Bristol Open 2026

Tell us about the campsite and facilities...

There is space for tents next to the court, and space for plenty of vans in the car park or around the other side of the court. You're welcome to arrive Friday and leave Monday - lots of people stayed on Sunday last year so we kept one court up for pick-ups :) We can host people on Thursday and Monday evenings if required - please get in touch. There is a fence around the camping area, but it's not a private campsite - we build it for you each year. It's not a huge space so small tents are preferred please. We lock the bikes inside the court each night. FACILITIES There is one hot shower, a tap and toilets by the campsite. There's also a fridge and phone charging. Please be considerate with the fridge space, there are a lot of people!

What about food & drink?

There is a cafe and bar onsite at the skatepark which is open and we encourage you to use all weekend. We provide breakfast (coffee, tea, cereal, bread, spreads, yoghurt, eggs) on Saturday and Sunday morning. There's a gas BBQ onsite that everyone is welcome to use - we'll provide condiments and garnishes - bring your own baps & things to BBQ! The cafe sells filled rolls and pizzas throughout the weekend. We'll also have other people bringing in food for lunches on Saturday and Sunday for a very reasonable price. The cafe/bar supports the skatepark which is a non-profit organisation run by friends of Bristol Bike Polo. They welcome us to this space every year and allow us to take over the courts for the weekend and build our campsite. Please support them - buy a delicious pizza and a cold beer!

What's in the local area?

Most things you need are onsite (please support the cafe & our food vendors!) - but there's a handy local area map in the link above for supermarkets, bike shop, atm, train station.

What if someone from my team drops out?

Please let us know and ask people on the free agent list. Bristol Open is a mixed tournament so please make sure your team still meets this requirement (each team must have at least one "Woman and/or Queer" player) - ask us if you are unsure!

What happens if we need a sub on the day?

Please let us know and we will find you a sub (there are Bristol players ready to join you!).

What do we need to know about Rules & Reffing?

• Respect the Ref Reffing is important and without good refs the game doesn't work. Bristol Bike Polo aims to promote a safe place for players to gain experience and confidence in reffing. Everyone makes mistakes but the referee's word is final. Talking back/arguing with the ref or any level of self reffing will not be tolerated and will receive a 30sec penalty. We encourage players with more experience of reffing to buddy up with those less experienced in order to coach/mentor them. Please read the latest ruleset: https://www.eurobikepolo.com/rules Here are a few reminders of rules we're trying to pay special attention to: • Quad format player changeovers: Player swaps are permitted during normal stoppages or during live play. Prior to a new player entering the court, the player attempting to exit the court must be within the 3m transition area (5.13.1.2) A penalty is called if either player interferes with the ball or an opponent during the substitution. (5.13.1.2.1) • High stick infraction will be called when: A scoop is raised above handlebar height height (6.4.4.3 ) A player uses their mallet to try to make contact with the ball over handlebar height whilst an opponent is within 3m (6.4.4.1) The follow-through of a back shot is deemed to be dangerous whilst extending above the handlebars of the nearest player or makes contact with another player. (6.4.4.4) • Goal/board leaning Holding, grabbing or otherwise resting on the goal or the top of the boards is considered a dab. (6.2.1.4) Resetting the goal position will not result in a dab. Leaning on the side of the boards is okay. • Mallet interference/hooking infraction is called when: A player hooks another players mallet continuously for a period of time (6.4.6.2) A player hooks another players mallet when they are not in reach of the ball (6.4.6.2.1) • Timeouts In Quads format, each team can have a maximum of 2x 1minute timeouts. No extra time is given for mechanical repairs • Personal fouls Any player who commits 3 fouls in one game will receive a minor penalty (30 seconds). The fourth foul is penalised with a major penalty (1 minute) • Slashing A slashing infraction is called when a player swings at an opposing player’s mallet with disproportionate response to otherwise natural play or in a violent fashion or has the potential to cause damage or injury. (6.4.2.1) • 3 second crease violation rule! (6.1.4) • 2 second ball jointing rule (4.4)pl • Dangerous play This is a tournament with a wide range of ability/experience and any level of dangerous or unsporting behaviour will not be tolerated and should be called out/penalised.