The sun., 1898-01-16
BAsKErBA1L ON HORSEBACK. !
Rules for q New Sport That 10 Finding RaveP
Among Equestrlnns. ..

Rules for o New Sport That rB Finding RovoP
Among Equestrians. .
Unlike the equestrian form of football, which
only flourished for q brief season, basketball on
horseback promises to be permanent addition
to the sports of the riding schools and clubs.
Mounted football went out of favor because the
tackles of the players and the wedge-rushes
were injurious to the horses. Men might injuro
themselves in the game without unduly worry
ing the riding school proprietors but when 10
came to hurting the horses 1t was different It
meant veterinary bills to pay. loss of sorvices
and other expenses. and consequently football
has been banished from the tanbark rings.
Basketball is an easier game on the horses, while
it brings out all the riding skill of the players.
During Christmas week THE SUN reports d the
first public match at mounted baskesball ever
held in this city. and since then the gamo has
been taken up by the amateurs at all of the
riding schools. Basketball Is only rivalled BY
hockey as a winter indoor game. and there 10
every possibility that the horseback game Will
be as popular as the sport played on foot. Tho
Coleman. a weli.kmown amateur. The follow
ing is his set Of rules which virtually governs
the game wherever played: ,',...H
l. The ball shall be put in play in the centre by
being thrown up by the referee so that It will do
2. The centre who nrst catches or touches the ban
has possession.
who nrst touches it has possession and win be al.
lowed to mount, when the ball Will be in play.
horse; II he does not shall he considered foul.
8. The ball cannot be carried by player than
one-quarter OF the ring.
q. The quarters marked by white spots on tho
side OF tine ring.
It only be blocked by the open hand when being
g. When the ball falls to the ground during the play
the first player touching 1t has possession and will DO
0. There must be no roughness, tackling pulling
kind TO players or horses If done 1t constitutes
10 When the ball is carried behind the goal 10
gains possession. Failure to do this constitutes .
II. When foul is made the ball is given to tho
opposite side and player is allowed to go fifteen
from the goal for free throw at the basket and
the player who throws the ball must not cross tho
hfteen.foot line until the ball has enterod missed
the basket. Violation OF this rule is foul and II .
goal IL made IL shall not be counted, and II missed
the ball is dead and must be put in play in the centre
again. ''' a.
interfered with in any whatever. Tho
players must stay six feet from the thrower and IN
Interfere with the ball until It reaches the goal.
l8. There must be no shouting or swearing. and all
protests must be =, made by the captain OF the te4ln.
Ii. A goal made from the field in play counts two
points.
is. A goal made from foul counts point
Players may be disqualified for striking, kick
Ing shouldering. or any unnecessarily rough
play, while the foul plays are: .if&
centre player kicking or punching the balls carry
ing the ball moro than quarter of the ring; hold
tackling. holding pushing or striking pAyeFs or
of horse.
The spirit of the rules is to compel dashing
riding and the avoidance Of all mass plays by a
constant passing of the ball The goals are
usually netted hoops two feet in diameter.
riders. Polo ponies are the best mounts, from
their agility in turning and stopping.