Oxford Rules were used in a game of polo between Cambridge and Oxford at Hurlingham on May 6, 1932. The Oxford Rules consist of general regulations governing the game and the more specific rules of polo.
General:
1.All players must wear protective clothing (such as helmets, body armor, reinforced gloves and boots, or similar) that meets modern safety standards.
2.No member of the team is to play the ball for more than five seconds consecutively in one period of play.
3.Care must be taken to play the ball in a fair manner.
4.A player with the ball must not hold the stick in his hand while riding.
5.No more than three players are to ride away from the ball.
6.A player must use caution when riding around another player and not attempt to cross in front of or from behind the other player.
7.No interference with the play or actions that might endanger another player is allowed.
8.No player may use any sort of impediment to gain advantage in attacking or defending the goal.
Rules of Play:
1.The game will be played on a field of 200-300 yards in length and a width of 120-150 yards.
2.Each match will consist of four chukkers (periods of 7 minutes 30 seconds duration).
3.The ball is moved by the hitting action of the mallet and must be kept in constant motion.
4.The teams will start with four players each and teams may make no more than two substitutions between parties.
5.The game starts with a face-off at centre conducted by the two leading players and they must strike the ball simultaneously and on the ground.
6.At the end of each chukker, the teams will change sides of the field and begin the next party with a face-off.
7.The goal may only be scored by one of the four players on the opposing teams goal line or within ten yards of the goal line.
8.A goal will be scored within the allocated time for the party scoring it, or if the ball has been hit by a player from one team and is still in play when the time runs out.
9.The boundaries of the pitch are marked with flags and the ball may not be in the area between the flags marked as the no-go zone. Any goal outside this area is not allowed.
10.At the end of the game, the team scoring the most goals will be declared the winner.
The Oxford Rules are designed to promote fairness in the game, and with the right team, the right skill and the right attitude, good sportsmanship and a successful game of outdoor polo can be guaranteed. In addition, the Oxford Rules recognise that the game of polo is dangerous and therefore that all players must strive to provide protection and care to ensure the safety of all involved in the game.
