Rule 2 · HPA Blue Book 2026

Players

Four players a side, one on-field captain who alone talks to the umpires, the stick in the right hand, and no leaving the field mid-chukka without a reason.

1. 2a

   Team. A team is limited to 4 players on the field of play in all games.

2. 2b

   Team Captain. An on-field Team Captain must be nominated to the umpires at the beginning of the game. They shall wear an arm band provided by the team and only they may speak with the umpires. If replaced for any reason, they shall hand it to another player.

3. 2c

   Right Hand Only. The right hand only is to be used to hold the stick to hit the ball or hook another player’s stick.

4. 2d

   Leaving the Field. A player may not leave the field of play during the course of a chukka without the permission of the umpires except to change a pony or a stick or for a legitimate run off.