Rule 32 · USPA Rulebook 2026
Ground kept clear, no outside help
Who may be on the field and in the run-off area, and how a player gets a new mallet, a fresh horse or help.
Who may be inside
No person or persons shall be allowed within the playing field or run-off area but Players, Umpires, Referees, Managers, Mallet-holders and Goal Judges, except by special permission of the Umpire(s).
Who may be on the field or in the run-off area: players, umpires, referees, managers, mallet holders and goal judges (riders drawn larger than scale) - Players
- Umpires
- Goal judges, at the goals
- Referees, managers and mallet holders may also be inside; anyone else only with the umpires' permission
Getting a mallet, horse or help
A player requiring a mallet, a change of mount, or assistance from an outside person during a game shall ride beyond the end-lines or side boards or side lines to procure it. No person shall come onto the playing field to assist except when the ball is dead and when permission is granted by the Umpire(s).
Rule 32.a requires that horse-holders not be positioned in the run-off area surrounding the field. Rule 32.b permits the holder to enter the run-off area to execute the change after which he must immediately exit the area. Should the change interfere with the play, a penalty should be awarded. A coach or mallet holder may be in the run-off area, but interference with the play should be penalized. It is club management’s responsibility to define a holding area that does not conflict with this rule.
During the second period, the Red #2’s groom rides up and down the run-off area in front of the spectators and cars waiting for Red #2 to change horses. When play is in neutral territory, the Umpires should blow the whistle to stop play, order the groom back to the staging area and assess an appropriate penalty against the Red Team. Red # 4 changes mounts following a goal. He leaves the field and his groom enters the run-off area for the change. Following the change, the groom exits the area. No foul. This is a proper execution as long as the changing of horses does not interfere with the play.