The Horseless Polo League was established in 1896 by a small group of enthusiasts who believed the sport could be played without the unnecessary expense of horses. What began as informal matches on borrowed grounds quickly attracted attention for its physicality and unpredictable character. The League was formally incorporated in 1902 and has operated inconsistently since, growing from its working-class roots in Western New York into a fully professional organization with franchises across the country. Today, the HPL proudly counts among its partners several distinguished corporate sponsors and counts its players among the highest-compensated athletes in emerging sports. The game has come a long way.
OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME
1.01
Tally more scores than your opponent in the allotted time, which shall constitute a single victory.
1.02
Record more victories in your regional division than the opposing teams in hopes of being voted in to the Playaround.
1.03
Progress through the Playaround without a loss to enter the Championship Gala.
1.04
Win the Championship Gala to receive the Diamond Trough for one complete season.
1.05
The Lady Chesterbock Memorial Trophy, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a single player over the course of a single season, is awarded to the player who is named the most valuable player the most times in a single season. In the event of a tie, the closest living blood relative to Lady Chesterbock will be responsible for selecting the trophy's recipient.
1.06
Hall of Distinguished Gentlemen election process is... well, secret. Sorry.
STAFFING THE FIELD
2.01
Each team must consist of no less than SIX (6) players per side.
2.02
The maximum number of players eligible for a game time roster shall constitute no more than the lesser of ONE EIGHTEENTH (1/18th) the total number of registered players in the league or ONE EIGHTH (1/8th) the number of paid attendees to the event.
2.03
A player's rank shall be referred to as a Greenbrook, a Slidesman, or a Longlord, depending on the number of consecutive seasons they have participated in the league.
2.04
A Greenbrook is under no circumstances allowed any affectation or nickname.
2.05
Each franchise is allowed no more than TWO (2) booners.
2.06
Booners may not sign players directly. Players must be offered contracts from the franchise's dedicated Loggerman.
2.07
A unified booner / loggerman shall only be permitted under a TWO THIRDS (2/3rds) vote by previously registered loggermen prior to the mid-season contract deadline.
2.08
The standard fielding positions include TWO (2) Quartermen, TWO (2) Round Mills, ONE (1) Seamer, and ONE (1) Duckett per side. A team may change the number of active player positions live on the field provided there is a minimum of ONE (1) Seamer in the game at all times.
2.09
Players caught using performance enhancing drugs will be suspended from the league for FIVE (5) seasons for their first violation. Also known as the "Dee Clause."
2.11
No player or official shall accept compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for an abnormal performance which could affect the outcome of the match.