Rule 15 · USPA Rulebook 2026
Running and stopping the clock
The clock stops only on the umpire's whistle, and restarts at defined moments for each kind of restart.
Only the whistle stops it
Only if and when the Umpire stops the play with the whistle, shall the clock be stopped. The clock shall not be stopped when a goal is scored or the ball otherwise goes out of bounds unless the Umpire blows the whistle.
A four-period game: each period 7 minutes and up to 30 seconds of overtime; intervals of 3 minutes, and 5 at half time. After a throw-in
If play is to be resumed by the Umpire throwing the ball in between the teams, the clock (if it has been stopped by the Umpire’s whistle) does not resume running until the ball leaves the Umpire’s hand.
After a knock-in or foul shot
If play is to be resumed by a team hitting in from its end line or by a team taking a foul shot, the clock (if it has been stopped by the Umpire’s whistle) does not resume running until the Umpire says “play” and the ball is hit, hit at, or touched by the mallet of any member of the offensive team.