2019 USPA Annual Report by United States Polo Association

2019 Annual Report United States Polo Association

2019 United States Polo Association

Annual Report USPA VISUAL GUIDELINES / LOGO AND SIGNATURE STRIPE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chairman’s Letter

Services Division

Arena Committee

Armed Forces Committee

Board & Staff Development Committee

Club & Membership Administration Committee

Constitution Committee

Equine Welfare Committee

Finance Committee

Handicap Committee

High-Goal Committee

International Committee

Rules Committee

Safety Committee

Tournament Committee

Women’s Committee

Young Player’s Committee

Communications Department

Polo Development LLC

Club Development

Intercollegiate/Interscholastic

Player Development

Umpires LLC

Gauntlet of Polo™

USPA Global Licensing Inc.

Board of Governors

Divisions, Committees & LLCs

USPA Staff

CEO Letter

USPA Numbers

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

On behalf of the USPA Board of Governors and its Chairman, the United States Polo Association is proud to present the 2019 Annual Report. I want to thank you for the opportunity to lead our Association. It is an honor to represent the membership and a responsibility I look forward to with confidence. My first duty will be to continue to inspire trust. Chip Campbell did a great job in this regard and I want to thank him for his efforts and for setting the USPA on a better course during his tenure. He has my respect and admiration and should be thanked for his honest and forthright leadership. Trust is the foundation for success in any organization, and without it nothing can be accomplished. In order to share my vision and objectives for the Association, let me start by explaining my perspective. The USPA has three primary functions: to award handicaps, to provide rules and to give players the opportunity to participate in long-standing tournaments. This is the purpose of membership dues and what members are entitled to receive when they join the Association. Therefore, these are the primary areas to which we should direct our focus. We must be intentional about doing a great job in administering these three functions, otherwise a polo player has no need to join the USPA. I make this point to distinguish our core purposes apart from the deployment of the financial resources of the Association. In the past, the mission of the Association was to promote the sport. Under Chip’s administration, we amended that mission to state that our overarching objective is to improve the game of polo. This slight shift in focus is based on the belief that in order to grow the sport we must constantly strive to make it the best it can be. In the words of Phil Knight, the founder of Nike, “a product either speaks for itself, or it doesn’t.” No amount of promotion or marketing can convince a person to spend their hard-earned money to play, spectate or purchase a product if they are not first convinced by the sport itself. Beyond improving our three primary functions, the financial resources we share should be invested in strategies that are designed to make polo better for playing members, spectators and our U.S. Polo Assn. apparel customers. These three groups are our core constituents so making polo better in their eyes will result in growth of the sport in all respects. As a byproduct of setting our sights on improvement, we have a duty to measure the amount of improvement achieved by each strategy and reconcile it against the amount we invested. This constant measurement must be integral to the USPA in order to manage effectively. These are the principal elements we will be focusing on within the USPA. My goal is to bring all of us together in the pursuit of making polo better. Only by improving the experience of the sport for everyone can we expect growth to be realized.

Stewart Armstrong C H A IR M A N - U S PA

SERVICES DIVISION

The USPA Services Division serves as the central hub for administrative and operational tasks within the Association. Staff members in the Services Department have numerous responsibilities that act to keep the Association functioning, while providing open lines of communication between the Board of Governors, committees, Club Delegates, members and employees. The continued effort to strengthen and improve relationships both inside and outside the Association can be seen in the USPA’s positive impact on the sport through dedicated leadership, tournament and handicap support, and communication and committee relations.

A Governor-at-Large Election was held in 2019 and five new officers were elected into leadership roles. New officers were sworn in at the fall USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting that was held in the California desert for the first time. The meetings proved productive, yielding many discussions and decisions about the direction of polo in North America. Most notably, the Board approved the proposed plan to host the Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in October 2021. Building upon the previous two years, the relationship with ChukkerTV continued to evolve and in 2019 improved the viewing experience with elevated graphics and additional in-game capabilities. The USPA Polo Network captured content during 26 games of the GAUNTLET OF POLO™ and closed the year with 143 livestreamed games. Introducing slow motion cameras during the North American Cup®, the USPA Polo Network increased the quality of replay and social media content. Continuing the partnership with ChukkerTV through 2022, the Communications Department will strive to further enhance the fan experience and content in 2020 on the new Global Polo TV platform. In order to inject excitement into arena polo for present and future members, the Tournament and Arena Committees announced the launch of the National Arena Amateur Cup (NAAC), a brand-new initiative to showcase the accessibility of amateur polo. The Communications Department assisted with the creation of an NAAC landing page on the USPA website. This innovative format allowed amateurs to earn points in all USPA Arena Events and view their rankings on uspolo.org as they competed to qualify for the National Arena Amateur Cup, held at Orange County Polo

Claire Tobika holds a chestnut spare at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. ©David Lominska

Club in Silverado, California. Additionally, a new Website Administrator was added to the team to manage uspolo.org.

SERVICES DIVISION

Leadership roles changed in late 2019 when Chairman Chip Campbell announced his intention to step down. Receiving unanimous support from the Nominating UVA’s Brennan Wells greets the crowd after the Eastern Circuit Arena Congressional Cup Final at Great Meadow Polo Club in The Plains, Virginia. ©Mike Ryan

Committee and the Board of Governors, Stewart Armstrong was elected Chairman at the USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting. Charles Smith took the place of Armstrong as Secretary, Steven Rudolph moved into Sam Ramirez Jr.’s role as Treasurer and Tony Coppola was reelected as President. A new Tournament Coordinator, Kaila Dowd, was hired to fill a previous vacancy, and the Tournament Department quickly launched a new online tournament database, providing a central location for electronic tournament applications, roster entry and tournament results through the Member Portal. The Tournament Prize Money Matching Program was also introduced in 2019. Geared towards tournaments at the 12-goal level and below, the goal of the program is to incentivize participation and attract a greater number of teams to play in USPA tournaments. In 2019, there were upwards of 450 tournaments played. After much consideration, the USPA Board voted to move forward with the NOCSAE Helmet Mandate effective June 1, 2020. All players and umpires in any USPA event or club event will be required to wear a helmet that passes the NOCSAE ND050 Standard Performance Specification. Seeking to provide additional member benefits through the USPA Polo Plus Discount Program, the Membership Department introduced the John Deere TS Gator™ Giveaway. Geared towards promoting the use of the discount program by USPA Member Clubs, the giveaway rewarded the top three clubs with the highest cumulative Discount Program dollar amount spent by their members during 2019. TentCraft and Daktronics were also added to the discount program this year, the first offering custom event tent and outdoor marketing signage, while the second offers digital and video scoreboards. The Membership Department also added a Membership Administrator to the team to assist with record keeping and customer service.

ARENA COMMITTEE

The Arena Committee continued to expand upon the progress and initiatives developed in previous years. The Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to stimulate the growth of arena polo at all levels raised the number of arena events in 2019. Arena polo continues to prosper across the country with a record number of 133 USPA arena tournaments awarded in 2019.

the 2019 NAAC Championship in November. The NAAC Host Tournament Committee placed the 12 finalists on one of four competitive teams and the final left spectators on the edge of their seats when the Straight Shooters and Silverado Sharks went into a penalty shootout to determine the champion. Little separating the two teams, Silverado Sharks emerged the victor, capturing a sensational 15-14 win in what proved to be an exceptional weekend of polo with

The Russ Sheldon Award was created by the Arena

players traveling from as far as Texas to compete.

Committee in 2015 to be presented annually to a member who has made an outstanding contribution

National arena tournaments continue to be a

to arena polo. Danny Scheraga was honored with

sensation around the country. The 2020 U.S. Open

the 2019 Russ Sheldon Award. The first Executive Director of the Polo Training Foundation, and a former intercollegiate player and coach, Scheraga has dedicated his life advocating for young adult involvement in polo. A major Arena Committee accomplishment in 2019 was the launch of the National Arena Amateur Cup (NAAC). The new tournament format highlighted amateur polo with the goal to incentivize players to participate longer and more frequently in USPA tournaments, at their home clubs, home circuits and nationally. Throughout the year, players from all over the country accumulated points by playing in any USPA Arena Event. All amateur players rated -1 to 3 goals were eligible to qualify. Each player earned points based on the number of teams entered and the team standings in each tournament. In its inaugural year, 153 USPA Members ranked on the leaderboard with the opportunity to earn one of the coveted spots on the four national championship

Pacific Coast Arena League polo action from a drone perspective at the Orange Country Polo Club in Silverado, California.

teams. Orange County Polo Club in Silverado, California, hosted

ARENA COMMITTEE

In the Southwestern Circuit Sherman Memorial at East Texas Polo Club in Kaufman, Texas, Loreto Natividad pops the ball forward as JT Shiverick reaches for the hook. ÂŠMurrellPhoto.com

Arena Polo ChampionshipÂŽ was one of the most

champion Flexjet and claim the 2019 United States

sought-after tournaments in 2019. After careful

Arena Handicap title.

deliberation it was ultimately awarded to the

The future of arena polo is bright as the sport

California Polo Club in Los Angeles, California,

continues to thrive. Hundreds of spectators and

scheduled to be played in July 2020.

players are drawn to the fast-paced and competitive

Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado,

game each year. Arena polo continues to expand

hosted the United States Arena Handicap for the

across the country and the Arena Committee is in

third consecutive year. Nestled in the mountains,

constant pursuit of new ways to help improve and

the unique arena set a spectacular stage for the

enhance the sport.

competition. Casablanca dominated the game from start to finish to overcome two-time defending

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

The U.S. Military has played a significant and important role in the history and development of polo in the United States. In 1896, the U.S. Army based at Fort Riley, Kansas, took up the game. In addition to improving the riding skills of cavalrymen, polo taught leadership, teamwork and strategy. West Point next introduced polo in 1901. By 1914 there were 17 Army posts playing polo. In 1928, the U.S. Army team made it to the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final. Army polo continued to spread, expanding across the U.S., Panama and the Philippines. The other military branches, Air Force, Marines and Navy soon followed suit, and today there are inter-service matches held all over the country and international matches amongst the military branches contested worldwide.

The Armed Forces Committee has been working over the past few years to increase USPA military tournaments and USPA membership. In 2016, changes to the USPA By-Laws offered free membership to active duty military players and free membership is still offered to date. Only seven circuit military tournaments were held in 2016, the first year the events were available, making growth a focus for the Committee over the past several years. The Committee’s hard work and dedication to the cause raised that number to 23 circuit events in 2017, 25 in 2018 and upwards of 42 in 2019. In 2017, the USPA approved two national military tournaments (one arena and one outdoor). Sarasota Polo Club in Sarasota, Florida, hosted the 2019 National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup at the 12-goal level in March, and Team Tito’s defeated Whiskey

Coast Gaurd’s Trey Crea at full speed defended by Taimur Zeb of Army during the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. at Two Wishes Polo Club in Lockhart, Texas. ©MurrellPhoto.com

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

Pond to take home the win. The 2019 National Arena

Committee has also supported the Fall Fandango

Commander-In-Chief Cup was played at Texas

polo tournament and Texas Arena League the past

Military Polo Club in Poteet, Texas, in October. The

two years. Beginning in 2020, the MIP will financially

Air Force defeated both the Navy/Marine Corps and

support six circuit military events. The Armed Forces

Army teams to capture the championship title. The

Committee also continues to support numerous

2020 National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup

additional military events in Washington D.C., Hawaii,

has been awarded to Sarasota Polo Club for a second

Virginia and Texas. Internationally, the U.S. hosted a

2019 National Arena Commander-In-Chief Cup Champions: Air Force - Chris Jones, Cody Goetz, Rob Phipps. ÂŠMurrellPhoto.com

consecutive year to be played at the 12-goal level.

United Kingdom arena military team in the Churchill-

The 2020 National Arena Commander-in-Chief Cup

Roosevelt Cup, and also participated in the seventy-

has been awarded to Virginia Polo, Inc. in Charlottesville,

fifth D-Day remembrance ceremonies in France with

Virginia. The national arena event uses a split-string

a U.S. versus France polo match.

format and was most recently played by veterans

The USPA selected Commander Karl Hilberg, United

and active duty service members of the United States

States Navy (Retired), for the 2019 General George

Armed Forces.

S. Patton Jr. Award in appreciation for his work that

The Committee continues to contribute financially

has gone above and beyond the call of duty, creating

to the marketing efforts of two military circuit

opportunities for military members and their families

events and two military national events each year

to become involved in the sport of polo.

through the Military Incentive Program (MIP). The

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Board and Staff Development Committee (BASDC) was established and onboarded as a small and varied group of business-oriented individuals with ties to many USPA committees that were approved by the Board.

The Committee’s responsibility (concerning the USPA and subsidiary Limited Liability Companies) includes, but is not limited to: human resources, information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation, staff development and succession, strategic planning, Board development and succession planning and

BASDC Mission Statement: The mission of the

Board and staff evaluation and interaction.

Committee is to, on an ongoing basis, study and offer recommendations on the establishment and

The current BASDC was established in 2017 and

continuous improvement of an efficient, staff-

it has vigorously pursued a number of significant

driven organizational structure. The Committee

corporate best practice reviews and has offered a

provides advice and support to the Association’s

number of presentations to the Board of Governors

Chief Executive Officer in USPA personnel matters

related to corporate and individual conflicts of interest,

and offers advice and support to the Association’s

diversity, diversity training and whistle-blower policies

Chairman in all matters relating to the USPA Board

and procedures. The BASDC worked closely with the

of Governors and USPA Limited Liability Companies’

USPA Human Resources Department and its legal

development. The Committee studies USPA mission

advisors to substantiate, and then present a number

statement objectives and has made several key

of best practices policies and procedures for the

policies and corporate best practices, processes and

Board of Governors’ approval.

recommendations to achieve stated goals, correct

The BASDC reviewed USPA compensation and

deficiencies and ensure consistency, continuity and

metrics to provide guidance and best practices

clarity in all areas of the Association.

for the standards and accountabilities of the

Director of Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Polo, Amy Fraser, speaks with a USPA Member at the Fall Board Of Governors and Annual Member Meeting in Palm Springs, California.

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

processes. Part of this process was the creation of job designs for USPA: Officers,

Aspen’s Stewart Armstrong, the newly-elected USPA Chairman, in action during the inaugural GAUNTLET OF POLO™. ©David Lominska

Governors-at-Large, Circuit Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Delegates, the Chief Executive Officer and the President of USPA Services, all of which were approved by the Board of Governors. The Committee reviewed and created a number of policies including the USPA Censure Policy, Board of Governors’ Oath and Code of Conduct, Communications Policy, Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Ethics and Compliance Reporting Policy and all recommendations were approved by the Board of Governors. The Committee reviewed methods to improve internal Board member communications and the promotion of activities to USPA Members, made recommendations for a revised and updated USPA Recognition of Service Award process, reviewed USPA Staff compensation and bonus policies and procedures and will make continued recommendations for following up with corporate compliance to all USPA Policies and Procedures under the purview of the BASDC and the USPA Corporate Division.

CLUB AND MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

The Club and Membership Administration Committee (CMAC) started the year by working with all of the existing clubs to ensure they were in compliance before the April Board of Governors Meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida. A total of 235 Clubs were presented before the Board of Governors for their review and all were approved. The decrease in the total number of clubs from the previous year was reflective of the Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval to remove the College, University, Secondary School or Youth Program Club option. While a number of these clubs qualified for Active or Affiliate Club status, others became Teams which were hosted by existing Active or Affiliate Member Clubs.

In 2019, Committee Chair, Steven Armour, traveled throughout the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast circuits conducting numerous club visits. Touring each club to ensure they were in compliance, Armour met with Club Delegates and managers to learn more and suggest programs and opportunities offered by the USPA. Committee members have been encouraged to visit as many clubs as possible within the next year in order to better understand club needs and determine how the Association can support their continued development.

The Association received applications from ten new clubs in 2019. All ten applications were approved, including six Provisional Active Member Clubs, one Affiliate Member Club and three Associate Member Clubs. By the end of the year the total club count included 187 Active Member Clubs, 31 Provisional Active Clubs, 14 Affiliate Member Clubs and three Associate Member Clubs.

Linfoot Clinic at Eldorado Polo Club in Indio, California.

CLUB AND MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

During the Pacific Coast Open Final, Farmers & Merchants Bank fans show their support at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. Â©David Lominska

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

After substantial changes to the governing documents in 2018, the Constitution Committee, staff and legal counsel met through the course of the year to further refine the documents. The proposed revisions were presented for the approval by the Delegates and the Board of Governors at the fall USPA Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting.

Commit tee Members. All of the references to “Provisional Active Member Clubs” were changed to “Provisional Member Clubs.” Language was added to provide that individual members who are not in good standing or are registered through a Member Club that is not in good standing for a period exceeding 90 days, may not participate in Association affairs. The 90-day period is intended to provide individual members with a grace period, whereas before they

The major changes to the Constitution were the

would lose their right to participate in Association

following: Executive Committee Members are to

affairs due to being registered through a Member

be voted on by the Board through a balloted vote

Club that is not in good standing.

at the annual member meeting. The Nominating Committee shall continue to be made up of

The major changes to the By-Laws are the following:

seven voting members selected by the Board of

Article III, Section 3 has been divided into two

Governors. Of the seven voting members of the

subsections. Subsection (a) states that a board

Nominating Committee, five shall be selected from

meeting may be called on 24 hours’ advance notice if

among the then-current members of the Board of

and only if the meeting is being called in connection

Governors and the remaining two shall be selected

to a matter subject to the Disciplinary Procedures

from among the Registered Player Members that

Policy of the USPA, and a resolution to the matter is

are at least 18 years of age and are not then-current

so time sensitive that providing 48 hours’ advance

members of the Board of Governors, but who may

notice to the Board would have an adverse effect on

be prior members of the Board of Governors. In lieu

the progression of a USPA event. New subsection

of a nonvoting Nominating Committee Chairperson

(b) has replaced the previous Resolution 4.2 and

selected by the Audit Committee, the seven voting

provides information concerning the three-week

Nominating Committee Members shall select a

timeline for placing items on a Board of Governors’

voting chairperson from among the Nominating

meeting agenda. Consistent with the proposed change to the Constitution, all references to “Provisional Active Member Clubs” have been changed to “Provisional Member Clubs.” The definition of “Provisional Member Club” has been revised in several respects. First, part (B) of that definition has been revised to clarify that Provisional Member Clubs include Active Member Clubs that have fallen out of compliance with the specific membership requirement to have at least six Registered Player Members age 18 years or older but that otherwise meet all requirements

Club Manager Martin Astrada speaks with umpire Robin Sanchez at Brandywine Polo Club in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania. ©Elizabeth Hedley

for Active Member Club membership. Second, the new Part (C) has been added to provide that Provisional Member Clubs may include clubs

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

that participate primarily in interscholastic polo

automatically as Provisional Member Clubs upon

at the high school level. Such clubs may qualify

identification and confirmation of such fact by

as Provisional Member Clubs even if they do not

USPA staff. Effective January 1, 2020, language

have at least six Registered Player Members age

was also added that requires all Affiliate Member

18 years or older so long as they otherwise meet all

Clubs to have at least six Individual Members that

requirements for Active Member Club membership.

are Registered Player Members, Affiliate Player

They may remain Provisional Member Clubs

Members or any combination thereof. Finally, clubs

irrespective of the otherwise applicable three-

that fall out of compliance with the USPA insurance

year time limit for being classified as a Provisional

requirements shall be suspended automatically

Member Club. Additionally, new language has

upon identification and confirmation by USPA staff.

been added to the definition to clarify that Active

If a Member Club that was suspended automatically

Member Clubs that fall out of compliance with the

by USPA staff for failure to maintain the required

requirement to have at least six Registered Player

insurance obtains such insurance within 30 days

Members age 18 or older shall be reclassified

of the automatic suspension, then USPA staff will reinstate such Member Club automatically, so long as such Member Club meets all other requirements for membership. If more than 30 days has passed since an automatic suspension for failure to maintain the requisite insurance, then such Member Club must apply for reinstatement, which will be approved by either the Board of Governors or Executive Committee. The Constitution Committee also made a few minor revisions to the Disciplinary Policy. The time period during which the Chief Executive Officer or Chairman may file a complaint was increased to 30 days rather than seven days. The Committee clarified a procedure for the Executive Committee members to hear any alleged conduct violation when a certain number of members are conflicted. The timeframe for a verbal protest was decreased from 24 hours to eight hours and the written protest must be delivered within 24 hours rather than 48 hours. The Committee continues to review and refine the documents for

Maui Polo Club’s Maya Miller prepares for the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship Semifinals at Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. ©Kaylee Wroe

ease of management of the Association.

EQUINE WELFARE COMMITTEE

The Equine Welfare Committee continues to monitor the safety and wellbeing of horses within the sport. Through programs and education, the Committee works with USPA clubs and members to protect equine athletes. The Committee encourages members to report equine welfare issues. In order to facilitate the process, the USPA created a designated location on uspolo.org for hotlines. Included on the website is information on Equine Welfare Reporting, including links to all reporting forms and the anonymous tip line number. The Committee has also been working with all USPA departments, including the Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic and National Youth Tournament Series, to ensure that all equine welfare violation reporting is conducted through the Equine Welfare Committee. The goal of central reporting is to maintain a better record of any incidents in order to keep track of repeat offenders. The Committee was presented with a request for research funding from Texas A&M Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veterinary School. The vet school is conducting research on Nasopharyngeal Cicatrix Syndrome (NCS), a respiratory condition which occurs in horses who eat grass that is infected with a certain type of fungus. The Committee voted to award a total of $15,000 to support the research. The Equine Welfare Committee continued overseeing the USPA Equine Drugs and Medications Testing Program. A total of nine events and 106 horses were tested throughout the year. Feedback on the program continues to be positive and as more personnel are trained, the process is becoming much more efficient. The Equine Drugs and Medications Rules were revised and approved by the USPA Board at the Board of Governors and Annual Member Meeting and will be applied in 2020. Specific changes included adding anti-arthritic and navicular management medications to the permitted medications list, confirming that cannabinoids (such as CBD) could result in a positive test, and some adjustments to the testing procedure. These adjustments will help continue to improve the testing process.

National Arena Commander-In-Chief Cup Best Playing Pony, Monet, getting love from Bekkah Murrell. ÂŠMurrellPhoto.com

FINANCE COMMITTEE

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 by the USPA’s Investment Policy.

royalty streams could be affected. As the USPA’s operations are dependent on royalties received from its subsidiary, USPA Global Licensing, many of which are derived from emerging market countries, it was determined that removing emerging markets exposures and other volatile allocations from the portfolio made sense. To accomplish this, a highquality approach of targeting DCA allocations to individual sector funds, subsectors of the broadly categorized funds currently in place, will be used, thereby allowing the USPA to take advantage of market conditions affecting performance in the subsectors. This revised approach provides the USPA the ability of making strategic, targeted

At the 2019 USPA Board of Governors and Annual

allocations for DCA placement and is designed to

Member Meeting in October, the Board approved

help remove risk, while ensuring performance over

the Finance Committee’s recommendation of the

time. The move to targeted allocations will continue

2020 USPA budget at a subsidy of $11,337,696. With

to maintain the broad categories and allocation

this budget, the projected date for the fully-funded

percentages of the current Board-approved

endowment remains within the 2026 timeframe.

Investment Policy.

Each year as part of the budget process, the Finance Committee evaluates the USPA’s adherence to the Association’s Board-mandated goal of attaining an investment balance capable of selffunding USPA operations. During 2019, $8,100,000 was added to the USPA’s investment portfolio using a Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) of $675,000 monthly. Monthly funding was temporarily halted during the year while evaluating the purchase of a prospective USPA headquarters; however, all 2019 DCA funding was in place at the year’s end. DCA funding is derived from the differential between royalty income received from USPA Global Licensing and the amount required to subsidize USPA program operations. During 2019, the Finance Committee evaluated its process of investing DCA money per the USPA’s Investment Policy. The Committee explored methods for safeguarding investments during periods

Ridgway Hemp (Carlos Hernandez, Quinn Evans, Beau Staley, Memo Gracida) winners of the Champions Cup at Empire Polo Club (Indio, California) raise their $56,250 prize money check. ©Jim Bremner

of market volatility in which the USPA’s

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Postage Stamp Farm’s Lerin Zubiaurre and Tomas Garcia del Rio celebrate East Coast Open victory with the historic trophy at Greewich Polo Club (Greenwich, Connecticut). ©Ro Fernandez-Andes Visual

An International Fund Budget was designated

At the 2019 USPA Board of Governors and Annual

during 2019, establishing a rolling budget focused on

Member Meeting, Bob Bernstein, USPA’s corporate

funding international tournaments and related issues

tax counsel, presented general guidance geared

without affecting the regular operating budgets. The

towards federal tax classification of a polo club’s

International Budget will provide funding of high

activities as either a for-profit business or as a hobby,

goal and premier events and assistance for play

along with considerations used by the IRS for making

at all levels. The International Budget is funded by

this determination. Enterprises focused on a for-

dividends received from USPA Global Licensing.

profit motive, with a solid business plan, expertise in the industry and sound business practices are

During 2019, at the request of the USPA Board

important factors the IRS considers for a for-profit

of Governors, the Finance Committee evaluated

business. Mr. Bernstein recommended a tax attorney

the purchase of a building in Wellington, Florida,

always be consulted as each organization’s

to serve as the USPA’s centralized headquarters.

circumstances and operations are different. This

Due diligence was performed, including building

guidance is available from USPA Corporate.

structural aspects, environmental issues, financial considerations, and an analysis of ownership versus

Finance Committee meetings are always open and

lease options. After a thorough review, the Finance

interested members are encouraged to attend.

Committee recommended to not move forward with the building purchase and to consider a lease option for USPA Office Headquarters. This decision was supported by the Executive Committee.

Athena Malin goes to goal on the nearside, as Sophie Grant moves in for the bump during the National Youth Tournament Series Girls Championship at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina.

HANDICAP COMMITTEES

The Handicap Committees worked diligently to revise the USPA Handicap Policy in 2019. Revisions included the immediate review of any player holding a handicap with a two or more goal difference outside of the U.S., not allowing players rated -0.5 or 0 to be lowered, a new handicap designation for retired players, and clarification on both the handicap approval process and the handicap review process.

At the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. tournament, Navy’s Jessica Mignone prepares for a shot while riding Best Playing Pony, Roulette. ©MurrellPhoto.com

All three committees held meetings throughout the year. The Outdoor Committee conducted two meetings, one in April to review players from the winter season and one in September for the Annual Outdoor Handicap Meeting. The Women’s Handicap Committee also met twice, once in May to revew winter players and again in November to review players who had played in women’s tournaments during the summer and fall seasons. The Arena Handicap Committee met once for their annual meeting in November to review all arena handicaps.

1,500

MEMBERS RECEIVED A NEW HANDICAP OR HANDICAP CHANGE IN 2019

HIGH-GOAL COMMITTEE

With a record number of high-goal teams and games taking place in 2019, the High-Goal Committee was extremely active during the course of the year. During monthly meetings, members gathered to address various concerns and filtered recommendations to several other committees to help form solutions. Revisions were made to the definition of high-goal polo to include events 16-goals and higher, as opposed to the previous definition that limited it to 20-goals. The Committee also welcomed three new members: Justin Klentner, Annabelle Gundlach and Francisco Lanusse. The inaugural G A U N T L E T O F P O L O ™ s p a r ke d va r i o u s discussions regarding existing rules and their impact on the game.

Rules discussed at length included the Unsportsmanlike Conduct Rules and the awarding of a yellow flag. The High-Goal Committee recommended that Umpires have the ability to award a third yellow flag without it becoming an automatic red flag, resulting in removal from the game. The change in the yellow flag system will be implemented in 2020. Finally, current issues with the substitution rules, the American Rule and possession plays versus throw-ins were also discussed. Additionally, a representative from the Rules Committee now serves on the High-Goal Committee to convey the discussions and recommendations to the Rules Committee for potential future rule changes.

Tonkawa pose for a team photo before the Silver Cup® Final at Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado.©Nick Tininenko

HIGH-GOAL COMMITTEE

Cessna’s Felipe Marquez makes a run on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida) during the inaugural GAUNTLET OF POLO™. ©David Lominska

The Committee prides itself on being the voice for the

The High-Goal Committee received monthly

high goal teams. Several times throughout the year

reports from USPA Global Licensing regarding the

they polled the teams for their opinions on major

marketing and promotion of the GAUNTLET OF

issues that arose. Prior to the start of the 2019 U.S.

POLO™, a collaboration between the United States

Open Polo Championship®, the participating teams

Polo Association, USPA Global Licensing and the

were given the opportunity to rank the Professional

International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington,

Umpires of the USPA Gold Cup® and the highest

Florida). Each year the Committee holds an election

ranked Umpires would go on to be the mounted

to ensure that professionals and team owners are

officials for the U.S. Open Polo Championship games.

represented. The volunteers will continue to work

All 16 teams participated in the poll and the umpires

stringently to elevate the level of high-goal polo in

were selected for the final tournament of the series.

the United States. The High-Goal Committee will

Through the High-Goal Committee, the participants

continue to provide feedback to ensure that teams

are represented, and their opinions are strongly

and tournaments receive proper support.

considered for any recommendations made that influence high-goal polo. Through the High-Goal Committee, the participants are represented, and their opinions have a strong bearing on the influence of high-goal polo.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

After an agreement with the Hurlingham Polo 2019 was a historic year for international polo Association in 2018, the USPA hosted the prestigious in the United States. January kicked off with Westchester Cup on American soil in April 2019. the International Arena Showcase, in which The historic challenge took place on the U.S. Polo the United States swept the field, taking home Assn. Field 1 at IPC. England brought U.S. Polo Assn. all three trophies at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida. In the debut match, the Churchill-Roosevelt Cup, American military members (Paul Knapp, Zach Grob, Jake Flournoy, Joseph Meyer, coached by Mark Gillespie) defeated the United Kingdom 15-12. In the International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup the U.S. Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) team emerged victorious with a score of 13-11 over the Paul Knapp and Zach Grob celebrate Schools & Universities Polo their win over the United Kingdom 15-12 in the inaugural Churchill-Roosevelt Cup Association (SUPA) Britain. In the at International Polo Club Palm Beach featured Townsend Cup, reigning (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska champions USA (Tommy Biddle, Pelon Escapite, Steve Krueger) dominated the game to win 1510 over England. Receiving two goals on handicap, England started off the scoring, but their early advantage was short-lived as the U.S. unleashed a strong offense. Playing a wide-open style of polo in the large IPC arena, both teams battled for the trophy. In the end the United States prevailed, and Tommy Biddle was named Most Valuable Player, scoring eight out of the 15 total goals. In 2018, the Black Bears Polo Club hosted the Junior Westchester Cup in Oxfordshire, England, and in 2019

2019 Junior Westchester Cup Champions USA (Olivia Uechtritz, Timmy Dutta, Lucas Escobar, Bayne Bossom) during the opening ceremonies at International Polo Club Palm Beach. ©David Lominska.

the USPA reciprocated by hosting the tournament at IPC. Coached by Jared Sheldon, USA (Bayne Bossom, Olivia Uechtritz, Lucas

Global Brand Ambassador Henry Porter, as well as

Escobar, Timmy Dutta) defended their country’s 2018

Ollie Cudmore, Jack Richardson and Tommy Beresford

title, defeating the English 6-4.

from across the pond. USA was represented by Mike Azzaro, Peke Gonzalez, Geronimo Obregon and Jared

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

Zenni. Both teams found themselves in an action-

the approval process, a new International Committee

packed game, which concluded in a sudden death

Policy was formed. The USPA Board of Governors

overtime chukker. USA’s Geronimo Obregon delivered

chose professional polo player, Jeff Hall, to chair the

the golden goal to capture the Westchester Cup 9-8 for

Committee and per the policy, he selected a team

the first time since 1992.

of volunteers representing many different aspects of the sport: Steve Krueger (arena), Luis Escobar (low and medium goal), Cecelia Cochran (women’s), Memo Gracida (high goal), Zach Grob (Armed Forces), Mason Wroe (young players) and Dr. Caleel (veteran International Committee member). The Committee met regularly to discuss and budget for events in 2020, with a focus on one premiere event, however also supplementing others to highlight different aspects of the game including women’s, junior, Armed Forces and arena. The premiere event in 2020 will be the Camacho Cup held at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. International competition will also feature the Bryan Morrison arena match, the Women’s Cup of the Nations and various other events. The Committee also developed a plan and budget to host the 2021 USA claimed the Westchester Cup thanks to Geronimo Obregon’s golden goal, bringing the coveted trophy home for the first time since 1992. ©David Lominska

Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Polo Championship at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The full budgets and proposals were unanimously

Off the field, the International Committee underwent

approved during the 2019 USPA Board of Governors

a transformation. In the beginning of 2019, the USPA

and Annual Member Meeting, setting an exciting

Board of Governors approved a new International

stage for international polo in the upcoming years.

Polo Event Fund to be utilized in 2020, and as part of

RULES COMMITTEE

The Rules Committee focused on simplifying the USPA Rulebook for Lifetime, Registered and Affiliate Player Members, as well as umpires. The proposal to consolidate the USPA Arena Rules and Optional Tournament Conditions was approved by the USPA Board of Governors. The Board also approved the proposal to revise the USPA Outdoor Rules, eliminating the need for a separate set of USPA International Rules. As a result, the 2020 Rulebook will include a single set of USPA arena and outdoor rules, each applicable at all goal levels.

Junior Westchester Cup ©David Lominska

Through its representatives on the International Rules Subcommittee, the Rules Committee continued to collaborate with the Hurlingham Polo Association and the Argentine Association of Polo in a cooperative effort to improve and standardize the rules of polo internationally. The Committee pursued this effort while bearing in mind that the USPA’s main focus is, and should be, on polo in America; that American polo has its own unique history and traditions, and that the vast majority of USPA members will continue to compete exclusively in the United States under the USPA outdoor and arena rules.

©Peter Michaelis

SAFETY COMMITTEE

NOCSAE approved helmets on display at the cocktail reception at the Fall Board Of Governors and Annual Member Meeting in Palm Springs, California.

The Safety Committee continued their support for the upcoming NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) Polo Standard Mandate, obtaining two legal reviews which were both in support of the mandate. The Committee also reached out to other equestrian and sports associations to inquire into their helmet requirements.

of the NEU Helmet. Additional manufacturers have

As of the end of 2019, there was one helmet

will not be allowed to play in a USPA Event or Club

manufacturer with a helmet on the market which

Event with a non-approved helmet beginning June 1,

passed the NOCSAE ND050 Polo Helmet Standard.

2020. The Rules Committee also added that players

The Casablanca NEU helmet received approval

under the age of 18 will be required to wear eye

at the end of October. This helmet also passes

protection while playing polo.

expressed interest and will work on approval in early 2020. The Safety Committee worked closely with the Rules Committee and USPA legal counsel to finalize language for the NOCSAE Helmet Rule, as well as discuss enforcement and penalties. The rule will be effective for players and umpires; players

the standard required by the Hurlingham Polo

Moving into 2020, the Committee would like to look

Association in England. The Committee approved

for new ways to increase safety in the sport, with a

to cover the cost of certification from the Safety

focus on promoting the manufacturing of NOCSAE

Equipment Institute (SEI) for the first four helmet

compliant eye protection, as well as educating members

manufacturers to produce a helmet that passes the

on ways to protect themselves.

NOCSAE Polo Standard. Casablanca was awarded one of these grants from the USPA for the creation

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

There was an increase in demand for USPA tournaments with upwards of 420 awarded in 2019. The Tournament Committee focused on making timely recommendations on where to award national tournaments after careful consideration and deliberation. In an effort to preserve the history and tradition of the sport of polo and the most prestigious USPA tournaments, an emphasis was made on tracking the success of national events which helped the Committee make educated decisions.

The most heavily discussed national tournament was the U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship®. Five prominent clubs vied to host the 2020 U.S. Open Arena Polo Championship®, including International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida), Country Farms Polo Club (Medford, New York), Aspen Valley Polo Club (Carbondale, Colorado), New Bridge Polo & Country Club (Aiken, South Carolina) and California Polo Club (Los Angeles, California). Thorough proposals were presented to the Tournament Committee from each club and it was ultimately recommended to award the tournament to California Polo Club in 2020. The U.S.

The Tournament Committee met in April and October

Open Arena Polo Championship® has not been played

of 2019 to thoughtfully discuss the awarding of

on the West Coast since 2011, where it was last played

2020 national tournaments. In order for clubs to be

at California Polo Club.

considered as a host site they must apply a year in advance. In 2019, many national tournaments were

The Silver Cup® is one of the oldest USPA tournaments

highly sought after by numerous clubs throughout

and has a rich history within the Association, therefore,

the country. After hearing presentations from USPA

the coveted title adds great value to any club. Aspen

Member Clubs, the Tournament Committee made

Valley Polo Club hosted the 2019 Silver Cup® in August

location recommendations to the Board of Governors.

where the undefeated Tonkawa team conquered Casablanca in the final in front of a sold-out crowd

U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™ trophy at the Draw Party held at the 7th Chukker at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida).

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

2019 North American Cup® Champions: La Karina (Sebastian Merlos, Carlitos Gracida, Kris Kampsen, Brian Boyd) at Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado. ©Nick Tininenko

at Aspen Valley Polo Club’s McClure River Ranch.

was lowering the C.V. Whitney, USPA Gold Cup® and

Lengthy deliberations to award the host site of

U.S. Open Polo Championship® to 18- to 22-goals.

the 2020 Silver Cup® ultimately led the Committee to

The 2019 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship™

recommend awarding the tournament to the Santa

was also played at the International Polo Club Palm

Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California

Beach and attracted eight competitive teams, featuring

and the Board approved.

some of the most talented women’s players in the world.

The 2019 GAUNTLET OF POLO™ at the International

The Tournament Committee is looking forward

Polo Club Palm Beach proved a major success.

to a successful year in 2020. The Committee will

Featuring 16 highly competitive, evenly-matched

continue to carefully review the placement of

teams, the Florida Circuit high-goal season was

national tournaments, preserve their prestige,

incredibly close throughout all three tournaments.

promote involvement from members and USPA

One of the biggest accomplishments for the

Member Clubs and stimulate the growth of

Tournament Committee and all committees involved,

tournament play at every level.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

In 2019, the Women’s Committee saw a significant increase in the number of women’s tournaments held in the United States compared to the previous year. A total of 57 women’s tournaments were held over the course of the year. These tournaments were incentivized with funding from the USPA Women’s Tournament Incentive Program which reimbursed USPA Member Clubs for certain expenses associated with hosting a USPA women’s tournament.

Committee has decided to commission a bronze

Relocating to Florida in 2019, the U.S. Open Women’s

World Cup to take place in 2021 with an American

Polo Championship™ was shared between two clubs.

team slated to compete.

trophy for the recipient of the USPA Woman of the Year award. The bronze will be based on Louise Hitchcock and is being created by Rich Roenish at Walking R Holdings. The Committee will also have individual sized awards made to present to past winners. Moving forward, the Committee is supporting a team to compete in Argentina in the Women’s Cup of the Nations in 2020. There are also plans for the first ever Federation of International Polo (FIP) Women’s

Preliminary games were held at Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, Florida, with the final taking place on the U.S. Polo Assn Field 1 of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. A total of eight teams competed for the title and Hawaii Polo Life was crowned the champion, defeating Cabo Wabo 10-5. Additionally, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California, hosted the inaugural Women’s Pacific Coast Open in September, drawing four teams at the 16- to 20-goal level. The Westchester Polo Club (also known as Newport Polo Club) in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, hosted the second consecutive East Coast Open Women’s Polo Championship which also drew four teams to compete at the 14- to 20-goal level. Due to heavy thunderstorms and flooding, the final was cancelled and the winner was decided based on net goals with Heron Luxury Charters ultimately securing the championship on one gross goal. Seeking to highlight the

Crossfit El Cid’s Cecelia Cochran during the Southeastern Circuit Women’s Challenge Final at Aiken Polo Club in Aiken, South Carolina. ©Pam Gleason

contributions of women, the

YOUNG PLAYER’S COMMITTEE

In the spring of 2019, the USPA Board of Governors established the Young Player’s Committee and appointed Todd Thurston as the inaugural chairman. The mission of the Committee is to generate a voice within the USPA to offer input on opportunities, initiatives, rules and policies, in an effort to provide fresh solutions to the challenges young players face in polo today. In 2019, the Young Player’s Committee collaborated with the Rules and High-Goal committees on team eligibility discussions providing insight into proposed rule changes. The Committee also prepared and distributed a survey to all USPA members under 35 to receive critical feedback on how the Committee could best represent players from that age demographic.

Moving forward, the Young Player’s Committee hopes to establish a series of Q&A forums with individuals from other sporting organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), to discuss challenges facing young equestrian athletes. Additionally, the Young Player’s Committee is in discussions with local charities in the Wellington, Florida, community, such as the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, about how to use polo as a way of giving back. The Young Player’s Committee looks forward to continuing and expanding efforts to best represent young polo players in the sport.

Florida’s Hope Arellano with a beautiful neckshot during the NYTS Championship at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina.

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

The Communications Department focuses on highlighting and promoting USPA tournaments, livestreaming polo to the world and executing digital media strategy through uspolo.org, social media, email and print platforms. During the course of 2019, uspolo.org was visited by nearly 850,000 unique visitors from 228 countries and functioned as the center of information to members and polo enthusiasts with 367 articles created in a year. The Association continued to emphasize the importance of Member Clubs, players and horses, to those involved in the sport and potential fans and players around the world. Through digital and print media the Association produced club videos and educational commercials, spectator guides and club brochures, online club profiles, tournament coverage and special interest stories. The department’s strong relationship with players and clubs led to an emphasis on competitors, horses and industry leaders via the livestream broadcast, social media, short films and online articles. These assets served to inspire and educate those interested in learning more about the lifestyle within the sport.

pages for each of the three prestigious tournaments (which will be updated each year), with the goal to elevate how polo tournaments are followed by fans. The traffic uspolo.org received on the 2019 GAUNTLET OF POLO™ landing page, which combined all three tournament detail pages versus prior years, was an increase of 215%. The GAUNTLET OF POLO™ landing page improved the overall layout and provided an elevated space for team rosters, player profiles, and a descriptive history for each of the three tournaments. The design for videos and photos was enhanced, to provide a more inviting area for new polo lovers and seasoned ones alike. Revolutionizing how the sport is covered, the bracket system and overall tournament format were given heavy attention enabling fans to better understand and follow the tournament.

USPOLO.ORG Overall many improvements were made to the Association’s existing website. During 2019, the online scoreboard experience was updated to enhance the layout functionality. Considerably more user-friendly, the scoreboard now displays an extensive schedule of upcoming and completed

The Communications Department hired a new

games. Improvements were also made to the

Website Administrator. Top responsibilities include

existing club map presenting all clubs across the

managing and overseeing all aspects of uspolo.org,

country enabling users to navigate the states easier

assisting with tournament coverage and working

and more efficiently. The updated club map aids

collaboratively with other teams to manage end-toend execution of web strategies.

GAUNTLET OF POLO™ The USPA Communications Department worked productively with International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) and USPA Global Licensing (USPAGL) over the course of 2019 to effectively host, promote and cover the GAUNTLET OF POLO™ across all USPA platforms. The Department launched a new GAUNTLET OF POLO™ landing page

USPA Gold Cup® Draw party in the 7th Chukker at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.

with renovated tournament detail

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

USPA POLO NETWORK The USPA Polo Network livestreamed 17 tournaments and 143 games. Livestreaming took place on uspolo. org, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, with a total unique viewership of 478,576 with an average of 2,972 live unique viewers per game. The network reached peak live unique viewership of 12,528 during the GAUNTLET OF POLO™ U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final in April. The Communications team and partners ChukkerTV worked diligently on each livestreamed game to creatively showcase player and team graphics, club videos, short films, statistics, interviews, horse information and tournament and club history to elevate the fan experience on the USPA Polo Network.

TOURNAMENT COVERAGE AND PRESS RELEASES During 2019, the Department covered over 110 tournaments. Coverage ranged from a final recap article with quotes and photos coordinated with the club and published in “This Week In Polo,” Coca-Cola’s Gillian Johnston carrying the ball down field. ©David Lominska

to on-site reporting of top-tier tournaments. The USPA continued to assert its role as a leader and trendsetter in the industry with engaging and timely coverage

potential players and fans of the sport to find Active

completing 49 Tournament Detail Pages.

Member Clubs in their area, and the Communications Department is consistently refining the application of

To remain current with rapidly shifting media

this vital feature.

trends, tournament coverage experienced a pivot in 2019. While 2018 focused on game reporting

The Department worked with the Arena Committee to

with an emphasis on tournament and game time

launch a National Arena Amateur Cup landing page

announcements with results and recap articles

under the Association branch of the website.

circulated by social media posts, 2019 concentrated on more dynamic content to heighten and supplement

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

tournament coverage with digestible tidbits and

up action shots of a winning team player were utilized

powerful imagery and videography. Utilizing both

in the results graphics. Lasting 24 hours, the graphics

Facebook and Instagram Stories, schedule and

were easily accessible providing an avenue for quick

results score graphics were introduced to highlight

updates in a constantly shifting polo schedule.

livestreamed tournaments and strengthen USPA

The most influential facet of on-site in real-time

and GAUNTLET branding. Graphics were linked to

coverage involved the widely popular Instagram

the corresponding Tournament Detail Page on both

Stories which reveal behind-the-scenes action and

platforms, and teams and players were tagged on

serves as an encapsulation of the semifinals and final of select livestreamed tournaments.

FEATURED ARTICLES AND POLO PONY HIGHLIGHTS The Department continued to bring awareness to subjects surrounding top-tier tournaments with a total of 22 featured articles written over the course of 2019. The featured articles aimed at providing an intimate look into the lives and histories of influential people and horses in the world of American polo. The articles highlighted hot topics for the GAUNTLET OF POLO™ season, our newlyelected Chairman, Circuit Governors of the USPA, USPA Polo Network announcers, umpires, club managers, equine facility architects and innovative low-goal formats,

USPA Polo Network Field-side Correspondent Dale Schwetz during the North American Cup® at the Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado. ©Aspen Valley Polo Club

among others. New in 2019, in an effort to showcase both the volunteers and governance initiatives of the

Instagram specifically. The groundbreaking tagging

Association, the Department wrote spotlight articles

initiative allowed tagged entities the ability to easily

on Association leaders. The leadership spotlights

reshare on their own accounts—contributing to

aimed to create a sense of relatability, allowing

the USPA’s rapid growth in Instagram following–as

Members the opportunity to get to know their

well as overall exposure to previously untapped

USPA representatives. High-goal horse highlights,

demographics. Team logos were prominently displayed

the Association’s most popular features, continued to

for brand recognition on schedule graphics and close-

explode on social media in 2019.

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Pamela Flanagan cuddles her rescue ponies on a beautiful morning in South Florida.

CLUB PROFILES

USPA Polo Network throughout the year, reaching tens of thousands of viewers.

Club Profiles, launched in 2018, continue to grow as a dynamic feature of the website, providing detailed

SOCIAL MEDIA

information and promoting the Association’s most

The USPA continued to execute a dynamic social

important asset—Member Clubs. Each profile is

media strategy with a focus on educating, informing

customized with a unique image header, club logo,

and inspiring followers through original engaging

contact information, social media accounts, short club

content published on all four social platforms:

bio, 12-15 individual club categories, upcoming USPA

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Facebook,

tournaments, past tournament results, recent news

Instagram and Twitter’s social media following

articles and more. Club Profiles are housed in the

increased by a substantial 38% overall in 2019.

Association section of uspolo.org and users are able

The Association’s YouTube channel which served as

to quickly search and view clubs in their surrounding

the USPA Polo Network’s main platform for housing

area as well as conduct a search of all Member Clubs.

video content similarly saw 69% growth in 2019.

CLUB VIDEOS

The United States Polo Association Facebook Page

The club video program continued in 2019, and with

Facebook comments, by engaging followers through

subsidizing from the USPA, Menlo Park Polo Club

livestreamed games allowing viewers to interact with

(Atherton, California), Spokane Polo Club (Spokane,

each other and the USPA. The USPA Twitter account

Washington) and Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas)

displayed a 49% increase in post link clicks due to the

created commercials. The USPA offers Member Clubs

ability to share online article preview links via Twitter

a 50 percent match, up to $6,000, to create a three-

Ads. A useful tool on Facebook, the easily clickable

minute video highlighting the unique facets of each

and sharable article feature was utilized several times a

club in an engaging and eye-catching format. This

week in 2019 to disseminate information with followers

resource allows clubs to shine a professional light

and direct them back to the Association website.

continued to grow steadily, with a 13% increase in

on their best assets and are used extensively on the

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Pilot’s Facundo Pieres riding featured horse Open Canosa on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field. ©David Lominska

The USPA continues to increase interest around

coverage, special interest features and USPA Member

top tournaments and horses on the Association’s

polo news from across the world. Committees, clubs

Instagram account, which experienced a 20%

and members are encouraged to submit material

increase in engagement in 2019, through behind-the-

for inclusion in the weekly email, and the popularity

scenes curated stories and social media influencers.

of the articles included each week was evident, as

The Communications Department remained

many articles were republished and shared in various

committed to maintaining relationships with social

media outlets and on social media. The email’s

media influencers that had been established in 2018.

average open rate in 2019 was 39% and the click

Instagram social media influencers have proven a

rates were 31%, continuing to perform well above

valuable asset to online marketing as a large-scale

the industry averages.

version of peer recommendations and an organic

USPA BRANDING

way to reach previously untapped demographics. The Communications Department aims to find more

The USPA Communications Department works

influencers surrounding national tournaments to

tirelessly, hand-in-hand with USPAGL, to showcase

further stimulate spectator turnout at key events and

the U.S. Polo Assn. brand as well as the sport of

encourage new fans to find a club near them and

polo in the United States. Branding is vital to the

“Learn to Play.”

USPA as the Association works to grow and sustain the sport nationally and internationally. It is crucial

EMAIL MARKETING

to continue to push the boundaries and find new

The Communication Department’s weekly member

initiatives in order to reach untapped demographics.

email titled “This Week In Polo” has become a staple

The USPA leads all polo associations in regards to free

in the Association’s communication strategy and a

livestreaming, tournament coverage, team and player

top member benefit. The newsletter which is sent out

statistics, club marketing, photography, website

every Tuesday afternoon, serves as the main form of

capabilities, interest articles, social media and

communication and information to USPA members.

graphic design. The department strives to push the

Each email contains between six and fourteen

boundaries and evolve within a competitive and

articles ranging in topics from Committee, LLC and

rapidly expanding industry to serve USPA members

USPA Global Licensing brand news, tournament

and polo fans worldwide.

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Las Monjitas Polo Pony patiently waits to get on the field ©David Lominska

Great Plains Circuit Governor, David Ragland, teaching a young rider on OKC Polo Club’s wooden horse. ©Michelle LaVasque

Lucas Escobar competing in the 2019 Junior Westchester Cup ©David Lominska

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC

USPA Polo Development, LLC is primarily focused on the cultivation of the sport through youth polo and club development initiatives. Polo Development is broken into three divisions: Club Development (Polo Development Initiative), Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) and Player Development (Junior Polo and Team USPA).

retention. The I/I team and membership staff input over 2,500 names into the USPA database of I/I alumni from the past 10 years for I/I membership data analysis, such as current locations of I/I alumni (both active and inactive), with respect to membership registration.

In 2019, the focus for the Polo Development team was strategic planning and shifts based on insight and guidance from the USPA Board of Governors, associated advisory committees, USPA staff and the USPA Polo Development, LLC Advisory Board. In Club Development, the popular Polo Development Initiative (PDI) program went through a strategic planning process which began in October of 2018 and launched a new focus within the grant program in February of 2019. The programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main changes were the inclusion of capital improvement and infrastructure investment, consideration for multi-year awards, collegiate program eligibility and removal of the $10,000 threshold for awards. In Intercollegiate/Interscholastic polo (I/I), the highlight of the tournament season was the Texas A&M University men and women successfully achieving a repeat sweep of the National Intercollegiate Championships. Internationally, the USPA hosted SUPA (Schools & Universities Polo Association) Britain in the annual International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup. Finally, a focus of the I/I

Team USPA Member, Winston Painter playing for Santa Clara at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. ÂŠDavid Lominska

program for 2019 was alumni

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC

Hall of Famer, Adam Snow, coaching the Florida Region during the NYTS Championship Cecil Smith Cup.

In 2018, the Team USPA program began a strategic

a 5-goal handicap by the age of 22. Players are

planning process which was implemented in 2019.

evaluated annually, to make sure they are on track

Through this process the focus of the program

towards the overall goals of the program and for

shifted solely to the development of higher-rated

continuation in the program.

American players. Additionally, the committee

In Junior Polo, their was a successful bid to retain the

was restructured to be comprised of appointed

Junior Westchester Cup by working in conjunction

members that will serve a set term and will include

with the USPA International Committee and Polo

an American professional player who has recently

Training Foundation (PTF). The National Youth

played in High Goal Polo, a member of the Polo

Tournament Series (NYTS) Championships were

Development LLC Board, a Team USPA Member

hosted at New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken,

Alumni, a high-goal sponsor and a seasoned

South Carolina. The Polo Development team has

player with professional coaching experience.

already begun preparations for the 2020 NYTS

These changes were designed to best implement

Championship in Chicago, Illinois, hosted by the Oak

strategies to fulfill the new focus of the program.

Brook Polo Club and the Chicago Polo Association, and will expand the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; division to four teams.

The most notable changes to result from the strategic plan are that the program has lowered

There were many changes in USPA Polo Development,

the age entry point to 15 years old and has set

LLC, programs during 2019 and programs will continue

the maximum number of participants in the

to evolve in the future to fit the needs of USPA members,

program to be capped at 12 individuals. Since this

clubs and the sport of polo. The Polo Development

is a drastic change to the previous model, this

team look forward to working in harmony with the

transition is to be fully implemented by the end

polo community and the various departments of the

of 2020 to allow for a proper graduation process

USPA to promote sustainable development of the

for recently added members (Pre-2019). Finally,

sport at the grassroots level.

criteria has been established for membership in the program including a benchmark of reaching

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

The Club Development Department of USPA Polo Development, LLC is dedicated to supporting the growth of the sport of polo at the grassroots level and beyond by identifying and sharing “best practices,” sustainable solutions, networking opportunities and supporting clubs through the Polo Development Initiative (PDI).

process for the PDI program, launching a new focus

In 2019, the Polo Development Initiative was

In 2019 over 40 applicants were supported, less

overseen by the PDI Subcommittee, a subset of the

than half the number in 2018, which allowed

Club and Membership Development Committee. In

for the average award amount to nearly triple to

October, the USPA established the PDI Committee as

approximately $14,500. A highlight of the 2019 PDI

an advisory committee to the Polo Development LLC,

program was the inclusion of capital improvements.

with Bob McMurtry assuming the role of chairman

In total, 35 infrastructure projects were supported,

for Denny Geiler who retired after more than 10

injecting a total project value of $980,000 into the

years dedicated to the growth of the PDI program.

polo community. The overwhelming focus of this

Under Geiler’s leadership, the program grew from a

infrastructure investment was on arena development

$200,000 to $800,000 fund for 2020.

and improvements including footing, lights, roofs and

within the grant program in February of 2019. The main changes to the program were the inclusion of capital improvement and infrastructure investment, consideration for multi-year awards, collegiate program eligibility and removal of the $10,000 threshold for awards.

covering. Additional awarded projects included eight

In September of 2018, Denny Geiler appointed

hitting cages and polo field maintenance equipment.

Bob McMurtry to oversee the strategic planning

Denny Geiler was honored for his years of service when he retired as Polo Development Initiative Chairman.

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

Mallets on the arena wall at Orange County Polo Club in Silverado, California. ÂŠJim Bremner

Aside from the PDI program, the Club Development

144 unique participants engaged in various levels

Department continues to provide guidance to polo

ranging from polo schools to 12-goal matches at the

clubs, regional associations and circuits to aid in

historic Oak Brook Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois),

their development of the sport. An example of this

including 25 new student players. This growth was

support is the Chicago Polo Association (CPA). After

over a 33% increase from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recorded 108

a successful first year, the CPA entered its second

unique participants. The Chicago Polo Association will

season with high expectations and goals of further

continue to grow competitive polo in 2020 by adding

advancing its polo initiatives and the creation of

a 12-goal league to their current 4-goal and 8-goal

new ones. CPA is a collective, cooperative effort

competition.

of six USPA Member Clubs, 14 fields and facilities and two polo schools with the mission of growing and developing the sport of polo in the greater Chicago area and establishing itself as a regional asset for the Central Circuit. In total, approximately

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

The 2019 Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) tournament season continued to be successful, with a total of 104 teams competing across four divisions. The USPA crowned national champions Prestonwood Polo Club in the Open National Interscholastic Championship and Maryland Polo Club in the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship. A repeat victory for the Aggies, Texas A&M men and women swept the National Intercollegiate Championships (NIC) for the second consecutive year.

2019 also saw the continuation of the College Polo

Now in its sixth year, the Middle School League

Letter in polo through the USPA’s Interscholastic

commenced in the fall, offering 12 tournaments

Varsity Letter program. Student athletes work

across the country for players from fifth through

towards earning their varsity letter in polo by putting

eighth grade. The USPA I/I program also hosted the

in 100 hours of riding and stick-and-balling, regular

Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA)

season game play and tournament participation.

Britain in the International Intercollegiate Challenge

Students earn a varsity patch, pin and bars for each

Cup at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in

eligible year and are also recognized on USPA social

Wellington, Florida. 2019 marked

media platforms, as well as by their schools.

101 – On the Road series, which puts staff and contract clinicians on-site to visit collegiate programs. This year, Polo Development combined On the Road with the Intercollegiate Player Clinic program, maximizing available resources at each visit and reaching 16 collegiate programs. Additionally, the I/I program launched two Horsemanship Clinics that ran in conjunction with the fall umpire training clinics at Mustang Madness and Fall Fandango. 97 interscholastic students earned their Varsity

the seventh annual event, with the USA making a comeback in the final chukker to secure the win 13-11 and a 5-2 record in favor of the United States. The USA was represented by Christian Aycinena (Texas A&M University), Demitra Hajimihalis (University of Virginia), Fiona McBride-Luman (Cal Poly) and Liam Lott (Skidmore College). The sixth annual National I/I Alumni Tournament, the Feldman Cup, was hosted by the Detroit Polo Club in Howell, Michigan. Three teams of alumni representing various collegiate programs participated with Flat Out Farm taking home the trophy. Also on the alumni front, Circuit Level I/I Events increased their momentum. Both an alumni level tournament and a JV/Club level tournament were added to the list of circuit level events available to all USPA member clubs and circuits.

University of North Texas’ Turner Wheaton shoots on goal during the Men’s NIC Semifinals versus the University of Virginia at Virginia Polo Inc. in Charlottesville, Virginia. ©Mike Ryan

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

In its fourth year, the USPA Intercollegiate Polo

in print and online that showcases each of the 40

Scholarship was awarded to eight new student

USPA intercollegiate college programs. Additionally,

athletes, bringing the total number of recipients to 18

the Interscholastic Parent Handbook was released,

for the 2019-2020 academic year. Scholarship criteria

which serves as a resource and introduction to polo

is based on academics, participation and excellence

for new familes.

in I/I polo. 2019 recipients include: Lila Bennett

Equine Welfare continued to be at the forefront of the

(University of Kentucky), Parker Pearce (University of

I/I program. All horses appearing in I/I sanctioned

Virgnia), Vance Miller (University of North Texas), John

events must provide the USPA with current health

Denker (Roger Williams University), Nick Paciorek

papers, proof of negative coggins, and documentation

(University of Connecticut), Jasmine Umrigar (Cornell

of any host site health requirements, such as

University), Lea Ji-Vieira (Cornell University) and

specific required vaccines, prior to the start of the

Patricio Fraga-Errecart (Cornell University). The award

tournament. Pre-Tournament Horse Inspections

is auto-renewable for four years provided the student

were required and performed by the on-site licensed

meets the eligibility requirements.

veterinarian. The horses were checked for soundness

The I/I Start Up & Enhancement program which

and for appropriate Body Condition Score.

offers funding assistance, fundraising assistance

The I/I team has been working with the Services

and umpire reimbursement, continues to be a very

Membership staff to input over 2,500 names into the

popular program. 2019 saw the fourth edition of the

USPA database of I/I alumni from the past 10 years.

Intercollegiate Club Catalog – a resource available

From this, the department is able to pull and analyze alumni statistics, such as location of I/I alumni and renewal rates. This endeavor was developed to further engage Alumni players.

USA’s Liam Lott reaches out for a neckshot during the International Intercollegiate Challenge Cup against Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA) Britain at International Polo Club Palm Beach. ©David Lominska

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

TEAM USPA

As part of the former three-track mentoring program, opportunities for industry professionals

The newly restructured Team USPA Committee has been working diligently to make significant changes to the existing program. To achieve their goal of creating high-goal American players, the Committee narrowed the focus of the program in several, specific ways.

and executive members will be provided through newly formed programs with a multi-functional purpose, both elevating the level of Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic (I/I) alumni retention in the sport while providing opportunities within the industry.

NATIONAL YOUTH TOURNAMENT SERIES PROGRAM

Players will be considered for the program beginning at age 15 to facilitate high-level training and support during crucial years for improvement. Partnering with

The National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS)

opportunities in Argentina allows for young players

qualifiers have become a summer staple for youth

to play higher level polo in a low-pressure training

players and clubs throughout the United States

atmosphere. In order to align with the new goals and

and Canada. An average of 35 qualifiers have been

objectives of the program, by the end of 2020, only 12

hosted per year over the past five years. In 2019,

members will be active in the program at one time.

247 unique players participated in NYTS qualifiers.

As Team USPA members progress, they are eligible

The female demographic remained strong with

to apply for grants that will make a meaningful impact

participation hovering around 49 percent. Expanding

on their game and help them get to the next level.

the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; division has been a goal since 2018 and the Committee is pleased to announce that the 2020

2019 Westchester Cup Champions: USA - Jared Zenni (Team USPA), Mike Azzaro, Peke Gonzalez (Team USPA), Geronimo Obregon (Team USPA).

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

NYTS Championships will have four girls teams competing. Youth

Graduating Team USPA Member, Jesse Bray, coached the Black NYTS Girls Championship team.

players are active in different USPA programs throughout the year. More than 65 percent of all NYTS players also participated in the I/I program. The level of play at the qualifier tournaments continues to improve each year. Five new host clubs were welcomed to the NYTS program in 2019 and the Committee is looking forward to a full 2020 season with even more opportunities for youth to compete with their peers.

NYTS CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2019 National Youth Tournament Series season culminated in Aiken,

YOUNG PLAYER OPPORTUNITY GRANT

South Carolina, at the New Bridge Polo & Country Club with four teams competing in the Cecil Smith

The Young Player Opportunity (YPO) Grant was

Cup and two teams in the girls’ division. The Eastern

established as a reimbursement program to provide

Region claimed victory, overcoming a competitive

funding support for youth players seeking a unique

Florida team in the Cecil Smith Cup Final. Playing

training or playing experience. The purpose of

together for the first time, the Eastern Region stuck

the program is to enhance the level of polo that is

to the basics, relying on each other to push through

regularly available to the individual and encourage a

the weekend and secure a narrow win in the final over

thoughtful and creative plan toward helping a player

Florida 6-5. The NYTS Girls Championship was won

improve their playing and horsemanship abilities.

by the Girls White team by a half goal on handicap,

In its second year, the program awarded $30,000 in

winning by best record over the course of two

funding for unique playing opportunities.

games. This year the coaches included two former U.S. Open Polo Championship® winners (Adam Snow and Tiger Kneece), two Team USPA alumni and two active members. The variety of the coaches’ backgrounds gave players several perspectives on how to stay involved in the sport, regardless of they decide to pursue a full-time career in polo. Representing 20 clubs across the United States and Canada, the championship players are some of the best young players in the country. The 2020 NYTS Championships will be hosted in Chicago, Illinois.

Eastern Region team members Winston Painter and Aiden Meeker celebrate a thrilling 6-5 win over Florida in the NYTS Championship Cecil Smith Cup Final.

UMPIRES LLC

INTERCOLLEGIATE/ INTERSCHOLASTIC PROGRAM

The mission of the USPA Umpires, LLC is to support all aspects of umpire services and programs within the United States Polo Association. Each year the demand from clubs and players for professional umpiring has continued to rise. Umpires LLC understands the intricacies of providing umpire services and relentlessly refine their methods and principles in order to continously improve their image. Recruitment, training and retainment of top umpires remains the major focus moving into 2020. By enhancing the training program, Umpires LLC is able to offer the most highly trained, knowledgeable and experienced umpires.

Umpires LLC joined forces with Polo Development’s Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Program and assigned and supplied certified umpires for 124 games during the 2019 I/I season including all preliminary, regional and national games. In the fall, four umpire clinics were held around the U.S. in Virginia, California, Texas and New York, fine-tuning I/I umpires that will be officiating the 2020 season. “This year six collegiate men’s teams and five women’s teams participated in the Fall Fandango. There were 12-14 umpires participating in the Umpire Clinic, most in attendance not yet certified. Approximately seven hours

PUMP/8

of classroom umpire training was conducted, followed by field training of the umpires during 13 tournament games.

PUMP/8 continues to be one of the most effective

Umpires LLC sent both Bradley Biddle and Robert Lyn-Kee-

club programs that Umpires LLC offers. PUMP/8

Chow, in addition to Robin Sanchez to officiate. Bradley

was introduced to provide clubs the opportunity

led a Rules Review which had approximately 40 players in

to have a professional umpire officiate their USPA

attendance. The event was a great success and the players

tournaments. Through the program, clubs hosting

enjoyed the opportunity. I cannot say how much I believe

USPA National or Circuit events, 8-goals and under,

in this event and the benefits it offers to polo, while also

can request an umpire. Clubs then pay a $500

showcasing what the USPA can do for our sport.”

fee, and a professional umpire is then sent to the

-Karl Hilberg

club to officiate the tournament and conduct a Rules

USPA ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE CHAIR

Review for players. The umpire’s salary, airfare, accomodations and car rental are covered by the

UMPIRE CLINICS AND BOOT CAMPS

USPA. Clubs are limited to three PUMP/8 events per

Twelve umpire clinics were held around the country

year, are required to have a minimum of four teams

offering certified umpires the opportunity to enhance

participating and must complete the tournament within

their skills and players interested in becoming an

10 consecutive days. In 2019, 126 tournaments were

umpire the chance to learn more. Additionally,

professionally umpired through the PUMP/8 Program.

Umpires LLC hosted boot camps at Eldorado Polo Club (Indio, California), Empire Polo Club (Indio, California) and Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas) for certified umpires intent on taking their officiating abilities to the next level. Participants officiated alongside professional umpires, watched games from the sidelines and listened to the umpire radio communication. Essential learning also took place in the classroom with video clips of fouls and plays.

Dana Fortugno officiating during the United States Arena Handicap at the Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado. ©Aspen Valley Polo Club

UMPIRES LLC

ONLINE UMPIRE TESTING AND CERTIFICATIONS To become a certified umpire, a member must take and pass the online test every year for both an outdoor and an arena umpire rating. Currently there are 197 certified outdoor umpires and 126 certified arena umpires. After passing the online test, the member must

Julian Appleby ©David Lominksa

be observed umpiring by an approved member of the Umpires LLC for his or her certification level. The ratings are then entered into the

to contest a call. The Instant Replay Official (IRO)

database and are available online to the membership.

located in the replay booth will make the final call on each challenge.

UMPIRE PROGRAM

TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS)

Umpires LLC contracted 28 professional umpires and sent them to over 100 clubs. Cumulatively, these umpires presided over 2,300 games in 2019 with

Umpires LLC participated in the TAPS (Tragedy

more than 50 percent of the games officiated at

Assistance Program for Survivors) for the first time

8-goals and under. Typically, clubs contact Umpires

in 2016. TAPS is a U.S. non-profit organization that

LLC for seasonal umpires, terms are agreed upon,

provides care and support to families and friends

and umpires are then assigned.

grieving the loss of a member of the United States Armed Forces. The mission of TAPS is to provide

USPA VIDEO RULEBOOK

ongoing emotional help, hope and healing to all who

New for 2019, Umpires LLC produced an online

are grieving the death of a loved one in military service

video rulebook available on uspolo.org. The new

to America. In April, Umpires LLC invited the surviving

resource provides direct communication with the

family of United States Army Lieutenant Colonel

players concerning rule updates and interpretations.

Edmundo Lluberes to watch polo at the International

Players can now read the rules and watch the video

Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. His

rule explanation. In addition, players can watch

spouse and one of their three daughters were treated

videos of rules violations and non-calls to help

to lunch and stadium box seating for a U.S. Open Polo

demonstrate what constitutes a foul and how to

Championship® featured match.

properly call a foul.

TECHNOLOGY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS

Umpires LLC uses the tools of technology to improve

All professional umpires are members of the

officiatiating both on and off the field. The ongoing

National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). The

training and education of professional umpires is

Association’s primary focus is to dispel unfair and

aided with drone footage, GoPro’s and Dartfish.

malicious portrayals of referees and umpires. NASO

Dartfish provides video breakdown of calls, non-

shines light on the strong character and positive

calls and plays. At all games, officials communicate

accomplishments of the men and women who

with each other via radios. In most instances, high-

officiate sports. The organization represents officiating

goal tournaments request Instant Replay. Several

at all levels and in all sports. This year, Umpires

cameras are strategically placed around the field to

LLC staff and several umpires attended the annual

video the game. Teams receive one challenge per half

summit in Spokane, Washington.

GAUNTLET OF POLO™

Global Polo Entertainment (GPE) partnered with the USPA, International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida, and USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) to reshape high-goal polo tournaments to stimulate competition, provide sponsorship opportunities, grow the sport and entertain fans. To achieve these goals, GPE linked the C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup® and the U.S. Open Polo Championship® to create the GAUNTLET OF POLO™. The GAUNTLET is the sport’s ultimate competition and greatest prize with $1 million in total prize money at stake.

The GAUNTLET OF POLO is a true survival of the fittest test, where the world’s preeminent polo teams and players come together for three months at the U.S. Polo Assn. Field at IPC. Battling head-to-head, the teams strive for an undefeated season and to become the GAUNTLET champion. The 2019 GAUNTLET OF POLO had a record number of 16 teams participate in its inaugural year, with an impressive roster boasting top players from as far away as South Africa, Russia, Nigeria, England, as well as throughout Central America, South America and the United States. After claiming victory in all three tournaments, Pilot was crowned 2019 GAUNTLET Champion and took home a total prize of $1 million, the largest purse in the history of the sport.

The GAUNTLET was designed to benefit the sport and all involved. The partnership signifies the commitment to create North America’s most dramatic polo competition and most entertaining experience for

To introduce the GAUNTLET to nearly 100 media and industry stakeholders, GPE held a national press

athletes, teams, sponsors, members and fans.

conference to announce the series format and unveil the custom trophy along with the new GAUNTLET

GAUNTLET OF POLO™

OF POLO landing page on uspolo.org. GPE collaborated with the USPA, IPC and USPAGL to enhance the overall fan experience with athlete autographs, post-event “running the gauntlet” celebrations for athletes, consumer giveaways, GAUNTLET merchandise and special events. The marketing and promotion of the GAUNTLET OF POLO was at an all-time high for the sport through paid and earned media exposure with media outlets, such as Delta Sky Magazine, Wellington the Magazine, the Palm Beach Post, Cox Media Group, South Florida radio stations and more. Game highlights, content clips, hype videos, player videos and player interviews ran through social media and advertising media channels, creating significant amounts of online fan engagement while gaining over 2 million digital impressions on GAUNTLET social media channels alone. More than 12,000 fans filled the International Polo Club Palm Beach, and a record audience of Pilot’s Facundo Pieres & Las Monjitas’ Hilario Ulloa faceoff during the U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final.

livestream viewers watched games each week online. The U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final was aired across five networks, including CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network, Eurosport, DSport and TVG Network, and was distributed to more than 260 million households reaching over four million viewers. The 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO season will kick off on February 1, 2020 with the C.V. Whitney Cup, featuring 14 teams and an elevated on-site fan experience. Along with GAUNTLET highlights and news on the Global Polo TV OTT platform to promote the GAUNTLET, the USPA Polo Network will livestream all games of the three tournaments to audiences around the world. The Gauntlet of Polo culminates in the U.S. Open Polo Championship Final which will be aired on CBS Sports on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 pm EDT.

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

RECORD YEAR AND GLOBAL MOMENTUM

to the high-profile U.S. Open Polo Championship®, the final leg of the GAUNTLET OF POLO™. U.S. Polo Assn.’s social media following also increased to more

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) delivered yet another record year in 2019 by achieving numerous strategic milestones. The U.S. Polo Assn. brand again grew global sales, expanded into 180 countries worldwide and established more than 1,100 total monobrand retail stores. In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. was recently ranked the fourth largest sports licensor and thirty-sixth overall in License Global magazine’s 2019 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” taking its place alongside such iconic sports brands as Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association.

than 5 million followers globally while continuing to promote both the “Live Authentically” and “Women’s Initiative” campaigns. Further, USPAGL built strategic partnerships with top tier digital media and content partners such as The New York Times, Delta Sky Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), The Grammy Awards Show, the Palm Beach Post, Fast Company and Palm Beach Illustrated.

GLOBAL RETAIL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION U.S. Polo Assn. surpassed 1,100 monobrand retail stores worldwide and expanded into 180 countries

USPAGL also drove significant awareness of U.S.

globally. The growth in stores was across all regions

Polo Assn. and the sport of polo around the world

of the world and included new store openings in high-

through global broadcast, social media, digital

profile areas such as Dubai, Mumbai, Paris, Milan,

advertising campaigns and public relations initiatives.

Barcelona, Istanbul, Moscow, Hangzhou City in China,

The company’s global broadcasting efforts exposed

Antigua, New York and Las Vegas.

more than four million sports fans and consumers

Yale University Polo Team

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

Roughly 100 retail stores were added in 2019 alone

In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. was the official sponsor of

with an aggressive target to exceed 1,500 stores

the following events in the U.S.: Westchester Cup, the

globally over the next several years. Key regions such

District Cup, National Intercollegiate Championships

as India, China, Turkey, the Middle East and Eastern

(NIC), National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS),

Europe will drive a significant portion of this growth

Silver Cup®, Harriman Cup and 40-Goal Polo Challenge.

while more mature markets such as North America, Western Europe and Latin America will continue to add doors as well. While many brands have been closing stores, or even going out of business, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to grow its retail presence.

BROADCAST As the largest sponsor for the new tournament series GAUNTLET OF POLO™,

Global Brand Ambassador Ashley Global Brand Ambassador Jared Zenni Busch the Womenthe In Polo Show (left)in representing United States, 2019

U.S. Polo Assn. received

Westchester Cup Champions.

significant exposure with more than four million viewers through broadcast of the 2019 U.S. Open Polo Championship Final, the culmination of the high-

international events including the Berlin Maifeld

stakes tournament, to a worldwide audience.

Polo Cup, King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, and several Federation of International Polo (FIP)

A record number of 16 teams participated as

Ambassador Cups and tournaments.

they played on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington,

For the second year, U.S. Polo Assn. partnered with

Florida, while wearing performance co- branded

Sentebale, a charity co-founded by the Duke of Sussex,

jerseys. For the first time, the broadcast aired

as the Official Apparel Supplier and Team Sponsor

across five different networks, reached more than

of the Sentebale Polo Cup. The event proved to

260 million households and received millions of

be another success with more than 3.6 billion total

digital impressions.

global impressions.

EVENTS

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE

USPAGL along with the USPA and International Polo

U.S. Polo Assn.’s Women’s Initiative “Inspiring

Club Palm Beach (IPC) partnered to create the first

Others” campaign has continued to make inroads

ever GAUNTLET OF POLO™ which launched during

with new global consumers, through sponsorship of

the 2019 high-goal season. The series included the

women’s polo championships both nationally and

C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup® and the U.S. Open

internationally. U.S. Polo Assn. supported the U.S.

Polo Championship® and for the first time ever $1

Open Women’s Polo Championship™ and collaborated

million in prize money was awarded to the team who

with its global licensing partners by supporting the

“ran the gauntlet” and won all three tournaments.

Manipur Statehood Day Women’s Polo International

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

Tournament in India, the Queen’s Cup Pink Polo

followers. Starting in November, and just in time

tournament in Thailand and the Dubai Ladies

for the holidays, this program will continue through

Charity Cup.

spring and summer 2020. The influencers will be outfitted with global product which is expected to

In addition, U.S. Polo Assn., in partnership with

elevate brand perception and expose it to millions

the Palm Beach Tourist Development Council,

of new consumers. Content from these female

launched the “Women in Polo” show, during Labor

powerhouses will also be available to USPAGL’s

Day weekend, to over 60 million households and

global partners to post on their social media sites.

across multiple digital platforms. This was a strategic program with all partners and licensees to maximize

COLLEGIATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

the promotion of the show by developing snackable content for each player leading up to the airing. The show also aired on Palm Beach County Film TV and in

For the second year, USPAGL reached out to collegiate

hotel rooms in Palm Beach County.

polo teams across North America. The brand successfully supported over 30 schools representing 50 women’s

Through a collaboration with Women’s Wear Daily

and men’s teams. Assistance for these collegiate

(WWD), the brand also received one of the best U.S.

programs included a financial contribution to the

Polo Assn. stories to date, “Sporting Equality,”

team, custom performance jerseys, whites, polo

a full page spread at the WWD Apparel & Retail

shirts and gear bags for the teams. The Collegiate

CEO Summit featuring USPAGL President and CEO

Partnership Program (CPP) has been very exciting

J. Michael Prince in a Q&A, with details of everything

for all those involved, and USPAGL continues to

U.S. Polo Assn. has done to highlight women, both on

track the competitive and fun posts made by the

and off the field.

teams in the brand’s gear.

DIGITAL, SOCIAL MEDIA AND GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADORS Coming to the close of 2019, the brand has exceeded more than five million followers on social media channels globally and continues to add approximately 5,000 followers every week, all translating to hundreds of millions of impressions. Global Brand Ambassador Ashley Busch in the “Women In Polo” Show

U.S. Polo Assn.’s global brand ambassadors, Ashley Busch and Juan Bollini, were leveraged to continue telling the story of the authentic connection between brand and sport to consumers.

Finally, as part of the Women’s Initiative global

Their participation included playing in polo games,

influencer program, USPAGL partnered with

posting social media content and participating

Hello Society to onboard three high-level lifestyle

in global photoshoots. To boost the number of

influencers, each with between 150-500 thousand

ambassadors, who also further the authentic

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

Global Polo Player Photoshoot

connection, USPAGL engaged Hope Arellano and

and aspirational destinations that have a strong

Harrison Azzaro, both young, second-generation

connection to the sport of polo. In 2019, USPAGL

polo players. Then, in the fourth quarter, USPAGL

coordinated three of our best global photo shoots to

onboarded Jared Zenni for the second time as well

date. The first shoot was at Villa Del Lago Polo Club in

as Henry Porter, an up-and-coming player who will

Wellington, Florida, where eight players were shown

be a co-partner with our European and Middle East

on and off the field wearing USPA product.

licensees with content and event appearances.

The second, for Fall/Winter 2019, took place in upstate

The brand has also partnered with top influencers in

New York. Leaving the hustle and bustle of New York

key countries around the world to promote the brand

City and heading just a few hours into natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugged

and engage global consumers with the sport. The

and beautiful Adirondack Mountains was a visual

combination of increased elevated content and new

success. Licensees will use these assets globally to

partnerships will continue to play a major role in

present the brand with a unified, elevated look.

driving awareness and consumer advocacy for U.S.

The third global shoot, for Spring/Summer 2020, drew

Polo Assn.

inspiration from classic American summer vacations

GLOBAL PHOTO SHOOTS

on the California coastline. The team captured photo

U.S. Polo Assn. developed a new program for

the beaches of Malibu. Assets from this shoot will hit

global photoshoots taking place in inspirational

the market beginning in late January 2020.

and video of the iconic pier in Santa Monica and on

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

WEBSITE

The brand also included multiple ads with prime positioning in The New York Times offering

U.S. Polo Assn. unveiled its new global digital site,

exposure to more than 1.5 million readers daily.

uspoloassnglobal.com. The customized site will

The ads featured the broadcast tune-in details and

be rolled out in multiple languages to some 100

global brand ambassadors for the 2019 U.S. Open

countries worldwide over the next 24 months. The

Polo Championship®.

United Kingdom was the first international version of

With the addition of a strategic public relations strategy deployed in the fourth quarter, USPAGL has been able to maximize the impact of brand campaigns and initiatives by executing on the distribution of regional, national and global press releases. Through this effort, USPAGL is establishing meaningful relationships with fashion, lifestyle and sport editors who will cover the brand and sport as U.S. Polo Assn. continues to tell the brand story along with the message of the authentic connection to the sport. The focus on earned media coverage has led to stories in Women’s Wear Daily, Pulse 2.0, Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Illustrated, and other print and digital media. In addition, an 8 minute segment ran on the site to unveil localized content including events,

Cheddar TV over the holiday season featuring

happenings and news. The aggressive expansion

Michael Prince speaking about the brand’s global

and worldwide rollout will activate first with English

expansion and digital initiatives. In a new, blended

speaking countries, including Australia, New Zealand

public relations and social media effort to target

and South Africa, followed by language-specific sites

customers, partners and consumers on LinkedIn,

in Italy, Japan and Latin America. By late 2020 the

USPAGL is developing more business and news-

site is expected to be operational in 15 languages customized for numerous international locales.

driven content to drive engagement on the site. Results can be seen organically with more than 300 percent increase in impressions and 50 percent

PAID AND EARNED MEDIA

increase in followers.

A new and exciting print initiative was executed this year in partnership with renowned global fashion trade publication, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD). U.S. Polo Assn. partnered with the leading fashion industry news source to create a custom narrative highlighting the brand’s global expansion, authentic connection to the sport of polo, and tremendous retail growth approaching two billion in sales.

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

Nantucket Whaler Lifestyle Shoot

NANTUCKET WHALER

THE FUTURE

The Nantucket Whaler brand was launched at the

With many strategic initiatives already in the works

Old South Wharf store on Nantucket as well as on

for the coming year, USPAGL is even more energized

e-commerce – nantucketwhaler.com. With a rich

about the future of U.S. Polo Assn. and the sport than

history dating back to 1837 and infused with the

ever before. Through efforts like the global launch

mystique of Nantucket Island, the lifestyle brand is

of the new U.S. Polo Assn. “high-goal” energy store

inspired by generations of men and women whose

concept, the Collegiate Partnership Program and the

entire lives revolved around the beauty, danger

second year of the tournament series GAUNTLET OF

and yearning of the sea. Those sea-faring explorers

POLO™, there’s no doubt USPAGL will continue to

circumnavigated the globe at a time where rugged

move the needle on the brand, while promoting the

clothing that stood up to the elements year-round

sport, and be highly competitive in a more digital and

was a necessity. The Nantucket Whaler brand translates

technology-focused world. For U.S. Polo Assn. the

the grit, strength and endurance of those early nautical

future has never looked brighter.

explorers into well-crafted clothes for modern men and women who embody those same core values.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Stewart Armstrong

Anthony Coppola

Charles Smith

Steven Rudolph

CHAIRMAN

PRESIDENT

S E C R E TA RY

TREASURER

Tony Yahyai

Robert McMurtry

BORDER

CENTRAL

Joseph Muldoon Stephen Orthwein Jr. EASTERN

FLORIDA

David Ragland

Bill Kirton

Trey Schott

G R E AT P L A I N S

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

M I D - STAT E S

Leighton Jordan

Daniel Walker

Sheryl Sick

Erica Gandomcar-Sachs

Billy Raab

Paul Jornayvaz

NORTHEASTERN

PAC I F I C C OA ST

PAC I F I C NORTHWEST

R O C K Y M O U N TA I N

SOUTHEASTERN

SOUTHWESTERN

GAL

Julio Arellano

Steven Armour

Chrys Beal

Michael Carney

Cecelia Cochran

Pamela Flanagan

GAL

Thomas Gose

Chris Green

Vicky Owens

Peter Rizzo

Robin Sanchez

OFFICER

GAL

CIRCUIT GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR AT LARGE

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

USPA Board of Governors at the Fall Board Of Governors and Annual Member Meeting in La Quinta, California.

USPA MISSION STATEMENT: The Association has been organized and exists for the purposes of promoting the game of polo with an overarching goal of improving the sport, coordinating the activities of its Member Clubs and Registered Players, arranging, allocating, 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.

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

SERVICES 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. Executive Director: Carlucho Arellano Services Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Matthew Baran, Cristina Fernandez, Jewel Connelly, Kaila Dowd, Taylor Smith, Jenny Nic Roldan during the United States Arena Handicap at Aspen Valley Polo Club in Carbondale, Colorado. ©Aspen Valley Polo Club

Hudson

ARENA COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The Arena Committee is the successor of the Indoor Polo Association. Its mission

ARENA HANDICAP COMMITTEE

is to manage arena polo within the USPA as well

Mission Statement: The mission of the Arena Handicap

as organize, promote and develop arena polo with

Committee is to create the fairest competitive

member clubs and players. The committee seeks to

environment for the various arena polo formats

differentiate arena polo as an exciting, competitive

of the Association by acting in accordance with

and alternative version of the sport polo, as well as

the USPA Handicap Policy and with the highest

an invaluable teaching polo format. The committee’s

standards of honesty and integrity in establishing

initiatives and responsibilities include arena rules, arena

an Arena Handicap in service to any Association

handicaps, high-goal arena polo, arena tournaments, international arena polo, I/I and women’s arena polo.

Individual Member entitled to such Handicap.

Chairman:

Daniel Coleman

Tom Goodspeed

Executive Staff:

Carlucho Arellano

Staff:

Kaila Dowd

Lindsay Dolan

Committee Members:

Circuit Arena Handicap Chairs: Chuck Rogers (B), John Ryan (C), John Gobin (E),

Phil van der Burgt, Chris Green, Daniel Scheraga,

Carlucho Arellano (FL), Mike Carney (GP), Mark

Dennis Geiler, Tom Goodspeed, Jorge Vasquez,

Becker (HI), Justin Powers (MS), Tommy Biddle (NE),

Karl Hilberg, Lisa Nousek, Louis Lopez, Jr., Mark

Megan Judge (PC), Brandon Alcott (PNW), Erica

Gillespie, Megan Judge, Robert Lyn-Kee-Chow, Ed

Gandomcar (RM), Willie Hartnett (SE), Robin Sanchez

Armstrong, Robin Sanchez

(SW) At-Large Arena Handicappers: Bradley Biddle, Ali Davidge, Gates Gridley, Ronnie Hayes, Dale Schwetz, Toby Wayman

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Armed

Mission Statement: The purpose and primary function

Forces Committee, in recognition of the great history

of the USPA Audit Committee shall be to assist

and connection between the sport of polo and

the Board of Governors of the USPA (the “Board”)

our Armed Forces, seeks to create opportunities

in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for (a) the

to support and perpetuate the tie between the

integrity of the USPA’s financial statements, (b) the

armed forces and the polo communities through

USPA’s compliance with any legal and regulatory

the promotion of events supporting the military

requirements, (c) the independent auditors

community and, “The development of partnerships

qualifications and independence, and (d) the

to increase military participation in the sport of polo.”

performance of the USPA’s internal audit function

Chairman:

and that of the independent auditors. (From the Audit

Karl Hilberg

Committee Charter)

Executive Staff:

Committee Chair:

Carlucho Arellano

Charles Stanislawski, MBT, CPA, CTC

Staff:

Executive Staff:

Kaila Dowd

Susan Present, CPA, CGMA, CFE

Committee Members:

Jake Flournoy, Dan Colhoun, Dean Daggett,

Habib Nasrullah, Tim Kelly

Barbara Donahue, Allen Hoe, Pat Nesbitt, Rob

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Phipps, Parker Scott, Marisa Tanner, Steve Walsh, Tony Yahyai, Mike Yermakov, Elena Wicker, Joe

Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Board

Meyer, George Dill, Peter Rizzo, Zach Grob,

and Staff Development Committee is to, on an

Stephen Cobb, Cody Goetz, Mark Gillespie

ongoing basis, study and offer recommendations on 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, information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation, staff development and succession, strategic planning,

Air Force’s Brady Williams hits away while defended by Army’s John Greening at the Southwestern Circuit General George S. Patton Jr. Final held at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. ©MurrellPhoto.com

Board development and succession planning, and Board and staff evaluation and interaction.

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

Chairman: Peter Rizzo Executive Staff: Susan Present Staff: Beverly Basist Committee Members: Leighton Jordan, Liz Brayboy, Sheryl Sick, Daniel Walker

CLUB AND MEMBER ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The mission of the Club and Member Administration Committee is to review and evaluate all new club applications to ensure that the applying club complies with the current standards set forth in the Constitution and the policies approved by

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

the Board of Governors. That these clubs are strong

Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution

enough, have the growth potential and longevity

Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman, Executive

to support the sport of polo and strengthen the

Committee, Board of Governors, Delegates and staff

Association by its membership and deserve the rights

about all aspects of the USPA Constitution, By-Laws,

and privileges afforded to member clubs. It is also the

Strategic Planning and Governance. The Committee

committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duty to review and evaluate all existing

shall prepare appropriate language to affect changes

clubs on an annual basis, to confirm their compliance

to the USPA Constitution and By-Laws as directed

with the existing rules and policies, in order to make

by the Board of Governors, other Committees or on

recommendations to the Board of Governors on the

its own initiative. The Committee shall prepare other

status of member clubs in the Association.

resolutions, opinions and documentation as required

Chairman:

to effect efficient and stable Governance.

Steven Armour

Chairman:

Executive Staff:

Paul Jornayvaz

Carlucho Arellano

Executive Staff:

Staff:

Robert Puetz

Lindsay Dolan

Staff:

Committee Members:

Lindsey Ebersbach

Edward Armstrong, David Brooks, Avery Chapman,

Legal Advisor:

Sheila Everett, George Dill, James Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Court, Denny

Jodi Pellettiere Patt

Geiler, Stephen Cobb

Committee Members: Joe Muldoon, Steve Armour, Avery Chapman, Charles Smith, Bill Kirton

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

EQUINE WELFARE COMMITTEE

responsibility of the USPA. This is achieved by a regular review of the organization’s financial

Mission Statement: The Equine Welfare Committee

statements along with the approval of the annual

recognizes the value of the polo pony to the sport

budget with submission to the full Board of Governors

and advises the Association and its Membership on

for approval, ensuring all are consistent with the

all aspects of the care and well-being of polo ponies.

strategic objectives and mission of the USPA. The

The Committee develops policies and procedures and

Finance Committee also seeks to prudently manage

executes programs to ensure that polo ponies are

organizational investments consistent with the duties

treated in accordance with humane guidelines and

outlined by the USPA’s Investor Policy and Guidelines.

the highest standards of care.

Chairman:

Samuel Ramirez, Jr.

Mike Manno, DVM

Staff:

Executive Staff:

Susan Present

Robert Puetz, Carlucho Arellano

Committee Members:

Staff:

Chip Campbell III, Avery Chapman, James

Lindsay Dolan

DeAngelis, Jake Flournoy, Dennis Geiler, Bill Kirton,

Sub Committees:

Robert McMurtry, Joseph Muldoon, James Parr, Hutch Radcliff, Robert Puetz (CEO)

Equine Awards: Mary Muldoon Equine Wefare Publications: Aimee Waters Distress Fund: Dawn Weber Committee Members: Neil Agate, Avery S. Chapman, Sue Lukashevich, Kirsten Ludwig, Mary Muldoon, Clinton Nangle, Gwen Rizzo, Robin Sanchez, Cissie Snow, Lydia Sudick, Kathleen Timmons, Aimee Waters, Dawn Weber

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman: Stewart Armstrong Executive Staff: Robert Puetz Committee Members: Tony Coppola, Charles Smith, Steven Rudolph, Paul Jornayvaz, Daniel Walker, Chrys Beal, Stephen Orthwein, Jr., Mike Carney

FINANCE COMMITTEE Groom and polo pony share a moment before a game at Orange County Polo Club in Silverado, California. ©Jim Bremner

Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance Committee is to provide the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors direction for the fiscal

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The mission of the International

Former USPA Treasurer Sam Ramirez Jr., USPA Chairman Stewart Armstrong, former USPA Chairman Chip Campbell, USPA CEO Robert Puetz and USPA President Tony Coppola.

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: Jeff Hall Executive Staff:

HIGH GOAL COMMITTEE

Carlucho Arellano

Mission Statement: To advise the Chairman and BOG

Committee Staff:

and committee chairs on all aspects of high-goal polo

Lindsey Ebersbach

in the U.S. To be the communication channel between the USPA and high-goal community including

Committee Members:

club managers, high-goal sponsors, and high-goal

Luis Escobar, Mason Wroe, Steve Krueger, Cecelia

professionals. To grow and promote the sport of polo

Cochran, Memo Gracida, Dr. Richard Caleel, Zach Grob

at its highest level around the U.S.

OUTDOOR HANDICAP COMMITTEE

Chairman:

Mission Statement: The mission of the Outdoor

Maureen Brennan

Handicap Committee is to create the fairest

Executive Staff:

competitive environment for outdoor polo of the

Carlucho Arellano

Association by acting in accordance with the USPA

Staff:

Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of

Lindsey Ebersbach

honesty and integrity in establishing an Outdoor Handicap in service to any Association Individual

Committee Members:

Member entitled to such Handicap.

Chris Stratemann, James Newman, Thomas Gose, Scott Devon, Gillian Johnston, Jeff Hall, Chris Green, Annabelle

Chairman:

Gundlach, Justin Klentner, Francisco Lanusse

Chris Stratemann Executive Staff:

HORSE REGISTRY COMMITTEE

Carlucho Arellano

Mission Statement:

Staff:

TBA

Lindsay Dolan

Chairman:

Circuit Outdoor Handicap Chairs:

Stewart Armstrong

Chuck Rogers (B), Peter Alworth (C), Charles Muldoon

Executive Staff:

(E), Toby Wayman (FL), Mike Carney (GP), Mark Becker

Carlucho Arellano

(HI), Chad Middendorf (MS), Nicholas Barry (NE),

Staff:

Graham Bray (PC), George Dill (PNW), Mark Wates

Justin Powers

(RM), Horacio Onetto (SE), Kelly Beal (SW)

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

ARENA RULES SUB-COMMITTEE

At Large Outdoor Handicappers: Julio Arellano, Tommy Biddle, Jeff Blake, Joey Casey,

Chairman:

Joe Henderson, Fergus Gould, Dale Smicklas, Adam Snow

Chris Green Executive Staff: Charles Muldoon, Robert Puetz Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Bradley Biddle Committee Members: Tommy Biddle, Emily Dewey, Tom Goodspeed, Amy Fraser, David Eldredge, Bradley Biddle, David Offen, Robin Sanchez, Danny Scheraga Ex-Officio Members: Tom Gose

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 Robin Sanchez demonstrates arena strategy during a polo clinic for the St. Edwards University intercollegiate team at Two Wishes Ranch in Lockhart, Texas. ©Alex Millsap

of protective gear, as well as communication of safety information and safety recommendations to polo players and polo officials. Chairman: Dr. Thor Norregaard

RULES/RULES INTERPRETATION COMMITTEE

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

Mission Statement: The mission of the Rules

Staff:

Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and

Lindsay Dolan

Board of Governors about all aspects of the USPA

Committee Members:

Rules and Rules Interpretations.

Chrys Beal, Tony Coppola, Avery Chapman, Robert

Chairman:

Donahey, Robin Sanchez, Sherry Sheldon Gibson,

Chris Green

Peter Rizzo

Vice Chairman: Tom Gose Executive Staff: Charles Muldoon, Robert Puetz, Carlucho Arellano

Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Jesse Bray, Mike Carney, Melanja Jones, Billy Mudra, Trey Schott, Jeffrey Scheraga, Toby Wayman

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Mission Statement: TBD Chairman: Stewart Armstrong Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach Committee Members: Bob Puetz, Mike Carney, Britt Baker, Stevie Orthwein, Jr., David Cummings, Maureen Brennan, Marc Ganzi, Thomas Gose, Julio Arellano, Liz Brayboy After the 2019 Texas Women’s Open at Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas), Champions Polo Gear gather for a picture with Memo Gracida and Luis Echezarreta. ©Kaylee Wroe.

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

WOMEN’S HANDICAP COMMITTEE

responsibility to preserve the history and tradition

Mission Statement: The mission of the Women’s

of the sport of polo; encourage interest in the sport

Handicap Committee is to create the fairest

of polo; elevate the standards of play; promote

competitive environments for women’s polo of the

involvement and the overall vitality of the game; and

Association by acting in accordance with the USPA

stimulate the growth of tournament play at all levels

Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of

by hosting USPA Sanctioned, Circuit and National

honesty and integrity in establishing a Women’s

tournaments at USPA member clubs. The Tournament

Outdoor and/or Women’s Arena Handicap in service

Committee promotes an emphasis on sportsmanship,

to any female Association Individual Member entitled

fairness and safety, while expanding the opportunities

to such Handicap(s).

for professionals, amateurs, umpires, clubs, sponsors

Chairman:

and spectators.

Maureen Brennan

Chairman:

Executive Staff:

Michael Carney

Carlucho Arellano

Executive Staff:

Staff:

Carlucho Arellano

Lindsay Dolan

Staff:

Circuit Women’s Handicap Chairs:

Kaila Dowd

Natalie Camacho (B), Robbin Figge (C), Marisa

Committee Members:

Bianchi (E), Courtney Asdourian (FL), Susie Koehler

Anthony Coppola, Charles Smith, Peter Poor, Daniel

(GP), Jesse Cole (HI), Sarah Knapp (MS), Liz Brayboy

Walker, Edward Armstrong, James A. Newman,

(NE), Megan Judge (PC), Sheryl Sick (PNW), Erica

Jessica Bailey, Jennifer McLeavy, Maureen Brennan,

Gandomcar (RM), Jolie Liston (SE), KC Krueger (SW)

Stephen Orthwein, Jr., Steve Armour, Graham Bray,

At-Large Women’s Handicappers:

Stewart Armstrong, Melanja Jones

Cecelia Cochran, Dayelle Fargey, Pamela Flanagan, Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Posey Obrecht, Alyson Poor, Kylie Sheehan, Jennifer Williams

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

WOMEN’S POLO COMMITTEE

Manager:

Mission Statement: To encourage and increase the

Robert Puetz (USPA CEO)

participation of women in all aspects of polo, to

Executive Staff:

improve the standard of women’s polo throughout

Justin Powers

the USA and to facilitate the communication and networking of women in polo all over the world. We

ADVISORY BOARD

will encourage all polo players to never compromise

Chairman:

their integrity or dignity on or off the field.

Stephen Orthwein Jr.

Chairman:

Members:

Erica Gandomcar-Sachs

Julio Arellano, Tommy Wayman, Robert McMurtry,

Executive Staff:

Annabelle Gundlach, Liz Brayboy

Carlucho Arellano Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Chrys D. Beal, Olivia Berube, Mia Bray, Cecelia Cochran, Lesley Ann Fong-Yee, Monica Ganley, Meghan Gracida, Stormie Hale, Kirsten Ludwig, Clint Nangle, Arshia Rios, Robin Sanchez, Joanne M. Smicklas, Lynn Thompson, Gillian Young

Eight teams participated in the Pacific Coast Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge at Lakeside Polo Club in Lakeside, California.

YOUNG PLAYER’S COMMITTEE Mission Statement: To generate a voice within the USPA policies in an effort to help provide fresh solutions to

POLO DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE COMMITTEE

the challenges young players face in polo today.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Polo

Chairman:

Development Initiative [PDI] Committee is to implement

Todd Thurston

the PDI program; a grant-based program allowing USPA

to provide input on opportunities, initiatives, rules, and

Member Clubs to thoughtfully present applications that

Staff:

address specific, club-based, sustainability needs.

Justin Powers

Committee Chair:

Committee Members:

Robert McMurtry

Hope Arellano, Zach Grob, Jim Wright, Mason Wroe,

Executive Staff:

Costi Caset, Kylie Sheehan, Jared Zenni, Grant Ganzi

Justin Powers

USPA POLO DEVELOPMENT, LLC

Committee Staff:

Mission Statement: Develop, institute and manage

Pam Mudra

USPA programs that grow polo through education, development and assistance, thereby fortifying clubs

Committee Members:

and membership. This includes the training and

Julio Arellano, Mike Carney, Jim DeAngelis, David

development of players of all ages and the training,

Brooks, Robin Sanchez, Sheryl Sick

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.

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

NHTC Members: Dr. Philip Abel, Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Miranda Luna, and Robert Puetz.

I/I EC Board: Miranda Luna, Tom Wisehart, Stan Feldman, Melanja Jones, Sheryl Sick, Posey Obrecht.

I/I Committee Members: Liz Brayboy, Mike VanDerWerken, Francis Hinkle, Steve Armour, Carina Deck, Dan Healy, Daniel Sheraga, Lynn Thompson, Robin Sanchez and Jimmy Deangelis.

JUNIOR POLO COMMITTEE Mission Statement: To cultivate and promote junior polo throughout the United States by providing the organizational structure to support junior polo training opportunities, tournaments and international competitions. The program will utilize USPA Certified Polo Instructors, experienced Team USPA members and other qualified mentors and opportunities.

Committee Chair: Chrys Beal Maui’s Alana Benz advances the ball on her nearside during the Girls’ National Interscholastic Championship at Brookshire Polo Club in Brookshire, Texas. ©Kaylee Wroe

Executive Staff: Justin Powers

Committee Staff: Amanda Snow

Committee Members:

INTERSCHOLASTIC & INTERCOLLEGIATE COMMITTEE

Haley Bryan, Margaret Paur, Nick Snow, Carolyn Stimmel, Bill Kirton, Tiger Kneece, Brandon Alcott, Alan Meeker

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 and 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.

Chairman: David Wenning

Staff: Amy Fraser, Ali Davidge, Emily Dewey

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

TEAM USPA COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The mission of the Team USPA

David Wenning, a champion of the USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Program, passed away unexpectedly in 2019 doing what he loved most supporting poloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth. ÂŠElizabeth Hedley

Committee is to improve the sport of polo in the United States by developing the talents/skills of young American players through mentored training and playing opportunities, ultimately leading to a pool of higher rated American players.

Committee Chair: Mason Wroe

Executive Staff: Justin Powers

Committee Staff: Amanda Snow

Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Mason Wroe, Steve Krueger, Mariano Gonzalez

USPA 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.

Manager: Robert Puetz (USPA CEO)

Executive Staff: Charles Muldoon ADVISORY BOARD

Chairman: Thomas Gose

Members: Stewart Armstrong, Graham Bray, Cindy Halle, Billy Raab

USPA STAFF

USPA VISUAL GUIDELINES / LOGO AND SIGNATURE STRIPE

OFFICIAL USPA SEAL

Robert Puetz – Chief Executive Officer Lindsey Ebersbach – Senior Executive Administrator 1 in. high

SERVICES

MINIMUM SIZE (PRINT)

Carlucho Arellano – Executive Director

To ensure legibility in the following marketing materials a minimum height of 1 inch

Matthew Baran – Director of Communications has been established for the USPA Seal.

Lindsay Dolan – Membership and Handicap Director Cristina Fernandez – Communications Manager SIGNATURE STRIPE

SECONDARY STRIPECoordinator Jewel Connelly – Communications

18% Red Stripe 29% White Stripe

Kaila Dowd – Tournament Coordinator 33.3% Red Stripe

0.25” height for general use

53% Blue Stripe

33.3% White Stripe

Jenny Hudson – Website Administrator Taylor Smith – Membership Administrator

The Signature Stripe incorporates our red, white and blue color scheme. With the unique proportions, as outlined above, the design is a brand defining statement.

0.10” height for general use

33.3% Blue Stripe

The secondary version of the Signature Stripe is to be used only when the application requires a finer stripe.

CORPORATE-FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

The stripe is a supporting element on our templates for business collateral and can be used

as a design feature on marketing materials.

Susan Present, CPA, CGMA, CFE – Chief Financial Officer Kelly Vanderwerff, CPA – Controller Deanna Sullivan – Accounting Coordinator Beverly Basist, SHRM-CP – HR Director/IT Liliana Gopalakrishna – Assistant Controller Barb Dostal – Administrative Assistant

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC Justin Powers – Executive Director of Polo Development Amanda Snow – Director of Player Development Hayley Heatley – Player Development Program Manager Pam Mudra – PDI Manager

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC Amy Fraser – Director of I/I Polo Ali Davidge – I/I Program Coordinator Emily Dewey – I/I Tournament Manager

UMPIRES LLC Charles Muldoon – Executive Director Bradley Biddle – Arena Umpire Director Maggie Mitchell – Umpires Executive Administrator Fergus Gould – Western Regional Umpire Director Dana Fortugno – Eastern Regional Umpire Director Deb Ferro – Administrative Assistant Jennifer Furlow – Umpires Financial Analyst

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC. David Cummings – Chairman J. Michael Prince – President and Chief Executive Officer Shannon Stilson – Assistant Vice President of Marketing Marianne De La Torre – Senior Coordinator Global Broadcast & Events Allison Annear – Senior Event Marketing Manager

CEO LETTER

Dear USPA Members, It is an honor to present to you the 2019 Annual Report of the United States Polo Association. This year has been truly exceptional, and I hope that you find the contents to be a reflection of our accomplishments as an organization. As we continue to seek means to improve polo, we rely on our members to provide guidance to help us shape the future of our sport and our Association. As we all know, polo is a team sport and I consider each member, club, player, volunteer and professional staff member to be a part of this team, and I am extremely proud to have teammates that are so dedicated and passionate about our sport. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of the accomplishments of our team from this past year. Working with our partner USPA Global Licensing, we have made great strides growing both national and international awareness of our sport and brand. U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the USPA was recently named as the 4th largest global sports licensor in the world by License Global magazine, right behind the NFL, NBA and MLB. We cohesively market and promote our sport and brand connection through our “live authentically” campaigns and global brand ambassadors. Exciting new additions to the global brand ambassador roster this year include several of our talented young players: Hope Arellano, Harrison Azzaro and Henry Porter. The USPA, USPA Global Licensing and the International Polo Club Palm Beach partnered together for the inaugural year of the Gauntlet of Polo. The high stakes 22-goal polo tournament series featured 16 teams vying for a 1-milliondollar, winner take all prize. All of the games were livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network and the finals were broadcast across five networks with a record 4+ million viewers. The Pilot Polo Team was crowned the Gauntlet of Polo Champions and first ever polo team to win a $1million purse. showcasing over 700 elite equine athletes, the Gauntlet brought a heightened level of competition providing many new opportunities to players, both American and foreign. The USPA International Committee had a revolutionary year with the USA Team (Geronimo Obregon, Peke Gonzalez, Jared Zenni and captian Mike Azzaro) winning the historic Westchester Cup at the International Polo Club. Earlier in the year, the Board had approved a new International Committee fund to be utilized for International Events beginning in 2020 under the supervision of a new International Committee. Under the leadership of our new International Committee Chairman Jeff Hall, the committee focused on building a comprehensive budget to include events encompassing a multitude of different areas of polo and featuring one large premier event each year. In 2020, the Camacho Cup will be resurrected at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. The Board also approved the budget and plan for the USPA to host the 2021 FIP World Polo Championship at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This amazing opportunity will bring 8 teams from around the world to compete for the coveted title of World Champion on American soil. Under the leadership of the Polo Development LLC Advisory Board Chairman, Steve Orthwein Jr., the LLC has restructured many of their programs. The Team USPA program redirected their focus to younger players showing the ability to achieve a high goal handicap. The Polo Development Initiative Grant Program now allows for clubs to receive multi-year awards including capital improvements. The I/I Program continues to grow with more teams than ever, and are now focusing on alumni retention through additional Circuit Events and the National Feldman Cup. The NYTS Championships continue to showcase the talents of our young players and the program will expand to include two more girls’ teams at the 2020 NYTS Championships. Our Professional Umpire Program is positively affecting the majority of our clubs and tournaments through incentive programs, clinics, umpire training and better education. This year the Umpires LLC expanded their management team with the addition of three new Directors. Through these accomplishments and many others, the Association continues to focus on the future of polo. I welcome your input and ideas so please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to a great 2020 for our Association. Sincerely,

Bob Puetz C E O - U S PA

THE NUMBERS | 2019

Social Media TOTAL FOLLOWERS PER PLATFORM



42,576



11,212



28,920 +24

+10%

+4%

3,932

+69%

854,376

USPA Polo Network announcer, Toby Wayman.

TOTAL ENGAGEMENTS

uspolo.org 110 367 49

Broadcast USPA POLO NETWORK

TOURNAMENT COVERAGE ARTICLES

ARTICLES CREATED ON USPOLO.ORG

143

TOURNAMENT DETAIL PAGES

478,576

This Week In Polo



WEEKLY EMAIL BLAST TO MEMBERS

LIVESTREAMED TOURNAMENTS

OPEN RATE

LIVESTREAMED GAMES

UNIQUE VIEWERS

4,000,000+

VIEWERS

THE U.S. OPEN POLO CHAMPIONSHIP® FINAL WAS AIRED ACROSS FIVE NETWORKS, INCLUDING

CBS SPORTS, CBS SPORTS NETWORK, EUROSPORT, DSPORT AND TVG NETWORK

CLICK RATE

THE NUMBERS | 2019

Tournaments INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

435 133

ARENA

302

WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS

104

TEAMS

TOURNAMENTS

OUTDOOR

+44%

INTERSCHOLASTIC VARSITY LETTERS

MILITARY TOURNAMENTS PLAYED

PRIZE MONEY TOURNAMENTS

TOTALING:

$193,100

NYTS Highlights: 247 35 91

UNIQUE NYTS PLAYERS

QUALIFIERS

Umpires LLC:

UNIQUE

% FEMALE

109

PLAYERS

UNIQUE ALL-STARS

PLAYERS PLAYED IN MULTIPLE NYTS TOURNAMENTS

2019/2020 INTERCOLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIPS

PLAYERS AT NYTS CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM 20 DIFFERENT CLUBS ACROSS THE US AND CANADA.

126

# OF PUMP/8 TOURNAMENTS

197

# OF CERTIFIED OUTDOOR UMPIRES

126

# OF CERTIFIED INDOOR UMPIRES

# OF PROFESSIONAL UMPIRES

2300 71

# OF PROFESSIONALLY UMPIRED GAMES

THE NUMBERS | 2019

MEMBERS POPULATION BY CIRCUIT

Northeastern

7 70 31 CLUBS

Pacific Northwest

Central

300

295

19 CLUBS

Rocky Mtn.

Great Plains

5 CLUBS

8 CLUBS

109

Pacific Coast

790

Midstates

Eastern

301

53 4

18 CLUBS

28 CLUBS

109

21 CLUBS Border

Southwestern

12 CLUBS

23 CLUBS

127

539

Southeastern

370

19 CLUBS

Florida

5 82 24 CLUBS

Hawaiian Islands

No Affiliation

4 CLUBS

3 CLUBS

157

*NUMBERS SPECIFY USPA MEMBERS PER CIRCUIT

5011

234

Total USPA Members

Total USPA CLUBS

THE NUMBERS | 2019

MEMBERSHIP POPULATION BY AGE

5,011

NO DOB

TOTAL MEMBERS

249

71+

554

61-70

862

51-60

767

41-50

718

31-40

847

21-30

965

11-20

0-10

3071

3240 2092

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

3536

4124

4511

4370

4867

4988

5267

5451

5400

5332

5011

1829

1502 1063

1940

2077

2012

1936

2011

1847

2010

1605

2009

2000

1759

2050

2500

1500

3323

3331

3159

3020

2765

2622

2473

3000

2752

3500

3401

MALE VS. FEMALE MEMBERSHIP

1000 500 0

TOTAL WOMEN MEN

THE NUMBERS | 2019

HANDICAP RATING BREAKDOWN

US MALE

AFF MALE

US FEMALE

AFF FEMALE

OUT ARENA OUT ARENA OUT ARENA W. OUT W. ARENA

10T

0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0

0 6 0 0 0

0 0

OUT ARENA W. OUT W. ARENA

8T 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 7

11 16

16 28

163

2 13

47 116

54 135

130

291

134 272

106 197

1.5

53 n/a

n/a

n/a n/a

n/a

3 n/a

n/a

1.5T

n/a

106

9 20

n/a

221 332

80 42

27 229 227

20 40

0.5

115 n/a

n/a

0.5T 5 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a n/a n/a 0 n/a n/a n/a 0

494 309

34 28

-0.5

n/a

100

n/a

230 325 772

459

24 27

n/a

-1

598 258

857 442 n/a

n/a

95 46

268 547

373

398 509 279

370

SNP

*AFF (AFFILIATE) = NON-U.S. CITIZEN

THE NUMBERS | 2019

2019 USPA SPENDING: OPERATIONS/INVESTMENTS

8,100,000

INVESTMENT ADDITIONS

4,000,000

35%

INTERNATIONAL FUND ADDITIONS

47%

10,740,000

OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

18%

22,840,000

TOTAL

2019 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS PER ENTITY

3,070,000

21%

SERVICES

28%

2,570,000

UMPIRES LLC

2,860,000

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC

27%

2,240,000

CORPORATE

10,740,000

TOTAL

Cover: Pilot’s Mia Bray unleashing a powerful swing during the C.V. Whitney Cup of the inaugural GAUNTLET OF POLO™. ©David Lominska Back cover left: Eastern Region’s Aiden Meeker contemplates strategy before the National Youth Tournament Series Championship Semifinals at New Bridge Polo & Country Club (Aiken, South Carolina). Back photo right: La Indiana’s Jeff Hall during the opening game of the 2019 U.S. Open Polo Championship®. ©David Lominska

United States Polo Association® 9011 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, Florida 33467 (800) 232-USPA ∙ uspolo.org

USPA VISUAL GUIDELINES / LOGO AND SIGNATURE STRIPE

OFFICIAL USPA SEAL

SIGNATURE STRIPE

SECO

18% Red Stripe 29% White Stripe

0.25” height for general use

53% Blue Stripe

The Signature Stripe incorporates our red, white and blue color scheme. With the unique proportions, as outlined above, the design is a brand defining statement.

The stripe is a supporting element on our templates for business collateral and can be used

as a design feature on marketing materials.

The secondary

application req