International Chovken Federation

Chovken Rules: How the Game Is Played

Chovken is an equestrian team sport in which mounted players use mallets to send a ball through the opposing goal. This guide introduces the ICF rules for teams, scoring, match duration, the playing field and equipment.

The summary below follows the Chovken Game Rules linked by the ICF. Players, coaches and officials should consult the full document and the requirements issued for their competition.

How many players are on a Chovken team?

The standard team consists of four players. The competition’s Organizing Committee may decide to use squads of five. The rules also cover player eligibility and substitutions; a player may represent only one team during a tournament. Players use their right hand to play.

How long is a Chovken match?

A match has two 15-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime interval. If extra time is required, a five-minute break comes before a five-minute overtime period. If the match remains tied after that period, the rules call for penalty shooting.

The referee and timekeeper manage official match time, including the situations in which the clock is stopped. Spectators should follow the official scoreboard and decisions made by the match officials.

How are goals scored?

A goal is scored when the ball passes between the goalposts at any height. The winning team is the one with more goals, including points awarded as penalties. Goal judges assist the referee, who makes the final decision on whether a goal counts.

What are the field dimensions?

For a four-player lineup, the full-size pitch measures 85–150 metres in length and 35–70 metres in width. The goals are four metres wide and at least 85 metres apart. Goalposts must be at least two metres high and designed to give way safely in a collision.

The marked goal infield is a dead-ball zone. Players and horses may not hit or touch the ball in that area; a breach results in a penalty for the opposing side.

Player equipment and horse welfare

Protective helmets are required during games and training. The rules specify helmets with a three-point strap for players and set requirements for boots, knee pads, whips, spurs and team jerseys. Equipment that can injure a horse or another competitor is restricted or prohibited.

Horses must have vaccination certificates. Horses with infectious disease, dangerous behaviour or signs of exhaustion may not continue to play. Leg protectors are compulsory, and veterinary care forms part of the competition requirements. Consult the full rules for eligibility, tack and welfare provisions.

Officials, fouls and competition decisions

The referee supervises play with support from the President of the Jury, goal judges and the timekeeper. The full rulebook explains restarts, infringements, penalties and the responsibilities of teams and officials. Captains are the players authorised to seek an explanation of a referee’s decision.

Where to find the official rules

Use the complete ICF document for detailed provisions rather than relying only on this introduction. The source sections used here are A (teams and players), B (horses), C (officials), D (playing field) and E (duration and scoring).

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