Rule 30. Improper Use of the Stick
Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 30 · Precedence and Personal Fouls
In plain English
Hook only from the ball side, or directly behind.
- You may only hook from the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or from directly behind.
- The stick may not go over, under or across any part of their pony, nor between its legs.
- The whole of the hooked player's stick must be below their shoulder, they must be in the act of hitting the ball, and the hook must not be struck with excessive force.
- An offside backhand may be hooked during the wind-up while the stick is behind the player, but only below the shoulder. A nearside backhand may not be hooked behind the player at all.
The clause that governs
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 30
5 questions on this rule
When is a player allowed to hook an opponent’s stick in polo?
- When the player is on the same side of the opponent’s pony as the ball or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent’s pony ✓
- At any point during the game as a defensive strategy
- When the opponent is about to score a goal
- When the opponent is not paying attention
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
In polo, at what height must all of the stick of the player being hooked be?
- Above his head
- At the chest level
- Below his shoulder ✓
- At the waist level
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
When is a player allowed to hook another player's stick?
- When the player is galloping past him
- When the player is in the act of hitting the ball ✓
- When the player is stationary and not playing the ball
- When the player is riding off an opponent
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
How much force is permitted when hooking an opponent's stick?
- As much force as necessary
- Excessive force is not allowed ✓
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
What is the rule regarding a player's stick during an offside backhand stroke?
- The stick cannot be hooked under any circumstances
- The stick can be hooked during the wind-up of the swing when the stick is behind the player, but only on that part of the stick which is below the shoulder ✓
- The stick can be hooked at any point during the swing
- The player must not use the stick during an offside backhand stroke
No player may hook an opponent's stick unless on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent's pony...
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.