Rule 2. Players
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 2 · Preliminary Rules for the Game
In plain English
Four a side, stick in the right hand, captain wears the armband.
- Four players a side, and no more on the field in any game.
- One of them is nominated to the umpires as captain before the game and wears an armband. The captain is the only player entitled to speak to the umpires, and if they come off the armband is handed on.
- The stick is held in the right hand to hit the ball or to hook, whichever hand you write with.
- Leaving the field mid-chukka needs the umpires' permission, with three exceptions that do not: changing a pony, changing a stick, and a legitimate run off.
The clause that governs
The right hand only is to be used to hold the stick to hit the ball or hook another player's stick.
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 2
6 questions on this rule
What is the maximum number of players are allowed on the field of play for each team in a polo match?
- 2
- 3
- 4 ✓
- 5
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
What must the team captain wear during the game?
- A special helmet
- A yellow flag
- A team jersey with a captain's star
- An arm band ✓
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
Which hand must be used to hold the stick to hit the ball or hook another player’s stick in polo?
- Either
- Both
- Left
- Right ✓
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
Who may speak to the umpires during a game?
- Any player on the field
- Only the nominated on-field team captain ✓
- The captain and the number 3
- Any player, provided they are not the one fouled
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
The team captain is replaced during a game. What happens to the armband?
- It is given to the umpire
- It is handed to another player ✓
- It is removed and the team plays without a captain
- It goes to the number 1
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
When may a player leave the field of play during a chukka?
- At any time
- To change a pony or stick, for a legitimate run off, or with the umpires’ permission ✓
- Only at a break in play
- Only if injured
Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games. b. Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
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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.