Arena Rule 6. Length and Number of Chukkas
Green Book 2025, Rule 6 · Arena
In plain English
Four chukkas of six and a half minutes.
- A regulation arena game is four chukkas of six and a half minutes.
- Intervals are 4 minutes after each chukka, except after the second, which gets 6. Chukkas can be shortened for pony welfare if the tournament conditions say so.
- A warning signal sounds 30 seconds before time, and the chukka ends when the prescribed time expires. Whether the ball went out or was put in play before or after that signal is the umpire's judgement.
- A tie goes to extra time after a 10 minute interval: full chukkas with the usual intervals until somebody scores.
- The clock stops whenever the umpire whistles, and that time is not deducted from the chukka. A goal does not stop it - the umpire simply raises an arm.
- Every penalty is taken in the chukka it was awarded in. With less than five seconds left the clock is reset to five seconds before the free hit.
The clause that governs
A regulation game should be for four chukkas of 61/2 minutes each.
Quoted extract · Green Book 2025, Rule 6
6 questions on this rule
On which penalties does the clock start when the ball is hit or hit at?
- Penalties 1, 2, 3
- Penalties 5, 6, 7
- Penalties 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ✓
- Penalties 3, 4, 5
Penalties. All penalties shall be exacted in the chukka in which they are awarded. If less than 5 seconds remain in the chukka, the clock shall be reset to 5 seconds prior to the free hit.
A regulation game should be 4 chukkas of what duration?
- 5 minutes
- 6 1/2 minutes ✓
- 7 minutes
- 7 1/2 minutes
a. Length of Games and Intervals. A regulation game should be for four chukkas of 61/2 minutes each. There will be intervals of 4 minutes after each chukka, except the second chukka.
Gap fill: In a 4 chukka game, there will be intervals of _ minutes between chukkas, except after the second chukka which will be _ minutes?
- 2, 5
- 6, 10
- 5, 10
- 4, 6 ✓
There will be intervals of 4 minutes after each chukka, except the second chukka. There will be a 6 minute interval after the second chukka.
May chukkas may be shortened if it is considered to be in the interests of the welfare of the ponies?
- Yes always
- Never
- Only if made clear in the tournament entry conditions ✓
a. Length of Games and Intervals. A regulation game should be for four chukkas of 61/2 minutes each. There will be intervals of 4 minutes after each chukka, except the second chukka.
How long is the interval before extra time?
- 4 minutes
- 6 minutes
- 10 minutes ✓
- 30 minutes
There will be intervals of 4 minutes after each chukka, except the second chukka. There will be a 6 minute interval after the second chukka.
How long is a regulation arena chukka?
- 6 minutes
- 6 and a half minutes ✓
- 7 minutes
- 7 and a half minutes
A regulation game should be for four chukkas of 61/2 minutes each. There will be intervals of 4 minutes after each chukka, except the second chukka.
Test yourself
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Every rule here is stated in our own words, with short quoted extracts from the HPA Blue Book 2026 and Green Book 2025 and a link to the book itself. Polo Rules Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association. In any dispute the published rulebook governs.