Rules of the Game - a brief overview

"Above all it must always be remembered that good sportsmanship is the foundation stone on which the game of Horseballis built and that the safety of both horses and riders are paramount" FIHB

A Horseball team is made up of 6 players, with four players being on the pitch at the same time. Each player rides one horse and players may be substituted during a time-out or a break in play. The game is played in two, 10 minute halves, with the aim being to shoot the ball through a 1m diameter hoop standing erected over 3m tall at either end of the pitch, and the team with the most goals at the end of the match wins.

The ball must be passed (thrown) three times between different players within a team before a shot at goal can be attempted. However - don't hang on to that ball too long - a player may not hold on to the ball for more than 10 seconds. Each time the ball changes possession, play is stopped by a penalty or goal, or is dropped on the ground, the count of 3 passes resets to 0.

Defending players may then attempt to intercept the ball, pick up downed balls, or steal the ball from attacking players after which they will have to pass the ball three times amongst their team before shooting for a goal.

After every goal, play is restarted with a line-out. The ball is thrown in by a member of the team which conceded the goal. One or two players from each team line up in two lines parallel to the centre line and facing the thrower, at least 7m from the side of the pitch. The remaining members of the team must be a least 5m downfield from the players on the line, in their respective halves, until the ball has been caught or deflected by a player in the line-out. The ball must be thrown within 3 seconds of the referee's whistle and must be thrown at least stirrup height.

The ball is considered out of play when it has fallen to the ground beyond the boundaries of the pitch, or if the horse of the player carrying the ball steps out of bounds. Play is then restarted with a penalty 3.

During play the referees will identify penalties within the game:

• Penalty 1: A penalty 1 is awarded as a result of a serious or unacceptable infringement such as rough or dangerous play, interfering with the pick-up, or if the foul prevented a shot at goal. Penalty 1 is taken as an undefended and direct shot at goal whilst standing on the 10m line.
• Penalty 2: A penalty 2 is awarded as a result of offences which are less serious but still interfere with play or the safety of the game (such as obstruction or intimidation of an opponent). The referee gives the team captain a choice between a direct shot at goal from the 10m line (similar to the above but defended by the opposing team at the 5m line), or passing the ball (three times between three different players) from the 15m line.
• Penalty 3: A penally 3 is awarded as a result of minor infringements. A penalty 3 is always taken from the centre line and the ball carrier may stand anywhere along the centre line, with the remaining team members placed in their own half.

For a more extensive look at the rules of the sport please see the FIHB rulebook on our Forms and Downloads page