Course
Cross/High Hook

Cross/High Hook

The cross and high hook are both violations of the improper use of the mallet rule, which states that in order to hook or strike an opponent's mallet, you must be on the same side or directly behind them. If you hook across the centre line of the opponent's horse, that’s considered a cross hook, whether that be over or under. The high hook is where the mallet makes contact above the opponent's shoulder in the course of their normal swing.  

The cross/high hook are rules designed to protect the safety of the horses and players. With a cross hook there is a danger of a mallet tripping a horse if it goes across the front legs. A player's shoulder can also be particularly vulnerable, especially if they are hooked in a high position or across the horse.   


How the Cross/High Hook Rule is Applied

The cross/high hook rule is applied equally to both offensive and defensive players. The rule merely applies to where you are, in relation to your opponent's horse, meaning you must be on the same side that the opponent is swinging in order to make the hook. That same hook must also be below the shoulder level of the opponent. 

Procedure of the Cross/High Hook Rule

The penalty for a cross/high hook very much depends on the intent of the player committing the foul. If the umpires feel the foul was committed intentionally to prevent a goal or breakaway, the foul or resulting penalty will be much more severe, generally in the form of an open goal penalty.

There are a few different ways play can be restarted after a cross/high hook violation, in some cases where the foul is inadvertent, the ball will be thrown in. If the cross hook is deemed accidental, then play will most likely resume with a spot penalty or a less severe punishment. If the foul is deemed intentional then, as mentioned above, the penalty will be more severe, usually in the form of an open goal and possible yellow card.  
The Cross/High Rule at Different Levels of Polo

There is almost no difference in the way the rule applies at high and low goal levels. It is simply a matter of whether the player hooking is on the same side or directly behind the opponent they're trying to hook. 

The most common error that Fergus noted for a cross/high hook violation being called, is when a player attempts to pass closely behind their opponent in order to get on the correct side to make the hook and part of their horse doesn't make it, either directly behind or on the same side. Fergus suggests the best way to resolve this, is to ensure you get into the proper position before extending to make the hook. 
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