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APF Rule Changes - August 2026
25 Aug 2026
APF RULE CHANGES
A reminder that the following APF Rules take effect upon publication, with the exception of the Eyewear Rule. The Eyewear Rule is strongly recommended from publication and will become mandatory from 1 January 2027, except in Victoria, where eyewear is already mandatory.
2.3 PLAYERS EQUIPMENT: EYEWEAR
d) All players are required to use eye protection which can be satisfied by the use of sports glasses, goggles, or a face guard.
32 SECTION 4 PRECEDENCE AND PERSONAL FOULS: IMPEDING THE PRIMARY
When an unchallenged player in possession of the ball either stops or reduces to a slow canter or walk, no teammate of the player in possession of the ball may ride off, impede, or block an opposing player who is a legitimate challenger (within two horse lengths, and can contest without fouling) of the player in possession of the ball from making a play on the player or the ball. If within the 60-yard line the umpires can award a penalty 3 or a penalty 4. If the foul is blown but subsequently not upheld, the team in possession of the ball when the foul was called shall be awarded a Fair Play dropped ball.
‘Challenged’ is being paired up with an opposition player, being ridden off, or an opposing player making an attempt on the ball or player’s stick. The first legitimate challenger needs to be outside the two horse lengths before another defender can be classified as the next legitimate challenger. Allowing for a player impeding the new primary defender time to vacate the contest.
SECTION 5 PENALTIES - YELLOW CARD AND SIN BIN
d) Flags after Whistle.
In respect of conduct after the final chukka has ended the umpires may award a yellow card, double yellow or red card. If a player is awarded a double yellow after the final whistle then the two minutes of remaining time will carry over to the next game played.
HANDICAP LIST
A player who ceases to hold active membership with the Australian Polo Federation shall remain on the Australian Polo Federation Handicap List for a period of 12 months from the date their active membership ceases. The player shall be removed from the Handicap List at the next scheduled handicap review following the expiry of that 12-month period.
A player whose handicap has been removed following the expiry of the 12-month period will, upon renewal of active membership with the Australian Polo Federation, be reinstated at their highest current overseas handicap, with a “T” rating applied.
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