Rule 22. Injured or Fallen Player

In plain English

A fall or an injury stops play - at once if anyone is in danger.

• A player who falls or is injured stops the game: immediately if they or the pony are in danger, otherwise at the next neutral moment.
• The player must make every effort to hold on to their pony. A loose pony in a game is everybody's problem.
• An injured player's team gets up to 10 minutes for treatment and, if they cannot go on, to find a substitute in that time. Serious injury can be given longer on medical advice.
• The umpires will not hold the game up for any other absent player.
• A player who recovers may take their substitute's place at the start of any chukka.

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 22

Read rule 22 in the Blue Book 2026

If a player is injured or falls off, under what circumstances will the Umpire stop the game immediately?

• If the player raises his hand
• If the player or pony is in danger or if the play is neutral ✓
• If the player’s team requests it
• If the player is not able to get up within 30 seconds

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

How much time is a team granted for an injured player to receive medical assistance or produce a substitute?

• 5 minutes
• 10 minutes ✓
• 15 minutes
• Player must be stretchered off the field immediately so that play can resume

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

How long is a team allowed for an injured player to receive medical assistance and, if needed, produce a substitute?

• 5 minutes
• Not more than 10 minutes ✓
• 15 minutes
• As long as needed

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

An injured player is substituted and later recovers. When may they return?

• Immediately
• At the start of any chukka ✓
• Only in the final chukka
• Not until the next match

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

A player is not present when play is due to restart. What do the umpires do?

• Wait until the player arrives
• Restart without waiting ✓
• Award a Penalty 5b against that team
• Delay for 25 seconds only

If a player is injured or falls off, the Umpire shall stop the game immediately if the player or pony is in danger or, if not, when the play is neutral.

Test yourself

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