From: les@sail.stanford.edu (Les Earnest)
Subject: Bicycle Polo Rules
Organization: Computer Science Department, Stanford University
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 00:42:52 GMT

[In response to an earlier request, here is a copy of bicycle polo
rules from the 1947 rulebook of the Amateur Bicycle League of America.
Note that these rules call for bikes that would now be called "track
bikes."		-Les]

		Bicycle Polo Playing Rules

1. The teams shall consist of not more than six players -- four
players being allowed on the field at a time.  Players can only be
changed at the end of each chukker.

2. The ground shall be rectangular, 100 yards by 60 yards, divided
into four equal parts of 25 by 60 yards; the longer boundary lines to
be called sidelines; the shorter goal lines.  The goals shall be in
the centre of the goal lines and shall consist of two perpendicular
poles 9 feet high, placed 5 yards apart.

3. The ball shall not exceed 3 1/4 inches in diameter and 4 ounces in
weight.

4. The head of the mallet shall be cylindrical or "Le Gallais" in
shape, and shall not be more than 7 inches in length and/or less than
2 1/4 inches in diameter.  The mallet head shall contain no metal
whatsoever.  The stick must not be fitted with a wrist strap, and
shall be held in the right hand.

5. The bicycle shall not carry toe-straps, brakes, wing-nuts, or similar
projections.  The handlebar ends shall be protected and a fixed wheel
is compulsory.  Disc wheels are barred.

6. A referee appointed shall take charge of the game with the
assistance of two linesmen, whom he should consult in the case of a
difficult decision.  He shall control the game by means of a whistle.
The referee's decision shall be final.

7. Duration of Game.  The game shall last 90 minutes, divided into six
chukkers of 15 minutes each, one minute rest between each chukker,
except at half-time, when five minutes is allowed.  A bell shall be
wrung at the start and finish of each chukker.

8. Choice of Ends.  The Captains shall toss for choice of ends, which
are changed at half-time.

9. At the beginning of each chukker and after each goal scored, the
referee shall place the ball in the centre of the field, the players
shall line up on their respective goal lines, and at the signal from
the referee, one player from each team shall sprint for the ball,
starting from the left-hand side of the goal.

10. In the event of one team stealing ground for the sprint, the
opposing team shall be given a free hit from the centre line.

11. Should the ball be hit over the side lines, the linesman, with his
back to the field of play, shall, at the point where the ball crossed
the line, roll the ball (not throw) between his legs back into the
play at right angles to the side line; the players shall not be within
five yards of the side line.

12. Should the ball be hit over the goal line and the last player
whose stick or cycle it touched be of the attacking side, then a goal
hit shall be taken at a point on the goal line 6 yards from the
nearest point; no opposing player shall be within 25 yards of his
opponents' goal line.  But should the ball be hit or last come in
contact with the cycle of a defending player, then a corner hit shall
be taken from the 25 yards mark of the side line on the same side of
the goal that the ball crossed the goal line.

13. Should the ball cross the goal line between the two goal posts a
goal is awarded.  In the event of a ball passing the goal line above
the posts, but in the opinion of the referee within the goal area, it
shall be deemed a goal.

14. In the event of a player in an offside position interfering with
the play of an opponent, a free hit shall be given to the opposing
team.  (A player is considered offside when at the time of the ball
being hit, he has no one of the opposing side nearer the adversaries'
goal line and he is neither in possession of the ball nor behind one
of his own players who is in possession of the ball.)  A player cannot
be offside in his own half.

15. A player is allowed to:
    Crook an opponent's stick.
    Play over an opponent's cycle.
    Ride off an opponent who is in possession of the ball.
    Charge or lean on an opponent when both are riding for the ball.
    Defend his own goal by placing himself across his goal posts,
        players attacking must avoid him.

16. A player is NOT allowed to:
    Play under an opponent's cycle.
    Hold an opponent.
    Hold or hook an opponent's cycle.
    Ride or play dangerously.
    Carry the ball lodged on his cycle or person.
    Hit the ball or in any way interfere with the game whilst dismounted
	(one foot touching the ground shall be deemed dismounted).

17. In the event of a player or his cycle being disabled by a foul,
the referee shall order the offending player off the field until the
disabled player returns.

18. In the case of a scrimmage or deadlock in the play, the referee shall
roll the ball in towards the centre of the field.

19. When infringements of the preceding rules occur a free hit is
given against the offending team from the spot where the infringement
took place.  No opposing player shall be within 10 yards of the ball.

When a member of the attacking team is fouled within the 25 yard line,
a free hit shall be awarded from a spot 25 yards from the centre of
the goal, only one player of the offending side is allowed to defend
his goal, all the other players must be behind the ball; defending
player shall not be more than 5 yards from his own goal line.  A goal,
corner or free hit shall consist of a direct drive.

20. Any incident or question not provided for in these rules shall be
decided by the referee.

			Suggestions for Referees

The following suggestions passed as recommendations to referees with
the idea of assisting him in the interpretation of the Playing Rules:--

Rule 7.  In the event of the ball being struck towards goal on the
stroke of chukker time, the referee is recommended to delay the
cessation of play until the ball has finished its course.

Rule 14. For the guidance of referees a player should be deemed to be
interfering with the play when he is in an offside position.

Rule 15. Do not forget that when a player is across his own goalmouth,
attacking players who do not avoid him should be penalized.

Rule 16. Do not forget that a player who stops the ball with his
machine or person whilst having one foot tounching the ground is
"dismounted" and should be penalized.

Rule 19.  Please note that player may take a goal, corner, or free hit
with cycle facing to suit himself.

Rule 19. In the event of a free hit being awarded against a defending
team within their 25 yard line on the stroke of time, the game should
be prolonged until such hit has been taken.  This does not apply to
free hits outside the 25 yard line or for corners or goal hits.

--
Les Earnest                                  Phone:  415 941-3984
Internet: Les@cs.Stanford.edu              USMail: 12769 Dianne Drive
UUCP: . . . decwrl!cs.Stanford.edu!Les         Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.misc,rec.bicycles.soc,rec.bicycles.tech