New Rules for 2006 - Direct from the UKPA

INTRODUCTION OF NEW SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR 2006:

This season we will be trialing a new safety rule.
This suggestion was brought up at the AGM.
The trial will be in place from the first tournament up to and including Liscombe. If it is successful it will be continued for the remainder of the season.
It will now be an offence to ride between the goal posts during an attempt at goal. Anyone who does so will be penalised with a goal against them. For example if the No.1 shoots at goal and scores but then continues between the posts they will cancel out the goal they scored. If the No.3 rides between the posts they will be penalised with an extra goal against them. THIS IS ONLY WHEN AN ATTEMPT AT GOAL IS BEING MADE.
A player may ride between the posts at other times as long as it is done under control and is not deemed dangerous by the umpire. The aim of this rule is to improve the safety of goal judges.
From 2006 it will be compulsory for all goal judges to wear fluorescent/high vis jackets/vests. These must be provided by the tournament organiser. It is also recommended that goal judges wear their own riding helmet.

OTHER NEW SAFETY RULES
At all tournaments  there will be a separate area for tents provided away from horses.
 Maximum of 3 horses to be penned on the same electric fence circuit. 
Umpires will be clamping down on dangerous riding. 
A 5 metre safety line will be marked around pitch - if player crosses this the table are entitlted to halt game.
Underage drinking at bar will not be tolerated and all music must be turned down at 11pm.
There will be no driving around camp site after dark.
Clubs must not use predominantly white shirts because the umpires have to be visible.

Hat Rules for 2006

For the 2006 season, the hat tag will be predominantly red, so will be easier to identify during pre-match inspections. The tags will be issued by the UKPA Chief Umpire.
Hats may only be tagged by the club representative.
In the case of the AS/NZS helmets, the tag on the back must be present and clearly visible. No tag installed by the manufacturer may be removed or tampered with.

It is mandatory for all riders to wear a protective helmet manufactured to one of the minimum standards listed below. It must bear a quality symbol, either the BSI Kitemark, the SAI Global symbol or the official Snell label with number. The CE symbol on its own is not sufficient to ensure consistent standard of manufacture. The PAS 015:1998 and the Snell E2001 meet higher impact criteria and therefore give more protection.

The fit of the hat and adjustment of the harness is crucial to the effectiveness of the hat. Riders are advised to try several makes to find the best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forwards or backwards.
Hats must be replaced after a severe impact; subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending on the amount of use and the changing of required standards.

HAT CHECKS & TAGGING
The Chairman of every club will appoint one responsible person for their club who is familiar with the UKPA rule for hats. They will carry out hat checks and tag each hat that complies with the above requirements with an official UKPA hat tag. Tagging indicates that a hat meets the above standards, NO check of the fit and condition of the hat is implied. However if the hat shows obvious signs of damage or deterioration they shall not be tagged and will be considered insufficient.
It is considered the responsibility of the rider to ensure that their hat complies with the required UKPA standards and is tagged before they attend any UKPA event. It is also their responsibility to ensure the manufacturer’s guidelines with regard to replacement and fitting are followed.
No hat may be used without the correct tag being present and clearly visible.

Random checks may be carried out at any time by an umpire. If the hat is found to have been incorrectly tagged, all hats tagged by the same person will require re-tagging to ensure standards are met.