Rule 34 · HPA Blue Book 2026

Dangerous play

No riding, positioning, stick work or hitting that endangers anyone, or puts the player's own pony at undue risk.

1. 34

   DANGEROUS PLAY. 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. The following are examples of what may be considered to be dangerous play and may lead to the umpires awarding a red or yellow flag in addition to any penalty:

2. 34a

   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. A player may not suddenly position himself at close quarters to block the ball if the hitter is already committed to their shot.

3. 34b

   Riding their pony from behind into the forehand or backhand stroke of an opponent.

   • Line of the ball
   • Right of way
   • Ball
   • Foul

   What happens

   1. 0.3 s Blue 1 hits the ball.
   2. 2.8 s White 2 rides from behind into Blue 1's stroke.
   3. 3.0 s Blue 1 swings at the ball.
   4. 3.1 s Whistle.

   HPA · UK · Blue Book 2026

   Foul

   Foul on White 2: dangerous play. Riding a pony from behind into an opponent's forehand or backhand stroke is dangerous. White 2's pony arrives just where Blue 1's stick is coming down.

   Rule 34b — Hurlingham Polo Association

4. 34c

   Zigzagging in front of another player in such a way as to cause the latter either to have to check their pace or risk a fall.

   • Line of the ball
   • Right of way
   • Ball
   • Foul

   What happens

   1. 0.4 s Blue 1 hits the ball.
   2. 2.6 s White 2 zig-zags in front of Blue 1.
   3. 2.9 s Whistle.

   HPA · UK · Blue Book 2026

   Foul

   Foul on White 2: dangerous play. Zig-zagging in front of another player so that he has to check or risk a fall is a foul. White 2 weaves across Blue 1's path several times just in front of him.

   Rule 34c — Hurlingham Polo Association

5. 34d

   Pulling across another player, in front or behind, in such a manner as to risk danger to either pony.

   • Line of the ball
   • Right of way
   • Ball
   • Foul

   What happens

   1. 0.3 s Blue 1 hits the ball.
   2. 2.6 s White 2 pulls across the front of Blue 1's pony.
   3. 3.0 s Whistle.

   HPA · UK · Blue Book 2026

   Foul

   Foul on White 2: dangerous play. Pulling across another player, in front or behind, in a way that risks danger to either pony is dangerous. White 2 turns across Blue 1's pony's front legs.

   Rule 34d — Hurlingham Polo Association

6. 34e

   Use their stick dangerously, such as playing a full shot in a melee or ride off, especially under a pony’s neck when being ridden off, swinging their stick wildly in close proximity to other players, including in a windmill or helicopter fashion.

7. 34f

   Riding at an opponent in such a manner as to intimidate and cause the opponent to pull out or miss the stroke although no foul or cross occurs.

8. 34g

   Riding into the umpire - the onus is on the player to avoid collision with the umpire.