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    equipment
    Featured Term

    Mallet

    Last updated: August 2026

    Full Definition

    The primary equipment used to strike the polo ball. Made of bamboo shaft with a hardwood head, typically 48-53 inches long.

    Related Terms

    In the Rulebook

    Where “Mallet” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.

    USPA — United States Polo Association

    “RULE 28- IMPROPER USE OF MALLET a. No player may hook or strike an opponent's mallet unless on the same side of the opponent's mount as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and only if his or her mallet is neither over, under, nor across any part of the opponent's mount. The mallet may not be hooked or struck unless the opponent is in the act of hitting at the ball, or in the act of hooking or striking the player's mallet.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)
    “Red #4 pulls his mount to a walk, looks over his shoulder to the Umpire, and holds up his mallet hand with the mallet hanging from his thumb. Foul on Red for appealing. The penalty awarded must be severe so as not to disadvantage Blue by stopping the play. Blue # 4 is injured due to a foul and the Umpires discuss whether a Rule 33 ejection is warranted against the Red # 3. The Red Coach pleads with the Umpires to leave Red # 3 in the game lest the Red Sponsor will withdraw his team. Such interference is not tolerated and must be penalized.”
    2024 USPA Outdoor RulesView source (PDF)

    Excerpts quoted from the official rulebooks of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the United States Polo Association and the Federation of International Polo. Rules change between seasons — always check the linked source for the current wording.

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