Rule 30 · USPA Rulebook 2026
Appealing for a foul
Players may not appeal to the umpire for a foul, by word or by gesture.
No appeals
No player may appeal in any manner to the Umpire for a foul. This does not preclude a Captain from discussing any matter with the Umpire.
Appealing for a foul may be by voice or action. A demeaning comment or gesture is an appeal. The raising of the mallet in an attempt to draw the Umpire’s attention to a play is an appeal. If a player is fouled, the foul should not be ignored because of an appeal. Both are fouls and both should be called and announced. The penalty for the appeal may offset the penalty for the other infraction. If the appeal is called and no other infraction, the appeal is to be penalized.
Blue #2 following his own hit sees Red #4 coming from the left to back the ball. Blue holds his mount to a hand canter, stands forward in the stirrups, and looks toward the Umpire while riding to the ball with mallet raised. Foul on Blue for appealing for a foul. If the Umpire determines Red did foul that should also be called. Red #4 rides to turn a ball and taps the ball to his right creating a new line and ROW. As Red turns to follow the new line, Blue #1 riding fast down the old line takes the ball on the nearside passing at a right angle immediately in front of Red. Red reacts to the play by standing in the saddle and pulling his horse to a halt. Red has reacted to Blue’s illegal play and not appealed to the Umpire. No foul on Red. The ball is hit deep by Blue #2. As Red #4 rides to back it, Blue #1, coming from behind and to the left of Red #4, passes Red, safely enters the Right of Way, and carries the ball downfield. Red #4 pulls his mount to a walk, looks over his shoulder to the Umpire, and holds up his mallet hand with the mallet hanging from his thumb. Foul on Red for appealing. The penalty awarded must be severe so as not to disadvantage Blue by stopping the play. Blue # 4 is injured due to a foul and the Umpires discuss whether a Rule 33 ejection is warranted against the Red # 3. The Red Coach pleads with the Umpires to leave Red # 3 in the game lest the Red Sponsor will withdraw his team. Such interference is not tolerated and must be penalized.