Rule 2.2. Players

In plain English

You must be an HPA associate member to play at an affiliated club.

• You cannot play at an affiliated club without being a registered HPA associate member, having joined a club, and having the HPA's confirmation email. Arena polo is covered by the same membership at no extra charge, and anyone who plays without completing the formalities is treated as a member anyway for the purposes of the rules.
• Handicaps run from -2 to 10 and are awarded by the HPA handicap committee. The -2 is the introductory rating, and a club may give it to a member once they have passed the rules test and are considered safe. A player who has never been rated here, missed a season or held a handicap abroad completes a CV form.
• Nobody may play under the influence of any illegal stimulant or drug.
• Everyone riding at a polo ground wears approved protective headgear, grooms and spare-holders included, and employers are responsible for seeing that their staff do.
• Concussion, or suspected concussion, means at least 21 clear days out of competitive play, the day of the incident counting as day zero. The period can only be shortened for a defined class of high-goal player with a recent baseline test who has been cleared back to it.
• A history of epilepsy or seizures is playable only under conditions matching the DVLA's group 1 driving criteria, with medical review, stable medication and disclosure of any change.
• Polo is not advised in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, and in the third trimester needs independent medical advice and a risk assessment.
• The rule also covers representative teams and England eligibility, unauthorised polo events at unaffiliated venues, unpaid polo-related accounts, betting, social media conduct and who insures a trophy.

No person may play in any match, organised game or club chukka at or conducted by an Affiliated Club or Provisionally Affiliated Club in the UK or Ireland... unless... They are a registered Associate Member of the HPA...

Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 2, Rule 2.2

Read rule 2.2 in the Blue Book 2026

What is prohibited for players during any match, practice game, or chukka?

• Playing under the influence of alcohol or any illegal stimulant or drug ✓
• Drinking water during breaks
• Using prescribed medications
• Consuming energy drinks

See Annex D. e. Illegial or Banned Substances and Dope Testing of Players. See Annex E. No player may play in any match, practice game or chukka under the influence of any illegal stimulant or drug.

In case a player is late or unable to play due to accident, sickness or duty, what can be done?

• The match is cancelled
• The team plays with one less player
• The player can be replaced by a substitute ✓
• The match is postponed

See Annex D. e. Illegial or Banned Substances and Dope Testing of Players. See Annex E. No player may play in any match, practice game or chukka under the influence of any illegal stimulant or drug.

Whose responsibility is it to mount the substitute?

• The responsibility of the umpire
• The responsibility of the substitute player
• The responsibility of the team ✓
• The responsibility of the tournament organiser

See Annex D. e. Illegial or Banned Substances and Dope Testing of Players. See Annex E. No player may play in any match, practice game or chukka under the influence of any illegal stimulant or drug.

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