Rule 20. Lost Helmet or Broken Equipment

In plain English

Lost helmet or dangerous broken tack stops the game.

• A lost helmet stops the game, but the umpire waits for a neutral moment rather than killing an attack, so the player can go back for it.
• Damaged or broken tack that could hurt a player or pony stops the game the same way, when play is neutral.
• Four faults stop it immediately, whatever the state of play: a broken bit, a broken rein (either of a double), a broken girth, and trailing bandages.
• If it can be fixed quickly the umpires may let the player do it on the ground. Otherwise they leave the field, and play restarts as soon as they have gone.

However, the game shall be stopped immediately in the interest of safety for tack which presents an immediate danger to any player or pony such as:

Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 20

Read rule 20 in the Blue Book 2026

What should happen if a player loses his helmet during a match?

• The player should continue playing without the helmet
• The umpire should stop play immediately
• The umpire should stop play when neutral to enable the player to recover it ✓
• The player should leave the field to get a replacement helmet

If a player loses their helmet, the umpire shall stop play when neutral to enable the player to recover it. b.

When will an umpire stop the game due to damaged or broken tack?

• Only at the end of the chukka
• Immediately, regardless of the play status
• When the play is neutral, if the damaged tack might pose a risk ✓
• The umpire will not stop the game for damaged tack

If a player loses their helmet, the umpire shall stop play when neutral to enable the player to recover it. b.

In what circumstances will the umpire stop the game immediately due to damaged tack?

• When the tack is slightly worn
• If there's a broken bit, broken rein if single (or both if double), broken girth, or trailing bandages ✓
• When the player requests it
• If the tack is aesthetically unpleasing

If a player loses their helmet, the umpire shall stop play when neutral to enable the player to recover it. b.

What options do the umpires have regarding a player with faulty tack during a game?

• The umpires may allow the player to fix the tack on the ground if it can be done quickly, or the player must leave the field ✓
• The umpires will provide replacement tack
• The player is disqualified from the game
• The game is paused until the tack is repaired

If a player loses their helmet, the umpire shall stop play when neutral to enable the player to recover it. b.

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