ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION
2015
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.
Vision Statement A great polo experience for new and current members of the USPA that creates a strong and growing polo community at all levels in a competitive, safe and fair environment for players, the polo community and horses.
Core Values - Honesty and integrity - Fair and balanced - Enjoyment of the game, the horses and the experience - A good partner to member clubs and players who participate - Transparency - Operational excellence
Copyright by United States Polo Association® 9011 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, Florida 33467 (800) 232-USPA ∙ uspa@uspolo.org
Cover photo: Felipe Viana, representing the USA Team - 2015 FIP World Championship. Photo: Alejandro Rustom - Xpress Media.
Table of Contents
U.S. Polo Assn. Chairman’s Letter...................................................................4 Services Division...................................................................5 USPA Marketing, LLC.............................................................31 USPA Polo Development, LLC..............................................35 USPA Umpires, LLC...........................................................46 USPA Global Licensing Inc..................................................49 USPA By the Numbers...........................................................50 Financials.................................................................................56 Board of Governors...............................................................57 Divisions, Committees, LLCs..............................................58 USPA Staff.................................................................................63
Chairman’s Letter
Chairman’s Letter Dear fellow polo players, The USPA Board of Governors, Committee chairs and Staff members join me in presenting this 2015 US Polo Association Annual Report, and allow us to introduce our Vision: A Great Polo Experience! This report precedes our 2016 Annual Member Survey, which will be sent to you in early February, 2016. 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. The United States Polo Association’s Vision is “a great polo experience”. That means a great experience for our clubs, players, fans, sponsors, horses and the entire polo family. Please let us know how we can make your polo experience great. The leadership of your association joins me as I wish you the best in all of your polo endeavors.
Joseph Meyer, Chairman United States Polo Association
‘‘
‘‘
Let’s play polo!
Please let us know how we can make your polo experience great.
4
Services Division The Services Division operates as the “hub” of all USPA functions; it maintains the administrative/operational infrastructure within which all Divisions, LLCs, clubs, and members participate. The services not provided by the LLCs for their operation are generally provided by Services in support of the LLCs and USPA.
• •
Throughout the course of 2015, the Services Division worked to improve the functionality of the Association operations and to better develop relations with the USPA clubs and members. The Services Division’s effectiveness is measured by member and club satisfaction based on the services and support that they provide such as: player registration and data management, providing handicaps, awarding tournaments, website management and development, internal and external communication and enforcement of the Constitution, By-Laws, Code of Conduct, Rules and policies through Committee leadership and objectives.
• •
• •
Polo World Cup USA Team, with both teams achieving second place titles. The integration of electronic voting and member candidate blogging for the Governor at Large Election. The development of an informative and engaging website that provides daily reporting on tournaments and polo activities. An improved and redesigned Rulebook. Led the efforts and management to develop an International set of Rules between the big three polo powers (USPA, AAP, and HPA) to be utilized in USPA polo 20 goals and above for 2016. Increased membership to a record high of 5,267. Collaborated with Greenwich Polo Club to co-manage and promote the East Coast Open Polo Championship.
The continued growth of the United States Polo Association’s player base, programs, fans and polo enthusiasts, the USPA Services Division will continue to expand and develop in order to provide ongoing support of the Association.
Top Line Accomplishments for the year include: • The management of the FIP World Championship USA Team and the FIP Snow
5
Services
Arena Committee In an effort to increase the prestige and recognition of arena polo across the country, the Arena Committee successfully awarded five of the six USPA national arena events. The six recognized USPA national arena tournaments are the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship, the United States Arena Handicap, the National Arena Chairman’s Cup, the National Arena Delegate’s Cup, the National Sherman Memorial, and the National Arena Amateur Cup. The U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship and the United States Arena Handicap were played simultaneously at Country Farms Polo Club in Medford, New York. 10-goal player Tommy Biddle and the Equuleus team attempted to knock out Cedar Croft Farms, the two-time defending champions of the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship. The two teams fiercely battled throughout the tournaments, however, Cedar Croft once again eluded defeat in both the Handicap and the Arena Open. Cedar Croft narrowly won the Handicap by a 1-goal difference with a final score of 16-15. The final score of the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship was 13-10. Las Canchas Polo Club in Guatemala hosted the 6-9 Goal National Arena Delegate’s Cup. The event was a great
6
The USA Intercollegiate team faces off against SUPA Britain Intercollegiate team during the 3rd Annual International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup 2015, hosted by Empire Polo Cub. Photo: Jim Bremner.
success, attracting two teams from Guatemala, a team from Costa Rica, as well as a team representing the United States. The USA Team was comprised of Arena Committee Chairman, Dan Coleman, along with Team USPA members Jorge Estrada and Collin White.
year hosting the National Arena Amateur Cup. In addition to the National Arena Tournaments, the Arena Committee also supported the historic International Townsend Challenge Cup, a 22-goal arena tournament that pits the best American and English arena polo players against one another. The tournament was hosted at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The Townsend Challenge Cup alternates years with the Bryan Morrison Trophy, which is held every other year in England by the Guards Polo Club. The United States team was comprised of Tommy Biddle, Kris Kampsen, and Team USPA member Jared Sheldon. After being defeated by the UK Team in 2013, the USA Team looked to reclaim the title. The fast-paced match was competitive and exciting as USA reclaimed the title with a score of 17-12.
Country Farms Polo Club with the support of the Northeastern Circuit Governor, Leighton Jordan, hosted the 3-6 goal National Sherman Memorial. The tournament attracted four teams each showcasing talented arena players. In the end, White Birch made up of Leighton Jordan, Juan Redlich and Tomas Alberdi came out victorious after an exciting overtime shootout against Equuleus (Joe DiMenna, Hugo Tagliaferro, and Horton Schwartz). Finally, Orange County Polo Club wrapped up the year with a four-team turnout for an exciting first
7
Services
Armed Forces Committee
2015 Inter-Service match at Empire Polo Club. Photo: Bill Maben.
The Armed Forces has played a significant role in the history of polo in the United States. In the beginning of the 20th century, polo became prevalent because of the reliance on horses in the U.S. Army. There were 1,500 military players at the time, far outnumbering civilians playing the sport. With the support of the USPA Board of Governors and delegates at the October 2015 meeting, the USPA voted to change its By-Laws and will offer free membership to active duty military players starting in 2016. This new membership benefit will help the USPA attract new military polo players.
8
The Board of Governors also approved four new military circuit tournaments: General George S. Brown (4-6 goal outdoor), General George S. Patton, Jr. (0-4 goal outdoor), General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller (3-6 goal arena) and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (0-3 goal arena). These tournaments will be available to be played at any USPA member club in 2016. The specific tournament conditions for these events state that each team must have at least one military member.
each of the services participated in the event honoring the military traditions of polo but also in memory of Russ. On the first day of competition, the Navy team narrowly defeated the Air Force by one goal in the last 30 seconds, while the Army team soundly defeated the Marine Corps team in their match-up. In the finals, the Army team defeated the Navy squad giving them top honors for the second year in a row. On Memorial Day weekend, military teams from the Army, Navy, and Air Force participated in matches at the 20th Annual Military Appreciation Night at Great Meadow Polo Club in The Plains, Virginia. A total of eight military polo players participated in arena matches in front of approximately 2,000 spectators. The exciting matches were described by Great Meadow’s manager, John Gobin, as some of the best that had been played at Great Meadow in years.
A group of select soldiers played polo on the last day of the 25th Infantry Division’s yearly Tropic Lightning Week on October 8, to honor the Army’s history of horse riding. This is the second year that polo has appeared at TL week, and it seems to be an event that will continue on as a tradition. Soldiers with past riding experience were asked to learn to play polo and then compete against each other in front of the division. Five soldiers from three of the division’s battalions were selected to play and spent six days a week, three hours per day, for two weeks learning the sport under the guidance of Allen Hoe.
The USPA presented the 2015 George S. Patton Jr. Award to Daniel Colhoun in appreciation for his work that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to create opportunities for military members and their families to become involved in the sport of polo.
The Third Annual Teddy Roosevelt Inter-Service Polo Tournament and fundraiser, in support of the Green Beret Foundation, was co-hosted by the Houston and Texas Military Polo Clubs. All 16 players were members of the military family. The tournament was the opening event of Houston’s fall 2015 season. Four teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force participated in the single-elimination tournament on Veterans Day weekend. In the final match Army closely defeated Navy.
Armed Forces Polo Committee Vice Chairman, Mark Gillespie, traveled to Argentina in December to observe the 88th Federation of International Polo Ambassador’s Cup at La Ensenada Polo Club. Mr. Gillespie researched the feasibility of hosting an Ambassador’s Cup in the USA to promote international military competitions and exchanges in the future. USPA Chairman Joe Meyer is supportive of this initiative.
The Fifth Annual ‘Poway’ Inter-Service Polo Tournament was held at the Empire Polo Club this year. This event was conceived by the late Russ Sheldon. As in the past, four teams representing
9
Services
Audit Committee
At the April USPA Board of Governors Meeting Charles G. Stanislawski was nominated as the new Committee Chairman for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Chairman rotates on a yearly basis. Mr. Stanislawski has been a member of the Committee since it began in 2013 and has assisted with the annual audit along with improving fundamental policies. The Audit Committee worked with the Board and Staff Development Committee to develop a Conflict of Interest Policy. The Audit Committee focused on a policy that would fit the size and needs of the Association. After multiple drafts, the final version was passed by the Executive Committee and USPA Resolution 4.1. While most of their work is done through confidential inquiries, the Audit Committee continues to work with the USPA Board of Governors, the USPA CFO, and others within the organization to improve relevant policies and oversee the responsibilities of the Association.
10
Services
B.A.S.D. Committee
The Board and Staff Development Committee functions as the liaison between the Board of Governors and the USPA Staff. The Committee works to improve and make recommendations on human resources, technology, Staff and Board oversight, compensation and development; and the Association’s succession and strategic planning. With the guidance of the former USPA President, Joe Meyer, the USPA Board of Governors took part in a vision meeting supported by Bell Leadership to unify the vision, mission, and core values of the Association. The program took place over the course of two days in Wellington, Florida. The leaders brainstormed and unified their thoughts on where the sport of polo would be in the upcoming years, and the values that would help achieve that vision.
Coca-Cola and FlexJet in 26-goal competition at the International Polo Club. Photo: Rob Bowman.
11
The vision that was agreed upon was: A great polo experience for new and current members of the USPA that creates a strong and growing polo community at all levels in a competitive, safe and fair environment for players, the polo community, and horses. The group also agreed upon the following core values: • Honesty and integrity • Fair and balanced • Enjoyment of the game, the horses, and the experience • A good partner to member clubs and players who participate • Transparency • Operational excellence The Board and Staff Development Committee helped to develop several important policies which will improve the operations and management of the association. The board approved policies consist of a Censure Policy, a Procurement Policy, and a Conflict of Interest Policy. The USPA hosts an election every other year for the position of Governor at Large. The Board and Staff Development Committee aided in the production of a Governor at Large Blog to help the members and the candidates have an opportunity to communicate on issues. The Committee and the Association look to make further improvements to the election processes to make the experience better for the members. Valiente’s Bob Jornayvaz during high-goal competition at the International Polo Club. Photo: Rob Bowman.
12
Services
Constitution Committee
1.
2.
3.
At the April Board of Governors meeting the Board unanimously approved electronic voting in the 2015 Governor at Large election. By utilizing electronic voting, the USPA membership was able to read biographies on the 2015 Governor at Large candidates and instantaneously vote for the slate of their choosing. In an effort to create uniformity the Constitution Committee presented that Article II, IV, and X remove US Mail and Mail from the language, thus, allowing the Secretary and the Board to determine the best means for voting. In addition to this change, Article IV also changed the number of Delegate Votes a club will be entitled to for Circuit Governor Elections. Delegate votes will be based on the number of Registered Player Members affiliated with their club. This change was initially proposed in 2014 and was tabled for a year, in 2015 the motion was passed unanimously. The USPA Constitution Committee also presented two changes to By-Law 3. The first change further defined the exclusions to members with unpaid USPA dues. The second change waived the membership fee for any United States military member who is currently serving on full-time status in their military capacity. Both changes were passed by the Board of Governors and will go into effect in 2016. 1. Team USPA member Jesse Bray receives advice from coach Joel Baker. Photo: E.Hedley. 2. I/I Middle school player Winston Painter of the Gardnertown Polo Club in Newburgh, New York. Photo: John Painter. 3. Team BTA’s Tiamo Hudspeth competing in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® at the Houston Polo Club. Photo: Kaylee Wroe.
13
Services
Equine Welfare Committee
Romeo patiently waiting to get on the field to play. Photo: Lindsay Dolan.
The Equine Welfare Committee launched the return of the Kimzey Leg Saver Splint Program in the start of 2015. The Kimzey Splint is used to help stabilize the leg of an injured horse. The program began with a lottery system to place 14 braces at USPA Clubs. The braces were all accounted for within 25 minutes and the Equine Welfare Committee requested a budget variance for an additional 24 braces, which was granted.
The Equine Welfare Publications Subcommittee worked through the summer on the second edition of the USPA Equine Welfare Guidelines Book. Numerous additions have been made, including basic needs, first aid, legging up, trailering and more. This version of the book will be printed as a smaller, spiral -bound book, which will be distributed to all clubs in winter of 2016.
14
Data was collected through the high goal season tracking distances that horses travel during polo games. Data was collected at numerous clubs by placing tracking devices on horses, players and umpires. The data showed that during a single low-goal chukker, a horse travels approximately 0.68 miles. In a single high-goal chukker, the horse travels around 1 mile. The study was conducted to help to determine appropriate conditioning for polo horses playing at different levels of the game. During the summer, the Drugs and Medications Subcommittee met to discuss potential changes to the Drugs and Mediations Rules. As a result, Clenbuterol/Ventipulmin would be added to the “Restricted Drugs� list starting January 1, 2016. Another topic of discussion was the ban of anabolic steroids. The committee recommended implementation of the rule change for anabolic steroids to go into effect on January 1, 2017. In an effort to streamline the drug reporting process, the committee is inquiring with the United Stated Equestrian Federation (USEF) for the ability to utilize their online reporting forms. A new subcommittee was formed for determining equine related awards. They will be discussing creating a year-end award program for Best Playing Ponies in three major categories; highgoal, medium-goal and low-goal. The committee also helped to facilitate the presentation of the Best American Bred Pony at the 2015 Argentine Open and hopes to continue with this award in the future. The Polo Development LLC has been extremely helpful in promoting equine welfare at clubs across the country. They produced a webinar about Henneke Body Condition Scoring. The scoring demonstrates the amount of fat that healthy horses should have on their body. This information is intended to give horse owners and caregivers a guide to recognizing proper conditioning. The Body Condition Scorecard will be produced as a poster and sent to all USPA Clubs in early 2016.
15
Services
Finance Committee
®
Beautiful neck shot by BTA’s Lia Salvo in the 2015 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Photo: Kaylee Wroe.
and its related entities while upholding an acceptable level of risk.
During the 2015 year, the Finance Committee furthered the USPA’s program of controlled growth and spending initiated in year 2014 by adhering to a budget designed to stabilize operational growth and by moving management of the USPA’s investment portfolio to an independent investment advisory firm (Meketa Investment Group) capable of bringing the investment portfolio to the next level. The new firm’s strengths include advising for endowments with assets under management greater than those previously managed by the former advisor, Morgan Stanley. The USPA’s long-term goal is to increase the investment balance to an amount capable of self-funding operating subsidies of the USPA, Inc.
At the Board of Governors and Annual Meeting, the Board endorsed the concept of loans to members/ member clubs as part of the USPA’s investment portfolio and asked the Finance Committee to develop stated criteria, such as collateralized/ securitized short-term loans with a greater than 50% LTV (loan to value). These loans would have a two-fold purpose, loans designed to meet short-term funding for members/member clubs while providing an acceptable return on the USPA’s investment portfolio.
16
Services
High Goal Committee As a requirement of the new High Goal Committee Guidelines, the High Goal Committee (HGC) completed its first election where participants in high-goal polo elected two professional players and two sponsor players to represent them on the HGC. The elected representatives were sponsors Marc Ganzi and Jeff Hildebrand; the professional players Martin Pepa and Roberto Zedda. In addition, Jimmy Newman was appointed to represent managers at high-goal polo clubs. Jimmy has been involved with the International Polo Club since its inception. Tom Gose was appointed to represent the USPA Rules Committee. Tom is a two-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship速 and is currently serving on the Board of Governors. Charlie Muldoon, Executive Director of the USPA Umpires LLC, was appointed to represent umpires. CEO of the USPA, Peter Rizzo, was appointed to represent the Marketing LLC.
Memo Gracida and Jeff Hall battling for position in the 2015 Pacific Coast Open at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Photo: David Lominska.
17
KIG’s Mariano Obregon executing an offside back shot during East Coast Open play at the Greenwich Polo Club. Photo: Chichi Ubina.
The High Goal Committee met numerous times throughout the Florida high-goal season to discuss the prevalent issues. They developed two sub-committees, one for International High Goal Rules and the second for High Goal Policy Recommendations.
The International High Goal Rules Sub-Committee reviewed and endorsed the International High Goal Rules that were presented to the Board of Governors (see Rules Committee section for more information). The High Goal Handicap Policy Recommendations Sub-Committee presented a new policy for
18
handicapping high goal players to the National Handicap Committee. The National Handicap Committee did not support the policy at the time, but it will be reviewed again in 2016.
Stephen Orthwein, Jr. was appointed as Chairman of the National Handicap Committee, and Maureen Brennan was appointed as his replacement to the High Goal Committee Chair. As Peter Rizzo left his role as CEO of the USPA, his spot on the committee was filled by incoming CEO Duncan Huyler.
Following the Board of Governors and Annual Meeting in October, High Goal Committee Chairman
19
Services
International Committee
Team USA’s Patrick Uretz competing in the 2015 FIP World Championship. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
Americans fell short of the Brazilian team, their second place finish marked the highest accomplishment for an American team in the FIP Snow Polo World Cup.
2015 was a highly competitive year for United States polo teams competing in international polo events. The year started on a high note with a USA Team traveling to the Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club in China to compete in the 4th Annual Fortune Heights Snow Polo World Cup. The USA team coached by Joel Baker was made up of 3-goal player Delmer Walton, 6-goal player Tommy Biddle, and 7-goal player Mike Azzaro. Twelve teams from around the world battled across the snowy terrain with the finals culminating with the United States facing off against Brazil. Although the
After a spectacular performance and going undefeated at the FIP Zone Playoffs at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic, the USA Team members reunited in Florida to begin preparations for the World Championship in Chile. Jesse Bray, Patrick Uretz, Mason Wroe, William Tankard, and Felipe Viana all returned to practice for the FIP World Championship
20
competition. The only missing team member was Jared Sheldon who was unable to stay with the team due to scheduling conflicts, however, Cody Ellis and Remy Du Celliee Muller were invited to fill in. Led once again by coach Joel Baker, the team participated in tournaments at Grand Champions Polo Club and the International Polo Club. Their training program included communication, sportsmanship, team and set plays and building comradery. The USPA utilized professionals in the Wellington area to give guidance and help with the competition. Dartfish provided player statistical analysis and review. The team drew a tough bracket, getting pinned against Argentina and Brazil. Both teams had won the tournament multiple times in the past. However, the pre-tournament training had paid off and the USA Team emerged as the winner of their bracket after two tough matches. They then faced off against the English team in the semi-finals ultimately defeating the English with a score of 15-9. The finals pitted the United States against the home team, Chile. The game was extremely competitive and challenging for both teams from the start. In the last minute of regulation play, Chile came back to score a goal sending the game into overtime. In the sudden death overtime period, Chile was the first to score, crowning them World Champions. The USA team did a tremendous job of demonstrating sportsmanship, professionalism and skill throughout the course of the tournament and proved that the United States has impressive young American polo players that are able to compete amongst the best nations in the world. Remy Du Celliee Muller was awarded the Sportsmanship award for the tournament.
Left to right: Remy Du Celliee Muller, Jared Sheldon, Josh Shelton, Peter Blake, and Pedro Lara. Team USPA traveled to Manipur, India to compete in the 9th Annual Manipur International and took first place. Photo: CK Sharma ( Courtesy MHRPA ).
In November, the Manipur Horse Riding & Polo Association invited the United States to return to compete in the 9th Annual Manipur Polo Invitational. The team was made up of four Team USPA members: Pedro Lara, Jared Sheldon, Josh Shelton, Remy Du Celliee Muller along with Peter Blake. The team competed against various teams from around the world. The USA Team won their way into the finals to compete against the home team, Manipur. The game was close matched and went into overtime. Jared Sheldon sealed the win for the USA scoring the winning goal in sudden death. For the first time in the history of the tournament a non-India team won the event. The International Committee also supported Team USA’s victory against England in the Townsend Challenge Cup (see Arena section for more details).
21
Services
National Handicap Committee
KIG and Audi in the 2015 East Coast Open at the Greenwich Polo Club. Photo: Chichi Ubina.
The National Handicap Committee’s (NHC) highlights from the year include developing handicapping process flow charts, using an online survey to track voting, transitioning to a new chairman and adding new members to the committee.
of the voting tabulations. Moving into the new year, committee staff will continue to research efficient and secure ways to record recommendations and approval online. At the Board of Governors and Annual Meeting Chairman Joseph Meyer appointed Stephen Orthwein Jr. as the new Chairman of the National Handicap Committee. Mr. Orthwein has new views on improving the handicapping process and has already added new members to the committee.
Committee members and staff developed flow charts that diagrammatically describe the various processes for obtaining and changing handicaps. The charts are intended to help members and club delegates fully understand the handicapping process. The charts appear in the back of the USPA Rulebook and can also be viewed on the website.
Going forward, the NHC will continue its role of providing handicaps to all members of the USPA. In addition, the NHC will continue to review and reform handicap policies and procedures in the effort to improve fairness and consistency when handicapping the membership.
This year, for the first time, the committee utilized an online survey to conduct their votes for handicap changes. This proved extremely helpful in maintaining the anonymity of voting while ensuring the accuracy
22
Services
Rules Committee
Rocky Mountain Circuit Governor, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs competing in the U.S. Women’s Handicap. Photo: Kaylee Wroe.
The Rules Committee made great strides in 2015 to unite and better the sport on a global level. The USPA, Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), and Argentine Association of Polo (AAP) collaborated to create an International set of Rules to be used as a tournament condition for USPA polo 20-goals and above. The three Associations have agreed to adopt and implement the rules for 2016. The change will allow for more consistent and improved umpiring and a universal understanding of one set of rules. In addition to the three Associations implementing the new set of rules, the Federation of International Polo (FIP) has mutually agreed to adopt the rules for international polo events. In order to achieve the International set of Rules, representatives from the three Associations met numerous times throughout the course of 2014 and 2015. Representatives first met in December of 2014 where the Associations agreed upon using the Argentine Rules with some safety and general rule modifications. Over the course of the year, they continued to discuss and adjust the rules to reach a common platform for high
23
goal play. The International set of Rules were presented to the USPA Board at the Board of Governors and Annual Meeting and passed a tournament condition option for 20-goals and above. Any rules that are not specified in the International set of Rules will resort back to the existing USPA rules. The Rules Committee also created specific sub-committees to review the Arena Rules, Tournament Conditions, and Outdoor Rules. The respective sub-committees met through the course of the summer and discussed various changes to the sections. The combined efforts were presented to the Board of Governors for implementation in the 2016 Rulebook. Most of the edits clarified the existing rules. With the implementation of defined terms in the Tournament Conditions, the sub-committees were able to unify the language throughout the rules for better consistency. Changes can be seen in bold in the 2016 Rulebook.
Chairman Joseph Meyer with BPP Kornicova, ridden by Miguel Novillo Astrada (#4) and owned by Halo Polo LLC. Pictured with Audi teammate Marc Ganzi (#1). Photo: Chichi Ubina.
24
Services
Safety Committee
Team USPA’s Jesse Bray in a NOCSAE approved helmet during the FIP World Championship in Chile. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
The Safety Committee was given approval for two $25,000 NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) grants for helmet companies that successfully produce a NOCSAE helmet with NOCSAE mounted eye protection. There were three companies that expressed a very strong interest in the grants but are still in the designing and testing phase: La Martina, Falcon and Tato’s. Once the helmet passes the NOCSAE standards and is placed on the market, the company can apply for the NOCSAE helmet grant. The USPA NOCSAE polo helmet standard has been carefully developed to provide the best protection for polo players. The USPA is encouraging helmet manufacturers to meet the NOCSAE standards and is willing to give a one-time grant to the companies that accomplish this task.
25
Additionally, the committee is in the process of testing goggles with Southern Impact Research Center, a company based in Tennessee that specializes in testing sporting equipment. The most popular polo goggles and other non-polo goggles will go through a thorough testing process to establish a goggle ranking. Southern Impact will also provide a recommendation on other forms of goggles that the committee should take into consideration. Through the Safety Committee’s support, the USPA currently offers a $25 discount on membership dues to student members who complete an Impact baseline test. The committee will request an increase in the 2017 budget to open the baseline discount to all members. Baseline testing is a cognitive test conducted prior to the season, and it allows medical professionals to compare an individual’s balance and brain functions in the baseline test with a similar test that is administered after a head injury. The tool is vital in determining if a player has sustained a brain injury and when the player has recovered and can safely return to play. In an effort to understand the level of polo injuries sustained by USPA members, the committee created a Safety Injury Report in 2012. The online survey poses a number of questions relating to injuries sustained and the committee discusses the results twice a year. The safety committee strongly urges players to report their injuries. Results of such an analysis can help find areas where the safety of polo can improve.
Top: L to R - Julia Smith, Maureen Brennan, Kristy Waters Outhier, Sarah Wiseman 2015 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Champions Bottom: L to R - Sheila Lequerica, Brooks Armour Diesel, Lia Salvo, Rebecca Clark 2015 U.S. Women’s Handicap Champions Photos: Kaylee Wroe.
26
Services
Tournament Committee
2015 marked the first year Mike Carney chaired the USPA Tournament Committee. Mike, a veteran polo player, brought new energy to the Tournament Committee and helped oversee improvements to the USPA Tournament Conditions. The Tournament Committee helped in the development of several new USPA Circuit events that can be played in any of the thirteen circuits upon being award by the specific Circuit Governor. The first came as a recommendation from the Women’s Committee. For many years the USPA has offered a Circuit Outdoor Women’s Challenge Tournament. In 2016, clubs will now have the option to host a Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge. The tournament can be awarded multiple times within each of the thirteen circuits by the Circuit Governor. The Armed Forces Committee recommended the Tournament Committee consider making specific circuit tournaments for Armed Forces Tournaments. They proposed four tournaments: General George S. Brown (4-6
goal outdoor), General George S. Patton, Jr. (0-4 goal outdoor), General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller (3-6 goal arena) and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (0-3 goal arena). The tournaments were approved by the Board and will be available to be played at any USPA member club in 2016. The specific tournament conditions for these events state that each team must have at least one military member.
27
Audi’s Nic Roldan in the 2015 East Coast Open at the Greenwich Polo Club. Photo: Chichi Ubina.
With the support of the Marketing LLC and the launch of a new USPA website, USPA tournaments received support across multiple platforms in 2015. Labor Day weekend marks the finals of summer polo for many polo facilities across the country. In 2015, the East Coast Open, the Silver Cup, and the National Youth Tournament Series Championships were all showcased across social media and the USPA website. The USPA website was updated daily allowing USPA members to view the scores, results, and news articles pertaining to these major tournaments. The USPA also utilized live streaming platforms such as ChukkerTV and the Polo Channel to provide USPA members and fans of the sport the
opportunity to watch the broadcasts. Growing the prestige of USPA tournaments has been a longtime initiative of the Tournament Committee. As the technology advances and more people are able to view the tournaments, the popularity and demand for the sport continue to grow resulting in more prestige and recognition around the USPA National Tournaments. For 2016, the Tournament Committee will continue to encourage interest in the sport, elevate the standards of play, and promote involvement in the game.
28
Services
Women’s Committee
Carina Deck, an intercollegiate player from Oregon State University, plays for the USA Intercollegiate team in their face off vs SUPA Britain. Photo: Jim Bremner.
Erica Gandomcar-Sachs was appointed as the new chairperson of the Women’s Committee in April. One of her first orders of business was to remind the committee that the mission statement covers women in all aspects of polo, not just women’s tournaments. Women are involved in a multitude of jobs throughout the industry, including polo club managers, grooms, veterinarians and more. The committee worked with the Tournament Committee to establish a new Women’s Circuit Event. The Board approved the addition of a Circuit Women’s Arena Challenge to begin in 2016. The committee hopes
29
to increase the number of all women’s tournaments, both outdoor and arena, as well as increase participation. Moving forward, the committee hopes to expand their involvement with international women’s polo tournaments. Ms. Gandomcar-Sachs believes that all women should be able to experience traveling the world through polo. The Women’s Committee is in the beginning stages of developing a Women’s World Cup tournament to be held in 2017. The plan is to host a tournament for all of the countries that use the women’s handicap system. This will help drive membership not only to the USPA but all international polo organizations. A subcommittee was formed and is headed by Maureen Brennan along with Lesley Ann Fong-Yee to create the event. The committee also acknowledged that there is a lack of communication and disconnect among polo players and spectators about “women in polo.” A public relations subcommittee was formed to better communicate with the membership about women in polo. Their first task will be to work with Polo Players Edition to write and release an article that explains how the Women’s Handicap System works and the process of Women’s Tournaments. The subcommittee will then focus on highlighting women in all aspects of polo.
Maureen Brennan competing in the 2015 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Photo: Kaylee Wroe.
®
30
The committee is eager to move forward and continue to encompass every aspect of women in polo. With the change in leadership and new committee members, 2016 should be an exciting year for women in polo.
Marketing LLC
In January, the Marketing LLC launched phase 1 of the Media Library – an organization-wide resource developed to enable clubs to create, discover, and reuse existing media assets (e.g. videos, photos, commercials.) In February, Club Kits were created for the 125th Anniversary of the USPA in an effort to facilitate club engagement with local press and communities at large through this seminal year. The kits included a customizable press release, a special 125th logo, historical timeline and a FAQ. In March, the Marketing Communication Service Bureaus and Phase 2 of the Media Library launched. The media library included customizable templates for clubs who want to produce brochures, advertisements, posters and fliers as well as black and white and color photography.
resulting in an overall audience reach that more than doubled 2014 efforts. The live attendance for the finals was over 13,000 people – nearly equivalent to a sold-out event held at Wimbledon. In addition to the NBC Sports Network production, the USPA negotiated with ESPN Deportes in South America to pick up the feed and live stream, and broadcast a tape delay on three additional networks (ESPN+, ESPN Play, ESPN 3). While nominal, this is the first time the USPA received revenue from a content licensing deal. Our live streaming partners (Chukker. TV and Polo Channel) had a combined reach of over 50,000 views for the finals. During the game, five social media videos were produced and provided game highlights across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter reaching more than 170,000 people. The presence of the Goodyear Blimp was coordinated to ® The 2015 US Open Polo Championship was be onsite and tie-in with the NBCSN final broadcast. supported with strong marketing promotional efforts Goodyear was a great partner, they even live tweeted
31
2015 U.S. Open Polo ChampionshipÂŽat the International Polo Club. Photo: Rob Bowman.
their efforts broadening our reach. From a press perspective, there were 25 stories published on the Open Finals reaching more than 3,600,000 people. The results from the flagship marketing event, the 2015 USPA East Coast Open, in partnership with the Greenwich Polo Club were significant on all channels. All told, more than 128,000,000 people were reached during the USPA East Coast Open month long campaign with nearly 1,000,000 people taking action (watching videos, sharing content, tuning in, etc.) Sponsorship efforts were also positive with revenues of $234,250 from key brands including: Town & Country Magazine, Audi, Piaget, Hospital For Special Surgery, Turkish Airlines, Pololine as well as JRA and USPA Properties/Global Licensing. The broadcast on NBCSN captured the largest polo viewership on NBCSN to date with nearly 184,000 viewers and a rating of 0.3 that is equivalent to a regular NHL hockey game. All tournament matches were live streamed, including finals for a total of 13 consecutive broadcasts reaching 48,505 total live views. Nearly 8,000 spectators attended the USPA East Coast Open over the course of three consecutive Sundays. The USPA and Greenwich Polo Club collectively generated broad media coverage in local and top-tier national news outlets, resulting in 57 published stories on the event for an earned media value of more than $1,100,000. The paid media campaign supporting the East Coast Open generated a large number of impressions and engagement of consumers. Google search campaigns generated 1500 clicks. Facebook engagement was strong with 248,000 video views, 45,000 post engagements, and 43,500 website visits. Twitter added 58,400 engagements and 3,509 clicks. Sharethrough delivered 3,321 engagements which were primarily clicks followed by shares. WFAN Radio - #1 Sports Radio Station in NY – reached 2,639,700 listeners and another 292,500 online users. NPR Radio delivered 376,000 listeners while NPR Digital reached
32
455,723 online users. Robb Report delivered 100,000 impressions. Direct social media efforts reached over 25,000 followers. Twitter delivered 10,600 profile visits and an increase of 859 followers. Instagram posts had 6,574 likes. Vimeo videos had 1,406 plays. The uspolo.org website saw 35,000 unique visitors during the three-week East Coast Open Polo Championship.
streaming, social media and advertising. Each individual who signs up receives a “Welcome Kit” that includes a 125th special anniversary t-shirt and more information about the sport of polo. Upon completing their submission, the visitor is then informed about the USPA clubs within 50 miles of their location. The “Welcome to Polo” campaign has resulted in 87 qualified leads, nine of which have become members of the USPA.
Partner integration with Town & Country was also strong. Tournament information was included in three issues (August, September and October) and had both advertising and editorial coverage. Additionally, the USPA East Coast Open Event Program was poly-bagged and distributed to 57,000 NY Metro Subscribers and they supported the live events with digital and social media.
The 2015 PR efforts resulted in a 334% increase over 2014. Top media outlets where the Marketing LLC, secured coverage included: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Wall Street Journal Live (video channel), Yahoo Finance, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, Univision, Fox Latino, The Associated Press, ESPN Deportes, Slate, Sports Travel Magazine, NY Observer, NY Post, Horse Nation, and Hurlingham Polo in addition to many others. While they were strategically placed stories throughout the year, major news hooks were also used around the U.S. Open, FIP World Polo Championship, NIC Finals and East Coast Open
In September, the Marketing LLC implemented and launched the new “Welcome to Polo” campaign to drive membership growth. This campaign enables the USPA to connect with people who have been exposed to polo through NBCSN broadcasts, live
Marc Ganzi in the 2015 East Coast Open at the Greenwich Polo Club. Photo: Chichi Ubina.
33
2015 East Coast Open at the Greenwich Polo Club. Photo: Chichi Ubina.
that provided launching pads for the storytelling.
took a “purpose to platform” approach whereby Facebook focused on fostering a community of people who appreciate the sport, Twitter focused on news and information about the sport and key events and Instagram focused on visually appealing photographs and videos that provided an artful, unique view of the sport of polo.
The primary PR objective was to align the press strategy with USPA’s core objective to increase the number of people actively exposed and engaged with polo. In addition, the exposure polo has received from mainstream media has increased polo’s publicity value and attractiveness to potential corporate sponsors. This visibility, combined with engaging storytelling and positioning, is one of many sponsorship value drivers.
In 2015 the Marketing LLC also created new and more professional email marketing templates; as well as began collecting, curating and distributing the news on a weekly basis in efforts to make communications to members more engaging and increase open rates. As a result, the USPA is creating and distributing more polo-related and club content information to its members.
Social media momentum continued in 2015 led with explosive growth from Instagram – a 364% increase over 2014. Twitter also saw significant growth – up 46% over the previous year. Facebook still had double-digit growth though significantly lower than the other platforms, up 13% over the year. The Marketing LLC’s goals for social media were to improve awareness of polo, grow social relationship and increase engagement and advocacy. The objectives were to establish the USPA as the trusted advisor and resource for the sport of polo and amplify event impact. Strategically marketing
In February, the USPA and USPA Global Licensing signed a Service Level Agreement to contract USPAGL to provide certain marketing services to promote the USPA, its activities and the sport of polo. The transition of employees and projects began in earnest on August 1, 2015.
34
Polo Development LLC
The Polo Development LLC encompasses over 30 programs associated with Club Development, Intercollegiate/Interscholastic, and Player Development. The programs work in tandem to enhance the “Polo Experience” working toward growing clubs and players by promoting sustainable polo. The Polo Development team, comprised of Staff, Chairs, Volunteers, and Resources, bring unique and tested experiences to the table, all sharing the common goals of developing, instituting and managing the many programs offered to the membership by the USPA.
the Polo Development team for questions like restructuring their business model to assistance in filling a position at their club. They have seen positive results from the many programs the USPA offers. As the development of players of all ages continues to grow, Polo Development offers means for ongoing game knowledge and development through programs such as Intercollegiate/Interscholastic, the National Youth Tournament Series, Young Player Outreach and Team USPA. Additionally, the PoloSkilz website offers players of all levels a means to further develop their playing skills and game knowledge.
The support offered by the Polo Development team to USPA Clubs has been called “an invaluable resource” with numerous club managers, owners, and instructors taking advantage of the open door policy that has been established under the leadership of Executive Director, Kris Bowman. Across the country, club leaders utilize the cumulative knowledge among
The programs managed by the Polo Development LLC are constantly evolving to accommodate USPA membership and reach thousands of members each year to work toward the overall goal of promoting the quality and future of polo on the National level.
35
Club Development
Polo Development
Todd Rackley and Justin Powers, Director of Club Development, during a club consult in Chicago. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
The Club Development department of the Polo Development Team is committed to USPA clubs and individuals who are dedicated to growing the sport of polo at the grassroots level and beyond by identifying and sharing “best practices�, sustainable solutions and networking opportunities. In 2015, the Polo Development Initiative (PDI) saw record interactions with developing polo clubs across the country with 89 applications submitted requesting over $880,000 in support. The PDI Sub-Committee, a committee of the Club and Membership Development Committee, chaired by Denny Geiler, awarded 76 grants totaling $400,000 in support. PDI clubs account for roughly 50% of the new registered players joining the USPA.
36
The Polo Development Intern Program is aimed at identifying young, talented individuals looking to pursue a career in polo and providing them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed. Through the PD Intern Program young talent is paired with seasoned polo professionals to expedite the process of generating the next generation of valuable polo instructors, managers, and club support staff. In 2015, ten young aspiring polo professionals participated in the PD Intern Program.
The National Club Consulting Program is part of the Polo Development LLC’s dedication to the growth of polo by offering programs designed to help polo clubs of all sizes with club development, membership growth, polo school and league implementation,;as well as marketing suggestions (A subset of the Club Consulting program is the Outside the Boards Program which helps clubs with generating revenue opportunities and sustainability that exist beyond the teaching and playing of polo). Annually, the Club Development team, including club Consulting Contractors, interacts with over 100 polo clubs across the country
In 2014, the USPA began the process of purchasing the Polo Skilz Network, an educational resource platform aimed at assisting in the development of the sport of polo. Since then, the Polo Development team has been brainstorming and implementing the reboot of Polo Skilz. Polo Skilz 2.0 features video content from leading polo professionals and is utilized by players from across the world. Ali Davidge has taken the lead on the reboot of the site and has done an exceptional job transitioning the ideas of the USPA Polo Development team into tangible features on the site.
In 2013, the Polo Development team began conducting Circuit Strategic Planning sessions with the various circuits. The goal of the Circuit Strategic Planning is to bring leaders of the circuit together to develop a sustainable plan for the development of the sport in a specific region. A highlight for 2015 included Northeast Circuit Strategic Planning which has led to many initiatives in the NE circuit including a national low-goal arena tournament and circuit newsletter.
Instructor Erik Wright leading Skills and Drills during the Annual Instructors Managers Forum at the Houston Polo Club. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
37
Intercollegiate/Interscholastic
Polo Development
2015 USPA Girls’ National Interscholastic Champions, Maryland Polo Club. Left to right Stephanie Schultz, Marissa Wells, Maddie Grant, Abbie Grant with Coach Kelly Wells. Photo: Mike Ryan.
The 2015 Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Tournament Season was another year for the history books. With a record high of 111 teams competing across four divisions, the USPA crowned national champions Maryland Polo Club in the interscholastic girls’ division; West Shore Polo Club in the interscholastic open division; Cornell University in the women’s
intercollegiate division; and Colorado State University in the men’s intercollegiate division. For the second year of its existence, the USPA’s Middle School Program took to the scene in the fall, offering eight tournaments across the country for players from 5th – 8th grade. I/I saw a 36% increase
38
2015 USPA College Polo 101 Mentoring Clinic hosted in Aiken, South Carolina. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
in the number of players from 2014, with a total of 102 competing in just the second season.
and staff. Newly added in 2015 was the College Polo 101 on the Road Series, that puts staff and contract clinicians on-site to visit collegiate programs. In 2015, 20 intercollegiate programs were visited.
The USPA I/I program hosted the Third Annual USA I/I vs SUPA Britain International Challenge Cup where a USA intercollegiate team competes against a British intercollegiate team. Representing the USA in 2015 was Carina Deck from Oregon State University, Hunter Jelsch from Michigan State University, Kareem Rosser from Colorado State University and Drew Gale from the University of Connecticut. The USA had its first loss in the series, standing at 2-1.
A new initiative for 2015 included the Interscholastic Varsity Letter Program where student athletes can work towards earning their varsity letter in polo. In the inaugural year, 75 student-athletes achieved this status by putting in 100 hours, regular season game play and tournament participation. Students earn a varsity patch, pin, and bars for each eligible year. Students are recognized on USPA media platforms as well as with their school.
College Polo 101 continues in its 6th year, hosting collegiate student representatives from ten intercollegiate programs from across the country. The event consists of a three-day intensive workshop with local professionals, guest speakers,
Also launched in 2015 was the USPA Intercollegiate Polo Scholarship. The USPA awarded six collegiate scholarships to student-athletes, based on academics and participation and excellence in I/I
39
polo. 2015 recipients include: Anna Campbell – Alfred State College; Nicole Cohen – Southern Methodist University; Fiona McBride Luman – Cal Poly University; J.T. Shiverick – Southern Methodist University; Kathleen Moriarty – University of Connecticut; and Marissa Wells – Texas A&M University. The I/I Start Up & Enhancement Program which offers funding assistance, fundraising assistance and umpire reimbursement, proves to continue to be a very popular program. All intercollegiate teams this year received the USPA I/I Equine Welfare Booklet, a publication and guide for caring to polo ponies.
I/I Middle School League Action at Poway Polo Club. Photo: Julie Empey.
40
Player Development
Polo Development Team USPA consists of 61 young American players between the ages of 18 and 30, who have been 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 polo 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 2015, its sixth year, four new members were welcomed to the Team USPA program. The Team USPA program has also successfully created countless opportunities through the Young Player Outreach Program (YPO). The YPO Program consists of over 200 USPA members from ages 16 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, built on a network of support from polo players (professional and amateur), polo team sponsors, and polo club owners/managers, Team USPA will continue to provide opportunities to players of all levels who participate in the United States. Team USPA’s Felipe Viana competing in the FIP World Championships in Chile. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
41
Team USPA’s Cody Ellis and Jared Zenni at the 2015 Team USPA Tryouts. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
In 2015, Team USPA continued to host year-round training opportunities, maximizing mentoring from polo professionals in Florida, Wyoming, South Carolina, California, Texas and Argentina. Opportunity highlights include: • • • • • • • •
10-week Argentina Training Program attended by Russell Stimmel and Todd Thurston Video review for Swing Analytics by Dartfish YPO/Team USPA Advanced Player Clinics in Wellington, FL Horse donation program, providing polo opportunities to talented players who do not yet own their own string Steve Krueger, Brett Gearwar, and Wes Bryan spent the fall season training in Argentina. Julia Smith, Connor Deal, Harrison Samaniego, Wyatt Harlow participated in 5 weeks of advanced training in Aiken, SC with mentors Adam Snow and Owen Rinehart Connor Deal, Wyatt Harlow, Johnny Lavine and YPO member Turner Wheaton participated in the Sheridan 6-week training program competing in 14-goal tournaments CB Scherer, Zach Grob, Lucas Reid, Nick Snow, Steve Krueger, Patrick Uretz, Mason Wroe, Carly Persano, Cody Ellis, Felipe Viana, Loreto Natividad, Gates Gridley, Wes Bryan, Harrison Samaniego and Jesse Bray participated in various training opportunities including swing analytics and advanced player clinics during the 8 week Florida Training Season
42
Team USPA Players value mentoring young players, and are committed to giving back to polo and sharing the skills they have learned through the program. Team USPA members umpired and coached NYTS events, and taught clinics across the U.S. in 2015. Team USPA members have also spent time in their local clubs supporting the efforts at the club level by offering their umpire services. Seventy-eight USPA clubs have hosted a Team USPA member with a total of more than 774 interactions including umpiring, playing, mentoring, teaching and coaching. The 2015 Team USPA Equus & Co. Award recipient was Lucas Reid. Lucas was honored for his outstanding leadership and commitment to polo development. The 2015 FIP World Championship team was fielded entirely with Team USPA members for the first time! Team USPA’s Felipe Viana, Jesse Bray, Patrick Uretz, Remy Du Celliee Muller, Cody Ellis, Mason Wroe and Will Tankard earned the Silver Medal at the FIP World Championships in Santiago, Chile.
2015 Team USPA Equus & Co. Award Winner Lucas Reid. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
Team USPA’s international success continued in November. Team USPA members Jared Sheldon, Pedro Lara, Josh Shelton and Remy Du Celliee Muller won the 9th Annual Manipur Polo International Invitational in India. This was the first time in the history of the tournament that a visiting team won the Gold. In 2016, a Team USPA women’s team plans to travel to India to compete for the first time as well. The USPA Free Player Training Clinic has continued its transformation - with all USPA Clinicians completing the Certified Polo Instructor Pilot Testing as honorary instructors. Clinicians have been integral in providing feedback to the CPI program as it forms and will be certified once they complete the necessary prerequisites in 2016. The USPA Clinicians have been busy- crossing the country and completing 65 clinics this year. Adult clinics made up the majority (75%) of all clinics conducted; many of which focused on developing existing players, rather than introductory clinics.
Anna Weinburgh competing in her first NYTS tournament at Myopia Polo Club. Photo: Suzanna South.
43
Eddie Margalef and Evan White, Jr. celebrating their advance to the finals of the 2015 NYTS Championships. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
Each USPA Clinic is built to fit the needs of the host club, whether they need assistance with outreach to introduce new players to the sport, or an outside instructor to come into focus on skill building to elevate the level of play at the club. Each USPA clinic is designed to fit into the USPA Standardized protocol, adopted in 2014. One of the biggest additions to the USPA Free Clinic program has been the increased emphasis on follow-up after the clinic, both a week after and six months after. The focus on follow-up has led to lasting relationships between the host club organizer and the USPA Staff. Increasing follow-up has allowed us to focus our efforts and support on the areas most needed by the host club- maximizing the resources available through the USPA. With additional emphasis on the follow-up. The USPA Free Clinic season has been set to run from January 1 through September 30 of each year. It was another successful year for the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS). In it’s third year the NYTS program saw growth in every category. There were 30 qualifiers this year, with 321 players competing on 65 teams! Since inception, there has been a 461% increase in rated youth USPA members. Tournament Condition changes for 2016 include adding an optional one-day round robin format to accommodate weather and field limitations. The 2015 NYTS National Championship tournament was an incredible event in Denver, Colorado with 16 players traveling in from as far away as California, Toronto, and Massachusetts, with many players providing
44
their own horses. The players arrived on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend and participated in swing analysis on Friday morning, attended a team meeting, and practiced with their team on Friday afternoon. The addition of a Team Play video, created by Hall of Famer, Charles Smith, emphasized the fundamentals of polo-taking a man, turning for backshots, and placing the ball was well received by all players and coaches. The video was viewed by all teams with their coaches after the first practice in a team meeting where they built a strategy to incorporate into their game plan for the first game. They also had the opportunity to view video footage of their first game with their team coaches. In 2015, the USPA welcomed its newest program, the Certified Polo Instructor (CPI) Program created by the Polo Development LLC. It aimed to create standard, safe, teaching method. The CPI Program works with instructors nationwide to raise the level of teaching ability. To accompany CPI, Instructor Skilz Clinic’s have been designed to allow instructors to prepare for their testing. In addition to the in-person testings and sessions, the PoloSkilz website serves as a platform for all tutorials, coursework and resources of the program. Notably, a CPI Manual (available in e-book or hard copy) has been created to provide instructors with comprehensive teaching and horsemanship information.
2015 NYTS Champions Barrett Coke, Marissa Wells, George Hempt and Tommy Huber. Photo: Elizabeth Hedley.
45
Umpires LLC
The primary role of the Umpires LLC is to provide quality umpiring for the sport of polo. There is an increasing demand from the USPA Member Clubs and international clubs to provide professional umpires. The Umpires, LLC understands the challenges of providing quality umpire services and has the solutions. Their ongoing contributions to help refine the rules and utilize technology to improve umpiring standards, training and development will ensure member satisfaction. There are many other services provided by the Umpires LLC: • Management of umpires through all levels of polo • Training of umpires (including clinics) to aid them in progressing to higher levels • Scheduling of umpires and contracting with clubs for USPA Circuit and National awarded tournaments • Member Rules: online testing • Rules Review: create/maintain standards for umpires to ensure adherence to USPA rules • Provide umpire certification including game review • Ensure that all LLC umpires support USPA brand compliance (image, appearance, professionalism, as well as umpiring games).
46
The Professional Umpire Management Program/6 (PUMP/6) program provided one “free” umpire to any USPA club hosting a circuit or national event 6 goals or under. The umpire’s salary, airfare, accommodations and car rental were all covered under this program. With a budget of $100,000 we were able to send umpires to 78 tournaments. The only criteria was the event had to have a minimum of three teams. The ultimate success of this program was the opportunity for smaller clubs getting to experience professional umpiring. The gratitude from these clubs was overwhelming. We will continue this program in 2016 and additionally add PUMP/8, which will also provide one “free” umpire to USPA clubs hosting an 8-goal USPA National
or Circuit event, but will require a minimum of four teams participating. We provided umpires for over 60 games in the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program. The three national events: Girls Interscholastic (Empire Polo Club-CA), Open Interscholastic (ERG-TX) and the Men’s/Women’s Intercollegiate (UCONN-CT) were all officiated for the first time by professional umpires. We will continue this program and add the regional I/I games to our umpire schedule as well in 2016. There were several arena umpire clinics conducted around the country this year to coach and educate prospective umpires.
Umpire Hector Galindo bowls the ball in during a 26-goal game at the International Polo Club. Photo: David Lominska.
47
Instant Replay was used for the first time as an optional tournament condition in high goal polo. In January, International Polo Club was the first to use an IRO (Instant Replay Official) at every game and Grand Champions Polo Club followed suit. Later in the summer, via Polo Channel, Santa Barbara Polo Club used an IRO in the Pacific Coast Open (16 goal) and the Silver Cup (20 goal), while the Greenwich Polo Club used ChukkerTV at the East Coast Open (20 goal). Technology played a major role in the training of the professional umpires at weekly umpire meetings during the winter season. Video review remains a vital tool for umpires and plays an important part of the evaluation process. With the use of Dartfish’s interactive video analysis and drone, umpires were able to view video analysis of plays and fouls from numerous angles. Additionally, videos can be sent instantly to any location for further analysis. For example, plays from several games in the UK last summer were sent to Umpires, LLC for analysis. It also helps train our IRO’s on trigger points for team challenges. Dartfish now has three new apps: Dartfish, Dartfish Express, and Umpire. USPA professional umpires, Julian Appleby and Hector Galindo went to Argentina in the fall to umpire the AAP high goal tournaments. Umpire Tommy Biddle following the line closely. Photo: David Lominksa.
48
USPA Global Licensing Inc.
Mission Statement: As the exclusive licensee of the United States Polo Association (USPA), USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) is a for-profit corporation that serves as the steward of the USPA’s intellectual properties, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue via the development and execution of globally integrated licensing programs. Global Strategy: To promote the sport of polo (USPA) around the world through the establishment of global retail footprint of hundreds of brick & mortar stores, as well as e-commerce platforms generating sales in excess of over $1.4 billion in annual revenue. By implementing an integrated marketing approach that brings polo to the forefront of retail, USPAGL will leverage the prestige of the sport to elevate the brand globally; while at the same time growing the sport by introducing the game to millions of retail consumers. A majority of royalties generated from the sale of USPAGL apparel are paid to the USPA, in order to fund programs designed to grow the sport of polo in the United States – sanction matches and tournaments, as well as equine welfare, interscholastic/intercollegiate venues, and regional training centers. Business Overview: U.S. Polo Assn. is a global brand, sold in over 135 countries through 645 U.S. Polo Assn. mono-brand retail and independent stores, as well as online, driving the mission to generate revenue for the USPA from the licensing of their trademarks globally. Products include men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, accessories (such as watches, shoes, purses, belts), eyewear, luggage and home textiles. Chairman: Gerry Aschinger President/CEO: W. David Cummings Treasurer: Robert W. Donahey Secretary: G. Stephen Felker, Sr. Directors: Chip Campbell, Jack L. Shelton, George Dill, Duncan Huyler USPA CEO (Ex-Officio)
49
U.S. Polo Association
U.S. Polo Assn. Membership Population by Circuit 5,267 Total USPA Members 296 Total USPA Clubs
*Numbers Specify USPA Members per Circuit
771
NORTHEASTERN 40 Clubs
282
295
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
CENTRAL 19 Clubs
26 Clubs
138
892
MIDSTATES 22 Clubs
ROCKY MOUNTAINS
PACIFIC COAST
81
11 Clubs
GREAT PLAINS
30 Clubs
207
BORDER 16 Clubs
522 302
7 Clubs
600
429
SOUTHEASTERN 25 Clubs
SOUTHWESTERN 176
33
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
NO AFFILIATION
5 Clubs
29 Clubs
539
FLORIDA
2 Clubs
29 Clubs
50
EASTERN 35 Clubs
897
61-70 71+ NO DOB
467
4+1
51-60
199 36
By The Numbers
By the Numbers
+1+20+16+13+18+179+ +4+1 32+8030+7031+7043+7449+7845+7653+8549+8952+94
2015
Membership Population by Age 5,267 Total Members
958
689
903
468
200
6170
516
0
0
415
3140
2130
0
11-2
0-1
0
52
32
B
500
874
DO
1091
1,000
NO
1,500
71+
5,204
Male vs. Female Membership Comparison 5,267 Total Members
3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 WOMEN MEN TOTAL
2007 1150 2842 3992
2008 1148 2626 3774
2009 1063 2473 3536
2010
2011
1502 2622 4124
1759 2752 4511
51
2012
1605 2765 4370
2013
1847 3020 4867
2014
1829 3159 4988
2015
1936 3331 5267
U.S. Polo Association
U.S. Polo Assn. 333
Total Number of USPA Tournaments
252 Outdoor
81 Arena
USPA Umpires LLC
85 Tournaments Officiated by PUMP/6
294 Certified Arena and Outdoor Umpires
22 Professional Umpires
1,640 Games Umpired by Professionals 52
By The Numbers
By the Numbers
2015
Polo Development LLC
111 I/I Teams
61 Team USPA Members
321 NYTS Players
6 USPA I/I Collegiate Scholarships 65 Free Player Training Clinics
76 PDI Awards Totalling $400,000 in Support 53
U.S. Polo Association
U.S. Polo Assn. Handicap Rating Breakdown US MALE 10 10T 9 9T 8 8T 7 7T 6 6T 5 5T 4 4T 3 3T 2 2T 1.5 1.5T 1 1T A.5 A.5T A AT B.5 B C
AFF MALE
US FEMALE
AFF FEMALE
OUT 0
ARENA 1
OUT 5
ARENA 0
OUT 0
ARENA 0
WOMEN’S 0
OUT 0
ARENA 0
WOMEN’S 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3
7
5
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
4
8
2
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
4
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
8
9
10
0
0
2
0
0
4
0
3
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
8
28
13
0
0
8
0
0
2
1
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
35
29
13
0
1
13
0
0
1
1
10
9
3
0
0
0
0
0
1
37
39
32
25
0
0
31
0
0
6
8
2
10
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
64
90
44
22
1
1
56
0
1
10
6
8
9
3
0
0
1
0
0
1
131
133
78
48
3
22
160
5
2
16
11
13
10
7
0
0
8
0
0
1
57
n/a
8
n/a
6
n/a
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
1
n/a
6
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
1
n/a
n/a
220
283
74
34
27
99
91
4
5
12
22
11
19
2
0
2
1
0
0
0
102
n/a
12
n/a
34
n/a
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
1
n/a
3
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
5
n/a
n/a
530
418
93
58
205
204
483
23
20
36
21
12
9
3
7
5
2
3
1
0
63
n/a
13
n/a
41
n/a
n/a
10
n/a
n/a
453
312
60
27
493
365
n/a
36
16
n/a
34
29
4
2
57
49
n/a
5
4
n/a
*AFF (Affiliate) = Non-U.S. citizen
54
By The Numbers
By the Numbers
2015
Social Media Followers 10,111 New Followers in 2015
25,925
7,498
6,035
+13%
+46%
+364%
USPOLO.ORG Website Analytics *Analytics as of May 2015, due to new website launch
53,807 Unique Visitors 62% Mobile Visitors
31% Desktop Visitors 55
65%
New Visitors
7% Tablet Visitors
USPA Financials
Financials
2015 USPA Spending: Operations/Investments Operating Requirements $9,589,440
Investment Additions $16,600,000
37% 63%
2015 Operating Requirements Per Entity 19% 35% 13%
17%
16% Polo Development LLC Corporate $1,845,319 $3,348,745
Umpires LLC $1,598,886
Services $1,294,032
Note: These numbers are projections for the 2015 year.
56
Marketing LLC $1,502,458
TOTAL $9,589,440
Board of Governors
Board of Gov. T
C
P
S
Samuel Ramirez, Jr. Treasurer
Joseph Meyer Chairman
Chip Campbell President
Thomas Gose Secretary
Daniel Coleman (Border)
CG
GAL
Scott Walker
Britt Baker (Central)
CG
GAL
Dale Smicklas
GAL
Peter Poor
GAL
Stephen Orthwein, Jr.
GAL
Robert Jornayvaz, III
GAL
Dennis L. Geiler
GAL
George Dill
GAL
Anthony Coppola
GAL
Maureen Brennan
GAL
Stewart Armstrong
Umpires LLC Joseph Muldoon (Eastern)
CG
Melissa Ganzi (Florida)
CG
David Ragland (Great Plains)
CG
Christopher Dawson (Hawaiian Islands)
CG
Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (Rocky Mountain)
CG
Leighton Jordan (Northeastern)
CG
Robert Petersen (Pacific Northwest)
CG
Polo Development LLC
Global Licensing Inc.
CG
Patrick Nesbitt (Pacific Coast)
USPA Services
Marketing LLC
CG Mark Sedacca (Mid-States)
O
= Officer
CG
= Circuit Governor
GAL
= Governor at Large
CG
CG
Jake Flournoy Paul Jornayvaz (Southeastern) (Southwestern)
57
GAL
GAL
Julio Arellano
Steven Armour
Divisions, Committees & LLCs
U.S. Polo Assn. Services Division
MISSION STATEMENT: Services division operates as the “hub” of all USPA functions; it maintains the administrative and operational infrastructure within which all Divisions, LLCs, clubs, and members participate. The services not provided by the LLCs for their operation are generally provided by Services in support of the LLCs and USPA.
Arena Committee Mission Statement: The Arena Committee is the successor of the Indoor Polo Association. Its mission is to manage arena polo within the USPA as well as organize, promote and develop arena polo with member clubs and players. The committee seeks to differentiate arena polo as an exciting, competitive, and alternative version of the sport polo, as well as an invaluable teaching polo format. The committee’s initiatives and responsibilities include arena rules, arena handicaps, high goal arena polo, arena tournaments, international arena polo, I/I, and women’s arena polo. Chairman: Daniel Coleman Vice Chairman: Edward Armstrong Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Teresa Stephens Arena Handicap Chairman: Thomas Goodspeed Committee Members: Daniel Scheraga, David Eldredge, Dennis Geiler, Ilene Tognini, James DeAngelis, Karl Hilberg, Lisa Nousek, Louis Lopez Jr., Mark Gillespie, Megan Judge, Robert Ceparano, Robert Lyn-Kee-Chow, Robin Sanchez, Rodney Fragodt, Thomas Biddle Jr, Thomas Goodspeed, Tony Yahyai, Sarah Coleman, Raymond Noh
Armed Forces Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Armed Forces Polo 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 perpetuate the tie between 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. Chairman: Karl Hilberg Vice-Chairman: Mark Gillespie Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Teresa Stephens Committee Members: Steven Armour, John Blankenship, James Burton, Avery Chapman, Daniel Colhoun, Dean Daggett, Barbara Donahue, John Flournoy, Jr., Roman Fontes, Allen Hoe, Gary Knoll, Joseph Meyer, Patrick Nesbitt, Rob Phipps, Parker Scott, Steven Smith, Marisa Tanner, Steven Walsh.
Audit Committee 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. (From the Audit Committee Charter) Chairman: Charles Stanislawski, M.B.T., C.P.A., C.T.C. Staff: Susan Present Committee Members: Eugene Burk, Steven Rudolph
Board and Staff Development Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Board and Staff Development Committee is to, on an ongoing basis, study and offer recommendations for the establishment and continuous improvement 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 Companies development. The Committee shall study 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’s responsibility (concerning the USPA and subsidiary Limited Liability Companies), includes, but not limited to: human resources,
58
information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation, staff development and succession, strategic planning, Board development and succession planning, and Board and staff evaluation and interaction. Chairman: Joseph Muldoon Executive Staff: Susan Present, Staff: Beverly Basist Committee Members: Charles Smith, Dennis Geiler, Amir Pirasteh, Daniel Coleman, Ilene Tognini, Britt Baker, Leighton Jordan
Constitution Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman, Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Delegates and staff about all aspects of the USPA Constitution, By-Laws, Strategic Planning and Governance. The Committee shall prepare appropriate language to affect changes to the USPA Constitution and By-Laws as directed by the Board of Governors, other Committees, or on its own initiative. The Committee shall prepare other resolutions, opinions, and documentation as required to affect efficient and stable Governance. Chairman: Paul Jornayvaz Vice Chairman: Daniel Coleman Vice Chairman: Avery Chapman Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Susan Present Committee Members: Peter Rizzo, Steven Armour, John Flournoy, Jr.
Equine Welfare Committee Mission Statement: The Equine Welfare Committee recognizes the value of the polo pony to the sport and advises the Association and its Membership on all aspects of the care and well-being of polo ponies. The Committee develops policies and procedures and executes programs to ensure that polo ponies are treated in accordance with humane guidelines and the highest standards of care. Chairman: Mark Sedacca Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: James Burton, Dr. Richard Caleel, Avery Chapman, Tania Evans, Joshua Hall DVM, Brittany Halstead, Michael Manno DVM, Mary Muldoon, Yarrow Pallo, Dr. William Patterson, Gwen Rizzo, Katherine Snow, David Strouss, Lydia Sudick, Daren Tamplin DVM, Kathleen Timmins DVM, Juan Villamil, Aimee Waters, Dawn Weber, Gillian Young Sub-Committees: Equine Awards: Gillian Young Drugs and Medications: Daren Tamplin DVM & Joshua Hall DVM Equine Welfare Publications: Aimee Waters International: Clint Nangle Unwanted Horse: Lydia Sudick
Finance Committee Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance Committee is to provide the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors direction for the fiscal responsibility of the USPA. This is achieved by a regular review of the organization’s financial statements along with the approval of the annual budget with submission to the full Board of Governors for approval, ensuring all are consistent with the strategic objectives and mission of the USPA. The Finance Committee also seeks to prudently manage organizational investments consistent with the duties outlined in the USPA’s Investor Policy and Guidelines. Chairman: Samuel Ramirez, Jr. Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Susan Present Committee Members: Peter Alworth, Chip Campbell III, Avery Chapman, Bob Daniels, John Flournoy, Jr., Dennis Geiler, Thomas Gose, Robert Jornayvaz III, Joseph Meyer, Hutch Radcliff
High-Goal Committee Mission Statement: To advise the Chairman and BOG and committee chairs on all aspects of high-goal polo in the US. 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 US. Chairman: Maureen Brennan
59
Divisions, Committees & LLCs
U.S. Polo Assn.
Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Marc Ganzi, Jeffrey Hildebrand, Martin Pepa, Roberto Zedda, James Newman, Charles Muldoon, Thomas Gose, Duncan Huyler Sub-Committees: International High Goal Rules: Marc Ganzi, Martin Pepa, Charlie Muldoon, Tom Gose High-Goal Handicap Policy Recommendations: Roberto Zedda, Robert Puetz, Stephen Orthwein Jr. High-Goal Professional Polo: Maureen Brennan, Robert Puetz, Duncan Huyler, Robert Jornayvaz, III, Avery Chapman, Bob Parr, Matthew Baran, Matthew McCartin
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, umpire and player clinics to foster international fellowship and sportsmanship. The committee will co-operate with National Polo Associations, The Federation of International Polo, The Pan-American International Polo Foundation, The United States Olympic Committee and all other interested qualified groups or individuals in achieving its goals. Chairman: George Dill Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Paige Beard, Bruce Colley, Melissa Ganzi, Glen Holden, Robert Leary, Robert Miller, Clint Nangle, Stephen Orthwein, Samuel Ramirez, Wesley Ru, Paul von Gontard, Derek Wolstenholme, Richard Caleel, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Doreen Ladin, Lydia Suddick, Edward Armstrong, Geraldine Strunsky, Mark Gillespie, Patrick Nesbit, Tony Yahyai, Chris Dawson, Mark Gillespie
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 Chairman’s, 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 publically available to all members. Chairman: Stephen Orthwein Jr. Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Peter Alworth, Carlucho Arellano, Kelly Beal, Thomas Biddle, Maureen Brennan, Michael Carney, Joey Casey, Anthony Coppola, Herman Louis-DeCoite, George Dill, Luis Escobar, Thomas Goodspeed, Robert Jornayvaz, Adren Nance, Charles Muldoon, Steve Lane, Martin Pepa, Peter Rizzo, Trey Schott, Mike Uretz, Thomas Uskup Sub-Committees: Arena Handicap: Thomas Goodspeed Women’s Handicap: Maureen Brennan 19 and Under Handicap: Mark Sedacca
Nominating Committee Mission Statement: The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven Registered Players, five of who shall be members of the Board of Governors and four of who shall be Circuit Governors. This committee will meet annually to consider and nominate a slate of Officers. This slate of Officers is to be conveyed to the Secretary of the Association at least two weeks in advance of the Board of Governors meeting prior to the Annual Meeting. Chairman: Charles Weaver Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Leighton Jordan, Paul Jornayvaz, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, David Ragland, Robert Petersen, Maureen Brennan
Rules/Rules Interpretation 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. Chairman: Thomas Gose Executive Staff: Charles Muldoon, Robert Puetz Staff: Marguerite Mitchell
60
Instant Replay Sub-Committee: Charles Muldoon, Steven Orthwein Jr., Jeff Hall, Anthony Coppola, Steve Lane, Charles Whitelaw Committee Members: Daniel Coleman, David Eldredge, Charles Muldoon, Stephen Orthwein, Daniel Scheraga, Mark V. Sedacca, Steve Lane, Thomas Hughes, Christopher Green, Melanja Jones, Michael Carney, Stewart Armstrong
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 communicate safety information and safety recommendations to polo players and polo officials. Chairman: Dr. Thor Norregaard Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Chrys Beal, Anthony Coppola, William Bennett, Avery Chapman, George Dill, Robert Donahey, Stanley Feldman, Merle Jenkins, Clint Nangle, Stephen Seager, Charles Weaver, Dr. Victor Ramon, Diana Palmer, Stephanie Riemanns, Robin Sanchez
Tournament Committee Mission Statement: To promote the sport of polo in the United States through responsible consideration and recommendation for the approval of tournament matches and events. It is the Tournament Committee’s responsibility to preserve the history and tradition of the sport of polo; encourage interest in the sport of polo; elevate the standards of play; promote involvement and the overall vitality of the game; and stimulate the growth of tournament play at all levels by hosting USPA Sanctioned, Circuit, and National tournaments at USPA member clubs. The Tournament Committee promotes an emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety, while expanding the opportunities for professionals, amateurs, umpires, clubs, sponsors, and spectators. Chairman: Michael Carney Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Anthony Coppola, Charles Smith, Peter Poor, Daniel Walker, Edward Armstrong, James A. Newman, Jeff Hall, Jennifer McLeavy, Maureen Brennan, Stephen Orthwein, Jr., Steven Armour, Stormie Hale, Tobbin Wayman, Stewart Armstrong
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. Chairman: Erica Gandomcar-Sachs Executive Staff: Duncan Huyler, Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Chrys D. Beal, Lynn Thompson, Elizabeth W. Beer, Maureen C. Brennan, Monica Ganley, Jessica Goldstein, Lesley Ann Fong-Yee, Stormie Hale, Janine Mills, Clint Nangle, Arshia Rios, Bridget Sibson, Joanne M. Smicklas, Julia Smith Sub-Committees: Women’s World Cup
Marketing LLC 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. LLC Chair: Scott Walker Board Members: Bruce Colley, Chris Dawson, Leighton Jordan, Duncan Huyler CEO (Ex-Officio)
Polo Development LLC Mission Statement: Develop, institute, and manage USPA programs that grow polo through education, development, and assistance thereby fortifying clubs and membership. This includes the training and development of players of all ages and the training, educating and certification of instructors as well as the administration and evaluation of the PDI assistance to clubs. These programs will be the positive face of the USPA to clubs across the country.
61
Divisions, Committees & LLCs
U.S. Polo Assn.
LLC Chair: Charles Smith LLC Board Members: Chrys Beal, Dennis Geiler, Kristine Bowman, Duncan Huyler CEO (Ex-Officio)
Club and 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. Committee Chair: Dennis Geiler Executive Staff: Kristine Bowman, Staff: Justin Powers Committee Members: Lesley Ann Fong-Yee, Steven Armour, Chrys Beal, Scott Brown, Max Duarte, Julie Empey, Diego Florez, Kyle Fargey, Ilene Tognini, Thomas Goodspeed, Jef Graham, Glenn Hart, Jim Huber, Andrew Jasco, Megan Judge, Richard Lara, Scott Lancaster, Erik Wright, Chip McKenney, Mark Nance, Margaret Paur, Amir Ahmad Pirasteh, Robin Sanchez, Scott Walker, Ed Armstrong, Paul Jornayvaz
Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Committee 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. Committee Chair: David Wenning Executive Staff: Kristine Bowman, Staff: Amy Fraser Committee Members: Dr. Philip Abel, Steve Armour, Christopher Blythe, Scott Boggess, James Burton, Annetta Evans, Stan Feldman, Melissa Ganzi, Megan Judge, Miranda Luna, Robert Lynn-Kee-Chow, Jon Nicholson, PJ Orthwein, Stephen Orthwein, Jr., Robin Sanchez, Daniel Sheraga, Russ Sheldon, Caroline Stimmel, Lynn Thompson, Dr. Bruce Wells, David Wenning, Tom Wisehart
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. Committee Chair: Chrys Beal Executive Staff: Kristine Bowman, 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, Kelly Price, Nick Snow, Carolyn Stimmel
Team USPA Committee 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 give back to the sport of polo. Committee Chair: Charles Smith Executive Staff: Kristine Bowman, Staff: Amanda Snow Committee Members: Steve Armour, Chrys Beal, Thomas Gose, Gillian Johnston, Joseph Meyer, Charles Muldoon, James Newman, Owen Rinehart, Peter Rizzo, Adam Snow, Tommy Wayman
Umpires LLC 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. LLC Chair: Britt Baker LLC Board Members: Robert Daniels, Thomas Biddle, Sr., Thomas Gose, Duncan Huyler CEO (Ex-Officio)
62
Headquarters & Staff
U.S. Polo Assn. Phone: (800) 232-USPA (8772)
Fax: (888) 391-7410
Services Peter J. Rizzo........................................................ Chief Executive Officer (outgoing CEO) Duncan Huyler....................................................... Chief Executive Officer (incoming CEO) Robert Puetz.......................................................... Executive Director Teresa Stephens.................................................... Club and Membership Director Lindsay Dolan........................................................ Services Administrator Lindsey Ebersbach................................................ Tournament Administrator Matthew Baran....................................................... Services Administrator Accounting Susan Present, CPA, CGMA, CFE............................... Chief Financial Officer Kelly Vanderwerff................................................... Controller Beverly Basist........................................................ Human Resources/Accounting Office Manager Jennifer Furlow...................................................... Assistant Controller Deanna Sullivan..................................................... Accounting Administrator USPA Marketing, LLC Robert Puetz.......................................................... Executive Director USPA Polo Development, LLC Kristine Bowman.................................................... Executive Director Amanda Snow....................................................... Director of Player Development Elizabeth Holson.................................................... Head Instructor Elizabeth Hedley.................................................... Polo Development Coordinator Justin Powers........................................................ Director of Club Development Jessica Downey..................................................... Executive Assistant/Certification Administrator Kylie Sheehan........................................................ Team USPA Coordinator Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Amy Fraser............................................................ Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program Director Alexandra Davidge................................................ Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program Coordinator Emily Dewey.......................................................... Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Tournament Director USPA Umpires, LLC Charles Muldoon.................................................... Executive Director Steven Lane........................................................... Head Umpire Instructor Bradley Biddle........................................................ Roving Umpire Instructor Marguerite Mitchell................................................ Umpire Manager
63
United States Polo Association® 9011 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, Florida 33467 (800) 232-USPA ∙ uspolo.org