Rule 34. Dangerous Play

In plain English

Nothing you do may endanger a pony, player or official.

• Nothing you do with your pony, your stick or the ball may put another pony, player or official in danger - and the rule covers your own pony's welfare too. The examples carry a red or yellow flag on top of the penalty.
• A full-power swing at close quarters that hits, or could hit, a player or pony who is legitimately there. Equally, jumping in at the last moment to block a hitter already committed to the shot.
• Riding into an opponent's forehand or backhand from behind.
• Zigzagging in front of a player so they have to check or risk a fall.
• Pulling across another player, in front or behind, at risk to either pony.
• Dangerous stick work: a full shot in a melee or a ride off, a swing under a pony's neck while being ridden off, or wild windmilling near other players.
• Riding at an opponent to intimidate them into pulling out or missing, even though there is no cross and no contact.
• Riding into the umpire. Avoiding the umpire is the player's job.

No player may ride, position their pony, use their stick or hit the ball in a manner which creates danger to another pony, player, official or any other person or which places the welfare of their own pony at undue risk.

Quoted extract · Blue Book 2026, Part 1, Rule 34

Read rule 34 in the Blue Book 2026

Which of the following is an example of dangerous play?

• Hitting the ball with moderate strength while close to another player
• Riding alongside an opponent while keeping a safe distance
• Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or pony at close quarters ✓
• Riding in a straight line without making sudden movements

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

Which of the following actions could be considered dangerous play, leading to the umpires awarding a red or yellow flag?

• Hitting the ball gently to avoid injuring another player or his pony
• Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to potentially cause injury to another player or his pony, who is in a legitimate position at close quarters ✓
• Positioning oneself at a safe distance from another player before hitting the ball
• Riding away from the opponent's stroke

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

What could be considered as dangerous play if done from behind to an opponent?

• Riding slowly and carefully
• Riding his pony from behind into the forehand or backhand stroke of an opponent ✓
• Positioning oneself behind an opponent without interacting with his stroke
• Riding parallel to an opponent's pony

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

Which of the following actions may be considered dangerous and lead to a penalty?

• Riding parallel to another player without causing any obstruction
• Zigzagging in front of another player causing the latter to check his pace or risk a fall ✓
• Riding in a straight line at a controlled pace
• Allowing ample space for another player to navigate

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

What action involving a player's stick could be considered dangerous play?

• Holding the stick in a steady position
• Using the stick to gently pass the ball to a teammate
• Swinging the stick wildly in close proximity to other players ✓
• Keeping the stick low and away from other players

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

What could be considered as an intimidating act that may lead to a penalty even though no foul or cross occurs?

• Riding at a controlled pace towards an opponent
• Riding at an opponent in such a manner as to intimidate and cause the opponent to pull out or miss the stroke ✓
• Riding alongside an opponent without any aggressive actions
• Avoiding direct contact with the opponent's pony

Hitting the ball with a full swing and sufficient power to cause injury to another player or their pony who is in a legitimate position at close quarters, if the shot hits the pony or player in such a way that it might cause or does cause injury.

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