United States Polo Association Annual Report 2013
Copyright by United States Polo Association 9011 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, Florida 33467 (800) 232-USPA • uspa@uspolo.org
Our Mission Statement The United States Polo Association® was organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging and supervising polo tournaments, competitions, and games and providing rules, handicaps, and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, and games including the safety and welfare of participants and mounts.. Table of Contents
Pages
USPA Chairman’s Message .................................................................................................
4
USPA Board & Staff Information .........................................................................................
5
USPA 2014 Strategic Planning Initiatives ............................................................................
10
USPA Treasurer’s Report.....................................................................................................
13
USPA Membership Statistics ...............................................................................................
15
2012 USPA Committee Reports ..........................................................................................
17
Arena Polo ................................................................................................................... Armed Forces Polo ...................................................................................................... Audit Committee ......................................................................................................... Board & Staff Development ........................................................................................ Club & Membership .................................................................................................... Equine Welfare ............................................................................................................ High Goal ..................................................................................................................... Intercollegiate/Interscholastic .................................................................................... International Committee ............................................................................................. Junior Polo Committee ................................................................................................ Marketing Committee ................................................................................................. Safety Committee ........................................................................................................ Team USPA .................................................................................................................. Tournament Committee .............................................................................................. Women’s Tournament Committee ............................................................................. 2012 USPA Umpires, LLC. ............................................................................................ 2012 USPA Properties, Inc. .......................................................................................... Additional Committee Information ............................................................................. USPA Budget Update ...................................................................................................
17 19 21 22 24 38 40 41 46 48 52 59 61 66 68 72 77 78 79
Appendix – 2014 Committee Chairs ...................................................................................
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January 10, 2014 Dear fellow players, The USPA Board of Governors, Committee chairs and Staff members join me in presenting this 2013 USPA Annual Report. This report precedes our 2014 Annual Member Survey, which will be sent to you on January 15, 2014. Your USPA leadership is listening, and we rely on the membership survey information from you, our members, when we plan and budget for the future. This “Inform, Survey, Plan and Implement” process is an ongoing initiative of Polo 2020 – A Vision for the Future, which we began at the beginning of this administration in October, 2012. The leadership of your association joins me as I wish you the best in all of your polo endeavors. Sincerely,
Chuck Weaver, Chairman United States Polo Association®
USPA Officers Charles E. Weaver, Chairman (309) 360-4779 Fax: (309) 690-3294
E-mail: chuck@chuckweaver.us
Joseph Meyer, President (404) 606-3434
Fax: (404) 355-8334
E-mail: jpmeyer1@mac.com
Daniel Walker, Secretary (562) 437-0011
Fax: (562) 436-5048
E-mail: daniel.walker@fmb.com
Edward “Chip” Campbell, III, Treasurer (318) 425-1680 Fax: (318) 425-1866
Email: campbellchip@bellsouth.net
USPA Circuit Governors Daniel Coleman (Border) (602) 284-5988 Fax: Not Available E-mail: daniel.coleman@candiasystems.com
Peter F. Poor (Northeastern) (978) 356-5601 Fax: (978) 356-8480 E-mail: stagehillpolo@verizon.net
Britt Baker (Central) (515) 669-0300 Fax: Not Available E-mail: bbaker@bakerelectric.com
Dennis Geiler (Pacific Coast) (949) 729-2230 Fax: (949) 729-2254 E-mail: denny@poloproperties.com
James Burton (Eastern) (301) 717-7161 Fax: (703) 356-2400 E-mail: jimburton@uspaeasterncircuit.com
George R. Dill (Pacific Northwest) (253) 732-3111 Fax: (360) 428-4766 E-mail: george@washingtonlettuce.com
Anthony L. Coppola (Florida) (561) 793-2012 Fax: (561) 795-0691 E-mail: tony@tackeria.com
Raymond Mayer (Rocky Mountain) (303) 402-1000 Fax: Not Available E-mail: ray@mayerinvestments.com
Teresa M. Mull (Great Plains) (316) 733-1789 Fax: Not Available E-mail: siaana@aol.com
John “Jake” Flournoy (Southeastern) (706) 324-4000 Fax: (706) 324-4150 E-mail: jake.flournoy@flournoydev.com
Christopher Dawson (Hawaiian Islands) (808) 292-4200 Fax: Not Available E-mail: chris@dawsonhawaii.com
Robert McCloskey (Southwestern) (512) 689-1506 Fax: (512) 253-6040 E-mail: airbearing@hotmail.com
Mark Sedacca (Mid-States) (513) 831-5717 Fax: (513) 831-0096 E-mail: marksedacca@gmail.com
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USPA Governors-At-Large Steven Armour (979) 282-8280 Fax: (972) 282-8283 E-mail: shanghai13@aol.com
Sunset Hale (561) 312-5201 Fax: Not Available E-mail: shpolo21@aol.com
Chrys D. Beal (432) 352-2001 Fax: (432) 697-2325 E-mail: chrysbeal@gmail.com
Robert Jornyvaz (303) 296-3006 Fax: (303) 298-7502 E-mail: bobj@intrepidpotash.com
Richard Caleel (312) 335-9021 Fax: (805) 969-9708 E-mail: rtcpolo@aol.com
Stephen Orthwein, Jr. (561) 951-1492 Fax: (314) 241-7568 E-mail: orthweins@danielandhenry.com
Avery Chapman (561) 889-8378 Fax: Not Available E-mail: asc@chapmanlawgroup.net
Russell Sheldon (619) 206-8344 Fax: (858) 679-9640 E-mail: 1polonut@cox.net
Melizza Ganzi (561) 373-0303 Fax: (561) 792-9422 E-mail: melissaganzi@me.com
Dale Smicklas (405) 202-9043 Fax: Not Available E-mail: dsmick@aol.com
Guillerrmo “Memo� Gracida (561) 790-5982 Fax: Not Available E-mail: memillos@aol.com
Charles W. Smith (817) 341-0394 Fax: (817) 594-5248 E-mail: cwsmith43@earthlink.net
Honorary Governors Thomas J. Biddle, Sr. Orrin H. Ingram S.K. Johnston, Jr.
Stephen Orthwein John C. Oxley Richard Reimenschneider
Jack L. Shelton William Sinclaire
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USPA Marketing, LLC Board Christine Vermes, Chairman (408) 718-7855 Fax: Not Available E-mail: christine.vermes@gmail.com
Melissa Ganzi (561) 373-0303 Fax: (561) 792-9422 E-mail: melissaganzi@me.com
Bruce Colley (914) 277-4800 Fax: (914) 277-8096 E-mail: bdc02@aol.com
Scott Walker (951) 253-4050 Fax: (951) 609-1211 E-mail: scottewalker3@hotmail.com
Christopher Dawson (808) 292-4200 Fax: Not Available E-mail: chris@dawsonhawaii.com
Peter J. Rizzo, Ex-Officio (800) 232-8772 Fax: (888) 391-7410 E-mail: rizzo@uspolo.org
USPA Polo Development, LLC Board Charles W. Smith, Chairman (817) 341-0394 Fax: (817) 594-5248 E-mail: cwsmith43@earthlink.net
Dennis Geiler (949) 729-2230 Fax: (949) 729-2254 E-mail: denny@poloproperties.com
Chrys D. Beal (432) 352-2001 Fax: (432) 697-2325 E-mail: chrysbeal@gmail.com
Peter J. Rizzo, Ex-Officio (800) 232-8772 Fax: (888) 391-7410 E-mail: scottewalker3@hotmail.com
USPA Umpires, LLC Board
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Britt Baker, Chairman (515) 669-0300 Fax: Not Available E-mail: bbaker@bakerelectric.com
Thomas Gose (210) 216-0819 Fax: Not Available E-mail: tomgose@retamco.com
Thomas J. Biddle, Sr. (803) 648-7874 Fax: Not Available E-mail: tom@biddlerealty.net
James McGowan (540) 554-8114 Fax: Not Available E-mail: jemcgowan01@earthlink.net
Robert Daniels (561) 204-3455 Fax: Not Available E-mail: bobdaniels@yahoo.com
Peter J. Rizzo, Ex-Officio (800) 232-8772 Fax: (888) 391-7410 E-mail: rizzo@uspolo.org
2013 USPA Committee Chairs Executive .......................................................................................... Arena Polo ........................................................................................ Armed Forces Polo ............................................................................ Board & Staff Development ............................................................. Club and Membership ....................................................................... Constitution ...................................................................................... Equine Welfare ................................................................................. Finance ............................................................................................. Handicap ........................................................................................... High Goal .......................................................................................... Intercollegiate/Interscholastic ......................................................... International Committee .................................................................. Junior Polo Committee ..................................................................... Marketing Committee ...................................................................... Rules/Interpretation Committee ..................................................... Safety Committee ............................................................................. Team USPA ....................................................................................... Tournament Committee .................................................................. Umpires, LLC ..................................................................................... Women’s Tournament Committee ..................................................
Charles Weaver Daniel Coleman Chris Dawson James Burton Dennis Geiler Daniel Coleman Clint Nangle Robert Donahey Daniel Walker Stephen Orthwein, Jr. Duncan Huyler Patrick Nesbitt Chrys Beal Joseph Meyer George Alexander, Jr. Dr. Thorkild Norregaard Charles Smith Peter Poor Britt Baker Sunset Hale
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USPA Headquarters and Staff Phone: (859) 219-1000 Fax: (859) 219-0520 Peter J. Rizzo .................................................. Chief Executive Officer Anita Brown, CPA ........................................... Chief Financial Officer Deanna Sullivan.............................................. Accounting Tammy Salinas ............................................... Executive Assistant to the CEO Amy Wisehart................................................. Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program Director Kim Syme........................................................ Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Tournament Coordinator Lindsay Dolan ................................................. Membership & Handicap Services Director Lindsay Ebersbach .......................................... Tournament Manager USPA Marketing, LLC James Rossi .................................................... Chief Marketing Officer Amber Owen .................................................. Marketing & Communications Director USPA Umpires, LLC Charles Muldoon ............................................ Executive Director Steve Lane ...................................................... Head Umpire Instructor Maggie Mitchell ............................................. Program Manager USPA Polo Development, LLC Kris Bowman .................................................. Executive Director Amanda Snow ................................................ Junior Polo Program Director Elizabeth Holson............................................. Junior Polo Instructor Elizabeth Hedley ............................................ National Club Development Coordinator Justin Powers ................................................. National Club Development Coordinator
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USPA 2014 Strategic Planning Initiatives
I. USPA Services Division initiatives for 2014 A. Develop and demand appropriate metrics and analytics to track clearly defined management goals.
Require committees and LLCs to develop and analyze metrics that track all clearly defined management goals. Define metrics and analytics to support USPA LLCs and to approve clearly defined Mission Statements and Strategic Plans at all levels. Create title of “metrics gate keeper” to current staff tasking. The gatekeeper will work with the newly created budget committee so budgeting is based on success of programs. Base budget decision (increase or decrease) on analytics of appropriate program/services metrics. Strengthen staff-driven culture of autonomy and accountability across the USPA organizational chart. Drive annual circuit strategic plans with clearly defined metrics to track attendance by NCD LLC.
B. Clarify and communicate policy for budget revenue appropriation by adherence to the USPA Spending Policy to ensure that resources are available to fully support USPA programs and services. Adhere to USPA Spending Policy to ensure that resources are available to support these specific initiatives and to provide clarity for budget revenue allocations. Allot 39% of USPAP royalty income to the USPA annual operating budget. Exceeding this spending limit to be allowed by 2/3rds vote of Board of Governors. Allot 61% of the USPAP royalty income to USPA Investments, approved by the USPA Board of Governors. Maximize USPAP dividend income in the short term, to be allocated directly to the USPA Investment until endowment objectives are clarified and establish and determine what percentage of funding is utilized in 2014. Establish and utilize best practices for a USPA Endowment/Trust Foundation. Enforce a USPA Board of Governors “line-item veto” for budget expenses if seven member of the USPA Board of Governors brings motion forward. Enforce that Committees and LLCs can roll year-end budget savings into future years so they are incentivized to save dollars within their allotted, annual budget. C. Confirm management processes related to USPA owned LLCs:
Define and focus management processes to ensure support to USPA LLCs and effective professional staff and volunteer management of the LLC organizations. Publish the LLC-related USPA organizational chart. Describe the LLC positions - how they are selected and their roles. USPA CEO’s role as it relates to LLCs: o Tasked with being the agent of alignment for LLC communication and to avoid crossconflicting purposes. LLC’s staff reports to respective LLC Board members.
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o Coordinates overall organizational chart management process whereby LLC Board chairmen are accountable to the USPA Board of Governors through the USPA Board Executive Committee. o Defines and coordinates LLC Mission Statements and Strategic Plans for LLCs that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the USPA Board of Governors and most importantly, all goals and objectives are consistent with the USPA Mission Statement’s goal and objectives.
II. USPA LLC Initiatives for 2014 A. USPA Polo Umpires, LLC, to improve umpiring quality and availability at all USPA clubs. Provide an ample supply of USPA certified instruction to improve the process for Umpire certification to meet the highest priority of our membership. (78% in 2013 survey). Note: determine a timeline for a certified umpire for every sanctioned game (national, circuit and sanctioned) over a 3-year span - by level or by circuit - and budget an appropriate amount as a strategic planning budget priority. USPA Tournament events awarded to clubs will be based on agreeing to use LLC certified umpires. Restructure all AA and A Professional Umpires within the LLC to salaried positions compensation restructuring, career path position under USPA Umpires, LLC, by 2015. B. USPA Marketing, LLC, to focus external marketing to support on-boarding of new players riding their own horses; and, to focus internal marketing to engage current members in USPA programs and improve understanding of the efforts of the USPA.
Assist member clubs in promoting their clubs to include pilot program for club marketing packets in 2015. Note: Polo Development, LLC, to provide club development marketing kits for 2014; and, plan by June 1st, 2014 for Marketing, LLC, to provide internal communication – (define what constitutes communication). Target and drive to USPA certified instructors potential players/members who will actually buy horses and play polo to meet top tier priority of members. This must be coordinated with USPA NCD LLC with regard to availability of certified instructors. (0ver 60% in 2013 survey) Build non-player members, sponsor, and multimedia and live spectators to maximize the first objective above. Determine market size and market dynamics to maximize the objective above. Establish the architecture for a clear and consistent brand for the USPA as the national governing body of the sport of polo in conjunction with USPA Properties. Define apparel branding and NGB branding, differences and coordination and confluence of mission statement goals and objectives.
C. USPA Polo Development LLC to support new and current players and clubs through excellence in instruction; and support for all age groups and demographics within the USPA player base; and, to develop certified instructors as a major tool for on- boarding of new players at the grassroots levels of the sport.
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Develop certified instructors and polo club managers as major tools for on boarding of new players and a service to current players at the grassroots levels of the sport.
Develop plans and ways and means to provide trained and certified instructors at clubs, schools, and RPCs. Emphasize “on-boarding” by coordinating efforts with USPA Marketing LLC to target to a wide audience those who will buy horses and play. Focus on development of Polo Development circle of support - interlocking and strategic foundation to support the growth of polo. PDI > Instructional support > Youth polo >NYTS >YPO >Team USPA = club development & sustainability. All PD programs lead to the ultimate vision of club and member sustainability. Develop the concept for USPA Polo Development University. Develop the concept that by 2016, USPA PDI funding will be allocated predominately to onboarding new members.
D. USPA Properties INC/LLC to support the overall effort to provide the foundation for a long-term plan for strategic alignment of our overall branding initiatives. __________________________________________________________________________________________ III. USPA Board of Governors Initiatives for 2014 A. Review governance model after re-draft of Strategic Planning Resolutions 4.1 and 4.2.
Communicate needs and process for governance revisions to ensure transparency for all members of the USPA Board of Governors. Form a USPA subcommittee of the USPA Board & Staff Development Committee and the USPA Constitution Committee to consider revisions to the USPA Constitution and By-Laws to ensure and align corporate and polo association best practices. Establish best practices for LLC Boards (consider only one or two USPA Board members per LLC). Review establishment of AIPF Board polices.
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USPA Treasurer’s Report The USPA is making great strides to create new and develop current programs in the coming years that we believe will have a significant impact on the sport of polo. One of the largest initiatives for 2014 is the investment in our brand through a substantial increase in funding for the USPA Marketing, LLC. The increased funding for 2014 will support key initiatives including the following: • • • •
Brand Investment Joint Marketing Initiatives with USPA Properties, Inc. Television Broadcasting Sponsorship Development
Other key developments for 2014 include the implementation of an Instructor Development and Certification Program, increased focus on youth polo development through our Intercollegiate/Interscholastic and Junior Polo Programs, expansion of the Umpire Program and an emphasis on Equine Welfare related initiatives. The amount of budgeted revenue that will be invested in current programs and initiatives in 2014
Although there has been an increase in planned spending for various programs, the USPA has developed policies to protect our assets to ensure these types of programs will be available to future polo generations into perpetuity. For 2014, the USPA has appropriated almost 50% of budgeted revenue to be invested in current programs and initiatives. The remaining funding will be retained as investment assets to achieve an accepted rate of return to fund these types of programs and initiatives for years to come.
2014 USPA SPENDING/INVESTMENT POLICY
BUDGETED SERVICES & PROGRAM SPENDING, $9,170,481; 51%
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USPA INVESTMENT, $8,952,764; 49%
Each committee is accountable to the board for all aspects of their related programs. For 2014, the following major programs/initiatives are budgeted to receive USPA funding to promote the sport of polo:
II $1,122 13% UMPIRES $1,196 14% CLUBS/TRNAMNTS $981 12%
MKTG $2,239 27%
POLO DEV-TEAM USPA $595 7% POLO DVLPMT $1,179 14% PDI $375 5% MBSHP & HNDCPS $600 7%
DOLLARS IN (000) EQUINE WELFARE $84 1%
We continue to monitor these programs and assess their effectiveness in relation to our goals and believe we are on the right path to grow the sport of polo. Please feel free to contact CEO Peter Rizzo if you have any questions regarding the spending policies and goals of the organization.
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Membership Statistics Total Membership 41
15
438
762
Player members Associate members Affiliate members Junior members Collegiate members Honorary Members
2369
616
Totals by Circuit
Players
Affiliates
Junior
Collegiate
Totals
794
Associates
The total number of USPA members
Totals by State AE (Military) 0 AL 39 AK 0 AR 14 AZ 80 CA 770 CO 125 CT 104 DC 34 DE 4 FL 513 GA 112 HI 153 IA 17 ID 12 IL 138 IN 29 KS 35 KY 82 LA 52 MA 118 MD 135 ME 2 MI 61 MN 25 MO 71 MS 11 MT 15 NC 35 NE 1 ND 0 NH 17 NJ 76 NM 33 NV 0 NY 316 OH 85 OK 24 OR 56 PA 101 RI 40 SC 162 SD 15 TN 50 TX 557 UT 6 VA 222 VT 10 WA 119 WI 45 WV 7 WY 31 No Addresses 37 Canada 114 Foreign 69 Totals 4979
Border
60
80
11
15
0
166
Central
57
159
20
48
1
285
Eastern
73
269
48
126
57
573
Florida
28
238
149
49
6
470
Great Plains
13
37
3
10
14
77
Hawaiian
29
87
7
38
2
163
Mid-States
51
129
41
53
44
318
Northeastern
78
294
87
99
100
658
Pacific Coast
148
384
87
134
49
802
72
81
42
35
49
279
16
59
16
10
24
125
73
253
47
62
20
455
Southwestern No Circuit Affiliation
86
278
40
77
69
550
10
21
18
6
3
58
Totals
794
2369
616
762
4387
4979
Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountains Southeastern
Free Memberships 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
383
232
220
206
204
PDI RPC FYF
56 22 Associate (637)
13 Junior (439)
8 Collegiate (268)
Total by handicap 10 10T 9 9T 8 8T 7 7T 6 6T 5 5T 4 4T 3 3T 2 2T 1.5 1 1T A.5 A.5T A AT B.5 B C NR AM JM CM Totals
Associate Player Affiliate Junior Collegiate Honorary Total
US Male
AFF Male
US Female
AFF Female
0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 11 0 8 1 30 6 67 4 141 10 40 258 11 83 0 522 26 31 376 28 168 365 147 109 2448
6 0 8 0 9 0 10 1 22 1 34 1 41 2 48 2 76 6 10 54 7 9 1 84 4 5 42 0 74 9 8 14 588
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 5 27 0 32 0 204 2 39 363 51 144 400 310 246 1829
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 5 0 3 0 22 1 3 31 5 19 11 5 4 114
Renewals 410 2024 451 471 225 41 3581
Reinstated* 17 166 58 17 18 0 276
The total number of membership renewals
New 367 179 107 273 196 0 1122
*Those who let membership lapse one year Females Associate Members Player Members Affiliate Members
Males
415
379
723
1,646
415
86
530
Junior Members
435
316
Collegiate Members
274
149
Honorary Members
0
41
415
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USPA Arena Polo Committee
Committee Chair: Dan Coleman Committee Vice-Chair: John Gobin Interim Committee Staff: Peter Rizzo Committee Members: Jennifer Alexy Robert Ceparano Max Duarte Frederic Escobar Mike Farah Diego Florez Dennis Geiler Tom Goodspeed Stormie Hale Karl Hilberg Grainger Hines Duncan Huyler Louis Lopez, Jr. Robert Lynn-Kee-Chow Alice McKnight Erik Munk Honorary Members: B. T. Easterling George A. Masek, Jr.
Pictured from left to right: Dick Fredericks, Kris Kampsen, Team USPA member Felipe Viana, Bob Ceparano, Robert Ceparan and USPA CEO Peter Rizzo
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Mission Statement: The Arena Committee is the successor of the Indoor Polo Association. Its mission is to organize and promote arena polo within the USPA, develop arena polo with member clubs and players, and introduce new USPA membership through arena polo. The committee seeks to differentiate arena polo as an exciting, competitive, and alternative version of the sport of polo. The committee believes arena polo is an invaluable instructional format and is the ideal venue for developing new polo players. The committee's initiatives and responsibilities include arena rules, arena handicaps, high goal arena polo, arena tournaments, international arena polo, and women's arena polo. Americas Arena Cup: This 6-9 goal event was awarded to Grand Champions Polo Club for 2014 and will feature teams from United States, Canada, Mexico and Guatemala. The four teams will fight for the title February 6-8, 2014. Arena Polo Leagues: The Committee are looking at arena polo leagues wherein teams from around the area would participate in and host events that would count toward a championship. Committee members will look to similar events as a resource that can be shared with clubs around the country. Circuit/National Arena Event Reimbursement: USPA established a reimbursement program for clubs hosting Circuit and National arena tournaments. In an effort to have some of our most significant National and Circuit arena events, Arena Committee Chairman Dan Coleman conceived a plan to budget for funding to be used as an incentive to offset arena club’s costs of hosting these important events. Pop-Up Arena Sub-committee: Recognizing that snow and beach polo are played using a snow fence or other removable barriers, this sub-committee will look at opportunities to work with clubs to set up events and bring polo to the people. Russ Sheldon will chair the sub-committee and work with Mike Farah and Karl Hilberg. The sub-committee will work to create a “Playbook” as a resource for clubs or polo related entities interested in the concept. Indoor facilities will also be looked at as venues for this type of event. Townsend Cup: The 2013 Townsend Cup was awarded to Empire Polo Club in Indio, California who hosted the event the second week of January. With a history dating back to 1923, the Townsend is the pinnacle of international arena competition and features high goal teams from England and the USA. Last year, England prevailed over USA, but the U.S. team will look for redemption in the Bryan Morrison Cup at Hickstead’s All England Club this winter. Empire also hosted an international collegiate event in connection with the Townsend that featured a collegiate team from the SUPA program in England vs. an intercollegiate team selected by the USPA I/I committee. The U.S. collegiate team won 188; the team comprised of Ford MacCarty (Colorado State University), Patrick Uretz (Westmont College), Kylie Sheehan (University of Virginia) and Nik Feldman (Cornell University). U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship: Country Farms Polo Club hosted the event in 2013, and four teams participated with help from USPA’s Amy Wisehart and the I/I Committee. The fourth team was funded by the I/I program, and was made up of the Patrick, Tony and Wiley Uretz brothers representing Westmont College located in Santa Barbara, California; Nik Feldman with Cornell was an alternate. Other teams participating included: Aliano Realty – Nick Aliano, Brandon Phillips, Tommy Biddle, Zoetis – Robert Ceparano, Felipe Viana, Kris Kampsen and Tackeria - Matt Coppola, Mauricio Deveurant, Horton Schwartz and alternate Lobo Fernandez. Congratulations to Zoetis who took home the trophy!
Circuit/National Arena Event Reimbursement: USPA established a reimbursement program for clubs hosting Circuit and National arena tournaments. In an effort to have some of our most significant National and Circuit arena events, Arena Committee Chairman Dan Coleman conceived a plan to budget for funding to be used as an incentive to offset arena clubs’ costs of hosting these important events.
Circuit and National Arena Tournaments 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Projected Circuit Events Actual Circuit Events
6
7
10
11
21
Projected National Events Actual National Events
5
1
5
3
1
22
24
22
26
3
4
3
4
25
26
27
4
5
5
The number of projected circuit events in 2014
Notes: 1) Budgeted & approved Arena Incentive Program is targeted at Medium Goal Circuit and National Events.
USPA Clubs hosting Tournaments 25 20 15 10 5 0
2011
2012
Projected Clubs Hosting Actual Clubs Hosting
14
17
2013
2014
2015
2016
20
19
21
22
17
Notes: 1) Budgeted & approved Arena Incentive Program is targeted at Medium Goal Circuit and National Events.
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USPA Armed Forces Committee Committee Chair: Chris Dawson Committee Vice-Chair: Allen Hoe Committee Staff: Justin Powers Committee Members: Steve Armour James Burton Avery Chapman Mark Gillespie Ursula Lipari Joseph Meyer Russell Sheldon Inter-Service SubCommittee Members: Mark Gillespie, Chair Dean Daggett Karl Hilberg Peter Rizzo Steven Smith Steve Walsh
Mission Statement: The mission of the Armed Forces Committee, in recognition of the great history and connection between the sport of polo and our Armed Forces, seeks to create opportunities to support and bridge the armed forces and the polo communities through the promotion of events supporting the military community and the development of partnerships to increase military participation in the sport of polo. Memorandums of Understanding: The Armed Forces Polo Committee seeks to establish relationships with military and veteran-based charities to support those who serve, and bring the sport of polo to the military community. USPA’s Military Polo History: In the early 1900s, polo spread across the United States as a result of the U.S. Army's reliance on horses. Teams were assembled, schooled and sent on the road to compete against other teams in Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Bliss and Kelly Field in Texas; Fort Douglas, Utah; Fort Monroe, Virginia; and the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. At the height of polo’s popularity in the 1930s, there were 1,500 military players, far outnumbering civilians playing the sport. Last year, USPA Clubs partnered with the following organizations:
Wounded Warrior Project: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.
Semper Fi Fund: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit set up to provide immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
Warrior and Family Support Center: The Warrior and Family Support Center, located at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, provides coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended family members with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors.
Association of the United States Army: AUSA is a professional, non-profit association representing America’s Army on Capitol Hill and in the local communities.
Leveraging future events: The Armed Forces Committee received approval from the USPA Board of Governors on a budget to support the promotion of events and clinics that coincide with individual events to capture potential polo players in the military community.
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USPA Events: The Armed Forces Committee endorsed five events played in Hawaii, California, Texas and Virginia.
Pendleton Cup at Celebrity Ranch: In May, Mike Farah’s Celebrity Ranch, located in Temecula Valley, California, held their Pendleton Cup. Celebrity Ranch is located in close proximity to Camp Pendleton, home to the Marine Corps’ 1st Division. During the awards ceremony, Celebrity Ranch presented a check to the Semper Fi Fund for $100,000!
Poway Inter-Service Tournament: In November, Russ Sheldon hosted the third annual Poway Inter-Service Military Tournament. There were four teams representing the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. In the finals of the tournament, Air Force defended their title and remains undefeated in the three years of the tournament’s history.
Teddy Roosevelt Inter-Service Tournament: In 2012, Karl Hilberg founded the Texas Military Polo Association with the goal of developing polo players on bases in San Antonio, Texas. Last May, Karl organized the first annual Teddy Roosevelt Inter-Service Tournament (similar to the Poway tournament) to raise funds for the Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam.
Additional events: Other events took place across the country including an arena event at Great Meadow Polo Club in June and a Wounded Warrior Project benefit at Palm Beach Polo in conjunction with their World Cup.
The amount presented to the Semper Fi Fund at the Pendleton Cup
Goals for 2014: The committee is developing a “PDI-like” reimbursement program to support events and clinics using the military – and military community – as the key drivers to raise awareness of the sport across the country and bring new potential players into the sport. The committee is also looking to replicate successful events at various clubs as it continues to develop relationships to create synergies with other organizations and USPA committees.
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USPA Audit Committee Committee Chair: Eugene Burk Interim Committee Staff: Peter Rizzo Committee Members: Steven Rudolph Charles Stanislawski
Mission Statement: The purpose and primary function of the USPA Audit Committee shall be to assist the Board of Governors of the USPA (the “Board”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for (a) the integrity of the USPA’s financial statements, (b) the USPA’s compliance with any legal and regulatory requirements, (c) the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, and (d) the performance of the USPA’s internal audit function and that of the independent auditors. Organization: The Audit Committee was created in 2013 to assist the Board of Governors to ensure compliance with all legal, tax and regulatory standards in an effort to maintain the organization’s transparency and integrity. Activities: The Audit Committee has reviewed the financial statements of the USPA and USPA Properties, Inc. and has devoted substantial time to tax issues regarding the relationship between USPA and Properties; and has confirmed request for a tax opinion from international audit firm, Deloitte-Touche. Audit Inquiry Procedure: The committee created a new website, www.uspa-audit.com, for use by all USPA members whereby they are able to anonymously enter financial-related complaints or inquiries. The website is managed by a third party that is in no way affiliated with the USPA or polo beyond this initiative. The site is secure, and members’ privacy will be protected at all times. Inquiries and complaints will be handled in an organized and confidential manner. For complete details of this procedure, please review the USPA Audit Committee Inquiry Procedure document, which is located on the Audit Inquiry Form webpage.
21
USPA Board & Staff Development Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Board and Staff Development Committee is to, on an ongoing basis, review the establishment of an efficient, staff-driven organizational structure. The Committee shall provide advice and support to the Association's Chief Executive Officer in USPA personnel matters and offer advice and support to the Association's Chairman in all matters relating to USPA Board of Governors and USPA Limited Liability Company development. The Committee shall analyze USPA mission statement objectives and make recommendations to achieve stated goals, correct deficiencies, and ensure consistency, continuity and clarity in all areas of the Association. The Committee shall have areas of review and jurisdiction over the USPA and subsidiary Limited Liability Companies, including, but not limited to: human resources, information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation, staff development and succession, strategic planning, Board development and succession planning, and Board and staff evaluation and interaction.
Committee Chair: James Burton Interim Committee Staff: Peter Rizzo Committee Members: Britt Baker Dan Coleman Robert Donahey Denny Geiler Robert McCloskey Amir Pirasteh Charles Smith Charles Weaver
Annual Survey: A follow up annual survey is currently underway. This survey is an annual effort and will be a measurement of member satisfaction with the management of the Association and its efforts to support members. Board, Committees, LLC, and Staff Communication (formerly Transparency) Document: In conjunction with the USPA Chairman and CEO, the B&SD Committee promulgated a communication policy that provides the methodology for non-emergency communication between the various entities. Board and LLC Conflict of Interest: The Committee completed review of the Conflict of Interest document. Censure Process: The Committee developed the protocol for a censure of a Board member. Election Protocol: The Committee is reviewing the election process in regards to the potential for electronic voting. Governance: Over the next year, the USPA will be considering its governance as compared to other membership associations and how they are run. The USPA may consider bringing in outside professionals to review our governance, LLCs, IT, etc., to determine realistic needs. Governor-at-Large Election: In 2013, voting members of the USPA elected 12 Governorsat-Large who began a two-year term October 5th at the USPA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas. The Governors-at-Large will help create the USPA philosophy and improve brand performance, review the budget and funding plans, vote on policies, discuss USPA matters with the CEO and provide critique and advice on major USPA actions.
The number of governors at large who were elected in October
22
Human Resources: The Committee provides HR resources when necessary. It reviews CEO compensation and staff bonuses and makes recommendations to the Board and CEO. Information Technology Overhaul: The Committee was asked to review the current mix of software and hardware and to suggest an appropriate solution to our current and future needs. That process is underway with funding for 2014. Member Information Privacy: The BASDC is reviewing the publishing of member information with an eye to allowing members to stipulate what information they want to provide to the public by way of the Blue Book. Morality Clause: The Committee completed a review of the Morality statement. NCD LLC Formation: The Committee presented the re-organization of this service to an LLC to the Board for a successful vote at the fall meeting. Obligations of the USPA Board: The Committee reviewed this document relative to the current mission statement of the USPA. Staff and Board Training: The BASDC agreed to act in establishing continued staff training to compliment the staff activities. Staffing Considerations: Under this committee, job descriptions, resume review and assistance to the CEO are provided for hiring staff. Succession Planning: The Committee developed the format succession planning. Website Overhaul: The B&SD Committee analyzed the needs for a more efficient and marketing based web site, and awarded a contract to PoloSkilz. The new site was launched last spring, and continual updates and enhancements are being made. A new database system was also integrated, which will serve as a user-friendly platform offering members online access to pay dues, update contact info, etc.
23
USPA Club & Membership Development Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Club and Membership Committee is to promote the sport of polo in the United States through conceiving and developing programs and strategies to increase membership, improve the quality of the polo experience by its membership and to retain clubs and membership. This will be done by creating programs such as Polo Development Initiative, Regional Polo Centers and other strategic club and membership programs. Once developed these programs and strategies are disseminated to the membership through our network of clubs and Regional Polo Centers. YEAR END STATISTICAL REPORT MEMBER TOTALS Dec. 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31
Associate Members Player Members Affiliate Members Student Members TOTAL W/O FREE MEMBERSHIP TOTALS
82 3140 n/a 770 3992 3992
84 2945 n/a 745 3774 3774
222 2258 480 616 3576 3576
528 2255 530 859 3391 4172
835 2324 524 881 3322 4564
597 2380 564 891 3476 4432
Oct Nov 2013 794 2369 616 1200 3635 4979
Female Associates Female Players Female Affiliates Female Students FEMALE TOTALS
21 685 n/a 444 1150
21 656 n/a 471 1148
112 587 40 364 1103
310 628 48 564 1550
494 661 53 604 1812
321 696 62 588 1667
415 723 86 709 1933
Male Associates Male Players Male Affiliates Male Students MALE TOTALS
61 2455 n/a 326 2842
63 2289 n/a 274 2626
110 1671 440 252 2473
218 1627 482 295 2622
341 1663 471 277 2752
276 1684 502 303 2765
379 1646 530 465 3020
Non-Renewals Associates Players Affiliates Students NON-RENEWALS
24 611 n/a 340 975
29 655 n/a 358 1042
57 577 136 373 1143
150 468 109 370 1097
393 443 127 596 1559
661 377 127 503 1668
213 425 197 315 1150
New Members Associates Players Affiliates Students NEW MEMBER TOTALS
16 241 n/a 376 633
19 176 n/a 321 516
127 92 47 145 411
410 96 47 430 983
688 100 66 481 1335
182 74 45 202 503
309 210 40 361 920
Free Memberships Associates Players Affiliates Students REE MEMBER TOTALS
n/a n/a n/a n/a 0
n/a n/a n/a n/a 0
0 0 0 0 0
421 18 0 342 781
745 0 0 497 1242
487 0 0 469 956
637 0 0 707 1344
2007
2008
2009
2010
Dec 31
Dec 31
2011
2012
Committee Chair: Denny Geiler Committee Staff: Justin Powers Advisory Staff: Ed Armstrong Kris Bowman Committee Members: Amir Ahmad Pirasteh Brandon Alcott Chip McKenney Chrys Beal Erik Wright Gene Burk Glenn Hart Jef Graham Jolie Liston Katherine Graham Kyle Fargey Lesley Ann Fong-Yee Mark Nance Max Duarte Megan Carter Judge Richard Lara Robin Sanchez Scott Brown Scott Lancaster Scott Walker Steven Armour Thomas Goodspeed
24
Circuit Strategic Planning: The USPA Polo Development, LLC, staff conducted strategic planning sessions with seven circuits. The goals of these sessions were to educate and inform the circuits of the various programs and services the USPA offers, tailor communications and assistance to individual clubs, and identify growth opportunities in individual clubs and regions. Club Growth by Circuit
The number of PDI awards granted in 2013
Border Central Eastern Florida Great Plains Hawaiian Mid-States Northeastern Pacific Coast Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountains Southeastern Southwestern No Circuit Affiliation Totals
2008 6 19 32 27 7 4 20 34 24 14 8 31 20
2009 7 20 29 21 8 5 19 34 23 16 10 29 19
2010 7 19 30 26 5 3 22 31 24 8 13 22 18
2011 9 19 33 27 4 5 31 40 29 19 11 26 27
2012 9 18 32 29 5 4 24 40 30 20 11 26 27
Nov. 2013 12 19 34 30 6 4 22 40 31 22 10 25 26
0
0
0
0
0
1
246
240
228
280
275
282
Polo 2020-A Vision for the Future: Following the USPA’s strategic plan, the Club and Membership Development Committee welcomed Elizabeth Hedley as a National Club Development Coordinator; and the Polo Development Initiative (PDI) funding increased to $350,000 in 2013. Polo Development Initiative (PDI): The 2013 Polo Development Initiative (PDI) Program reached an all-time high with 77 applications requesting over $773,000 in support. Sixtyfive PDI awards were granted, totaling over $375,000 in support for polo clubs at the grassroots level. In 2013, the committee reviewed its first set of “Scorecards” of applicant clubs to measure the success of their club development and the effectiveness of PDI funding. Over half of the new 2013 members of the USPA are associated with 2013 PDI recipients.
PDI Clubs Applying 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011
Projected Applications Actual Applications
25
31
2012
2013
2014
2015
50
65
75
80
65
77
PDI Clubs Awarded 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
45
46
50
50
51
65
Projected Awards granted Actual Awards granted
31
New Membership at current PDI clubs 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
2011
2012
Projected Associate Actual Associate
445
99
Projected Junior Actual Junior
2013
2014
2015
2016
125
208
219
246
130
137
154
250 78
126
40
122
New Membership at current PDI clubs 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
The number of PDI members in 2013
2011
2012
Projected Total PDI Members Actual Total PDI Members
703
188
Projected Player Actual Player
2013
2014
2015
2016
312
520
548
616
156
164.4
184.8
513 94
15
32
99
26
Year to Date Breakdown of Memberships 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Playerof Total Actual % of Player of Total
2.1%
17.0%
2013
2014
2015
2016
25%
30%
30%
30%
19.3%
Year to Date Breakdown of Memberships 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Associate of Total Actual % of Associate of Total
63.3%
52.7%
Projected % of Junior of Total Actual % of Junior of Total
2013
2014
2015
2016
45%
40%
40%
40%
25%
25%
25%
48.7% 20%
17.9%
21.3%
23.8%
Notes: 1) PDI Member Figures for 2013 as of 12/23/2013. 2) Looking at the percentage breakdown of memberships: The percent of memberships that are Junior and Player Memberships have increased from 2011-2013. 3) The decrease in Associate Membership from 2011 to 2013 can directly be related to a strategy shift with "First Year Free" in 2011 PDI Clubs were offering FYF Memberships to people just expressing an interest in polo.
Regional Polo Centers: In 2013, the two Regional Polo Centers (RPCs) were extremely successful at exposing thousands of people to the sport and providing support for hundreds of polo players. In Houston, Mark Prinsloo’s “Step-up” program continually advances polo students from polo school to margarita league, and then on to amateur and 2-goal leagues. Houston Polo Club’s USPA membership topped 150 in 2013, with almost 50% of those members coming through the Houston Polo School. In Atlanta, Jolie Liston hosts overnight polo camps for junior polo students and drives the development of club polo in the greater Atlanta area by working together to support other local clubs and promoting polo at all levels of play.
27
Memberships at RPCs 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
2011
2012
Projected Total RPC Members Actual Total RPC Members
273
221
Projected Player
2013
2014
2015
2016
206
209
210
213
132
135
138
2013
2014
2015
2016
53
47
41
35
30
34
40
208 129
Actual Player
126
124
136
The total number of RPC members in 2013
Memberships at RPCs 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011
2012
Projected Associate Actual Associate
120
67
Projected Junior Actual Junior
33 24
13
20
30
28
% Breakdown of Memberships at RPCs 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Actual % of Player of Total
2011
2012
2013
46.2%
56.1%
65.4%
Projected % of Playerof Total
63%
2014
2015
2016
63%
64%
65%
% Breakdown of Memberships at RPCs 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Associate of Total Actual % of Associate of 44.0% Total
30.3%
2014
2015
2016
26%
22%
20%
16%
14%
16%
19%
15.9%
Projected % of Junior of Total Actual % of Junior of Total
2013
12% 4.8%
9.0%
14.4%
Horse Purchases at RPCs 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
29
2013
Participants leasing a horse
52
Participants bought a horse
32
2014
2015
2016
Memberships at Houston RPC 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011
2012
Projected Total RPC Members Actual Total RPC Members
169
165
Projected Player
2013
2014
2015
2016
160
162
162
164
116
118
120
165 114
Actual Player
113
111
123
Memberships at Houston RPC 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
2011
2012
Projected Associate Actual Associate
42
36
Projected Junior Actual Junior
2013
2014
2015
2016
28
24
20
16
22
24
28
18 18
9
16
22
30
% Breakdown of Memberships at Houston RPC 76% 74% 72% 70% 68% 66% 64% 62%
2011
2012
Projected % of Playerof Total Actual % of Player of Total
66.9%
67.3%
2013
2014
2015
2016
71%
72%
73%
73%
74.5%
% Breakdown of Memberships at Houston RPC 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Associate of Total Actual % of Associate of Total
24.9%
21.8%
Projected % of Junior of Total Actual % of Junior of Total
31
2013
2014
2015
2016
18%
15%
12%
10%
14%
15%
17%
10.9% 11%
5.3%
9.7%
13.3%
Horse Purchases at Houston RPC 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22
2013
Participants leasing a horse
30
Participants bought a horse
25
2014
2015
2016
Memberships at Atlanta RPC 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011
2012
Projected Total RPC Members Actual Total RPC Members
104
56
Projected Player Actual Player
2013
2014
2015
2016
46
47
48
49
16
17
18
43 15
13
13
13
32
Memberships at Atlanta RPC 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
2011
2012
Projected Associate Actual Associate
78
31
Projected Junior
2013
2014
2015
2016
25
23
21
19
8
10
12
15 6
Actual Junior
4
4
8
% Breakdown of Memberships at Atlanta RPC 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Playerof Total Actual % of Player of Total
33
12.5%
23.2%
2013
2014
2015
2016
33%
34%
35%
37%
30.2%
% Breakdown of Memberships at Atlanta RPC 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2011
2012
Projected % of Associate of Total Actual % of Associate of Total
75.0%
55.4%
2014
2015
2016
54%
49%
44%
39%
17%
21%
24%
34.9%
Projected % of Junior of Total Actual % of Junior of Total
2013
13% 3.8%
7.1%
18.6%
Horse Purchases at Atlanta RPC 25 20 15 10 5 0 Participants leasing a horse
2013
2014
2015
2016
22 7
Polo Development Intern: In 2013, the Polo Development Intern Program expanded to include an intercollegiate polo graduate from the University of Texas, Ethan Galis. Ethan mentored with Tom Goodspeed at the Irving Polo Club and Polo School, and then moved on to work under Mark Prinsloo at the Houston Regional Polo Center. Ethan joined Megan Flynn, who is finishing up her second year in the program. Megan took the knowledge and skills she learned from her first year and ran polo schools at the Sarasota and Milwaukee polo clubs last year. The goal of the intern program is to assist with the development of the next generation of polo instructors and managers.
34
Instructors/Managers Forum: Historically, the USPA Instructors/Managers Forum has been a widely popular and successful retreat, and 2013 was no different. The annual Instructors Forum was held in November at the Houston Polo Club, and the event was at max capacity with over 65 polo instructors, managers and enthusiasts from around the country participating in the “Gathering of Polo Minds.” The Polo Development, LLC, is looking to expand their Instructor/Managers Forum program in the future to host multiple events and increase the knowledge that will be disseminated to USPA member clubs. The 2013 USPA Instructors Forum featured an interactive teaching segment and a focus on marketing clubs and polo schools.
Instructor's Forum participants 80 60 40
The number of Instructor’s Forum participants in 2013
20 0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Projected Participants
45
51
55
62
67
70
Actual Participants
45
51
75
68
Instructor Certification and Continuing Education: With the formation of the USPA Polo Development, LLC, Polo Instructor Certification is now a reality. The process to develop a certification and continuing education program began last year. This year, the Polo Development, LLC, will work on developing the program, working with leaders in the industry to assist current and future polo instructors. Membership Sub-committee Findings: In 2012, Dennis Geiler, Chairman of the Club and Membership Development Committee, created a Membership Sub-committee. The subcommittee recommended the following: a lifetime membership and a simplification of the membership categories, which includes a social membership and a clear definition of a club member. The Committee approved the sub-committee’s recommendation, and in 2014 the changes/additions will be presented to the USPA Board of Governors for approval. USPA Polo Development, LLC, Reach Spans the Country: Last May, the Polo Development, LLC, team began to track their reach as a metric. Included in this data: club consults, clinics, trips and follow-ups. In 2013, the Polo Development, LLC, reached over 100 USPA clubs and averaged over 16 trips and over 120 club consults per month. The tracking of consults, clinics, trips and follow-ups as a metric also allows the Polo Development, LLC, to target circuits and clubs as an area of focus for assisting with growth and sustainability. These trips and consults have led to stronger foundations of polo in specific regions. As a result of Polo Development, LLC, consulting, some clubs, like the Triangle Area Polo Club in Hurdle Mills, NC, have rejuvenated polo in areas that haven’t had polo in years.
35
Year to Date NCD Trips and Reports
120 100 80 60 40 20 0
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Clubs
78
84
90
94
96
100
104
108
Trips
14
27
24
22
10
12
7
2
Reports
12
27
17
9
6
4
4
1
Note: The increase in clubs reached includes potential USPA clubs
Year to Date NCD Consults 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Consults
134
103
136
216
91
124
73
52
Follow Ups
198
173
145
136
105
218
250
234
Notes: 1) The number of clubs reached increased which is a direct relationship to the Polo Development LLC taking over the Club Approval Process. 2) 2014-2016 Projections will be made after a full year of data is established as a baseline
USPA Today in Chicago and the Desert: The Polo Development, LLC, team completed two USPA Today events in 2013. USPA Today events are designed to educate the membership on the programs and services offered by the Association. In 2013, the Polo Development, LLC, hosted two marquee USPA Today events at Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, and at the Dunham Woods Riding Club in the greater Chicago area. In addition to disseminating programs and services to the membership, USPA Today also offers the Polo Development, LLC, team the opportunity to identify future Polo Development, LLC, interactions.
36
PoloSkilz Network: The vision of PoloSkilz Network is to strengthen our sport, by improving the level of play, the opportunities for play and the enjoyment of polo: 1. Increase the number of polo players rated one goal and above by giving polo players online access to otherwise inaccessible resources who can help members improve their polo game; 2. Promote a culture of learning and open exchange of ideas about how best to teach our sport, where ongoing clinics, camps and lessons are the norm, similar to mainstream sports like football, baseball, soccer, golf or tennis; 3. Create a permanent online repository of video footage that preserves the accumulated wisdom and accomplishment of polo’s best and brightest from the past, present and future. PoloSkilz Network Contributors: Luis Escobar Tommy Biddle Owen Rinehart Sunny Hale Adam Snow Major Hugh Dawnay Brandon Phillips Ricky Bostwick Steve Lane Paul Wollenman DVM Julio Arellano Dale Smicklas Steve Krueger Jim Overdorf Nano Perez Charlie Muldoon Corky Linfoot Kathy Linfoot Erik Wright
37
Mariano Aguerre Sylvia Midolo Sugar Erskine Ani Chroni Ph.D. Robin Sanchez Santiago Trotz Joe Henderson Jeff Blake Kristy Outhier Michael Moertl Mark Prinsloo Ricardo Sanchez Craig Fraser Julie Robins A ugustin Merlos John Westley Wayne Kvalsvig Maureen Brennan Jolie Liston
USPA Equine Welfare Committee Mission Statement: To advise the USPA Chairman and Executive Committee on all aspects of the care and well-being of polo ponies and with their direction, to carry out programs to ensure the finest of polo pony welfare conditions and care. Welcome, Mark Sedacca: Mark became the new Chairman of the USPA Equine Welfare Committee, and is already starting off with great ideas including: the Clint Nangle Award, the Equine Welfare International Sub-committee and the Trauma Kit Program. Clint Nangle Award: In honor of his years of service as the Equine Welfare Committee Chairman, the Committee created a new award to be distributed at the Circuit and National level. The Clint Nangle Award is given to those demonstrating excellence in equine welfare practices. USPA Equine Drugs and Medications Program: The USPA promotes equine welfare and the balance of competition in polo through the implementation of the Equine Drugs and Medications Program (EDMP). The EDMP tested horses at more events in 2013, with a small number of positive tests. In an effort to raise awareness of the EDMP and its mission, there will be an increase in drug testing for 2014.
Drugs & Medications Test Results
120 100 80
Committee Chair: Mark Sedacca Committee Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Lydia Sudick Bibeau James Burton Richard Caleel Avery Chapman Leslie Ann Fong-Yee Sunny Hale Joshua Hall Robert Leary Yarrow Pallo William Patterson Margaret Paur Gwen Rizzo Daniel Scheraga Russell Sheldon Adam Snow Katherine Snow Olivia Stringer David Strouss Lynn Thompson Caitlin Tuffts Barb Uskup
60 40 20 0
201 201 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 13- 131 2 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Number of Tests 82 100
0
0
24
62
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
16
Positive Result
0
0
4
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
The number of horses tested through the EDMP in 2013
Notes: 1) Testing began in 2011. 2) No testing was done in May, June or July 2013. 3) The number of circuits tested will vary from year to year as United States Equestrian Federation picks the events at random to test. All clubs in all circuits hosting USPA Sanctioned Events are subject to random testing. 4) The committee strives to have zero positive tests thus the projected negative test results should match the number of tests from year to year.
38
Equine Welfare International Sub-Committee: The recently created Equine Welfare International Sub-committee, chaired by Clint Nangle, will focus on connecting with other associations around the world to combine efforts in equine welfare knowledge and rules. Polo Pony Welfare Guidelines: The Publications Sub-committee created a resource for all USPA clubs and individual members. The Myopia Equine Welfare Booklet served as a template to create the “USPA Polo Pony Welfare Guidelines� booklet. The booklet was sent to all Club Delegates and Equine Welfare Representatives; it is also available online as a PDF. Thanks to everyone who offered many great suggestions for additions and improvements to the booklet; a second edition is in the works for 2014.
The number of trauma kits that will be awarded in 2014
39
Trauma Kit Program: The Committee created a new Trauma Kit Program to start in 2014. The Equine Welfare Committee will be awarding 50 trauma kits to select clubs, and the kits will be available for purchase to anyone who wishes to buy one. The committee has chosen American Acres Animal Health and Safety Products to create the kits. The trauma kits include: bandages, tapes, liquid stitches, antibiotic ointment, saline wash, gauze, scissors, a thermometer, examination gloves and more.
USPA High Goal Committee Mission Statement: To advise the Chairman, Board of Governors and committee chairs on all aspects of high goal polo in the U.S. To be the communication channel between the USPA and high goal community including club managers, high goal sponsors, and high goal professionals. To grow and promote the sport of polo at its highest level around the U.S. Communication Outreach: In an effort to improve the communication between the Association and the High Goal Committee, the High Goal Committee distributed a packet last year to all high goal patrons, managers and players containing the following:
High Goal Committee member names and contact information USPA Equine Drug & Medication Program policies USPA Mission Statement American Rule and Substitution Rule USPA Umpires, LLC, information Foreign handicaps & ‘T’ ratings policies and procedures Handicaps High Goal Committee’s review form Team USPA high goal brochure
Committee Chair: Steve Orthwein, Jr. Committee Staff: Amanda Snow Committee Members: Julio Arellano Joel Baker Kelly Beal Thomas Biddle Anthony Coppola Robert Daniels John Goodman Gillian Johnston James Newman Charles Smith Martin Pepa Adam Snow
The High Goal Committee received approval from the Board of Governors for a 20142016 budget to facilitate informative USPA events within the high goal community. The events will give high goal players, patrons and managers the opportunity for open communication with the USPA. The High Goal Committee is also working on strengthening high goal representation within the Association. High Goal Handicapping: The High Goal Committee has been working continuously with the National Handicap Committee to improve the handicapping process. The High Goal Committee made a recommendation to the National Handicap Committee to revise current USPA handicapping procedures to add a six-month period between when a handicap is changed and its effective date.
40
USPA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Committee Committee Chair: Duncan Huyler Committee Staff: Amy Wisehart Committee Members: Dr. Philip Abel Steve Armour Christopher Blythe Scott Boggess James Burton Annetta Evans Stan Feldman Jake Flournoy Melissa Ganzi Miranda Luna Lou Lopez Robert Lynn-Kee-Chow PJ Orthwein Stevie Orthwein Daniel Sheraga Russ Sheldon Caroline Stimmel Lynn Thompson Dr. Bruce Wells David Wenning Tom Wisehart John Westley
Mission Statement: The mission of the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Committee of the United States Polo Association (USPA) is to promote and grow the sport of polo by providing maximum exposure to the sport; recruiting collegiate and scholastic institutions; coordinating activities of member schools and players; providing for organized competition including sponsoring & administering regional and national tournaments with an emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety; and by effectively utilizing funding for the benefit of I/I activities. College Polo 101: The 4th Annual College Polo 101 Mentoring Clinic was held at the Polo School at Grand Champions in Wellington, Florida, in November where representatives from ten collegiate programs attended a two-day intensive clinic with round table discussions revolving around club growth, fundraising and member retention, along with a skills and drills session. The clinic also featured various speakers including arena 10goaler, Tommy Biddle. I/I Facebook Page: Each year the I/I Facebook page continues to grow, with 3,350 and counting followers in 2013! The I/I Facebook page showcases the I/I program with photos, events, updates, and news to keep the polo community informed and excited about I/I polo. The I/I Committee encourages members to follow I/I polo at www.facebook.com/IIpolo, and we welcome suggestions on ways to enhance members’ social media experiences. I/I Growth in 2013: The I/I season in 2013 showed growth in all aspects including tournaments, players and teams. The I/I program had 47 intercollegiate teams and 60 interscholastic teams compete in the tournament season. The 2013 I/I tournament season ended with a combined total of 36 tournaments and 107 teams. The USPA National Intercollegiate Championships (Men’s and Women’s) were hosted by ERG in Brookshire, Texas. The Empire Polo Club, in Indio, California, hosted the Open National Interscholastic Championship, and the University of Connecticut, in Storrs, hosted the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship.
I/I teams competing in tournaments 2011-2016 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2011
Projected Total Teams Actual Total Teams
41
92
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
106
114
121
130
139
99
107
IS teams competing in tournaments 2011-2016 50 40 30 20 10 0
2011
Projected Open IS Actual Open IS
30
Projected Girls IS Actual Girls IS
15
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
34
37
40
43
46
33
38
21
24
26
28
30
21
22
Interscholastic players competing in tournaments from 2011-2016 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
The number of IS players who competed in tournaments in 2013 2011
Projected Total IS Players Actual Total IS Players
439
Projected IS Players Actual IS Players
208
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
459
509
530
570
600
459
491
229
259
260
280
290
229
244
IC teams competing in tournaments 2011-2016 40 30 20 10 0
2011
Projected Women IC Actual Women IC
30
Projected Men IC Actual Men IC
18
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
30
30
32
34
36
27
28
21
23
23
25
27
18
19
42
Intercollegiate players competing in tournaments from 2011-2016 200 160 120 80 40 0
2011
Projected Women IC Actual Women IC
150
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
148
158
168
178
190
148
150
82
92
102
112
120
82
97
Projected Men IC Actual Men IC
81
The number of IC players who competed in tournaments in 2013
Historical growth of I/I Teams 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
1983
1993
2003
2007
2010
2011
2012
2013
Women IC
9
18
23
26
28
30
27
28
Men IC
10
16
22
22
16
18
18
19
Open IS
7
7
22
23
24
30
33
38
Girls IS
0
2
3
14
14
15
21
22
Total
26
43
70
85
82
93
99
107
Historical growth of I/I tournaments 40 30 20 10 0
43
1983
1993
2003
2007
2012
2013
Women IC
1
5
5
8
13
10
Men IC
1
5
5
5
8
8
Open IS
1
1
8
5
9
10
Girls IS
0
1
1
2
5
8
Total
3
12
19
20
35
36
I/I Start-Up & Enhancement: Through the Start-Up & Enhancement funding program, 24 teams were awarded a total of $38,000 this year for the use of purchasing tack and equipment, as well as for new initiatives to support fundraising opportunities.
I/I Start up Success 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
2011
Projected Start Up Teams Actual Start Up Teams
6
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
12
11
8
8
8
12
11
The number of I/I startup teams in 2013
I/I Summer Review: Each summer, the I/I Polo Committee reviews and makes changes to the I/I Tournament Conditions for the best interest of the program. Last summer’s main topics included collegiate divisions and game requirements. Intercollegiate Questionnaire: Last fall, the committee launched an online survey for all college programs with results to be compiled into a comprehensive handout for promoting and informing high school players and parents on all intercollegiate polo opportunities. Interscholastic Clinic: During the summer of 2013, an interscholastic clinic was held at Zubair Hamir’s Longhorn Polo Club in Dripping Springs, Texas, in conjunction with the USPA Polo Development, LLC. Live Web Streaming: In April 2013, the USPA Marketing, LLC, brought us the USPA National Intercollegiate Championship finals via LIVE web streaming! Umpire Support Program: The I/I Umpire Support Program sponsored USPA arena umpire clinics hosted by several clubs including: Virginia Polo in Charlottesville, Virginia; Central Coast Polo Club in San Luis Obispo, California; Prestonwood Polo Club in Oak Point, Texas; Spokane Polo Club in Spokane, Washington; and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In addition, USPA certified arena umpires received compensation for umpire services provided during regular season qualifying games.
44
USA vs. England: The USPA I/I Program hosted the inaugural Intercollegiate International Challenge Cup at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California in conjunction with the Townsend Challenge Cup. The USA team included the following players representing four regions of the country: Kylie Sheehan (University of Virginia), Nik Feldman (Cornell University), Ford MacCarty (Colorado State University), and Patrick Uretz (Westmont College). We will be traveling with a team to England in February this year for the second meeting between the countries! U.S. Open Polo Arena Championship: The USPA I/I Program sponsored a team in the U.S. Open Polo Arena Championship for the first time in 2013. The team of Wiley Uretz (Westmont College), Patrick Uretz (Westmont College), Tony Uretz (Westmont College) and Nik Feldman (Cornell University) won the USPA National Arena Handicap, which was held in conjunction with the Arena Open. USPA I/I Magazine: The USPA I/I Magazine, in its 10th year of production, reached a record high in advertising and featured season highlights, alumni spotlights, umpires’ viewpoints and other articles featuring players, coaches and parents. Be on the lookout for the 2014 USPA I/I Magazine! Women’s Championship Tournament Arena Finals: The USPA I/I Program sponsored the championship team in the WCT Arena finals at the California Polo Club in Los Angeles! The team included Devon Cox (Cornell University), Carly Persano (University of Connecticut), Anna Winslow (Cornell University) and Lizzie Peck (California Polytechnic). Young Alumni & Student Advisory: The Young Alumni Outreach and Student Athlete Advisory sub-committees were formed in 2012. The Young Alumni focus on engaging alumni for events, support, umpiring, coaching, etc., and serves as an information source for playing opportunities for those remaining in the sport after graduation. The Inaugural USPA I/I Alumni Championship will be held in the spring of 2014. The Student Athlete Advisory Board acts as a liaison between players and the USPA through regional meetings and events.
45
USPA International Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the International Committee is to build and improve USPA membership by facilitating and promoting international polo events, including tournaments and umpire and player clinics to foster international fellowship and sportsmanship. The committee will cooperate with national polo associations, the Federation of International Polo, the American International Polo Foundation, the United States Olympic Committee and all other interested qualified groups or individuals in achieving its goals. Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Championship: The more modern variant of the sport is creating a snowball effect as more venues are hosting snow polo events around the world. The FIP sanctioned Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Championships were held last January in Tianjin, China, at the exclusive Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club, with Hong Kong emerging as victor. This year’s event is currently underway, as twelve nations showcase their best efforts to take the title and prize money, and bring the coveted trophy home. The USA team for this year’s event includes: Tommy Biddle (6), Pelon Escapite (6), Del Walton (4) with coach and manager Joel Baker (2) as the alternate. Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup: Four powerhouse teams from the world’s top polo nations battled it out for top international honors in the Fortune Heights Super Nations Cup in October. The 24-goal handicap tournament took place at China’s Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club and featured world-class professional players from the U.S., Argentina, England and Hong Kong. This event, along with the other international events, provides great opportunities for players at various ages and skill levels. The U.S. team featured Mike Azzaro, Tommy Collingwood, Ulysses Escapite and Nic Roldan. The Hong Kong team prevailed again taking the title. This unique event offers bonuses to the teams in the top three slots, and the USA placed third.
Committee Chair: Patrick Nesbitt Committee Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Page Beard Lydia Sudick Bibeau Richard Caleel Bruce Colley George Dill Melissa Ganzi Glen Holden, Sr. Doreen Ladin Robert Leary Robert Miller Stephen Orthwein Stephen Orthwein, Jr. Samuel Ramirez Wesley Ru Paul von Gontard Derek Wolstenholme
Manipur Polo International: Six teams from around the world descended on the historic polo ground in Imphal, the capital city of the state of Manipur, India, in November. The U.S. Polo Association sent a team with players Mason Wroe (4), Johnathan Lavine (1), Weston Gracida (2), Peter Blake (2) and coach Bob Leary. The Manipur Polo International (8-10 goal) is an international open-invitation polo tournament played on the Manipuri Pony, the original Polo Pony, under the Indian Polo Association rules. The tournament was ©Kaylee Scherbinski Photography organized with the prime objectives of: conserving the Manipuri Pony and preventing its extinction, popularizing the game in its place of origin and developing polo tourism in the State of Manipur. The U.S. team cruised past Germany, Thailand and the India-A team to advance to the finals against team IndiaB. The U.S. team brought home the second place trophy, which is currently on display in the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame.
46
Westchester Cup: The U.S. competed against England for the oldest and most prestigious trophy in international polo competition during the Westchester Cup in July at Guards Polo Club in England. The 16th Westchester Cup, spanning over a century, featured the countries’ most talented polo players supported by USA-team sponsor, Equus & Co. Competing in the long-awaited match representing the U.S. was an all-star line-up with prominent player/patron Marc Ganzi, 9-goaler Polito Pieres, along with 8-goal standouts Nic Roldan and Mike Azzaro. England kept the coveted trophy with a 12-11 win against the U.S. team in overtime. Fans got an up-close look at American polo played amidst the storied competition on the NBC Sports Network, which broadcast the championship in August. The airing was presented by the USPA. United States Participation in FIP YEAR 1987
HOST COUNTRY Argentina
USA PARTICIPATION IN CHAMPIONSHIPS No
1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2008 2011
Berlin Santiago Saint-Moritz Santa Barbara Melbourne Chantilly Mexico Argentina
Yes (Champion) Yes ( 4th Place) No Yes (4th Place) Yes No No Yes (Zone Winner)
1st ARG
RESULTS 2nd MEX
3rd BRZ
ENG CHILE ARG BRZ AUS ENG BRZ BRZ
ARG ENG MEX ENG ARG CHILE MEX ITALY
USA ARG BRZ ARG BRZ BRZ CHILE ARG
International Polo Events From 2011-2015 8 6 4 2 0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2
6
4
4
4
2
5
Projected Events Actual Events
2
Federation of International Polo 15 10 5 0 # of FIP National Teams
1987 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2008 2011 5
8
6
6
6
8
4
8
10
Notes: 1) 2013 international events to date. 2) 2014 FIP has not been scheduled as of this date. 3) Event numbers will vary based on invitations that suit USPA participation.
47
USPA Junior Polo Committee Mission Statement: To cultivate and promote junior polo throughout the United States by providing the organizational structure to support junior polo clinics, tournaments and international competition. The program will utilize Regional Polo Center instructors, experienced Team USPA members and other qualified instructors as mentors and clinicians. Junior Polo will also work with US Pony Club and other youth equestrian organizations to develop new playing members of the USPA. National Youth Tournament Series: In this inaugural year of the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS), over 200 youth players competed in 23 qualifying tournaments across the U.S. between April and the first weekend in August, culminating with a National Final on Labor Day weekend.
At each of the qualifying tournaments, at least four players were selected as tournament All-Stars who were then eligible to compete in the National Championship event. The All-Stars were selected based on their tournament performance in horsemanship, sportsmanship, playing ability at their current handicap, as well as how they competed as a team player. From the 99 All-Stars selected at qualifying tournaments, 16 were selected (four from each zone) to represent their home zone at the Inaugural Cecil Smith NYTS Championships held at Virginia International Polo Club in Upperville, Virginia. These outstanding 16 players travelled across the country to play in a final tournament, with Zone 3 (Florida/Caribbean circuit) victorious over Zone 2 (Central, Mid-States and Southeast circuits) in the final game. The success of the NYTS has led to the addition of a second level for the tournament finals in 2014.
Committee Chair: Chrys Beal Committee Staff: Amanda Snow & Liz Holson Committee Members: Brandon Alcott Haley Bryan Teal Lachlan Margaret Paur Charles Smith Nick Snow Carolyn Stimmel NYTS Sub-Committee: Chrys Beal, Chair Amanda Snow, Staff Kris Bowman Haley Bryan Nick Snow Carolyn Stimmel
USPA Youth Tournaments 25 20 15 10 5 0
2012
Projected USPA Youth Tournaments Actual USPA Youth Tournaments to date
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
12
13
15
16
22
48
Junior Clinics & Local Leadership: To date, USPA has conducted 44 clinics for young and aspiring players in 2013. Over 500 young players have been reached through this program. The success of the free youth clinic program is due to the new initiative to use contract instructors and Team USPA players to help conduct clinics at various USPA clubs; the standardization and implementation of the USPA Youth Clinic Protocol has been vital to the success of the addition of contract instructors to the program. Standardizing USPA youth clinics has allowed for multiple clinics to be given on the same day across the country, increasing the reach and scope of the program. USPA clinics also give staff the opportunity to work with clubs at a personal level – promoting team-teaching, continuing education, and identifying clubs with outstanding instruction.
Junior Clinics by Month [2012 and 2013] 9 8 7 6 5
The number of junior clinics held in 2013
4 3 2 1 0
Jan
Feb March April May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
2012 Actual Junior Clinics
0
0
0
0
1
5
2
3
3
2
5
1
2013 Projected Junior Clinics
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
4
1
1
1
1
2013 Actual Junior Clinics
1
1
3
3
1
8
7
5
3
7
3
0
Pony Club: The USPA and U.S. Pony Club (USPC) relationship has continued to grow, with 11 Pony Club clinics in 2013. Participation at the USPC 2013 Eastern Championships provided 25 leads for clinics and possible USPC polo rallies. New initiatives promote U.S. Pony Clubs to work locally with their closest USPA club promoting continued education.
United States Pony Club Membership 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
49
2012
2013
Free Membership retained from previous year
33
35
New Free USPC
63
32
Total USPA members that are part of USPC
102
98
2014
2015
2016
Junior Members and Rated Juniors 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
2012
Projected Junior Members Actual Junior Members
807
Projected Rated Juniors Actual Rated Juniors
2013
2014
2015
2016
827
848
869
891
94
104
115
895 85
77
331
Rating breakdown of Juniors 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2012
2013
C Rating
2
20
B/B.5
25
186
A/A.5
31
86
1/1.5
13
27
2+
6
12
2014
2015
2016
2015
2016
Age breakdown of Juniors 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
2012
2013
15-19
231
663
`11-14
195
167
`7-10
60
47
0-6
17
18
2014
50
Breakdown of Clubs with Juniors 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Clubs with Junior Members Outdoor
Outdoor/ Arena
Arena/
Schools
Juniors by Circuit 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
PC
NE
E
SW
FL
SE
MS
C
HI
PNW
B
RM
GP
2013 138
115
132
94
73
71
60
59
48
39
24
19
13
2014
51
USPA Marketing Committee Mission Statement: The USPA Marketing, LLC’s mission is to help grow the sport of polo as measured by an increase in players, spectators and sponsors. The USPA Marketing, LLC, will do this by providing and coordinating all national promotion and marketing of the sport including: branding, advertising, press relations, television and internet broadcast, digital media, special events, strategic partnerships and national sponsorship programs. The formation of the USPA Marketing, LLC, was a direct result of the most recent USPA Strategic Planning effort, Polo 2020 – A Vision for the Future. The USPA Marketing, LLC, addresses the need to promote the sport of polo in the United States by driving all national marketing activities including advertising, public relations, broadcast, digital media (on and off domain), special events and national partnership programs in an effort to accomplish the following:
Establish and communicate a clear identity and positioning of the United States Polo Association as the authoritative national governing body of the sport in the United States Continue to broaden the exposure of the sport through broadcasting events on multiple media platforms including national and regional television, webcasts, and video streaming Support USPA membership and club development with strategic communications, publications and shared resources Build an infrastructure and platform to generate revenue from partnerships and sponsorships to fund future marketing activities and to provide incremental revenue for participating clubs Collaborate closely with USPA Properties to enhance its position as the authentic brand of the sport by implementing marketing programs that directly tie the brand to the sport – its key point of differentiation from its competitors.
Committee Chair: Christine Vermes Chief Marketing Officer: Jim Rossi Committee Staff: Amber Owen Committee Members: Bruce Colley Chris Dawson Melissa Ganzi Scott Walker Peter Rizzo, Ex-Officio
The LLC also interacts directly with USPA committees for internal and external public relations, communications and marketing initiatives. Growing the Sport of Polo in the United States: The USPA’s ongoing mission is to support and grow the sport of polo in the United States. This entails building the polo playing club member base (including building a credible case for engaging in polo play and marketing it effectively) while generating new non-dues sources of revenue by (a) attracting more spectators to polo events; (b) expanding the number of and commercially activating partnerships with sponsor and media partners and (c) developing reciprocating business building initiatives with USPA Properties. Benchmark Research: The USPA leadership has identified that a core challenge to building the sport is growing club level polo playing participation at a healthy pace.
52
Toward this end, the USPA Marketing, LLC, has initiated a benchmark research initiative with SourceUSA. This fact-finding and analytical work will inform one or more of these key issues:
The number of people exposed to polo through TV, digital, and print news stories in 2013
What are the factors underlying the size/growth of the U.S. polo playing market? o Includes an estimate of the current size of the market and the size of the potential playing market universe
How does new and existing player/club member segmentation affect achieving growth? o Comparison/contrast among equine sports participant profiles o Implications of varied definitions of what comprises a "player" o Trends in most trafficked path to polo play, including regional variations, comparison with historic paths o Comparison/contrast of path to polo play with path to play in other sports; o Stages of awareness, attitude, intention, action, satisfaction for new members, including time lines
What is the fastest path to player growth, including what resources are required? o Synthesize best marketing practices in participative sports membership businesses, including fitness, yachting, golf and tennis clubs o Distill priority growth opportunities (national, local) from market sizing and segmentation analyses.
The Benchmark Research will be implemented during first quarter 2014. Findings and recommendations will be shared at the Annual Spring Meeting in April. Press Relations: The 2013 PR strategy exposed 40+ million people to polo via television, digital and print news stories. Media outlets where the USPA Marketing, LLC, secured coverage include: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg Radio and Barron’s magazine, along with polo publications such as Polo Players’ Edition, Morning Line, Polo Line, PoloZone, Hurlingham Polo, Sidelines, etc.
The Marketing LLC engaged the strategic press relation’s agency keating/co in July 2013 with the primary objective to align the press and media-relations strategy with the USPA core objective to increase the number of people actively engaging with polo. We are certain that active engagement equals habitual spectatorship and/or regular polo playing at any skill level.
53
Our primary target audiences are outside of the current polo community, have sufficient means to sustain themselves as a player, and are in a professional situation that would leverage polo’s networking opportunities. Primary target media outlets to reach this audience are top business, high net worth (HNW) business, and affluent lifestyle publications as outlined below:
Business/HNW Outlets o Bloomberg, Barron’s, WSJ, FT, Reuters, Business Insider, Forbes, Fortune, Worth, Family Wealth Report, Huffington Post, Daily Beast, Slate, NPR
Affluent Lifestyle Outlets o Quest, Robb Report, Town and Country, Esquire, Gotham, NY Times, NPR, etc. plus relevant regional affluent lifestyle publications
Secondary Targets o Local Newspapers/TV o Polo-Following Media
Personal stories from within this target audience about playing, loving and benefiting from polo will be the principal vehicle for generating targeted media interest in polo. The strategy of communicating these personal stories of a wide range of people who have made polo a part of their lives can be effective for the following reasons:
They will provide inspiration and guidance to others who may have heard of polo, but don’t understand why they should get involved or how. The media consistently shows very high interest in personal stories.
They can be presented in a number of interesting ways, from text and photos on a screen or brochure to podcasts or videos. They have a very long shelf life.
The Marketing LLC will continue to work with keating/co to actively curate and develop these stories. Media response to date has been very favorable as demonstrated by the Wall Street Journal profile of Christine Vermes that appeared in the Personal Journal section on December 24. Barron’s has also substantially committed to do a major feature that is set to appear in early 2014.
Public Relations 60000000 50000000 40000000 30000000 20000000 10000000 0
2012
2013
Impressions
48062241
43483822
PR Value
17583668
2174960
54
Brand Development: Establishing and expressing a clear brand identity and positioning for the United States Polo Association as the authoritative governing body of the sport is a fundamental requirement to accomplish the Marketing LLC’s strategic objectives. The Marketing LLC has engaged Red Peak, a leading branding and marketing agency, to implement a process to develop the USPA Brand Platform encompassing the following three phases:
Phase I: Brand Audit and Assessment o Interviews with Stakeholders o Identify Brand Assets and Opportunities o Target Outcomes and Success Measurement
Phase II: Brand Positioning and Architecture o Articulate Platform for the NGB Brand Identity o Establishing Source Brand & Role with U.S. Polo Assn. Brand o Brand Personality, Values, Mission, Reasons to Believe
Phase III: Brand Execution o Brand Identity System o Identify Applications for Brand Expression
Stakeholder research will begin in early January and the process will take six months to complete. Findings from Brand Audit and Immersion Phase and preliminary concepts will be presented at the annual spring meeting in April. Broadcasting: The most recent USPA Membership Survey (POLO 2020 – Vision for the Future) revealed that members believe presenting polo to a wider audience through targeted television programming and internet broadcasts of high profile polo events is critical to the growth of the sport. The USPA reached a milestone in 2013 by showcasing two major events on the NBC Sports Network, the Maserati U.S. Open Polo Championship® and the Westchester Cup. The combined viewership for these two broadcasts averaged over 280,000 viewers – more than the combined attendance at all polo events in 2013 in the United States. The broadcasts generated over 10 million media impressions and 176 direct leads from individuals interested in learning more about the sport. Substantial increases in traffic to the uspolo.org website (50% for the U.S. Open alone) and social media were also achieved. The programs were then re-aired on HRTV and HRTV.com for further exposure. This exposure was also significantly less costly than previous efforts that tested webcasting events in recent years – reducing the cost per viewer from a high of $9.44 in 2011 to just 42.5¢ in 2014. Sponsor support and scheduling on networks and time slots with greater viewership will reduce this cost even further in 2014. These broadcast ventures were considered a trial run, and USPA is currently reviewing existing opportunities to improve the process and overall production quality for a better viewing experience.
55
The strategic objectives for the broadcast ventures include:
Expose the sport of polo to a wider audience with a network quality presentation and tell the story behind the sport Further solidify the relationship between the sport and the U.S. POLO ASSN. brand as the Authentic Apparel of the Sport Energize the USPA membership on-site during the event and at viewing parties on air dates Develop a video library of ads and vignettes for member club use Initiate dialogue with potential national sponsors Cultivate our relationship with NBC, which broadcasts the largest portfolio of equestrian events Provide a platform for national publicity for high profile polo events in the United States
Several broadcasts of major USPA events are planned for 2014 – including the U.S. Open Polo Championship® on the main NBC Network on May 25 at 2 pm (EST). Sponsor and Partnership Development: The USPA Marketing, LLC, has engaged IEG for sponsorship program evaluation and development. IEG, the industry authority in global sponsorship monitoring and valuation, will evaluate USPA’s assets and create packages for 2014 on the national level. This engagement will include:
Customized Packaging Strategy for USPA’s Designated Events & Club Assets o Customized, Event-specific Packaging Strategy: detailed document that summarizes and compares the rights, benefits and terms for each major sponsorship package. IEG will define parameters governing each type of sponsorship (which may include sponsorship, strategic philanthropy, licensing and affinity partnerships), including logo usage, official designations
Sponsor Targeting Report o Targeting Report identifying categories and companies most likely to partner with USPA around its designated events, includes categories/companies most likely to buy various packages (sponsor of all televised events, single event-focused, etc.).
Valuation and Pricing Guidelines o Base fees for all designated event sponsorship packages created including pricing guidelines for each sponsorship package o IEG Valuation Statement for (4) sponsorship packages certifying that the fee paid is reflective of the benefits being offered. IEG envisions providing Statements for the highest-level packages, e.g., Presenting Sponsor across the three designated events as well as the highest-level for each single event, including grassroots events and club assets o Revenue forecast for the designated sponsorships and implementation timeframe and revenue sharing packages for participating clubs.
56
Sponsorship Value of Event Broadcast Coverage received by USPA sponsors o IEG will determine the potential sponsorship value that sponsors currently or could receive as a USPA sponsor. o IEG will use broadcast coverage data provided by the USPA and NBC Sports from the 2013 US Polo Open to monitor and measure all existing and potential sources of exposure for up to 20 source locations and sponsors, including: USPA event sponsors (i.e. Maserati, Nespresso, Piaget, etc.) USPA and IPC brands, and related property marks and logos Predetermined locations for potential sponsor exposure that receives inbroadcast recognition (i.e. field branding, sideline and goalpost signage, player uniforms, horse saddle/blanket, etc.) during NBC Sports broadcast covering the US Polo Open. Outputs will include: • Duration by location, source and frequency • Media exposure value • Advertising equivalency value • Broadcast and audience information • Visual documentation
The USPA Marketing, LLC will also reengage potential sponsors that were first introduced to the NBC Sports Network broadcasts and explore opportunities for 2014. USPA Properties Collaboration: Joint branding and marketing initiatives with USPA Properties are already helping to move the brand closer to the sport, enhancing licensing revenue and accomplishing the primary strategic objective of the USPA – which is to grow the sport in the United States. The two entities, both subsidiaries of the USPA umbrella, have collaborated on the NBC Sports Network polo broadcasts with vignettes and commercials that presented a cohesive voice, look and feel to the polo community and general public. The two will team up in 2014 for other joint venture opportunities in an effort to maximize exposure to the sport and its official apparel.
www.youtube.com/PoloAssociation
www.facebook.com/USPoloAssociation
www.twitter.com/PoloAssociation
57
Publications: The USPA Marketing, LLC, is continuously striving to improve the online experience, and our official monthly publication, Polo Players’ Edition magazine is offered in print and digital. In addition to Polo Players’ Edition and other publication resources, the USPA has created the 2014 USPA Club & Store Directory, which has been distributed to all USPA members. This collaborative piece serves as a resource for individual members and member clubs. This publication will also be available in participating U.S. Polo Assn. stores around the country to educate consumers on the sport and how they can get involved. The USPA is also looking at additional print and digital publication opportunities for 2014. Social Media: USPA kicked off 2014 launching an Instagram account to share our fans’ polo journey with images from around the country (and sometimes the world!) that capture the action and ambiance of the sport we love. We have also had an increase of nearly 25% Facebook fans and over 50% Twitter followers since January 2013, reached by providing engaging and relevant polo content. Facebook fans are nearly 17,000 and Twitter followers are over 3,500. USPA is also leveraging its YouTube channel as a costeffective opportunity to get our message out to the masses and educate and entertain the general public in an attempt to build our membership and spectator base. We invite our members to follow us on all four platforms to keep connected and engaged in our passion!
18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Facebook Fans Twitter Followers
FACEBOOK & TWITTER
2010
2011
2012
2013
3131
11487
13442
16230
1199
2078
3195
Measuring Success: The Marketing LLC is strategically aligned to provide support for the programs and services of the USPA and will directly impact growth in player participation, paid membership and active engagement in USPA programs, as well as the growth in spectators and sponsors.
The number of the USPA’s Facebook fans
The plan being implemented for 2014 will provide a significant foundation for us to qualify and quantify our success moving forward. Benchmark Research initiative will enable us to measure how effectively are we are reaching the target market of potential polo players and to set targets for polo player recruitment efforts. The Sponsorship and Partnership valuation initiative will also enable us to set benchmarks by identifying the size and scope of the sponsorship opportunities nationally, as well as for individual clubs and events. We will continue to measure and report on media exposure, online social media engagement and activation and broadcast viewership from a quantitative standpoint and will use these fundamental initiatives to provide qualitative insight as well.
58
USPA Safety Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Safety Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors of all safety aspects of polo through injury research, injury prevention and testing of protective gear, as well as communication of safety information and safety recommendations to polo players and polo officials. Committee Chairs: Dr. Thor Norregaard Committee Staff: Amy Wisehart Committee Members: Chrys Beal William Bennett Avery Chapman Tony Coppola George Dill Robert Donahey Stan Feldman Merle Jenkins Clint NAngle Yarrow Pallow Dr. Vic Ramon Stephanie Reissman Dr. Stephen Seager
Umpires to wear helmets: It was adopted in 2013 that all mounted umpires are required to wear a helmet with a chinstrap during USPA sanctioned events. The new ruling ensures proactive measures taken by the USPA in an effort to make the sport safer for all participants, not just players. The Argentine Polo Association and the Hurlingham Polo Association also require umpires to wear helmets during their sanctioned events. Helmet Testing: The safety committee is actively testing new and updated polo helmets currently available on the market to the NOCSAE Standard. To-date there are two helmets that meet the NOCSAE Polo Standard. NOCSAE Ad Campaign: The Safety committee nationally and internationally promoted the use of NOCSAE certified helmets through print ads featuring young American professionals wearing NOCSAE. Ads were placed in Polo Players’ Edition, USPA I/I Magazine and Hurlingham Magazine.
NOCSAE Approved Helmets 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0
2012
Projected NOCSAE Helmets Actual NOCSAE Helmets
2
Projected Helmets with a Facemask Actual Helmets with a Facemask
59
0
2013
2014
2015
2016
3
4
4
4
2
2
1
1
2
2
0
0
Eye Protection Testing: In addition to helmet testing, the safety committee plans to purchase and test eye protection of current models available on the market. ImPact Baseline Testing: In 2014, USPA members will be offered the membership benefit of ImPact baseline testing, an online computer generated cognitive test that assists with the diagnosis and return to play with regards to suffering a concussion. Online Injury Survey: The safety committee survey, which was launched in October, received over 300 responses reporting injuries from USPA members. The information will be collected and analyze to better assess injuries within our polo community. Player Drug Testing: The Safety Committee endorsed the formation of a sub-committee to research the implementation of drug testing in players. The sub-committee will determine if there is a broad-based concern among constituents, will also inquire with other equestrian sport organizations to gain further insight on their stance.
60
Team USPA Committee Committee Chair: Charles Smith Committee Staff: Kris Bowman & Amanda Snow Committee Members: Steve Armour Chrys Beal Thomas Gose Gillian Johnston Joseph Meyer Charles Muldoon James Newman Owen Rinehart Adam Snow Tommy Wayman
Mission Statement: The mission of the Team USPA Committee is to enhance and grow the sport of polo in the United States by identifying young, talented American players and providing mentored training and playing opportunities leading to a pool of higher rated amateur and pro players and the resultant giveback to the sport of polo. Program Background Information: Team USPA consists of 45 young American polo players from ages 18-25 that were selected by the United States Polo Association based on their talent, enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of polo. By providing mentorship opportunities with top American professionals, Team USPA members learn from the success of their predecessors. Team USPA members also participate in a variety of clinics and attend lectures on topics ranging from natural horsemanship to building skill sets. In its fourth year, eight new members were added to the Team USPA program in 2013. The Team USPA program has also successfully created countless opportunities through the Young Player Outreach Program. The Young Player Outreach program consists of over 200 USPA members ages 18 to 30, who are provided Team USPA training opportunities around the country throughout the year in an effort to support more young polo players. With a strong foundation, supported by polo players (professional and amateur), polo team sponsors and polo club owners/managers, Team USPA will provide more opportunities to players of all levels who participate in the United States.
Team USPA total selected and current membership 80 70 60 50
The number of Team USPA members in 2013
40 30 20 10 0
61
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Selected
24
36
44
52
60
68
Projection
24
32
39
46
53
60
Current
24
32
37
45
Team USPA member participation 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Projected Jobs/ Mentoring Opportunities
62
132
135
142
149
157
Actual Jobs/ Mentoring
63
129
106
131
Projected 12-14 Goal
42
76
80
84
Actual 12-14 Goal
42
76
79
63
Projected 16-20 Goal
13
14
15
15
Actual 16-20 Goal
13
14
32
12
88
92
16
17
The number of Team USPA jobs and mentoring opportunities in 2013
Training & Clinics: Team USPA hosted year-round training opportunities, maximizing mentoring from polo professionals in Florida, Wyoming, South Carolina, California, Texas and Argentina:
10-week Argentina training program attended by Will Tankard, Zach Grob and Jorge Estrada Houston Spring season: 8-goal team sponsored by Jeff Hildebrand, captained by senior Team USPA member, Nick Snow Lectures by industry professionals in Wellington, FL; Aiken, SC; Houston, TX; and Sheridan, WY Horse donation program, providing polo opportunities to talented players who do not yet own their own string Umpire certification of all 45 Team USPA members and umpire training programs hosted in South Florida, South Carolina and Wyoming.
Giving Back to Polo: Team USPA Players value mentoring young players, and are committed to giving back to polo and sharing the skills that they have learned through the program. Team USPA members umpired NYTS events and taught clinics across the U.S. in 2013 including: Houston, Boston, Wellington, Aiken, and many other locations. Team USPA members have also spent time in their local clubs supporting the efforts at the club level by offering their umpire services. Sixty-nine USPA clubs have hosted a Team USPA member with a total of more than 200 interactions including umpiring, playing, mentoring, teaching, or coaching.
62
Team USPA Interaction with Clubs 250 200 150 100 50 0
2013
2014
2015
Projected Club Touches Actual Club Touches
201
Projected Clubs Touched Actual Clubs Touched
69
Team USPA rating and umpire certifications 70
60
50
40
30
20
The number of Team USPA certified umpired in 2013
10
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Projected Certified Umpires
23
32
39
46
53
60
Actual Certified Umpires
23
32
39
44
Projected 0-2 Goals
18
24
30
36
41
45
Actual 0-2 Goals
18
24
29
34
Projected 3-4 Goals
6
8
9
10
11
12
Actual 3-4 Goals
6
8
10
11
Projected 5-6 Goals
0
0
0
0
1
3
Actual 5-6 Goals
0
0
0
0
Notes: 1) 29% of total USPA Certified Umpires are members of Team USPA. 24% of B/BB Certified Umpires are members of Team USPA. 2) 2013 Actuals as of 12/23/13
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International Polo: Team USPA players have represented their country and the USPA in multiple international events including China and India. Argentina: Players will be selected to train in Argentina to have exposure to high-goal polo as well as to hone their skills in training and riding green horses. This program will begin January 2014. Awards Used for Polo String Improvement: Equus & Co. Award - The 2013 Team USPA Equus & Co. Award recipient was Nick Snow. Nick used this $10,000 grant towards the purchase of a horse. Patrick Uretz was awarded the Team USPA String Enhancement Grant, which is a $5,000 matching fund after Uretz’s handicap was raised from 2 to 3 goals. RATING PLAYER
0-5
6+
HIGHEST
Owen Rinehart
4 YEARS
10 YEARS
10
Steve Dalton
5 YEARS
1 YEAR
6
Brandon Phillips Tommy Biddle
9 YEARS 7 YEARS
1 YEAR 6 YEARS
Kris Kampsen
7 YEARS
1 YEAR
Charlie Muldoon
10 YEARS
10 YEARS
Adrian Wade
6 YEARS
1 YEAR
Adam Snow
6 YEARS
14 YEARS
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Owen received a gift of 5 high goal horses from Seth Herndon when he was 7 goals. These horses helped him raise his game to 10 goals. Before that he received horses from people he worked for. Steve didn't own his own horses until he was 6 goals. He depended on Bart Evans and Dale Smicklas.
8
Brandon didn't own horses until he was 5 goals. Memo Gracida provided him horses until he was 6 goals. Tommy was supported with horses by his father during the beginning of his career.
6
Kris was supported with horses by his father during the beginning of his career.
6
Charlie was supported initally by his father with horses and later mentored by Memo 6 Gracida and Eduardo Heguy. Adrian was mentored by Carlos Gracida. Carlos provided Adrian horses to start off and then he added one excellent horse per 6 year until he could go off on his own. Adam was mounted by friends and family from Myopia when he started to play professionally. His first winter in Florida he played a combination of horses from his Dad, Peter Orthwein and George Haas. After that, he began playing for Brook Johnson and Adolphus Busch and they mounted him almost entirely until he got to 10 7/8 goals.
64
High-Goal Mentor Opportunities: High-goal players donated their time to mentor Team USPA players. Sugar Erskine, Adam Snow, Owen Rinehart, Mike Azarro, Julio Arellano, Jeff Hall, Mariano Aguerre, Nick Manifold, and many more volunteered their time and expertise to support the next generation of players. High-goal teams such as White Birch, Grants Farm, Coca Cola, Mansour and many more have supported the program since its inception, and have hired Team USPA players. Five Team USPA players competed in 20 goal tournaments in 2013. The Team USPA program produces an educated player who has reached their full potential as a polo player, who is a certified umpire, and is committed to giving back to their polo community in countless ways. This program will be felt exponentially throughout the polo circuits for years to come.
Professional polo player's rating progression over a 20 year span 10
USPA RATING
9 8
Owen Rinehart
7
Steve Dalton Brandon Phillips
6
Tommy Biddle
5
Kris Kampsen 4
Charlie Muldoon
3
Adrian Wade
2
Adam Snow
1
AVERAGE
0 -1
65
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
USPA Tournament Committee Mission Statement: To promote the sport of polo in the United States through responsible and thoughtful consideration in recommending approval of polo’s most prestigious events. It is the Tournament Committee’s responsibility to preserve the tradition and historic value of all USPA National and Sanctioned tournaments at and above the twelve-goal level. National Eight Goal: The National Eight Goal was created to fill a request from clubs for a lower goal national tournament that will maintain prestige for amateur players to strive to win. The inaugural National Eight Goal will be available for clubs to apply in 2014. National Youth Tournament Series: The Junior Polo Committee launched a new tournament series last year for junior members playing in outdoor polo during the offseason of the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic tournament program. The National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS), where Junior and Collegiate members can be handicapped at no additional charge to encourage participation, was a huge success in its inaugural year. Fifty-three teams assembled over the course of 2013, which equated to over 200 players participating. The clubs that hosted events were divided into regions, which allowed allstars to be chosen from each zone for the championships. The National Championships were held at Virginia International Polo Club in Upperville.
Committee Chair: Peter Poor Committee Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Anthony Coppola Charles Smith Daniel Walker Dennis Geiler Glen “Jeep” Holden, Jr. James Newman Jeff Hall Jennifer McLeavey Maureen Brennan Russell Sheldon Stormie Hale
USPA Events Increase: In 2013, the number of USPA events went up to 277; this is partly attributed to 24 NYTS events, which doubled from what was expected. The increase in umpire availability and National Club Development program support has also greatly contributed to a rise in numbers. USPA Tournament Guide: In an ongoing effort to increase added value for club members, the Tournament Committee has created a tournament guide as a resource for clubs when applying for USPA events. The guide includes the procedures to host a tournament and other helpful information to help make clubs’ tournaments successful. The guide will be distributed to all USPA member clubs in 2014.
66
USPA Clubs Hosting Tournaments 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected Clubs hosting Circuit Clubs hosting Circuit
42
48
53
Projected Clubs hosting National Clubs hosting National
14
18
22
Projected Clubs hosting Sanctioned Clubs hosting Sanctioned
67
43
33
40
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
56
57
59
60
62
59
71
23
24
24
25
25
18
17
42
43
44
45
46
35
36
USPA Women’s Polo Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Women’s Polo Committee is to encourage and increase the participation of women in all aspects of the USPA, to improve the standard of women's polo throughout the USA and to facilitate the communication and networking of women in polo all over the world. WCT Arena Events: The Women’s Championship Tournament Arena series is in its second year, and hosted events across the country with five polo clubs participating. The national finals culminated at California Polo Club with USPA I/I Polo winning the A Flight - Devin Cox (CORNELL), Anna Winslow (CORNELL), Carly Persano (UCONN), Lizzie Peck (CAL POLY); and Pura Vida comprised of the Central Coast Polo Club Interscholastic team winning the B Flight - Athena Malin, Jillian Tietje and Trista Noland. WCT Outdoor Events: The Women’s Championship Tournament series gains more momentum every year with 25 events taking place at clubs across the country in 2013. The goal level varied at each host club. The 2013 WCT National Championship took place in Wellington, Florida at the Grand Champions Polo Club. Maureen Brennan and Goose Creak prevailed in the 3-6 goal division with Tiffany Busch, Alina Carta and Kristy Outhier. In the 0-2 goal division, the Morgan Stanley team, comprised of Katie Mitcham, Jessica Riemann, Jolie Liston and Jennifer Williams, took home the trophy. The event also represented the next generation of women’s polo with the WCT Junior Invitational where the Titanium team was victorious. The team included the following talented up-andcoming players: Riley Ganzi, Allie Azarro, Tess Pimsner and Jaqui Casey.
Committee Chair: Sunset Hale Committee Staff: Lindsey Dolan Committee Members: Chrys Beal Barbara Alexander Lesley Ann Fong-Yee Robin Sanchez Erica Gandomcar Rebecca Bollenbach Elizabeth Beer Stormie Hale Joanne Smicklas Arshia Rios Maureen Brennan Geri Dardi Clint Nangle Lynn Thompson Natasha Baescher
Women’s Handicapping System: Sunny Hale and the Women’s Polo Committee created a Women’s Event Handicap system, which goes into effect in 2014. The new system was designed to enhance women’s polo experiences specifically at USPA sanctioned women’s events. Other countries and their respective polo associations including Argentina and England have implemented a handicap system for women players. This handicap will use a conversion scale for the first year and then the Women’s Handicap Sub-committee will meet to discuss recommendations and changes to the handicaps. Women’s Polo Advertising Campaign: A sub-committee engaged in promoting women’s polo to players and fellow equestriennes nationwide to increase awareness, participation and overall growth of the sport including promotion of key events such as the WCT Finals, U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® and international events. First order of business, the sub-committee launched a new women’s polo advertising campaign to increase awareness and interest among the women’s polo community. The ads were tailored around the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, and were featured in Polo Players’ Edition, PoloZone, and the USPA I/I Magazine.
68
U.S. Open Women’s Polo ChampionshipŽ Promotional Video: A crew from Creative Ammo agency produced a 4-5 minute video highlighting the national event and some of the different players competing. The goal is to leverage the content for sponsor pitches and future promotions surrounding this highly anticipated event. The stock footage may also be used for in-store displays at U.S. Polo Assn. apparel stores. 2500
YTD Women's Membership 2000 1500 1000 500 0
Dec. 2007 Dec. 2008 Dec. 2009 Dec. 2010 Dec. 2011 Dec. 2012 Dec. 2013
Associates
21
21
112
310
494
321
415
Students
444
471
364
564
604
588
709
Players
685
656
625
676
714
758
809
800
Women's Membership
700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
69
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Projected Player
610
620
635
650
665
720
717
720
Actual Player
613
639
670
691
712
713
713
723
Projected Junior
300
320
330
340
350
390
400
405
Actual Junior
315
348
368
373
382
398
415
435
Projected Associate
290
300
310
320
330
390
405
410
Actual Associate
298
340
362
375
383
399
411
415
Projected Collegiate
210
220
225
230
235
240
250
255
Actual Collegiate
212
232
233
234
238
246
256
274
Projected Affiliate
45
47
49
67
67
69
87
90
Actual Affiliate
45
61
62
64
60
86
86
86
YTD Women's vs. Men's Player Membership
3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
Dec. 2007
Dec. 2008
Dec. 2009
Dec. 2010
Dec. 2011
Dec. 2012
Dec. 2013
Men Players
2455
2284
2105
2109
2134
2186
2176
Women Players
685
656
625
676
714
758
809
YTD Women's vs. Men's Associate Membership 500 400 300 200 100 0
Dec. 2007
Dec. 2008
Dec. 2009
Dec. 2010
Dec. 2011
Dec. 2012
Dec. 2013
Men Associate
61
63
110
218
341
276
379
Women Associate
21
21
112
310
494
321
415
800
YTD Women's vs. Men's Student Membership
700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
Dec. 2007 Dec. 2008 Dec. 2009 Dec. 2010 Dec. 2011 Dec. 2012 Dec. 2013
Men Student
326
274
252
295
277
303
465
Women Student
444
471
364
564
604
588
709
70
2013 Women's Tournaments 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Projected Total Tournaments
12
17
21
27
29
30
30
30
Actual Total Tournaments
14
22
22
25
26
29
29
29
Projected Outdoor
10
13
16
21
22
23
23
23
Actual Outdoor
11
19
19
22
22
22
22
22
Projected Arena
2
4
5
6
7
7
7
7
Actual Arena
3
3
3
3
4
7
7
7
2013 Women Umpires 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
71
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Projected Total Umpires
40
43
44
46
46
46
46
46
Actual Total Umpires
43
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
Projected Outdoor Umpires
30
33
34
35
35
35
35
35
Actual Outdoor Umpires
33
34
34
34
34
34
34
34
Projected Arena Umpires
20
23
24
23
23
23
23
23
Actual Arena Umpires
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
USPA Umpires, LLC Honesty – Transparency and Integrity – Respect Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Umpires, LLC, is to support all aspects of the umpire services and programs within the United States Polo Association. This includes training and certification, support of the USPA professional umpires, the club and circuit umpire expense reimbursement program, along with the umpire exchange program. Overall Achievement: The USPA Umpires, LLC, successfully achieved all goals that they set for themselves for 2013. Increased participation in all of the LLC’s programs proved their achievements across the board. Bottom line: the USPA members want better umpiring, and the LLC will continue to grow and improve to give the members what they want. The LLC’s programs include: Umpire Training & Certification, Umpire Training Clinics & Seminars, USPA Certified & Professional Umpire Program, USPA Member Outdoor & Arena Rules Online Testing, USPA Circuit Umpire Expense Reimbursement Program, International Umpire Exchange Program and International Professional Umpire Contracts. Below are overviews of each program:
Committee Chair: Britt Baker Executive Director: Charlie Muldoon Committee Staff: Steve Lane, Head Umpire Instructor Maggie Mitchell, Program Manager Committee Members: Robert Daniels Thomas Biddle, Sr. Thomas Gose James McGowan
Umpire Training & Certification: Umpire enforcement of the USPA Rules & Rules Interpretations is one of the highest priorities for all certified umpires. USPA members must feel confident that the certification rating reflects the highest level of training and observation for that umpire rating. High quality umpires are high-value assets and should be considered a top priority when hosting USPA events. For 2013, the USPA Umpires, LLC saw the following increases:
3 new professional umpires 7 professional trainers & certifiers 16 new arena umpires & 4 upgrades 42 new outdoor umpires &10 upgrades 25% of certified umpires are from Team USPA
The percent of certified umpired who are from Team USPA
Umpire Training Clinics & Seminars: For USPA trained and certified umpires, adherence to high standards and professionalism earns respect from players and clubs, and results in pride within the ranks of certified umpires. For players and clubs, umpiring excellence will be witnessed on the polo field and taught in USPA-approved umpire clinics and seminars. Umpiring excellence makes the sport safer, more competitive and more fun to play and watch. In 2013, there were 21 umpire clinics and seminars with 515+ attendees. USPA Certified & Professional Umpire Program: The USPA Umpire Program is responsible for the ways and means of achieving umpiring excellence in the United States. There are now 22 Certified Professional Umpires with the LLC. In 2013, 45 USPA clubs hired professional umpires, 55 professional umpires contracts were written, and over 900 games were officiated by professional umpires.
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Certified Umpires - Arena (AA, A, BB, BBT) 10 8 6 4 2 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected AA/ A Actual AA/ A
2
0
7
0
0
0
Projected BB/BBT Actual BB/BBT
2012
2013
2014
2015
7
7
8
9
7
7
0
1
3
5
0
3
Certified Umpires - Arena (B, BT, CC, CCT) 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected B/BT Actual B/BT
5
2
13
0
0
3
Projected CC/CCT Actual CC/CCT
2012
2013
2014
2015
12
12
15
16
11
11
7
10
12
14
4
9
Certified Umpires - Arena (C, CT) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected C/CT Actual C/CT
73
9
3
20
2012
2013
2014
2015
24
29
43
54
15
30 36
51
Projected CU
18
Actual CU
7
Certified Umpires - Outdoor (AA, A, BB, BBT) 25 20 15 10 5 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected BB/BBT Actual BB/BBT
3
13
20
Projected AA/ A Actual AA/ A
9
7
8
2012
2013
2014
2015
17
18
19
20
17
17
11
12
13
14
9
11
Certified Umpires - Outdoor (B, BT, CC, CCT) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
2009
2010
2011
Projected B/BT Actual B/BT
8
9
20
Projected CC/CCT Actual CC/CCT
8
7
21
2012
2013
2014
2015
35
35
35
35
28
29
20
21
22
24
20
27
Certified Umpires - Outdoor (C, CT) 100 80 60 40 20 0
2009
2010
2011
16
20
53
Projected C/CT Actual C/CT
2012
2013
2014
2015
77
82
87
92
67
72 60
90
Projected CU
30
Actual CU
14
74
Total Certified Umpires - Outdoor) 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
2009
2010
2011
Projection Outdoor Actual Outdoor
44
56
141
2012
2013
2014
2015
160
198
236
275
141
170
Total Certified Umpires - Arena 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0
2009
2010
2011
Projection Arena Actual Arena
16
5
43
2012
2013
2014
2015
50
77
117
149
37
60
Professional Umpire Contracts 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Actual Contracts
2012
2013
2
39
2014
2015
Projected Contracts
21
50
80
Projected Games
500
1000
1200
Actual Games
152
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
862
Notes: 1) After the first quarter of 2013 all professional contracts will be month by month and not by the game.
75
USPA Member Outdoor & Arena Rules Online Testing: To become a certified umpire, you must be a current registered USPA member, take the test (outdoor and/or arena) annually and pass with a 95% grade (outdoor) and 94% grade (arena). You also must be observed every 3 years by a designated USPA Umpire Certifier who can make a recommendation. In 2013, the following number of people took the rules test:
15 arena paper tests 64 outdoor paper tests 101 arena online tests 227 outdoor online tests
USPA Circuit Umpire Expense Reimbursement Program: In 2013, the reimbursement program was renamed Umpire Management Program, or “UMP”. Each USPA Circuit Governor is allocated “UMP” funds, based on numbers of members clubs and number of Registered Players and Affiliate Players with his or her circuit that can be used for club level events. The Umpire Management Program is focused on paying local, certified umpires with a total amount of $228,000 allocated to all 13 circuits of the USPA. Over 70 USPA clubs received reimbursement through the program in 2013. International Umpire Exchange Program: In the Umpire Exchange Program, U.S. professional umpires are afforded opportunities to travel abroad to train and mentor with peer professionals for their continued education and enhancement. In July, Dale Schwetz umpired the finals of the Westchester Cup in England with Julian Appleby, one of the top umpires in the world. Argentine umpire, Matias Baibiene, officiated the high goal season last winter in Wellington and the summer 20-goal season in Santa Barbara. Matias will return for the winter season in Florida. For the upcoming winter season, the LLC has obtained visas for Martin Aguerre, JJ Boote, Julian Appleby and Fergus Gould. International Professional Umpire Contracts: In 2013, there were many requests to send American umpires to foreign countries. Eight of our professional umpires traveled to England, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Canada and Mexico. All these clubs reported back to the LLC that these umpires significantly improved the level of their tournaments.
76
USPA Properties, Inc. Chairman: G. Stephen Felker, Sr. President: David Cummings Treasurer: Bob Donahey Secretary: Gerry Aschinger Directors: Thomas J. Biddle, Sr. Joseph P. Meyer Charles E. Weaver Ex-Officio: Peter Rizzo
Mission Statement: USPA Properties, Inc. (USPAP) is a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of the U.S. Polo Association (USPA) with exclusive, worldwide licensing rights. As the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, our mission is to develop a long-term source of income for the Association by developing a global sportswear marketing program. Vision: The vision and objective of the Company is to build a global brand that speaks to the authenticity of the spirit of polo. Our design inspiration comes from our connection to the sport itself: over 120 years of tradition, heritage and “Classic American Styling.” Our strategy is to capitalize on the principles that are unique to the USPA; our products are value driven (quality at a reasonable price) in the moderate to upper-moderate tier of distribution. The royalties generated from the contractual relationship are paid to the U. S. Polo Association, who utilizes these funds to grow, market and promote the sport of polo in the United States through various programs ranging from education at polo clubs and interscholastic/intercollegiate venues to adult training centers that teach how to play and umpire the game. Business Overview: The U.S. Polo Assn. Brand consists of a complete collection of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, including accessories such as watches, shoes, purses, belts, eyewear, luggage, handbags and home textiles. Our official product can be found in over 130 countries and over 450 mono-brand U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, driving our mission to generate revenue for the USPA from the licensing of their trademarks globally.
77
USPA Constitution Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors about all aspects of the USPA By-Laws and USPA Constitution.
USPA Rules Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Rules Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors about all aspects of the USPA Rules and Rules Interpretations. To review the rule changes for 2014, click here to view the 2014 USPA White Book.
USPA National Handicap Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Handicap Committee is to fulfill the highest standards of selecting an Outdoor/Indoor Handicap in service to any USPA member through the essential practices of honesty and integrity as we utilize the approved system of peer evaluation/observation by the Delegates of USPA Member Clubs, approved Circuit Handicap Chairmen, selected National Handicap Committee members and approval of the USPA National Handicap Chairman. To have regular meetings and procedures in selecting handicaps for those USPA members who have competed in the sport of polo in order to create the fairest possible competitive environment within the structure of the USPA and to make those handicaps publicly available to all members.
Chairman: Daniel Coleman Vice Chair: Avery Chapman Interim Committee Staff: Peter Rizzo Committee Members: Dennis Geiler Paul Journyvaz Russell Sheldon George Alexander, Chairman Emeritus Chairman: Thomas Gose Interim Committee Staff: Peter Rizzo Committee Members: Daniel Coleman David Eldredge Thomas Hughes Steve Lane Charles Muldoon Stephen Orthwein Daniel Scheraga Mark V. Sedacca Charles Smith National Handicap Chairman: Daniel Walker Circuit Handicap Chairmen: Adren Walker (Border) Peter Alworth (Central) Charlie Muldoon (Eastern) Stevie Orthwein (Florida) Mike Carney (Great Plains) Herman DeCoite (Hawaiian) Trey Schott (Mid-States) Ted Oslager (Northeastern) Mike Uretz (Pacific Coast) Kyle Fargey (Pacific NW) Bob Journyvaz (Rocky Mtn.) Tom Uskup (Southeastern) Kelly Beal (Southwestern) Committee Members: Rick Sears John Gobin Red Armour Martin Pepa Maureen Brennan Thomas Biddle
Click here to view a complete listing of 2014 handicap changes.
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USPA Budget Update UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION 2013 BUDGETED EXPENDITURES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
UMPIRES, 932.753, 17% II, 801.6828, 14% CLUBS/TRMNTS, 672.2416, 12% MKTG, 757.917, 13% TEAM USPA, 598.4289, 11% NTL CLUB DVLPMT, 1142.2169, 20%
PDI, 350, 6% MBSHP & HANDICAPS, EQUINE WELFARE, 356.2118, 6% 55, 1%
Payroll/Benefits for Each Division UMPIRES, 290.153
II, 219.9471 MKTG, 206.604
CLUBS/TRMN T, 246.6172
TEAM USPA, 142.33605
MBRSHIP & HNDCPS, 362.3266
NTL CLUB DVLPMT, 395.04905
DOLLAR AMOUNT IN (000)
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2013 USPA SPENDING/INVESTMENT POLICY
BUDGETED SERVICES & PROGRAM SPENDING, $5,666,452 , 41%
USPA INVESTMENT, 8070615, 59%
Arena Committee
Budget $16,000 $14,000 $12,000 $10,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000 $0 Budget
2012
2013
2014
2015
$-
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
80
I/I Committee
I/I Budget (Total, Tournaments, and Actuals) $900,000 $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Total Budget
$383,200
$552,500
$667,050
$726,550
$779,550
Total Actuals
$354,257
$480,285
I/I Tournaments
$322,200
$414,500
$520,050
$539,550
$575,550
I/I Budget (Start Up, Umpiring, & New Initiatives) $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0
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2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
I/I Start Up & Enhancement
$36,000
$50,000
$50,000
$60,000
$65,000
Umpire Support
$17,500
$18,000
$15,000
$22,000
$24,000
New Initiatives for 20122014
$7,500
$62,500
$20,000
$0
$0
International Committee
Budget
$500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Budgeted
$241,105
Actuals
$216,105
$25,000
$330,000
$464,000
$244,000
$429,000
$25,149
$342,337.1
Notes: 1) 2012 Actuals include $99,925.00 income against expenses for World Snow Polo. 2) 2013-2014: FIP World Championships have not been scheduled at this time. 3) 2013-2016: Additional International Participation planned and budgeted. 4) Event numbers will vary based on invitations that suit USPA participation. 5) 2016 Westchester Cup budgeted at $225,000.00.
USPA Marketing, LLC
Budget $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Total
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
215000
235000
599750
469750
409750
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Anticipated budget breakdown from 2011-2015 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
PR and social media content
$90,000
$90,000
$161,500
$161,500
$166,500
Print & Digital Advertising
$80,000
$80,000
$68,250
$68,250
$68,250
PoloSkilz
N/A
N/A
$66,000
$66,000
$66,000
Live Stream and TV Coverage
$45,000
$45,000
$160,000
$80,000
$40,000
Follow Documentary
N/A
$20,000
$100,000
$50,000
$25,000
AQHA Joint Venture
N/A
N/A
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
Editorial Coverage
N/A $215,000
N/A $235,000
$24,000 $599,750
$24,000 $469,750
$24,000 $409,750
Total
Note: $50,000 of the Follow-Documentary budget was reallocated to live stream and television coverage.
Polo Development, LLC
PDI Budget $450,000 $400,000 $350,000 $300,000 $250,000
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Budgeted PDI
$300,000
$325,000
$350,000
$375,000
$400,000
Actual
$298,057
$326,850
$379,000
Notes: 1) Increase in funds available to USPA clubs through the Strategic Plan. 2) $30,000 carryover from 20102012 to 2013.
Safety Committee
Budget Changes from 2012-2016 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 Equipment Testing Baseline Testing Total
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$5,000
$5,000
$10,000
$10,000
$10,000
$-
$6,000
$6,000
$3,000
$3,000
$5,000
$15,000
$20,000
$17,000
$17,000
Notes: 1) 2013-2016 Equipment Testing includes: Helmets, Facemasks, Goggles. 2) 2014 Increase for Baseline Testing.
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Team USPA
BUDGET $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $-
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Op. Budget $175,000
$295,000
$370,000
$380,000
$380,000
$380,000
Actuals
$348,298
$358,988
$133,034
Notes: 1) Budget increase from 2010 to 2011 reflects the addition of the Aiken Training Center and AIPF Horse Care. 2) Budget increase from 2011 to 2012 reflects increased mentoring budget for Florida winter season and/or Argentina and for increase in membership. 3) Budget increase from 2012 to 2013 reflects the addition of the Young Player Outreach program.
Tournament Committee
Budget 2009-2016 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0
2009
2010
2011
Total Budget Projected Total Budget Spent
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$53,760 $56,431 $88,000 $81,280 $85,144 $23,434 $39,324 $46,416 $53,413 $45,317
Notes: Budget changes: 1) Increase in the quality of Circuit and National event awards. 2) Inclusion of NYTS events; new for 2013; budget reflects this increase. 3) Addition of Military Polo Trophies 1 for 2012 increasing to 5 in 2015. 4) Additional $2,500 each year for the acquisition and refurbishing perpetual trophies. 5) Addition of Arena Committee Events 2013 $10,000
2014 $12,000
2015 $14,000
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Cost of Trophies for Circuit Events $35,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0
2009
2010
2011
Circuit Trophies Projected Circuit Trophies Spent
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
$26,996 $27,623 $29,000 $29,580 $30,172 $11,507 $19,863 $25,740 $25,413 $29,301
Notes: 1) In response to participating members and clubs, the quality of awards has been increased causing increased budget amounts. 2) 2013 Actual figures will include NYTS events and will have a separate chart.
Cost of Trophies for National Events $35,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 National Trophies Projected National Trophies Spent
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
$11,927 $19,461 $20,676 $22,267 $17,735
Notes: 1) National Event amount effected by Trophy Reimbursement Program.
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2014
2015
2016
$21,764 $22,308 $30,000 $30,600 $31,212
USPA Umpires, LLC
Umpire LLC Funding Usage by Circuit Southwest Southeast Rocky Mtn PNW Pacific Northeast Mid-States Hawaii Great Plains Florida Eastern Central Border $-
$5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 $45,000
2013 UMP Used
2013 UMP Allocated
2012 Funds Allocated
2012 Funds Used
Notes: 1) The 2012 figures are the combination of both 2012 Circuit Reimbursement Programs. 2) Unused 2013 UMP funds were be redistributed to other circuits with overages based on tournament/league games umpired.
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Total Umpire LLC Funding Usage $250,000
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
$50,000
$-
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Total
2012 funds used
$171,395
2012 Funds Allocated
$225,000
2013 UMP Allocation
$228,000
2013 UMP Funds Used
$228,666
Appendix N
2014 USPA Committee Chairs & LLC Chairs USPA Committee
Chair
Staff
Board of Governors
Charles Weaver (chuck@chuckweaver.us)
Peter Rizzo
Arena
Daniel Coleman (daniel.coleman@candiasystems.com)
Lindsey Ebersbach
Armed Forces
Christopher Dawson (chris@dawsonhawaii.com)
Justin Powers
Board & Staff Development
James Burton (jimburton@uspaeasterncircuit.com)
Tammy Salinas
Constitution
Daniel Coleman (daniel.coleman@candiasystems.com)
Peter Rizzo
Executive
Charles Weaver (chuck@chuckweaver.us)
Peter Rizzo
Equine Welfare
Clint Nangle (worldclasscn@yahoo.com)
Lindsay Dolan
Finance
Chip Campbell (campbellchip@bellsouth.net)
Anita Brown
Handicap
Daniel Walker (daniel.walker@fmb.com)
Lindsay Dolan
High Goal
Stephen Orthwein, Jr. (sorthweinjr@hotmail.com)
Amanda Snow
Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic
Duncan Huyler (duncanhuyler@yahoo.com)
Amy Wisehart
International
Patrick Nesbitt (pat.nesbitt@wcghotels.com)
Lindsey Ebersbach
Junior Polo
Chrys Beal (chrysbeal@gmail.com)
Amanda Snow
Marketing, LLC
Christine Vermes (Christine.vermes@gmail.com)
Amber Owen
Nomination
Thomas Biddle (tom@biddlerealty.net)
Peter Rizzo
Polo Development, LLC
Dennis Geiler (denny@poloproperties.com)
Kris Bowman
Rules/Interpretation
Thomas Gose (tomgose@retamco.com)
Peter Rizzo
Safety
Dr. Thor Norregaard (tnorregaard@equitana.com)
Amy Wisehart
Team USPA
Charles Smith (cwsmith43@earthlink.net)
Kris Bowman
Tournament
Peter Poor (stagehillpolo@verizon.net)
Lindsey Ebersbach
Umpires, LLC
Britt Baker (bbaker@bakerelectric.com
Maggie Mitchell
Women’s Tournament
Sunset Hale (shpolo21@aol.com)
Lindsay Dolan