When is a high hook a foul?

Outdoors, a hook is only legal if the opponent's mallet head is below the level of the opponent's shoulder; hooking above that is a foul. In the arena, the normal limit is lower: the hook must be below the level of the horse's back. Arena events with a lower handicap limit of at least 12 goals may instead adopt a shoulder-height rule.

Applies to: outdoor and arena polo.

Height is not the only condition: outdoors a legal hook also requires being on the proper side or directly behind the opponent, an eligible stroke or hook situation, no reaching across the opponent's horse, and no excessive force.

The arena's 12-goal option refers to the event's lower handicap limit, and under it the hooking player's mallet head must stay below the hooked player's shoulder.

Based on the USPA 2026 rulebook, Outdoor Rule 28, p.87; Arena Rule 15, p.147. Read the official rules at uspolo.org. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPA.