Arena Rule 4. Officials

In plain English

The tournament committee runs the event and appoints officials.

• A committee appointed by the association or the host club runs the event - scheduling, the draw, appointing officials, and every question that arises while the umpire is not in charge. It is normally three or more people with little or no interest in the outcome, and it can impose penalties or recommend discipline.
• Every match should have two umpires: one mounted, one in the stand as assistant. One mounted umpire is allowed at the committee's discretion.
• Their authority runs from the scheduled start until shortly after the finish - cards can still be given straight after the game for abuse of an umpire. Decisions are final. The two have equal status, and if they disagree there is a roll in, with the mounted umpire having the last word on how bad the foul was and what penalty follows.
• The timekeeper runs the clock and signals time; the whistle confirms the end of the chukka. The scorekeeper records the goals. Both are subordinate to the umpire, as are goal judges, who give evidence when asked.
• Clubs appoint a safety officer and must have two qualified first aiders present for matches, one for other polo, with a paramedic recommended. An umpire calls for medical help by waving their stick above their head.
• Once the umpire has called a foul and said what it is for, no player may speak to them. Arguing earns a penalty, or a more severe one.

Once an Umpire has called a foul and said what it is for, no player may speak to the Umpires.

Quoted extract · Green Book 2025, Rule 4

Read arena rule 4 in the Green Book 2025

A concussed player cannot play for how long without a certificate of fitness from a club medical officer?

• 1 day
• 1 week ✓
• 1 month
• 1 year

f. Medical Cover. Clubs should appoint a designated person as Club Safety Officer who shall complete returns on player injuries or fatalities as required by the HPA. a.

A tournament commitee should comprise of how many members? (Note: they must have little or no interest in the outcome of the event)?

• Minimum 1
• Minimum 3 ✓
• Minimum 5
• Minimum 7

The Committee will generally consist of three or more qualified individuals who have little or no personal interest in the outcome of the event.

Can a committee impose penalties for actions before during or after a game?

• Yes ✓
• No

The Committee will generally consist of three or more qualified individuals who have little or no personal interest in the outcome of the event.

At the discretion of the committee, how many mounted umpires are allowed?

• None
• One
• Two ✓
• Three

The Committee will generally consist of three or more qualified individuals who have little or no personal interest in the outcome of the event.

What happens if the umpire and assistant umpire disagree?

• Captains are consulted
• Roll in ✓
• Crowd witnesses consulted
• Fair play drop ball

The umpires have equal status and if they disagree then there shall be a roll in.

What happens if an incident occurs not covered by the rules?

• Consult committee members
• Umpire makes a decision ✓
• Phone a HPA representative
• Timekeeper has a deciding vote

f. Medical Cover. Clubs should appoint a designated person as Club Safety Officer who shall complete returns on player injuries or fatalities as required by the HPA. a.

Who has the greater authority?

• Umpire ✓
• Timekeeper
• Neither

f. Medical Cover. Clubs should appoint a designated person as Club Safety Officer who shall complete returns on player injuries or fatalities as required by the HPA. a.

Test yourself

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