Arena Rule 5. Starting of the Game and Chukkas

In plain English

Coin toss in front of both captains before the game.

• The umpire tosses a coin before the game in front of both captains, having first said which of them calls. The winner chooses which goal to defend.
• Ends change after every chukka, and after each chukka of extra time.
• Play starts with the ball thrown underhand along the ground between the two teams, lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each on the side nearer the goal it is defending, at least 3 yards from the umpire and at least a yard apart until the ball has left the hand. Break that and a penalty is awarded immediately.
• In practice the umpire wants enough of a gap between the lines to ride a pony through.
• The clock starts the moment the ball leaves the umpire's hand.

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena...

Quoted extract · Green Book 2025, Rule 5

Read arena rule 5 in the Green Book 2025

From where is a Penalty 5 taken?

• From the centre of the arena ✓
• From the 25 yard line
• From the 15 yard line
• From the halfway line

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

The first coin toss at the start of the game dictates which captain calls the second coin toss?

• True ✓
• False
• Huh?????

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

The winner of the second coin toss at the start of the game decides what?

• Chukka length
• Whether a player from each team will be removed on small pitches
• Which goal they will defend ✓
• Which umpire to use

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

Line ups - how far must plays be from the umpire?

• 3 yards ✓
• 5 yards
• 7 yards
• 10 yards

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

Line up - How far apart should the two teams be?

• 1 yard ✓
• 3 yards
• 5 yards
• 10 yards

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

What does the winner of the pre-game coin toss choose?

• Which team takes the first penalty
• Ends or the throw-in ✓
• The number of chukkas
• Which umpire officiates their end

The Umpire shall start play in any chukka by throwing the ball underhand, along the ground, between the teams which shall be lined up in parallel lines at the centre of the arena, each team on the side of the centre line nearer the goal it is defending, and at least 3 yards from the Umpire.

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