Rule 4 · HPA Blue Book 2026
Officials
Who runs the game, from the two umpires and the referee to the goal judges, timekeeper and scorers, and whose word is final.
OFFICIALS. See Annex G for the guidelines for game officials.
Authority. The rules shall normally be administered by two umpires and a referee whose authority will be absolute during and immediately before and after the game on matters regarding the conduct of play. Should any incident occur which is not provided for in the rules such incident or question shall be decided by the umpires unless they disagree, in which case they should consult the referee. They will be assisted by goal judges and a timekeeper who may in turn be assisted by a scorer and assistant scorer. Any decision thus made may not be overruled by any other person.
Referee. The referee (or third man) should be in an elevated and isolated position at the centre of the ground so that they have a good view and can concentrate on the play. They should not be drawn into conversation or use a mobile phone and must make their position known to the umpires before the game. They will adjudicate if the umpires disagree in which event their decision will be final. If the referee is unable to make an informed judgement on the play, then they should rule ‘No Foul’.
The officials: two mounted umpires on the field, the referee raised at the centre of the ground, a goal judge behind each goal, and the timekeeper off the field. - Two mounted umpires control the game
- A goal judge for each goal, sometimes two
- Referee: raised and apart, at the centre of the ground
- Timekeeper: outside the field and the safety zone
Umpires. There will normally be two mounted umpires who have the duty to control the game according to the rules.
Goal Judges. A goal judge shall be appointed for each goal. On occasion, two may be used at each goal. Each shall give testimony to the umpire at the latter’s request as to the goals scored or other points of the game near the goal, but the umpire shall make the final decision.
Timekeeper. A timekeeper shall be appointed in all games and is responsible for keeping the time for the intervals and the time played in each chukka. The timekeeper may also act as the scorer and assistant scorer.
Scorer. The scorer will record the goals scored, noting, if possible, the name of the player scoring the goal, the time at which the goal was scored and the direction of play. They will instruct the assistant scorer to put up the score on the board being particularly careful to check that the correct team has been credited. At all times it is the scorer’s figures that count.
Assistant Scorer. The assistant scorer is responsible for preparing the scoreboard before the match, and updating goals scored and chukka numbers during the match. They should have communication with the scorer if they are not sitting together.