Rules
Both leagues will be playing with UPA Version 11 Rules. A copy of the rules will be given to each captain, and they will be responsible for having their copy of the rulebook on hand each week to settle any unsettleable (not a word) disputes. All players are highly encouraged to read and be at least familiar with the rules. Veteran players are even more highly encouraged to read over the rules, as some recent rule changes have been very significant.
Recreational Play format is 5-2 with 6-1 negotiable between captains before play begins.
Competitive format is 5-2, and must play short-handed if you are missing women players.
Both leagues have 3 Time-outs, one per half and a floater, per team. A time-out called when none are remaining is a turn-over – so pay attention to the number of timeouts used.
Other rules nonsense: Unlike in years past, we will be asking for a game report from each captain each week. Field incidents will be reported during these reports, and names that habitually show up as having spirit issues in the game report will be disciplined. It is unfortunate that we feel that this is necessary, but in the recreational league especially we feel the need to foster a fun new-player friendly environment that is free of overly aggressive douchenozzles. Calls can be quickly decided by either “Contest” or “No Contest”, and arguments over a specific sticking point will be settled between captains, not with a volume escalation contest on the field. First offenses will be a warning, while repeat offenders may be subject to game suspensions or league expulsions. Just relax, act like an adult, and have a good time, and we’ll all be fine.
There will be two games to 15, with the first starting at noon sharp, with a hardcap at 2pm, and the second game starting at 2pm with a hardcap of 4pm. Schedules will be distributed in your goodie bags, and after week one will be placed online as well.
Please pick up all trash after the game. A good rule is “whatever you pack in, pack out”. We do not have a maid service and are not interested in picking up your snot rags after the game.
Polo Field Rules:
There is no standing, sitting, walking on, or otherwise shenanigans in or around the stands or scoreboard. Anyone caught diddling around near the stands or scoreboard areas will be harshly pelted with fresh fruit.
Dogs are allowed, but must be kept leashed or staked at all times. This is a functional polo field, and if a dog runs towards the stables and spooks a million dollar horse, it will be an immediate end to Winter League. If your dog causes an issue he will be asked to not return with you the following week.
Beer is allowed at the field, but bottles are not allowed on the playing area. Glass bottle caps could irreparably damage a horse’s hoof, and would once again ruin all our fun very very quickly. The first cap that I find out on the playing area bans bottles completely. Don’t test me.