) or shall in any way prevent the opposite side from A player is offside when at the time of the ball being hit he has no one of the opposite side nearer the adversaries' goal line, or that line produced, or behind that line, and he is neither in possession of the ball nor behind one of his own side who is in possession of the ball. The goal line means the eight-yard line between the goal-posts. A player, if offside, remains offside, until the ball is hit or hit at again. 28.-A player may not carry the ball. In the event of the ball lodging upon or against a player or pony, it must be immediately dropped on the ground. (Penalty 2 or 3.) 29.-No player shall intentionally strike his pony with the head of his polo stick. (Penalty 2 or 3.) 30. Should a player's stick be broken, he must borrow one from one of his own side, or ride to the place where sticks are kept and take one.
In the event of a stick being dropped he must either pick it up himself, borrow one from one of his own side, or ride to the place where sticks are kept and take one. On no account may a stick be brought on to the ground (Penalty 2 or 3.) 31.-No dismounted player is allowed to hit the ball or interfere in the game. (Penalty 2 or 3.) 32. If the ball be damaged, the Umpire shall, at his discretion, stop the game, and throw in a POLO] new ball as near as possible to where the ball is when the whistle sounds, towards the nearest side of the ground, in a direction parallel to the two goal lines and between the opposing ranks of players.
N.B. It is desirable that the game shall be stopped and the ball changed when the damaged ball is in such a position that neither side is favoured thereby. 33. If a player leaves the game in order to change a pony, or to get a fresh stick, or for any other purpose, the penalty for offside cannot be exacted against the opposing side until the return of the player into the game.
N.B. The definition of the word "game" is "under the umpire's eye." 34.-No person allowed within the arena- Players, Umpires, Referee, and Manager excepted. 35. If a pony falls, or if a player or a pony be injured, the Umpire shall stop the game.
If a player falls off his pony, the Umpire shall not stop the game unless he is of opinion that the player is injured.
What constitutes a fall shall be left to the decision of the Umpire.
N.B. On play being resumed, the ball shall be thrown in, where it was when the game was stopped, and in the manner provided for in Rule 32. 36.-No blinkers, or spurs with rowels, are allowed; no pony blind of an eye is allowed to play. 37. In the case of a penalty being incurred towards the end of a match, and there not being time to exact the penalty before the final bell rings, one minute extra shall be allowed" from the time the ball is hit or hit at in carrying out the penalty. 66 38.-In Tournaments if a player having taken part in the Tournament for any reason be unable to play, he may, with the consent of the Committee of the Club where the Tournament is held, be replaced by any player who by the Rules of the Tournament is qualified, provided the said player has not already competed in another team. 39.-The decision and injunctions of the Umpire must not be disregarded or questioned. (Penalty 7.) 40. In the event of a game being stopped by darkness, weather, or for any cause which prevents a finish the same day, it shall be resumed on the first convenient and agreed opportunity in the usual manner. 41. Should any incident or question not provided for in these Rules arise, such incident or question shall be decided by the Umpire or Umpires. If the Umpires disagree, a Referee shall be called in, whose decision shall be final.
PENALTIES.
Penalty 1.-A free "hit at" the ball from a spot 50 yards from the goal line of the side fouling, opposite the centre of goal, or, if preferred, from where the foul occurred; all the side fouling to be behind their back line until the ball is hit or hit at, but not between the goal-posts, nor when the ball is brought into play may any of the side ride out from between the goal-posts.
None of the side fouled to be nearer the goal line produced than the ball is, at the moment it is hit or hit at.
Penalty 2.-A free "hit at" the ball from where it was when the foul took place, none of the side fouling to be within 20 yards of the ball. The side fouled being free to place themselves where they choose.
Penalty 3.--The side fouling take the ball back and hit it off from behind their own goal line, from the centre of goal, none of the side fouled to be within 30 yards of the goal line produced, the side fouling being free to place themselves where they choose.
Penalty 4.-A free "hit at" the ball, from a spot opposite where the ball was hit behind and 60 yards distant from the "goal line produced," none of the side fouling to be within 20 yards of the ball. The side fouled being free to place themselves where they choose.
Penalty 5. In the case of failure to correctly carry out :- (a) Penalties 1, 2, and 4, by the side fouling-a second free hit at the ball if a goal has not been scored. (b) Penalty 1, by the side fouled a hit out from behind by the other side from the centre of goal, the defending side being free to place themselves where they choose. (c) Penalty 3, by the side fouled a second hit out from behind. (d) Rule 13, by the attacking side-a second hit out from behind. (e) When Penalties I, 2, 3, and 4 are not properly carried out, or Rule 13 is infringed by both sides simultaneously, the ball shall be hit or hit at, as the case may be, from the same spot as before.
Penalty 6. In the event of unnecessary delay in hitting out the ball, the Umpire shall call on the offending side to hit out at once; if the Umpire's request is not complied with he shall bowl in the ball underhand, at the spot where the ball crossed the back line at right angles to the goal line or "goal line produced" as hard as possible. In this case the penalty for an offside shall not be claimed against the attacking side should no one of the defending side be between them and the goal line produced, or behind that line.
Penalty 7. The offender warned off the ground for remainder of Match, no substitute allowed to take his place.
Penalty 8.-Designation of any of the players on the side fouling, who shall retire from the game. The game shall be continued with three players aside, and if the side fouling refuse to continue the game, it shall thereby lose the match.
Penalty 9.-Disqualification of team offending.
Penalty 10. The pony ordered off the ground.
CONDITIONS FOR CUP TOURNAMENTS.
Champion Cup Conditions. 1. Open to any Polo Teams. 2. The entries, naming colours, to be made on or before 5 p.m., on the Wednesday prior to the week of competition. 3. The respective Teams to be drawn and the said draw to take place on Wednesday, at 5 p.m., prior to the week of competition. 4.-The Captain of each Team to name his four players at time of entry. 5. Unless three Teams contend, the Cup may be withheld.
RULES OF MEASUREMENT. 1. The measurement shall be made by an Official Measurer under the supervision of the Polo Committee. Such Official Measurer shall be appointed by the Committee, and shall be a duly qualified Veterinary Surgeon. 2. The Official Measurer shall attend at Hurlingham for the purpose of measuring ponies on certain days which shall be advertised on the front page of the Morning Post. 3. The person presenting a pony for measurement at Hurlingham must give it a name, and pay to the Manager a fee of Ios. before the pony can be measured. (Particulars as to the measurements and fees at other places may be obtained from the Manager.) 4.-Ponies aged 5 years and upwards may be measured and registered for life; ponies under 5 years can be registered for the current season only. The Official Measurer shall determine the age of the pony. 5.-No pony shall be registered for life between January Ist and March 31st (both dates inclusive) unless at least two permanent corner incisor teeth are actually through the gum; and on and after April Ist a pony must have a complete mouth of permanent incisors to obtain a Life Certificate. 6.-A pony shall not be measured if he appears to have been subjected to any improper treatment with a view to reduce his height, or if he is in an unfit state to be measured. If a pony is rejected under this Rule, he shall not be presented again for measurement until the following season, and the name of the owner of such pony shall be reported by the Official Measurer to the Hurlingham Polo Committee. 7.-The measurement shall be made with a standard approved by the Club, and in a box with a level floor specially erected for the purpose. 8.-Neither the owner of the pony nor his servant shall on any account enter the box during the measurement, nor shall any other person be admitted unless specially authorised by the Official