Polo Rules

@John
No contact = no foul doesn't mean that contact = foul

Only from ref perspective you can judge if blue is really initiating the contact... From that perspective ( for me ) it is looking like the white one is just trying to break the screen and he just didn't manage to... no foul at all....

I don't see it so clear as other people do ...

regarding the video. I have heard so many people tell me that a hit like that is just 'closing the door' nice to see it getting eradicated.

The hit itself is fine. It is just because the hit is made off ball.

yeah i know. #eradicateemmet

Whats the exact regulation goal width please?

182cm / 6ft

Whats the exact regulation if you score a goal and ride through the cones?

You hit the imaginary goal post, both you and the goal stand, simples ;)

Goal is counted and any action after becomes irrelevant because the game and time is not active.

:)

hey i have a question... it's about when there is a foul and the ref does not call it on the spot but decides to let the game continue - when is it the most appropriate time to call it to give the ball to the other team? I understand that not calling a foul on the spot lets the game roll, but i dont understand the judgement of when the game is suddenly stopped for the ref to say to hand the ball over because a long time ago the team did something out of order. So, yes, what does the ref look at to make that timing judgement? thanks (ps i read the NAH delayed penalty, but i still need abit more info :-/ )

Normally if the advantage you are playing has passed, this usually means the team that committed the foul getting possession of the ball back.

@coventry_eagle

§9.2.1.1 – Windup and follow through associated with normal shooting motion that
extends above the height of the opponent’s shoulders is not subject to a high sticking
penalty. **Wild swings **or blind backhanded swings that extend far behind a player are not
considered “normal shooting motion” and will be subject to a high sticking penalty at the
referee’s discretion according to proximity of other players.

Just for discussions sake.

yesterday I called you for this when you swung hard and hit Ed and therefore lost your mallet. I felt that as there were lots of players in a small area, your big swing was a ‘wild swing’ especially as you lost control of the mallet. I ignored your and Chris’ argument that Ed shouldn’t have been there (ie behind you) and therefore it was his fault that you hit him partly because I had already warned everyone for wild swings in close proximity. Seeing as the above rule gives the ref discretion to deem something a wild swing, AND there was a significant decrease in this kind of (dangerous as I see it) play after my call, in hindsight I stand by that decision...

Nah, the call you made was when I winding up for a forward facing shot. Ed came in to hook and caught my hand. That I believe falls in the remit of 'normal shooting' and as I said, I disagree with the call but I respected it and took the warning.

The one where I lost my mallet was on the other end, I was doing a Dillman and the mallet slipped from my grip, even then, it is not a 'blind backhanded swing' as was shooting parallel to my bars and across my front wheel. This was not a wild swing, I just lost grip. I was clear from other players when I wound up and even shouted that I was going for the shot and credit to Ed he still came in for the tackle.

'blind backhanded swing' - this I believe is for what is termed 'Blind Watsons', i.e. you are swinging towards your rear wheel.

I tried to unbold 'blind backhanded swing' as it was as wild swing imo. This was simply because your mallet was above head height on the preswing and if ed was hooking your mallet then surely he was close enough for it to be dangerous to swing so high.

Good point also, when u dropped ur mallet. That was a different situation.

Would be interested to hear what other refs think about this

What do people think about banning hooking? I think it should go, making the game more flowing and removing an often ugly part of the game.

Tough one, this came up in our game when Beagle subbed the other week. If someone (e.g. Me) is close enough to hook your opponent's (e.g. Beagle) mallet and it's above shoulder height then surely Beagle is in the wrong. The high swing is not a safe play when people are that close by. Equally to hook him (which is not an infringement on it's own) would also be foul play as to do so I had to raise my mallet above shoulder height...

My stand on it is that you shouldn't require a swing like that anyway, not least if there are people nearby (whether you are aware of there presence or not). I see it as the bark before the bite; in no instance should a defending player of any ability risk getting twatted for a safe/fair tackle.

Ben punkture and Rodrick: Windup and follow through associated with normal shooting motion that
extends above the height of the opponent’s shoulders is not subject to a high sticking
penalty.

Yes, I swing big but I dont think I am reckless or wild and I honestly think this rule is daft since controlling the ball above the shoulder which usually less dangerous than a wind up or follow through is illegal.

That said, thanks for reffin and kudos to making the calls and sticking to them. It aint easy to ref and it is nice that we left the discussion for after the game and on here instead of doing it while the game is on.

I like hooking. To emphasise my last comment I think without it there would be a lot more of the 'big-shot' business going on with bigger swings and less risk of being challenged for the ball.

Hooking is fine. It is stick on stick contact.

I agree with @BRodrick on all of this, however, I am more trying to clear up a grey area for me as a ref by discussing it here. It also wasn't just you @coventry_eagle, alot of people were swinging high and imo dangerously in that game which is why I asked everyone to stop. I would however like some clarification from the more experienced refs on here, @Ideal_Standard , @John_H etc

also hooking is a great addition to the game when done cleverly and non hacky

also @coventry_eagle

Windup and follow through associated with normal shooting motion that
extends above the height of the opponent’s shoulders is not subject to a high sticking
penalty.

This is then followed up by Rule §9.2.1.1 which talks about 'Wild Swings' (not just 'blind backhanded swings') being left up to the ref's discretion as to penalise or not.

Most of the hooking I see is either when people are already beaten to the ball or in corners/boards. You could argue it's useful but not skillful. I've never heard anyone say 'beautiful hook'. It is effective against double goalie/stacking

@BRodrick hooking often leads to high sticks.

Most of the hooking I see is either when people are already beaten to the ball or in corners/boards. You could argue it's useful but not skillful. I've never heard anyone say 'beautiful hook'.

This is true - it leads to lazy ugly polo.

Speaking of ugly polo, when's Thumping going to made illegal...

Please define Thumping - do you mean this: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Thump