Rule 30 · HPA Blue Book 2026

Improper use of the stick

When, where and how a player may hook an opponent's stick.

1. 30

   IMPROPER USE OF THE STICK. 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, nor between a pony’s legs. All of the stick of the player being hooked must be below their shoulder, they must be in the act of hitting the ball and their stick must not be hooked or struck with excessive force. An offside backhand stroke 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. However, the nearside backhand may not be hooked behind the player.

   • Line of the ball
   • Right of way
   • Ball

   What happens

   1. 0.3 s Blue 1 hits the ball.
   2. 2.2 s White 2 hooks Blue 1's stick.
   3. 2.2 s White 2's hook on Blue 1's stick is a foul.
   4. 2.5 s Whistle.
   5. 2.6 s Blue 1 swings at the ball.

   HPA · UK · Blue Book 2026

   Foul

   Foul on White 2. He is on the right side to hook, but all of the hooked player's stick must be below his shoulder. Blue 1's stick is still up in the wind-up.

   Rule 30 — Hurlingham Polo Association