Rule 15 · USPA 2026 Arena Rules
Use of the mallet
When a player may hook or strike an opponent's mallet in the arena, and the ways a mallet may not be used.
When a mallet may be hooked
A player may hook or strike the mallet of an opponent with the mallet provided that:
The opponent is in the act of striking at the ball, including both the upward and downward phases of the stroke; or
The opponent is attempting to hook the hitter, in which case, the hitter may strike the opponent’s mallet.
Where the hooker must be
The player is on the same side of the opponent as the ball or in a direct line behind.
How high a hook may be
The hook is made below the level of the mount’s back (except that at the option of the Host Tournament Committee in Events with a lower handicap limit of 12 or more goals, a player may hook or strike the mallet of an opponent with the mallet provided that the hooking player’s mallet head is below the level of the shoulder of the player being hooked).
Reaching round a horse
A player may not reach over, under, in front of, or behind another’s mount.
Hitting another's horse
A player may not strike another’s mount with the mallet.
Opponent rides into the stroke
If the striker began the down stroke while clear of the opponent’s mount but struck the opponent’s mount as a result of the distance between mounts being lessened during the course of the stroke, the foul would be called on the opponent who rode into what would have been a safe stroke had the original position been maintained.
Opponent already there
If the opponent’s position relative to the striker is established before the stroke begins, the striker is guilty of hitting the opponent’s mount.
Right hand only
All players shall carry the mallet in the right hand with the exception of left-handers registered with the Association prior to January 1, 1982.
Hitting one's own horse
A player shall not intentionally strike the player’s own mount with the mallet. This includes using any portion of the mallet as an aid in managing the mount.
Careless or dangerous use
No player may use the mallet carelessly or dangerously, for example:
Taking a full swing in close quarters.
Hooking, striking or slashing an opponent’s mallet with unnecessary force.
Carrying the mallet in such a way that it might become entangled in a player or mount’s equipment.
A player assumes the full responsibility for using the mallet safely.
Using the mallet to hit or hit at any player, mount, Official or spectator.
Responsible for every swing
A player is at all times responsible for the consequences of the stroke including back-swing, stroke and follow through. No player may swing the mallet in “windmill” or “helicopter” fashion as in appealing for a foul or celebration.