Rule 7 · HPA Blue Book 2026
Winning and scoring goals
A game is won on total goals, handicap goals included, and a goal only counts when the whole ball crosses the line between the posts.
Winning. The team with the most goals on the score sheet, including those awarded on handicap and from a Penalty 1 wins the game.
Goals on Handicaps. In all matches played under handicap conditions the difference between the totals of the two team handicaps shall be multiplied by the number of chukkas to be played in the game and then divided by 6 (the number of chukkas upon which handicaps are based). This will give the number of goals to be given to the team with the lower handicap. Any fraction of a goal shall be counted as ‘half a goal’.
Scoring Goals. A goal is scored from play when the ball passes between the goal posts or the imaginary vertical lines produced by the inner surfaces of the goal posts and across and clear of the goal line. A ball hit through or directly over either goal post shall not count because it has not passed between the inner vertical lines of the goal posts. If the ball lodges in a goal post, the umpire will blow the whistle and the game shall continue as if the ball had been hit over the back line.
Redress on Score. Any change to the score as posted on the score board must be made before the final whistle.
Undecided Goal. If the two umpires are unable to decide as to whether a goal was scored or not, having consulted the goal judge(s), and if still in doubt the referee, they must give the benefit of the doubt to the defending team.
Whistle Blown as Goal Scored. When the whistle is blown for a foul at the same time a goal is scored:
No Foul. If it is confirmed that there is ‘No Foul’ then the umpires will instruct the goal judge to wave their flag to signify a goal and the clock will be restarted at this point.
Foul by Defending Team. If it is decided that the defending team have fouled, the goal will stand, and the umpires shall instruct the goal judge to wave their flag. The umpires then have the option of proceeding as normal or blowing the whistle again and restarting the game with an appropriate penalty. If a penalty is awarded the whistle must be blown to stop the clock until the penalty is taken.
Foul by Attacking Team. If it is decided that the attacking team have fouled, the goal will not be awarded, and the umpires shall restart the game with an appropriate penalty.