Rule 2.3. Players' Equipment
Blue Book 2026, Part 2, Rule 2.3 · Supplementary Rules
In plain English
Fastened helmet whenever mounted. Knee pads, boots, white breeches.
- An approved helmet with the chinstrap or harness done up, worn whenever you are mounted - not only in the game.
- Polo boots and knee pads at all times in play, white breeches or jeans for matches, and eye protection: sports glasses, goggles or a face guard. Elbow pads and a gum shield are recommended.
- Team shirts are numbered 1 to 4, no duplicates, at least 9 inches high in a contrasting colour on the back, and never black and white vertical stripes because that is the umpire's shirt. Clashing colours are settled by agreement or a coin toss.
- Spurs must be smooth and rounded, a single shank of no more than 2 cm pointing backwards, never upwards. Rowel spurs are banned. Injure a pony with them and the pony is off for the day, the player takes an automatic yellow, loses the spurs for the match, and it is reported.
- Whips are no longer than 48 inches including the tag, never broken, used in the left hand only while the ball is in play, and only down the shoulder or on the quarters. Misuse - out of play, twice without letting the pony react, on the flank, arm above the shoulder, marking the pony, excessive force - is unsportsmanlike conduct and costs a yellow or a double yellow, and the whip for the rest of the match.
- Nothing with sharp projections that might injure a player or pony.
The clause that governs
No one shall be allowed to play polo unless they are wearing protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness correctly fastened. Polo helmets must always be worn when mounted...
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 2, Rule 2.3
7 questions on this rule
Which of the following are mandatory during play?
- Polo boots
- Kneepads
- Long boots and Kneepads ✓
- None of the above
d. Equipment. (ii) Polo boots and protective kneepads must always be worn during play, and white jeans or breeches for matches.
What colour of jeans or breeches must be worn for matches?
- Blue
- Blue or White
- White ✓
- No mandatory colour
d. Equipment. (ii) Polo boots and protective kneepads must always be worn during play, and white jeans or breeches for matches.
What is mandatory for players to wear for protection during play?
- Goggles
- Protective headgear with the chinstrap or harness correctly fastened ✓
- Elbow pads
- Gum shields
d. Equipment. (ii) Polo boots and protective kneepads must always be worn during play, and white jeans or breeches for matches.
What numbering is required on the team shirts?
- Any, as long as there are no duplicates
- 00, 01, 02, 03
- 1, 2, 3, and 4 ✓
- Numbers are not allowed
The numbers on the team shirts must be 1 to 4 and not be duplicated.
What kind of equipment is forbidden to use in polo?
- Equipment that has sharp projections which might cause injury to another player or pony ✓
- Polo boots
- Kneepads
- Goggles
(iii) Any equipment with sharp projections that might cause injury to another player or pony is not permitted.
What must be the minimum height of the numbers from the base of the shirt on the back of team shirts?
- 3 inches
- 6 inches
- 9 inches ✓
- 12 inches
The numbers on the team shirts must be 1 to 4 and not be duplicated.
What is the rule regarding the colour and pattern of team shirts?
- No spots allowed
- They can be of any colour and pattern
- They must not be of black and white vertical stripes ✓
- They must be of a single solid colour
The numbers on the team shirts must be 1 to 4 and not be duplicated.
Test yourself
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Every rule here is stated in our own words, with short quoted extracts from the HPA Blue Book 2026 and Green Book 2025 and a link to the book itself. Polo Rules Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association. In any dispute the published rulebook governs.