Rule 20 · USPA Rulebook 2026
How play starts
The throw-in at the centre that starts the game, how players must line up, and what happens if they line up the wrong way.
The opening throw-in
The game begins by both teams taking their positions in the center of the field at the starting time designated by the Host Club Tournament Committee, and the Umpire throwing in the ball, parallel to the end line, always underhand and hard, onto the ground in front of and between the opposing ranks of players, each team being on the same side of the center line as the goal which it is defending, with no player to be within 5 yards of the Umpire(s). The teams shall decide by lot which goal each will defend initially.
The throw-in: each team on the side of the centre line of the goal it defends, facing the umpire, who throws the ball in underhand and hard, parallel to the end line, between the ranks. - More than 20 yd from the boards
- No player within 5 yd of the umpire
- Each team on the side of the centre line of the goal it defends
- The umpire throws in underhand and hard, parallel to the end line
The Umpire must enforce a consistent procedure to avoid any player gaining unfair advantage. The ball must be presented consistently--underhand, hard, and in front of the players. Players must be on their own side of the center line and not in contact. Players must be at least 5 yards from the Umpire. Players may not rush the Umpire. The ball is ready for play when the Umpire is positioned. To preserve the condition of the field, the Umpire may throw the ball in any place on the center line, but always more than 20 yards from the boards or sideline.
Both teams arrive at the center line and jostle for position as the Umpire prepares to throw-in. Play should be stopped. There should be no contact prior to the throw-in. The teams line up, each on its own side of center, and move toward the Umpire as he prepares to throw-in. The play should be stopped if the 5-yard provision is violated. After a hard run and scoring a goal, Red #2 is slow returning to the lineup and is still 20 yards from center when the Umpire is ready to throw-in. If Red #2 requires extra time to position, that time should be granted with the clock stopped. Blue #3 changes horses following a goal. No extra time is permitted, and the lineup and throw-in go on without him. Following Red’s goal, Blue #1 is slow returning to the lineup and is 20 yards from center when the ball is ready for play. Blue #3 wins the throw in and hits to Blue #1. A delayed whistle is blown and a foul against Blue #1 is called for improper positioning. Had Blue not become involved in the play, the Umpire could elect not to call a foul.
Wrong side of the line-up
If a player is on the wrong side of the line-up when the ball is thrown in, he or she may not make a play until he or she is behind a member of his or her own team who was properly positioned when the ball was thrown in or the ball has traveled at least 30 yards from where it thrown in and he or she has passed midfield. Should he or she make or attempt a play prior to either (1) being passed by a member of his or her own team who was properly positioned when the ball was thrown in or (2) the ball has traveled at least 30 yards from where it thrown in and he or she has passed midfield, then a penalty shall be awarded.
When all 8 players and the Umpires accept a line-up, that line-up becomes correct and goals scored are counted for the team that scored them. If the lineup is correct and a player scores in the “wrong” goal, the goal is counted for the opponent.
Red scores in the south goal. Upon returning to the center throw-in, the teams line up with Red again going south and Blue going north. The Umpire throws the ball in and Red again scores in the South goal. Following the goal, the flagger calls to the Umpire that Red has scored at his end twice in a row. The goal stands for Red, ends are changed in the normal way, and play continues. Red scores in the South goal, the teams line up incorrectly, and Red continues to attack the South goal for the balance of the period with no score by either team. Between periods the scorekeeper points out the error to the Umpire. When the teams return, the Umpire must explain the situation, reverse direction to correct the error and resume the game. Blue #1 is slow returning to the lineup because he changed a horse. The other 7 players are in position with Blue now attacking the North goal. Blue is riding to the lineup from the South when the ball is hit toward him from the throw-in. Blue becomes confused, carries the ball to the South goal and scores. Blue has scored on his own goal and the score counts for Red.
No right of way inside the line-up
During the throw-in, the Right of Way will be established when the ball leaves the line-up. Until such time, players may play the ball from any direction or angle providing they do so without creating danger or a risk of danger to themselves, other players or horses.
Everyone lined up the wrong way
If the Umpire(s) inadvertently permit all players on both teams to line up the wrong way, the responsibility rests with the Umpire(s), and there is no redress. The teams must play on until a goal is scored or the period ends, and any goal scored that is consistent with the “wrong-way line-up” counts for the team that scored it.