2020 USPA Annual Report by United States Polo Association

United States Polo Association

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Pilot’s Facundo Pieres and Tonkawa’s Cubi Toccalino share a moment after a close match that ended in overtime during the GAUNTLET OF POLO® USPA Gold Cup® at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska

United States Polo Association

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

C H A I R M A N ’S L E T T E R

S E RV IC ES DI V I SION

A R E NA COM M I T T E E

10 A R M E D FORC ES COM M I T T E E 12 BOA R D & S TA F F DE V E L OPM E N T COM M I T T E E 14 C LU B & M E M BE R S H I P A DM I N I S T R AT ION COM M I T T E E 16 CONS T I T U T ION COM M I T T E E 18 EQU I N E W E L FA R E COM M I T T E E 20 F I NA NC E COM M I T T E E 22 H A N DIC A P COM M I T T E E 24 H IGH- GOA L COM M I T T E E 26 I N T E R NAT IONA L COM M I T T E E 28 RU L ES COM M I T T E E 30 SA F E T Y COM M I T T E E 32 T OU R NA M E N T COM M I T T E E 34 WOM E N ’S COM M I T T E E 36 YOU NG PL AY E R’S COM M I T T E E 37 COV I D -19 I M PAC T & R E L I E F PAC K AGE 40 COM M U N IC AT IONS DE PA R T M E N T 48 USPA P OL O DE V E L OPM E N T, L L C 50 C LU B DE V E L OPM E N T 51 I N T E RCOL L EGI AT E / I N T E R SC HOL A S T IC 54 PL AY E R DE V E L OPM E N T 56 USPA U M PI R ES , L L C 58 GL OBA L P OL O E N T E R TA I N M E N T ™ 59 G AU N T L E T OF P OL O ® 60 USPA GL OBA L L IC E NSI NG I NC . 65 BOA R D OF GOV E R NOR S 66 DI V I SIONS , COM M I T T E ES & L L C S

Grace Mudra at Oak Brook Polo Club in Oak Brook, Illinois. ©Andrew Meier

78 T H E N U M BE R S 2020 2

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

As Chairman of the United States Polo Association it

In 2020, came COVID-19 and with the bad sometimes

To achieve this vision we will need to align the clubs

is my pleasure to present the 2020 Annual Report on

the good also presents itself. In this case the lack of polo,

so collaboration is possible. And we must commit

behalf of the USPA Board of Governors and to share my

due to the suspension of polo for three months, gave

ourselves to a Sunday field in Wellington: a field

thoughts regarding our Association. My primary duty is

rise to a budget surplus which our staff used to develop

on which we all aspire to compete, a field with the

to articulate a vision and build a consensus behind that

the USPA COVID-19 Relief Package. The COVID-19

stature of the number one field at Palermo in Buenos

vision. In so doing, I give direction to our board in order

USPA Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP) offered a

Aires, and a field we will control in perpetuity. Control

to increase its effectiveness and I believe together we

free professional umpire, $2,500.00 in prize money and

of such a venue will give the USPA the leverage to

can accomplish a great deal.

trophies for the first two USPA tournaments hosted by

oversee coordination of national tournaments with a

a USPA Member Club post COVID-19 suspension of

maximum of team participation at all handicap levels

USPA Tournaments and Events. The program was a huge

across many different clubs while simultaneously

success and resulted in more polo being played and

ensuring stability for the sport for years to come.

Com ing into of f ice October 2019, my focus at t he outset of my first term was to align the governance of our Association’s committees and LLCs. There was

more satisfied participants which was a great result from

inconsistency in how the Polo Development and Umpires

a bad situation. We have extended this program into

LLCs functioned within the hierarchy of the Association

2021 to stimulate polo.

compared to how the committees interfaced with the

This is my vision. I want to use our financial resources to make the game better, more fun to participate in and more fun to watch. I also want to return American

Board. This inconsistency was a remnant of divergent

During the 2020 USPA Fall Committee, Board of Governors

polo to a level of competitiveness with Argentina by

v iews on corporate governa nce held by prev ious

and Annual Member Meeting, the Board approved a

developing high-goal players organically within our

generations of USPA leadership and those differences

tournament condition to the Rulebook that eliminates

sport. This starts with good fundamentals all across

have since been resolved. We are a “board directed, staff

blocking. I am hopeful that this may be an important

the country in the low-goal ranks. However, it requires

executed” organization. Everyone is in agreement and

opportunity to improve the game. Rules have more to do

an aspirational component in order to attract players

we are working together as a team to move forward.

with how much we enjoy polo and how we play to win,

of all ages toward higher achievement—a pathway to

than any other aspect of the game. They also impact

improvement through the stiffest competition. Let’s

the development of our young players. All over the

work together to make polo better in the year to come.

As a starting point toward building a consensus behind a shared v ision, I wanted to get agreement on t he

world young players in every country are having more

fundamentals of polo. To this end, I authored an essay

difficulty than ever before reaching a 10-goal handicap.

entitled The Sunday Field and it makes three important

Sincerely,

Rules, and the style of play resulting from those rules,

observations. First, team owners are indispensable and

have everything to do with this issue. Returning to a

critically important to the sport as they are the backbone

passing game that uses all four players and eliminates

of polo. The Sunday field is fundamental in attracting

blocking may solve the problem of st ymied player

new sponsors because it sets the aspirational hook that

development. Hopefully clubs will give this optional rule

draws new players to our sport. Second, the Association

a chance to improve our sport.

needs to do a better job of introducing new players to polo and helping them develop. We need to improve the

For much of my life I have had the great pleasure

coaching experience for new members if we want to

of traveling to Wellington, Florida, in the winter to

be as successful as possible. I support the institution

compete against the best players in the world. No other

of a USPA Polo Academy, a facility without conflicts

sport has given me more pleasure, helped me expand

of interest, whose sole focus is on player improvement

my friendships and enriched my life. I wish a similar

and utilizing top quality polo ponies for instruction. And

experience for everyone in polo. To that end, my vision

thirdly, prospective team owners should be invited to

for the USPA is to see Wellington become the Buenos

become a part of our community. We need to market to

Aires of American polo, for all levels of the sport—a

potential sponsors and invite them to try polo. Polo is an

place where we all come together to compete at the most

enclave and those who are not involved do not know how

competitive levels for a given handicap range while

to approach the sport. These are the basics for a healthy

building lasting relationships.

Stewart Armstrong CHAIRMAN - USPA

©David Lominska

polo ecosystem and they are needed across the country to stem the tide of baby boomers leaving the sport.

SERVICES DIVISION

The USPA Services 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, 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.

polo community. The USPA COVID-19 Relief Package

Governors Meeting was also held via video conference.

consisted originally of four assistance programs created

The virtual meetings gave a unique opportunity for all

to support the sustainability of polo: the USPA COVID-19

USPA Members to attend meetings they may not have

Equine Welfare Relief Program (ERP), USPA COVID-19

been able to join in the past and proved to be both

Distressed Club Relief Program (DCRP), COVID-19

productive and efficient. It was also announced that the

USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP) and

USPA, Federation of International Polo (FIP) and their

the COVID-19 USPA Polo Professional Equine Relief

partners have all agreed to postpone the 2021 FIP World

Program (PPER).

Polo Championships, set to be hosted at Empire Polo

The ERP assisted USPA Members who struggled to

Although the 2020 season was off to a strong start with a high volume of teams competing from Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic (I/I) to all levels of outdoor polo, including fourteen teams in the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, the season was inevitably cut short, pivoting in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the subsequent polo suspension first enacted on March 18, 2020, the Association reallocated financial resources and developed the USPA COVID-19 Relief Package to help alleviate the financial strain placed on the sport and the

Since announcing the availability of the USPA Polo

PPER assisted professional players and commercial

Tournament Stimulus Package in 2020 the number

horse providers in caring for their mounts until polo

of USPA tournaments held nearly doubled to 350.

could resume. The DCRP was designed to support

Also this year, despite the pandemic, there was an

USPA Member Clubs that had experienced significant

increase in participation with an average of five teams

financial distress. Created to encourage USPA Member

per tournament and the overall quality of tournament

Clubs to begin playing polo, TSP resulted in an

competition as a result, a rise from 2019’s average

overwhelming amount of interest from clubs across

of 3.5 teams. Similarly, there was an increase in host

the country and enabled several clubs to host their first

clubs with many new and returning venues. Arena polo

USPA tournament. Extended into 2021, TSP waived

also experienced a significant increase with 67 USPA

the fees for the first two USPA tournaments hosted

arena tournaments awarded in 2020 as well as all 10

by a USPA Member Club, provided trophies or trophy

national arena events. Arguably the most sought-after

reimbursement, one free professional umpire and

tournaments this year, all 2021 USPA National arena

$2,500.00 in prize money per tournament.

tournaments were awarded.

The livestreaming viewer experience evolved with the

As a result of the pandemic, the USPA was forced to

creation of Global Polo TV’s (GPTV) OTT platform. Offering

cancel select top-tier USPA national tournaments

the top USPA polo tournaments in the United States, GPTV is

nationwide. These tournaments included the U.S.

a hub where subscribers can access a library of on-demand

Open Polo Championship®, National Intercollegiate

games, short films, live games and more.

Championships, Rossmore Cup and the U.S. Open

Armstrong announced that the chairs of the Armed Forces (Karl Hilberg), Safety (Dr. Thor Norregaard) and Junior Polo (Chrys Beal) committees would be stepping down. Each making an extensive contribution to their individual committees over numerous years, the outgoing

Although 2020 was an especially unprecedented year

Arena Polo Championship®. Additionally, the USPA

with unique challenges facing the polo community,

Gold Cup® Semifinals and Final, U.S. Open Women’s

it was also a year of ingenuity and demonstrated the

Polo Championship® Semifinals and Final and the

resilience of the sport. Coming together to support and

National Youth Tournament Series Championship® were

sustain polo during a time of need, the Association acted

postponed and rescheduled to resume during the 2021

quickly to address the financial pressure inflicted by the

winter season.

pandemic, producing a record year of tournament play.

chairs welcomed incoming chairs to assume leadership

Beggining in 2021, per the USPA rules, all players must

Operating with the same spirit of teamwork which wins

and play their part in carrying forth the mission with a

wear a polo helmet that meets the NOCSAE ND050

games on the field, USPA Services played a crucial role

fresh perspective. New incoming chairs included Mark

Standard Performance Specifications. The rule applies

in helping the American polo community navigate the

Gillespie for the Armed Forces Committee, Dr. James A.

to all players and umpires participating in any USPA

ongoing uncertainty and emerge stronger as a result.

Ulibarri for the Safety Committee and Tiger Kneece for

Event or Club Event. However, due to unforeseen

the Junior Polo Committee.

circumstances with the helmet manufacturing process,

Filling a vacancy on the board, Liz Brayboy was

USPA Professional Umpire Eddy Martinez. ©Andrew Meier

Club in Indio, California, until Fall of 2022.

maintain proper upkeep of their horses while the

Initiating a change in leadership, USPA Chairman Stewart

Las Monjitas’ Pelon Stirling hits a neckshot in front of a packed stadium during the C.V. Whitney Cup® Final in February at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska

appointed as the newest Governor-at-Large during

the USPA was forced to delay the helmet mandate to May 1, 2021.

the USPA Fall Board of Governors Meeting which was held virtually due to the pandemic. The Spring Board of 6

ARENA COMMITTEE

ARENA COMMITTEE The National Arena Amateur Cup (NAAC) took on a new

In 2020, the Arena Committee continued to expand upon the progress and initiatives developed in previous years. Yielding positive results, the Committee’s dedication to stimulate the growth of arena polo at all levels improved the quality of arena events throughout the year. Arena polo continued to prosper across the country with 67 USPA arena tournaments and all 10 national arena events awarded in 2020. There was also an increased interest in arena leagues due to the success of the Pacific Coast Arena League (PCAL) and Texas Arena League (TAL).

innovative format in 2019 that created an opportunity to showcase the accessibility of amateur polo and to incentivize amateur 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 are eligible to qualify and the point system is based on the number of teams entered and the team standings in each tournament. After hosting a successful 2019 tournament, Orange Count y Polo Club (Silverado, California) planned to

Lezlie Hiner was named the recipient of the 2020 Russ

host the 2020 National Arena Amateur Cup, but it was

Sheldon Award which was presented during the 2020

relocated to Legends Polo Club in Kaufman, Texas, due

USPA Women’s Arena Open at Twilight Polo Club in The

to concerns related to COVID-19. In 2020, 336 players

Plains, Virginia. The Russ Sheldon Award was created by

landed on the leaderboard and had an opportunity to

the Arena Committee in 2015 to be presented annually

earn one of the coveted spots in the championship.

to a member who has made an outstanding contribution

The NAAC Host Tournament Committee placed the 18

to arena polo.

SabreSpur Polo’s David Werntz with a beautiful nearside neckshot during National Arena Amateur Cup bracket play at Legends Polo Club (Kaufman, Texas). ©David Murrell

ERP’s Loreto Natividad leads the field, Galvin Agency Most Valuable Player Will Walton close behind during the Southwestern Circuit General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller at Two Wishes Polo Club (Lockhart, Texas). ©David and Debbie Murrell

finalists on one of six competitive teams. Qualifying

mountains of Carbondale, Colorado, the unique arena

over two days of competitive play, Polo InterActive and

set a spectacular stage for the competition. The 2019

Legend’s Polo Club went head-to-head in the NAAC Final.

defending champion Casablanca conquered McClure

Holding the advantage in the first chukker after an initial

River Ranch 12-10 to claim the 2020 United States Arena

goal on handicap, Polo InterActive quickly established

Handicap® title.

a decisive lead with strong offensive drives to win the

National arena tournaments continue to be a sensation

trophy 15-11 and $1,500 in prize money.

around the county and there has been an increased demand

Several coveted national arena events were relocated

and level of competition for USPA arena tournaments in

in 2020 due to health concerns related to the COVID-19

2020. Several 2021 national arena tournaments were among

pandemic, including the USPA Women’s Arena Open™,

the most sought-after tournaments discussed in 2020

the USPA Women’s Arena Handicap®, and the National

and the demand for hosting prestigious arena events has

Arena Commander-in-Chief Cup. All originally scheduled

significantly increased.

to be played at Virginia Polo Club, Inc. (Charlottesville,

The future of arena polo is bright as the sport continues

Virginia), the three events were moved to Twilight

to thrive. Hundreds of spectators and players are drawn

Polo Club. In conjunction with the $30,000 National

to the fast-paced and competitive game each year. Arena

Arena Chairman’s Cup and the $10,000 National Arena

polo continues to prosper across the country and the

Challenge Cup, Twilight Polo Club successfully hosted all

Arena Committee is in constant pursuit of new ways to

five national arena events within one month.

help improve and enhance the sport.

Aspen Valley Polo Club hosted the United States Arena Handicap® for the fourth consecutive year. Nestled in the 8

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE The Committee continues to financially support Circuit

The Armed Forces Committee (AFC) has been working over the past few years to increase USPA military tournaments and USPA membership. Free membership has been offered to active duty military players since 2016. Only seven circuit military tournaments were held in 2016, the first year the events were available, making growth a focus for the Committee in 2017 and 2018. The Committee’s hard work and dedication to the cause consistently raised that number to 23 Circuit Events in 2017, 34 in 2018, 42 in 2019 and 28 in 2020. Brandywine Polo Club (Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania) hosted the 2020 National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup and Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia) hosted the 2020 National Arena Commanderin-Chief Cup on short notice when Virginia Polo, Inc. (Charlottesvile, Virginia) was unable to host it due to COVID-19 pandemic health concerns. Despite the change of venue, the tournament saw four military teams “battle in the saddle” in which the Marines emerged victorious by one goal over Army Black in a thrilling final match. The tournament also included a clinic for new military polo players that boasted 25 participants that were instructed by Army, Navy and Marine players from the tournament.

and National Military events each year through the Military Incentive Program. In 2020, the AFC increased the number of Circuit Events supported through this program significantly. The Armed Forces Committee also continues to support numerous military events and clinics throughout the country. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all international military events in 2020 were canceled or postponed until such events may resume. One positive development on the international military polo front occurred in August 2020, when the Federation of International Polo (FIP) formally established an Internat ional Militar y Polo Committee whose mission includes facilitating greater numbers of international military polo events. The USPA designated Mark Gillespie to be its representative on this new committee. The AFC has entered into discussions with the Patton Legacy Sports, LLC (PLS) which is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the life of General George S. Patton Jr. PLS has proposed supporting a limited number of the circuit General George S. Patton Jr. tournaments 2020 National Arena Commander-In-Chief Cup Champions: Marine Corps - Walker Hobby, First Lieutenant, USMC, Captain Jake Flournoy, USMC, Dean Daggett, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) presented by Dan Colhoun, Former Pilot Sergeant, USMC and Frank Gräfe, Brigadier General, German Air Force. ©Joanne Maisano

in 2021 with prize money as well as limited support for the National Arena Commander-in-Chief Cup and some funding to assist sending a military polo team

to Normandy, France, to play in a match with French

The USPA selected Lieutenant Colonel Dean Daggett,

military players commemorating the D-Day Landings in

USMC (Ret), for the 2020 General George S. Patton Jr.

World War II.

Award in appreciation for his work that has gone above and beyond the call of duty, creating opportunities for

In anticipation of a f ut ure partnership w ith PLS for

military members and their families to become involved

collaboration and support, the AFC proposed a series of

in the sport of polo.

six motions for approval by the USPA Board of Governors during the fall meeting and all were approved. Also during the Board of Governors fall meeting, Commander Karl Hilberg, USN (Ret.) was thanked for his years of service as the Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee and Major Mark Gillespie, US Army (Ret.) was approved as the Committee’s new Chairman.

Hawkwood’s Leandro Berrios on a breakaway during the National Outdoor Commander-in-Chief Cup Final at Brandywine Polo Club (Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania). ©Elizabeth Hedley

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The current Board and Staff Development Committee (BASDC) was established and approved by the Board of Governors in 2017 and onboarded a small and varied group of businessorientated individuals with ties to many USPA committees and sport of polo interests.

key policies and best corporate practices, processes

of Governors and to its professional staff related to

and recommendations to achieve stated goals, correct

corporate and individual conflict of interest; diversity

deficiencies and ensure consistency, continuity and

and diversity training; and whistle-blower policies and

clarity in all areas of the Association.

procedures. The BASDC worked closely with the USPA

The Committee’s responsibilities include—but are not limited to—human resources, information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation and bonuses, staff

The mission of the Committee is to, on an ongoing basis,

development and succession, strategic planning and

study and offer recommendations on the establishment and continuous improvement of an efficient, staff-driven organizational structure. The Committee provides advice and support to the Association’s Chief Executive Officer in USPA personnel matters and offers advice and support to the Association’s Chairman in all matters relating to the USPA Board of Governors and USPA Limited Liability Companies development. The Committee studies USPA mission statement objectives and has made several

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Human Resources Department, the Corporate division and its legal and tax advisors to research, then present to the Board of Governors, a number of best practices policies and procedures for their review and approval.

Board development and succession planning. In addition,

Recent tasks and projects included: working in conjunction

the BASDC will continue to forward to the Board of

with the USPA Audit Committee on sensitive legal and

Governors timely recommendations for approval

tax matters; reviewing for endorsement the Board-

concerning the USPA Organizational Charts. Over the

approved process related to staff annual salaries and

past several years, the BASDC completed a number of

bonuses; researching and recommending a proposed

significant corporate best practice reviews, offering

USPA Diversit y-Equit y-Inclusion (DEI) Action Plan,

a wide range of presentations and recommendations

to include a Board-approved USPA DEI Committee;

related to the business of the USPA, its volunteer Board

coordinating with the Constitution Committee related to term limits for committee chairs; working with USPA Staff to update volunteer recognition awards; reviewing USPA Staff employment compensation for gender parity; recommending that the USPA Rules and Tournament Conditions be offered in Spanish; and, coordinating with legal advisors as to updating the USPA Conflict of Interest Policy and outlining matters related to Board confidentiality and fiduciary responsibilities. Also, in 2020, BASDC expanded to include Zacharias Grob to its membership.

Horses watch the game from the pony lines at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. ©David Lominska

Committee member and Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor Sheryl Sick happy to get on the field at Empire Polo Club (Indio, California). ©Kaile Roos Photography

CLUB AND MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

new requirements, the timelines for compliance and the

The Club and Membership Administration Committee reviewed all existing clubs prior to the Spring Board of Governors Meeting to ensure their compliance with the USPA Constitution and ByLaws. A number of clubs were not in compliance due to COVID-19, and the Committee requested to extend the deadline to July 1. A total of 226 Clubs (197 Active, 13 Provisional, 13 Affiliate and three Associate) were approved by the USPA Board in the July meeting, including four new Clubs (three Provisional and one Affiliate) that had applied and been accepted earlier in the year.

penalties for non-compliance. Clubs will now be required

McClure River Ranch’s Jared Zenni prepares for a backshot. Club Owner Marc Ganzi following closely behind during the United States Arena Handicap® Semifinals at Aspen Valley Polo Club. ©Aspen Valley Polo Club

to conduct a minimum of two USPA Events or four Club Events per year. A new Committee Mission Statement was created and approved to redefine the scope of the Committee: “The Club and Member Administration Committee reviews and evaluates all new club applications and the status of all current clubs to ensure compliance and maintenance with the Association’s Constitution, By-Laws and Board-approved policies then in effect. The Committee undertakes such review in connection with each new club application and no less than annually for each

The Committee reviewed the existing Club Application

existing club and makes recommendations based upon

and Renewal Forms to add questions that would help

its reviews to the Board of Governors regarding the

to prov ide proof of legitimacy. Additions included

status of the Association’s member clubs.”

adding the approx imate dates of the club’s season, approximate number of chukkers played annually, and a list of all the USPA and Club Events played each year. The Committee also worked closely with the USPA Constitution Committee to determine necessary changes to the USPA By-Laws. The new By-Laws provide all of the

Aerial view of a Sunday tailgate with COVID-19 spectator restrictions at Oak Brook Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois). ©Andrew Meier

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

The Constitution Committee assembled a working group to refine the By-Laws and LLC Operating Agreements. The changes to the various documents were approved by the Board of Governors at the 2020 Fall USPA Board of Governors Meeting. There were no revisions to the Constitution this year.

volunteer the requisite time and commitment to

maintain that status. It also clarifies when a Club has not

serving in that role for the betterment of the USPA,

complied with the requisite standards how its status

and clarifies the interrelationship between the Board

is affected. One new, key change to the requirements

of Governors and the USPA staff in carrying out

of being an Active Member Club that is included in the

the USPA’s affairs. Relatedly, the Amended By-Laws

Amended By-Laws is that, effective January 1, 2021, an

include a new Article V(a), setting forth the roles

Active Member Club must annually conduct a minimum

and responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer of

of either four Club Events or two USPA Events (as those

the USPA, which clarifies the matters that fall under

terms are defined in the Tournament Conditions). Another

Pony Lines during the Silver Cup® at Cancha de Estrellas Polo Club (Carpinteria, California). ©David Lominska

key change is that Provisional Member Clubs (except for those that participate primarily in interscholastic polo) may only remain in that status for a period of one year.

AMENDED POLO DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND AMENDED UMPIRE REGULATIONS The working group was tasked by the Chairman of the USPA with changing the legal structure of each of USPA Polo Development, LLC (“Polo Development”) and USPA Umpires, LLC from a manager-managed structure (in which the USPA CEO is the manager) to a member-managed structure (in which the USPA, as sole member, is the manager). By making this change from manager-managed to member-managed, the reporting structure of the LLC advisory committees to the USPA (and, accordingly, its Board of Governors) became more aligned with the reporting structure of the USPA’s various advisory committees to the USPA Board of Governors. Ryan McNeilly, a fourth-year interscholastic player for Newport, was the Dizzy Mare’s go-to penalty shooter during the Northeastern Circuit Arena Women’s Challenge at Westchester Polo Club (Portsmouth, Rhode Island). ©Michele Almeida

The Adv isor y Board of Polo Development was eliminated. The four adv isor y commit tees of Polo Development will report directly to the USPA Board of Governors, which is parallel to how USPA advisory committees report to the USPA Board of Governors.

The four significant changes to the By-Laws were: (1) the

the Chief Executive Officer’s purview and how that

addition of a Preamble; (2) the addition of a provision

position relates and reports to the Board of Governors.

describing the role and responsibilities of the Chief

In clarifying the reporting structure of the advisory committees, there is additional language in both the A mended Polo Development Regu lat ions a nd the

Executive Officer of the USPA; (3) updates to the Advisory

Additionally, language was added in the Amended By-

Amended Umpires Regulations setting forth the ways in

Committee language for consistency with applicable

Laws for clarity and consistency among the documents

which the advisory committees may obtain and receive

language used in the Amended Polo Development

related to the support that the USPA staff will provide to

support from the LLC staff.

Regulations and Amended Umpires Regulations;

the USPA advisory committees.

and (4) additional language intended to clarif y the In Section 3 of Article VI of the Amended By-Laws

timing and process of membership classifications.

relating to Member Classifications, the vast majority The Preamble set forth in the Amended By-Laws

of these changes are process-oriented clarifications

articulates that, together with the privilege of serving

intended to eliminate any ambiguity for a Club or for

the USPA as a Governor, Officer, or Board or Advisory

USPA staff as to when a Club is required to meet the

Committee member, comes a responsibility to

standards of an Active Member Club in order to obtain or 16

EQUINE WELFARE COMMITTEE

The Equine Welfare Committee faced new challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Equine Drugs and Medications Testing Program had to be put on hold due to clubs not allowing extra personnel at their facilities based on local and state requirements. The Committee was also faced with the challenge of finding a way to assist USPA Member Clubs and members who faced equine-related hardships due to the pandemic. In April, the Committee worked to create the COVID-19 Equine Welfare Relief Program (ERP), one of four assistance programs in the USPA COVID-19 Relief Package. This program was available to clubs and members w ith horses used for Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic polo and polo training programs. Individuals were allowed to apply for assistance for up to eight horses at the rate of $5.00 per day per horse for one month, and USPA Member Clubs and schools were evaluated on a case-by-case basis for the number of horses they listed on their applications. In 2020, 97 applications were approved, which provided assistance to 1,590 horses. The applicants were allowed to receive assistance in the form of feed for their horses. Feed bills were either paid directly or applicants were reimbursed for feed they had already purchased. The role of a Club Equine Welfare Representative was a topic discussed throughout the year and the Committee will be revising the list of duties for the position in 2021. Furthermore, the Committee will be working with clubs to ensure the proper individual is placed in the role, and then hold webinars throughout the year to stay in contact with these individuals. One of the new responsibilities will be to ensure that Equine Injury and Fatality Reporting is taking place at all USPA Member Clubs. Medication reporting deadlines were added to the USPA Equine Drugs and Medications Rules for administrative and reporting purposes. This helped streamline the review process and allowed the Committee to function more efficiently. The polo community came together with a collaborative effort in 2020 to prioritize the welfare of our equine partners to overcome the numerous obstacles faced

Groom painting and picking out horse hooves before game. ©Andrew Meier

during the pandemic.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

FINANCE COMMITTEE The Committee provided guidance in a revision to the

At the 2020 USPA Fall Board of Governors Meeting in October, the Board approved the Finance Committee’s recommendation of the 2021 USPA budget at a subsidy of $12,770,000. New for 2021 was the inclusion of a portion of the Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP) instituted during 2020 as a result of the pandemic. The COVID-19 Relief Package proved enormously successful in providing assistance to clubs, players and individuals dependent on the polo economy.

2020 budget necessary to provide financial assistance to certain USPA Member Clubs, horses and professional

Jim Drury’s grandsons at Oak Brook Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois). ©Andrew Meier

players seeking financial relief due to distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved these revisions at a special meeting in May. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) monthly portfolio investment program was temporarily suspended until resumption of USPAGL royalty payments sufficient to sustain USPA operations as well as DCA funding. As of December 2020, projected royalties remained below the level available for DCA funding. As the world economy

picks up following the pandemic, DCA funding will

affect the royalty streams. This de-risking strategy was

resume. Current economic uncertainties have caused an

in place prior to 2020’s spring market fluctuation and

extension of the projected USPA fully-funded endowment

provided a measure of outperformance and security

to the 2030-2033 timeframe. However, this extension date

to the investment portfolio and to both the USPA and

is subjective and continues to be evaluated.

USPAGL during this difficult period of unprecedented global economic shutdown.

During 2019, the Finance Committee evaluated its process of investing DCA money per the USPA’s

Moving forward, the Committee will push to get back on

Investment Policy. The Committee explored methods

track to its self-endowment goal. The USPA investment

for safeguarding investments during periods of market

portfolio has performed well with the Committee’s

volatility in which the USPA’s royalty streams, many

positioning and the federal stimulus.

of which are derived from emerging market countries, could be affected. The revised approach was designed to maintain performance potential and lower the risks associated with a market or business shock that could

2020 USPA Women’s Arena Open™ Champions: Five String Farm - Jessica Schmitt, Lindsey Morris and Cindy Halle, presented by John Gobin at Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia).

HANDICAP COMMITTEES

Work to Ride’s Shariah Harris prepares for a shot down the boards during the Eastern Circuit Constitution Cup at Brandywine Polo Club (Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania). ©Elizabeth Hedley

were added to help automatically tally results and once

The Handicap Committees all continued business as usual and reviewed handicaps for all USPA p l a ye r s . T h e O u t d o o r H a n d i c a p C o m m i t t e e held both regular meetings, one in April and the other in September, the Women’s Handicap Committee held two regular meetings in April and October, and the Arena Handicap Committee held their single meeting in November.

verified automatically add them to the database. USPA staff are already working on additional updates and improvements to the system to be available next year. The Handicap Committees worked on small additions and revisions to the USPA Handicap Policy. The policy now allows for outdoor handicaps of -1, arena handicaps of -1 and women’s handicaps of 0 to be raised by one goal at any time. There is now a process in place that

The Women’s Handicap Committee formed a subcommittee

automatically adjusts women’s handicaps when a female

that spent time over the summer months conducting an

player’s regular outdoor handicap is raised from -1 to -0.5

in-depth review of women’s arena handicaps. All female

or 0 or when their regular arena handicap is raised from

players had their women’s arena handicap reviewed

-1 to 0. An addition was made which creates an automatic

and a total of 268 women had their handicaps adjusted.

review of a player who has a foreign handicap that is

The subcommittee is hopeful the 2020 women’s arena

two goals higher or lower than their USPA handicap.

handicap review process brought all of the handicaps in

Additional changes include increasing the number of

line for fair competition moving forward.

At-Large Members on the Arena Handicap Committee,

A number of improvements were made to the online

extending the cutoff for Handicap Meeting Voting and

Handicap Recommendation and Voting Portal. The

clarifying some of the language in the Outdoor High

new system utilized the tournament database to track

Level Disclosure section.

which clubs’ players had played in USPA tournaments. Tracking created a better process for Club Delegates to enter their recommendations. Tracking also helped Circuit Handicap Chairs by prov iding a quick and

Five String Farm’s Cindy Halle and Bad Ass Polo’s Anna WinslowPalacios ride off during the USPA Women’s Arena Open™ Final at Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia). ©David Murrell

easy way to view players who had competed in their Circuit. On the administrative side, new processes

HIGH-GOAL COMMITTEE

Due to a large number of entries in the Florida highgoal season, the High-Goal Committee started off with a busy agenda. The Committee met monthly to discuss topics surrounding the tournaments, players and umpires. Although the Florida winter high-goal season was unfortunately cut short in March due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Committee continued to meet throughout the year to help address various concerns related to high-goal polo around the country and plan for 2021. After the annual High-Goal Committee election in January, Marc Ganzi (team owner representative) and Jeff Hall (professional player representative) were elected to serve on the Committee for a two-year term.

One of the main topics discussed by the Committee was

Throughout the year, the Committee provided a platform

to address field conditions for high-goal polo. Based on

for discussion on many topics including the Florida

the Committees request, the USPA worked directly with

Circuit tournament schedule and unif ying efforts to

the high-goal clubs on field management plans, which

yield greater success. They discussed the rules and

included a monthly report to the Committee.

tournament conditions related to high-goal polo. Pursuant

The Committee continued to provide feedback on the professional umpires to the USPA Umpires, LLC by polling GAUNTLET OF POLO® teams. The feedback will be used for consideration in the selection of umpires for the 2021 high-goal season. The Committee also met after

to the handicap policy, the Committee is required to make recommendations for four of the At-Large-Handicappers to serve on the Handicap Committee. The Committee’s recommendations of Joey Casey, Jeff Blake, Mariano Gonzalez and Nacho Novillo Astrada were approved.

the conclusion of the Silver Cup® at Santa Barbara Polo &

The High-Goal Committee continues to be the liaison

Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California) and provided the

between high-goal organizations and the Association.

Umpires LLC with additional feedback on the officiating.

Committee Member Jeff Hall was captain of La Indiana’s 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO® team. ©David Lominska

Cessna’s Felipe Marquez discusses the play with USPA professional umpire Jamie Mirikitani during the C.V. Whitney Cup® at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska

Klentner Ranch’s Geronimo Obregon on the ball with Lucchese’s Nico Escobar on his hip during the Silver Cup® at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California). ©David Lominska

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE Additionally, the Committee provided support to host the

After a historic 2019, the International Committee prepared to use the newly-formed International Fund in accordance with the Board-approved International Event Plan. 2020 began strong with an intercollegiate team traveling to England to take place in the 8th annual USA vs. Britain Intercollegiate Challenge Cup. This year’s team was comprised of Elly Schwingel (Michigan State University), Shariah Harris (Cornell University), Molly Agee (Point Loma Nazarene University) and Fritz Felhaber (Texas A&M University). The USA team was victorious against the British Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA), winning 15-13 to lead 6-2 in the series.

106th Federation of International Polo Ambassadors Cup in Wellington, Florida, in early March. The International Committee had prepared to do three more events in 2020: the Bryan Morrison Trophy in England, the Women’s Nations Cup in Argentina and the Camacho Cup to be hosted by the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California). Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions and other challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, all 2020 events were postponed. The Bryan Morrison Trophy is anticipated to be played at the 2021 Polo in the Park event in England. The Committee is hopeful that the Women’s Nations Cup will also be rescheduled for 2021.

Shariah Harris in the zone during the USA vs. Britain Intercollegiate Challenge Cup in England. ©EmmPix

In the fall of 2020, the Committee aided the Oak Brook

event, USPA Global Licensing (USPAGL), J5 Equestrian

Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois) in hosting the Butler

and Empire Polo Club (Indio, California) were all

International. The 10- to 12-goal tournament featured

supportive of the postponement.

four teams bearing the flags of Germany, Switzerland,

The International Committee is optimistic and looks

Argentina and the United States. The event was very

forward to international events returning in the

successful and looks to be an annual event at the

near future.

historic club. The International Committee, the USPA Board of Governors and the Federation of International Polo Butler International tailgate at Oak Brook Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois). ©Andrew Meier

(FIP) agreed to postpone the 2021 FIP World Polo Championship until the fall of 2022. The partners for the 26

RULES COMMITTEE

RULES COMMITTEE The Rules Committee also proposed several substantive

In 2020, the Rules Committee developed, and the Board of Governors approved, three new Optional Tournament Conditions for Host Tournament Committees to use in 2021 if they choose: (1) an expansion of Outdoor Rule 26A that prohibits blocking in live play as well as on set plays (TC XI); (2) an alternative to the 3/4 rule in USPA Events with an upper handicap limit between 4- and 6-goals that was used successfully by many Host Tournament Committees as a variance in 2020 (TC X); and (3) a “fair-play” throw-in to restart play when it has been interrupted unexpectedly to the significant disadvantage of the team in possession (TC IX).

changes for 2021 to the Outdoor Rules, Arena Rules, and Tournament Conditions that were each approved by the Board: (1) establishing forfeiture as the penalty for heel calk violations (OR 6a, AR 2e); (2) clarifying that any “next game” suspension in a USPA Event must be served in that or another USPA Event (OR 33b-e); (3) allowing team captains to question the scorekeeping or timekeeping in the final period until 15 minutes after the final whistle (OR 11c); (4) clarifying that the arena roof structure is out of bounds (ARs 7, 9); (5) eliminating the use of shootouts for seeding purposes (TC VI); (6) enabling the use of Dartfish video for Umpire Reviews only (TC VII); and (7) clarifying “calling the advantage” (OR 21b). Through its representatives on the International Rules Subcommittee, the Rules Committee continued to collaborate with the Hurlingham Polo Association and Argentine Polo Association in a cooperative effort to improve and standardize the rules of polo internationally. The Committee is mindful 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. The new “no blocking” Optional Tournament Condition (TC XI) exemplifies this focus as well as the Committee’s and the USPA’s willingness to lead the way in testing rules that have the potential to improve polo in America and internationally.

USPA professional umpire Juan Carlos Gonzalez prepares for a throw-in during the USPA Women’s Arena Handicap® at Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia). ©David Murrell

Flagger at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska

SAFETY COMMITTEE

SAFETY COMMITTEE The Safety Committee worked to educate members on the upcoming NOCSAE Polo Helmet Mandate. The initial start date for the mandate was June 1, 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers were required to stop production. As a result, the USPA Board of Governors decided to push the mandate to January 1, 2021. Continued manufacturing delays prior to the January 1 deadline resulted in a rules variance to further delay enforcement of the NOCSAE helmet requirement until May 1, 2021. T he Com m it tee cont i nued to f ield q uest ions f rom members regarding the decision to move forward with the mandate. All members were informed that extensive research and legal review had gone into the decision. An informational flyer was created and mailed to all USPA Members with frequently asked questions regarding the upcoming mandate. Throughout the year the Committee discussed the lack of injury reporting taking place in the sport. The Committee would like to look into options for umpires and club managers to report basic information on player injuries without violating HIPPA. Another suggestion was to create focus areas with large amounts of polo and track injuries in those specific areas. After serving as the Chair of the Safety Committee for a total of 14 years, Dr. Thorkild Norregaard stepped down and is being succeeded by Dr. James Ulibarri. Dr. Ulibarri is a Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who plays at the Big Horn Polo Club in Sheridan, Wyoming. Dr. Norregaard will continue as the Vice Chair of the Safety Committee to aid in the transition. Moving forward, the Committee will continue to educate members on safety equipment and evaluate the safety of the sport.

U.S. Polo Assn. Global Brand Ambassador Henry Porter competing in a NOCSAE certified helmet. ©David Lominska

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

National Tournaments

There has been an increased demand and level of competition for USPA tournaments in 2020 with 350 USPA tournaments awarded. The Tournament Committee focused on making timely decisions to recommend awarding national tournaments responsibly through consideration and deliberation. In an effort to preserve the history and tradition of the sport of polo and the most prestigious tournaments the USPA has to offer, an emphasis on tracking the success of national events has helped the Committee make educated decisions.

The following is the list of tournaments recommended by the Committee, approved by the Board and played in 2020, despite the pandemic.

TOURNAMENT NAME

HOST CLUB

CITY/STATE

GOAL LEVEL FINAL GAME

America Cup™

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Carpinteria, California

12 to 16

Santa Clara (10) - Klentner Ranch (7)

Association Cup

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

4 to 8

Out East (11) - SIG (8)

Bronze Trophy®

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

8 to 12

Hit Air (12) - Brookland Plantation (8)

Butler Handicap®

Port Mayaca Polo Club

Okeechobee, Florida

18 to 22

Traveller’s Rest (10) - Palm Beach Equine (6)

C.V. Whitney Cup®

International Polo Club Palm Beach

Wellington, Florida

18 to 22

Las Monjitas (11) - La Indiana (10)

Chairman’s Cup

Myopia Polo Club

South Hamilton, Massachusetts

8 to 12

Del Rancho/Black Oak (12) - Folly Fields (11)

tournaments. USPA national tournaments are the most

Delegate’s Cup

Houston Polo Club

Houston, Texas

4 to 8

Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 (6) - Sullivan Group/Vintage Polo 2 (4)

prestigious tournaments in the United States, and in

H. Ben Taub Memorial Tournament

Houston Polo Club

Houston, Texas

8 to 12

Bill Fick Ford (9) - Horsegate 2/ Tonkawa (4)

order for clubs to be considered as a host site, the club

National Amateur Cup

Empire Polo Club

Indio, California

0 to 4

Hanalei Bay (13) - Zahedi Chogan (11.5)

must apply a year in advance. In 2020, many national

National Arena Amateur Cup

Legends Polo Club

Kaufman, Texas

0 to 3

Polo InterActive (15) - Legends Polo Club (11)

tournaments were highly sought after by numerous

National Arena Chairman’s Cup

Twilight/Great Meadow Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

0 to 4

Celebrity Cruises (10) - Twilight Polo Club (8)

clubs throughout the county. After hearing presentations

National Arena Challenge Cup

Twilight/Great Meadow Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

9 to 12

Celebrity Cruises/Hotels At Sea (13) - Mystique Jewelers (11)

National Arena Commander-In-Chief Cup

Twilight/Great Meadow Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

7 to 10

Marine Corps (8) - Army Black (7)

National Arena Delegate’s Cup

Commonwealth Polo Club

Paris, Kentucky

6 to 9

W/M (14) - Commonwealth Black (13)

The Committee met in April and October of 2020 to carefully discuss the awarding of 2021 national

from USPA Member Clubs, the Tournament Committee made locat ion recom mendat ions to t he Boa rd of Governors to award 2021 national tournaments.

National Copper Cup®

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

8 to 12

Foxdale Equine (12) - SD Farms (11)

The most heavily discussed tournaments were the

National Eight Goal

Beverly Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

4 to 8

Beverly (9) - Altair (7)

United States Arena Handicap®, the National Sherman

National Inter-Circuit Championship

Sarasota Polo Club

Sarasota, Florida

8 to 12

Barefield (8) - Tito’s Handmade Vodka (7)

Memorial, the National Arena Challenge Cup, and the

National Outdoor Commander-In-Chief Cup

Brandywine Polo Club

Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania

0 to 4

Dovecote (9.5) - Hawkwood (8)

National President’s Cup

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

4 to 8

Bottega (15) - Hardscrabble (10)

National Sherman Memorial

Westchester Polo Club

Portsmouth. Rhode Island

3 to 6

Avalon Farm (14) - Newport (10)

National Twenty Goal®

Grand Champions Polo Club

Wellington, Florida

16 to 20

Casablanca (10) - La Indiana (8)

National Youth Tournament Series Championship®

International Polo Club/Port Mayaca Polo Club

Wellington, Florida

-4 to 4

Florida (10.5)- Eastern (4)

Boston Polo Club (Georgetown, Massachusetts), the

North American Cup®

Grand Champions Polo Club

Wellington, Florida

16 to 20

Casablanca (14)- Newport (9)

National Arena Challenge Cup to Brandy wine Polo

Northrup Knox Cup®

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

8 to 12

SD Farms (14) - Hit Air (13)

Club (Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania) and the Eastern

Regional President’s Cup

Empire Polo Club

Indio, California

4 to 8

Empire (14) - Evergreen (11)

Challenge to Beverly Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia).

Regional President’s Cup

Houston Polo Club

Houston, Texas

4 to 8

BTA (5.5) - Horsegate Ranch (5)

Regional President’s Cup

New Bridge & Country Polo Club

Aiken, South Carolina

4 to 8

Panakeia (9) - Hardscrabble (8)

Regional President’s Cup

Port Mayaca Polo Club

Okeechobee, Florida

4 to 8

Copperline Farm (5) - Kyne Property Group (2.5)

Regional President’s Cup

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Carpinteria, California

4 to 8

BFBST Law (12) - Rancho Polo (11)

preserve their prestige, promote involvement from USPA

Regional President’s Cup

Tinicum Park Polo Club

Erwinna, Pennsylvania

4 to 8

Hawk Wood (10) - New Hope (8)

members and member clubs, and stimulate the growth

Silver Cup®

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club

Carpinteria, California

15 to 16

Lucchese (15) - Antelope (11)

of tournament play at all levels.

U.S. Open Women’s Handicap®

Houston Polo Club

Houston, Texas

9 to 12

Aspen Snowmass (4) - Villa Ecleto (3.5)

United States Arena Handicap®

Aspen Valley Polo Club

Carbondale, Colorado

12 to 20

Casablanca (13) - McClure River Ranch (10)

USPA Women’s Arena Handicap®

Twilight/Great Meadow Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

3 to 6

Rebellis (19) - Belle Vodka (5)

USPA Women’s Arena Open™

Twilight/Great Meadow Polo Club

The Plains, Virginia

12 to 15

Five String Farm (13) - Bad Ass Polo (12)

Eastern Challenge. Thorough proposals were presented to the Tournament Committee from each club and it was ultimately recommended to award the United States Arena Handicap® to Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia), the National Sherman Memorial to

The Tournament Committee looks forward to another successful year in 2021. The Committee will continue to carefully review the placement of national tournaments,

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

A total of 38 USPA women’s tournaments were awarded in 2020, many of which were eligible for funding from the Women’s Tournament Incentive Program. This program provided a reimbursement for any club that hosted a USPA women’s tournament in an effort to increase the number of women’s tournaments held in the United States. Beginning in 2021, the budget for the Women’s Tournament Incentive Program will increase and the amount reimbursed per tournament will increase with the goal level.

There were two additional women’s open events in

Erica Gandomcar-Sachs was named the 2020 USPA

2020, the Women’s Pacific Coast Open hosted by Santa

Woma n of t he Yea r, a n a n nua l awa rd presented to

Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California)

an individual who goes above and beyond to support

and the Texas Women’s Open hosted by Houston Polo

women’s polo for the greater good, demonstrating a

Club (Houston, Texas). Both events drew four competitive

significant level of involvement and leadership. Walking

teams at the 16- to 20-goal level. Westchester Polo Club

R Holdings, Rich Roenish, commissioned a bronze based

(Portsmouth, Rhode Island) was prepared to host the

on Louise Hitchcock for the USPA Woman of the Year

third annual East Coast Women’s Open in July, however

award. The Committee will also be having individual-sized

the event was canceled due to travel restrictions and

awards made to present to past winners of the award.

health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hosted by Port Mayaca Polo Club (Okeechobee, Florida) and the International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida), the 2020 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®

During the 2020 USPA Fall Board of Governors Meeting,

Twilight Polo Club, located in The Plains, Virginia,

Erica Gandomcar-Sachs was thanked for her years of

successfully hosted the 2020 USPA Women’s Arena

service as the Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee

Open™ and USPA Women’s Arena Handicap® after

and Meghan Gracida was approved as the Committee’s

Virginia Polo, Inc. (Charlottesville, Virginia) was forced

incoming Chair.

to relinquish the events due to COVID-19 universit y

was interrupted and postponed due to health concerns

restrictions. Both events drew four competitive

related to t he COV ID-19 pandem ic. A total of eight

teams and attracted some of the highest-rated

competitive 18- to 22-goal teams entered to compete for

women’s arena players in the country, including many

the title. The balance of the 2020 U.S. Open Women’s Polo

intercollegiate/interscholastic alumnae.

Championship® was rescheduled for February 25-27, 2021, with the final held at International Polo Club Palm Beach.

Cowdray Vikings Gillian Johnston prepares for a booming shot down field during U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship® bracket play at Port Mayaca Polo Club (Okeechobee, Florida). ©David Lominska

2020 USPA Woman of the Year Erica GandomcarSachs in action at golden hour during the Texas Women’s Open hosted by Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas). ©Kaylee Wroe

Iconica Coach Julio Arellano giving halftime strategy to Kylie Sheehan and Hope Arellano during the Texas Women’s Open Final at Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas). ©Kaylee Wroe

YOUNG PLAYER’S COMMITTEE

COVID-19 IMPACT AND RELIEF PACKAGE As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country and the world in early 2020, the USPA pivoted from normal operations and shifted focus to USPA Member and Member Club aid to brace the impact of the crisis with the development of stimulus packages. On March 18, 2020, the USPA made the difficult decision to suspend all USPA Tournaments and Events for 14 days. Bringing the USPA Gold Cup® to an abrupt halt, the suspension continued, and the decision was ultimately made to cancel the balance of the 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO® and the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®. In addition, the Association strongly advised and recommended that every USPA Member Club suspend all Club Events for at least the same period.

Board of Governors Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2020:

Federation (USEF) to open a line of communication to

The suspension was extended through May 15, 2020, due

were supported through PPER.

discuss challenges facing young participants in other

to the ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19

sports, specifically equestrian sports. The Young Player’s

pandemic and CDC recommendations. During this time

Committee looks forward to continuing and expanding

USPA Member Clubs were encouraged to follow the

their efforts to represent young polo players within the

requirements of their local authorities with regards

USPA and the sport of polo.

to club polo operations. On Saturday, May 16, 2020,

The goal of the Young Player’s Committee is to generate a voice within the USPA to provide input on opportunities, initiatives, rules and policies in an effort to help provide fresh solutions to the challenges young players face in polo today. Led by Chairman Todd Thurston, the Young Player’s Committee collaborated with the Board & Staff Development Committee (BASDC) in 2020 on one of their main focuses: increased diversity in polo and the USPA’s support of diversity and inclusion in polo. As a result, the BASDC invited Zacharias Grob, a representative from the Young Player’s Committee, to join the BASDC. Moving forward, the Young Player’s Committee would like to collaborate with individuals from other sporting organizations such as the United States Equestrian

the USPA COVID-19 Equine Welfare Relief Program (ERP), the USPA COVID-19 Distressed Club Relief Program and the COVID-19 USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP). A fourth program, the Polo Professional Equine Relief Program (PPER), followed soon after on May 2. Each program developed to meet specific needs, the Equine Welfare and Distressed Club Programs accepted applications for immediate disbursement while the Tournament Stimulus Program assisted clubs transitioning back into tournament play post tournament suspension. Recognizing a need specific to professional players, the USPA added the Polo Professional Equine Relief Program which assisted professional players and commercial horse providers in caring for their mounts until COVID-19 government restrictions allowed polo to resume. In 2020, 614 horses

The Equine Welfare Stimulus Program supported a total of 1,590 horses in 2020 and provided funds to assist owners who were unable to feed and properly care for horses used in USPA tournaments and events. The Distressed Club Relief Program was designed

the suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events was

to suppor t USPA Mem ber Clu bs t hat ex perienced

lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting

significant financial loss during the suspension with

polo matches and tournaments was permitted under

non-equine care related expenses. Aiming to incentivize

applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar

players and teams to participate in tournament polo, the

decrees. The Association released COVID-19 Return to

Tournament Stimulus Program supported the first two

Play Guidelines for USPA Member Clubs to utilize while

USPA tournaments hosted by clubs post tournament

following all such requirements of their state and local

suspension and has been very successful with 90 clubs

authorities with respect to polo operations.

from every USPA circuit enrolled and 170 tournaments

USPA staff reached out and spoke with representatives

played in 2020. USPA Member Clubs received waived

from a majority of USPA Member Clubs regarding

tournament fees, trophies or trophy reimbursement, one

their struggles (if any) as well as their current and

free Professional Umpire and $2,500.00 in prize money

future needs. After compiling all the information, the

per tournament (no matching required). During the 2020

Association recognized an overwhelming need to support

Fall Board of Governors Meeting, the Board approved

clubs through this difficult time and committees were

the continuation of TSP into 2021, eligible for any two

created to organize and execute what would become

tournaments held during that year.

known as the USPA COVID-19 Relief Package. In an effort to help alleviate the financial strain being placed on the sport and polo community as a result of Committee Member Hope Arellano carries the ball on the nearside at full speed with Patagones’ Santiago Toccalino on her hip during the Ylvisaker Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida). ©David Lominska

the COVID-19 pandemic, the USPA Board of Governors approved three assistance programs during the Spring

COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 Relief Package COVID-19 Relief Package Relief Package Relief Package COVID-19 Summary Summary Relief Summary Summary COVID-19 ReliefPackage Package Summary Summary Relief Package Equine Welfare Relief Program Equine Welfare Relief Program e Welfare Relief Program elfare Relief Program Summary Equine Welfare Relief Program

1,590 1,590 ,590 1,590 590 1,590 1,590

Equine Welfare Relief Program

USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package

USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package USPA Polo Tournament USPA Polo TournamentStimulus StimulusPackage Package USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package

90 90 90 90 90 90

170 170 170 395 395 K $ K $ 170 395 170 395 K $ 170 395 K $ K $ 395 395

USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package

CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTAL PRIZE CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTAL PRIZE CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTAL PRIZE MONEY AWARDED MONEY AWARDED CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTALAWARDED PRIZE MONEY CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTAL PRIZE MONEY AWARDED CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTALAWARDED PRIZE MONEY MONEY AWARDED CLUBS ENROLLED TOURNAMENTS TOTAL PRIZE MONEY AWARDED

HORSES SUPPORTED HORSES SUPPORTED

RSES SUPPORTED HORSES SUPPORTED

Distressed Club Relief Program Distressed Club Relief Program

HORSES SUPPORTED

22 22 22 22 22 22 22

Distressed Club Relief Program Distressed Club Relief Program Distressed Club Relief Program

Distressed Club Relief Program

CLUBS CLUBS APPROVED APPROVED CLUBS CLUBS APPROVED CLUBS Professional Equine Relief Program APPROVED PoloPolo Professional Equine Relief Program CLUBS APPROVED CLUBS APPROVED Polo Professional Equine Relief Program

614 614 614 614 614 614 14

APPROVED Polo Professional Equine Relief Program

o Professional Equine Relief Program

Polo Professional HORSES Equine Relief Program

HORSES ofessional Equine Relief Program SUPPORTED SUPPORTED HORSES HORSES SUPPORTED SUPPORTED HORSES HORSES SUPPORTED SUPPORTED

HORSES SUPPORTED

Morgan Polo Club East Polo TexasClub Polo Club Polo Club Morgan CreekCreek Polo Club East Texas ATX PoloATX Club SiouxSioux Falls Falls Polo Polo Club Club Mt. Brilliant Polo LLC Caso& Polo & Equestrian Polo Club Skaneateles Mt. Brilliant Polo LLC El CasoElPolo Equestrian CenterCenter AcoaxetAcoaxet Polo Club Skaneateles Polo Polo Club Club Polo Club Eldorado Polo Club Aiken Polo Club MyopiaMyopia Polo Club Eldorado Polo Club Aiken Polo Club SkullSkull ValleyValley Polo Polo Club Club NWA Polo Club Fairfield Polo Club Arizona Polo Club South Bay Polo Club NWA Polo Club Fairfield Polo Club Arizona Polo Club South Bay Polo Club NYC Polo Club Farmington Polo Club Arranmore PoloClub Club Spokane Polo Club EastClub Texas Polo Club ATXClub Polo NYC Polo ClubMorgan Creek Polo Club Farmington Polo Arranmore Polo Spokane PoloSioux Club Falls Polo Club Nashville Polo Club Polo LLC Gardnertown Polo AspenAcoaxet Valley Polo Stage HillSkaneateles Polo Club Polo Club Brilliant Caso PoloClub & Equestrian Center Nashville PoloClub Club PoloMt. Club Gardnertown El Polo Club Aspen Valley Polo Club Morgan Creek Polo Club Stage Hill Polo ClubSioux Falls Polo Club East Texas Polo Club ATX Polo Club New Bridge PoloPolo ClubClub Polo Club Giant Valley PoloPolo ClubClub Barrington Hills Polo Sugarbush Polo Club Polo Club Myopia Eldorado Aiken Polo ClubClub Skull Valley Morgan Polo Club Polo East Texas Polo Club Center ATX Polo Club Sioux New Bridge Polo Club Polo ClubPolo Creek Giant Valley Polo Club Barrington Hills Polo Club Sugarbush Club Mt. Brilliant LLC El Caso Polo & Equestrian Acoaxet Polo Club Skaneateles Polo ClubFalls Polo Club New Orleans Polo Club Grand Champions Polo Beverly Polo Club Texas Military Polo LLC NWAClub Polo Club Fairfield Polo Club Arizona Polo Club Bay Club Polo New Orleans Polo Grand Champions Polo Beverly PoloAcoaxet Club Texas MilitarySouth PoloSkull Club LLC Club Mt. Brilliant Polo LLC El Caso Polo & Equestrian Center Polo Club Skaneateles Polo Club Myopia Polo Club Eldorado Polo Club Aiken Polo Club Valley Polo Club OKC Polo Club Club Great Meadow PoloPolo ClubClub Big Horn Polo ClubPolo Club The Villages Polo Club Arranmore Spokane Polo Club OKC Polo ClubNYC Polo Great MeadowFarmington PoloEldorado Club Polo Big Horn Polo Club Arizona Polo Club NWA Polo Club Polo ClubThe Villages Fairfield Club Polo Club SouthClub Bay PoloSkull Club Valley Polo Club Myopia Polo Club Aiken Polo Club Oak Brook Polo Club Greenwich Polo Club Polo Blackberry Polo Club Tinicum Park Polo Nashville Polo Club Gardnertown Club Aspen Valley Polo Club Stage HillClub Polo Club Morgan Creek Polo Club East Texas Polo Club ATX Polo Club Sioux Falls Polo Oak Brook Polo Club Greenwich Polo Club Blackberry Polo Club Tinicum Park Polo Club Morgan Creek PoloTriangle Club Area Spokane East Texas Polo Club ATXPolo Polo Club NYC Polo Club Farmington Polo Club Arranmore Polo Club Polo Club Sioux Falls Polo Club NWA Polo Club Polo Club Polo Club Orange County Polo Club Polo Fairfield Club BlissArizona Club Polo Club New Bridge Club Polo Club Triangle Giant Valley Polo Club Barrington Hills Polo Club Polo ClubSouth Bay Polo Club Mt. Brilliant Polo LLCPolo ElHawaii CasoClub Polo & Equestrian Center Acoaxet Polo Club Skaneateles Polo Orange County Polo Club Polo Bliss Polo Club AreaSugarbush Polo Stage Club Club Nashville Polo Club Gardnertown Polo Club Aspen Valley Polo Club Hawaii Houston Hill Polo Club Skaneateles Polo Club Mt.Club Brilliant Polo LLC El Caso PoloPolo & Equestrian Center Acoaxet Polo Club Palm City Polo Club LLC Polo Club Boston Polo Club Tulsa Polo Club NYC Polo Club Farmington Polo Club Arranmore Polo Club Spokane New Orleans Polo Grand Champions Beverly Polo Club Texas Military Polo Club LLC Polo Club Myopia Polo Club Eldorado Polo Club Aiken Polo Club Skull Valley Polo Club Palm City Polo ClubNew LLCBridge Polo Club Polo Tulsa Boston Polo Club Barrington Hills Polo ClubHouston Polo Club Giant Valley Polo Club Polo Club Sugarbush Club Twin Polo Club Play Polo Club LLCClubNashville Jackson Hole Polo Club Brandywine Polo Club City Polo Club Myopia Polo PoloClub Club Aiken Polo Club Eldorado Polo ClubClub Skull Valley Polo Club OKC Polo Big Horn Polo Club Club Meadow Polo Club The Villages Gardnertown Polo Aspen Valley Polo Stage Hill Polo Club NWA Polo Club Fairfield Polo Club Arizona Polo Club South Bay Polo Club Polo Club Play Polo Club LLC Jackson HoleGreat Polo Club Brandywine Polo Club Twin City Polo Club Grand Champions Polo NewClub Orleans Polo Club Beverly Polo Club Texas Military Polo Club LLC Point Clear Polo Kingland Farm Calgary Polo Club Two Wishes Polo Club Oak Brook Polo Club Polo ClubClubWishes Blackberry Polo Club Polo Club Tinicum Park Polo Club NWA Fairfield Polo Club Arizona Polo Club South Bay Farmington Polo Club Club Arranmore Polo Club Spokane Polo Club Giant Valley Polo Club New Polo Club Barrington Hills Polo Sugarbush PoloPolo Club Club Point NYC ClearPolo Polo Club FarmGreenwich Calgary Polo Club Polo Club Great Meadow Polo Club OKC Polo ClubBridge Polo Two BigPolo Horn Polo ClubClub Kingland The Villages Polo Club Poway Polo Club La Conner Polo Club Central Coast Club Vancouver Polo Club Orange County Polo Club Hawaii PoloClub Club Polo Club Bliss Polo Club Triangle Area Polo Club Gardnertown Polo Polo Club Aspen Valley Polo Club StagePolo Hill Polo Club NYC Polo Farmington Arranmore Polo Club Spokane PowayNashville Polo Club La Conner Polo Club Central Coast PoloBlackberry Club Club New Orleans PoloVancouver Club Grand Beverly Polo Club Texas Military Polo Polo Club LLC Greenwich Polo Club Polo Polo Club Club Polo Club Tinicum Park Polo Club PrestonwoodOak PoloBrook Club Central New York Polo Club Lakeside Polo Club Champions Virginia Polo Inc. Palm CityClub PoloPolo ClubClub LLC Houston Boston Polo Club Tulsa Polo Club Giant Valley PoloPolo ClubClub New Bridge Barrington Hills Polo Club Sugarbush Polo Club Lakeside Polo ClubGardnertown PoloPolo Club Central New York Polo Club Polo Inc. Hawaii Polo ClubPolo Orange County PoloClub Club Bliss Polo Club Area Polo Nashville PoloVirginia Club Aspen Valley Polo Club Stage Hill Polo Club Great Meadow PoloClub Club Prestonwood Polo Big Horn Polo Club TheClub Villages Polo Club Las Brisas Polo Club Rancho Naranjo PoloOKC Club Cerro Pampa Polo Club Wagener Polo Triangle Club Play Polo Club LLC Jackson Hole Polo Club Brandywine Polo Club Twin City Polo Club Grand Champions Polo New Orleans Polo Club Beverly Polo Club Texas Military Polo Club LLC Las Brisas Polo Club Rancho NaranjoPolo Polo Club Cerro Pampa Polo Club Wagener Polo ClubPolo Houston PoloPolo Club Palm City Polo Club LLC Boston Polo Club TulsaClub Polo ClubTinicum Roseland Club Lexington Polo Association Chicago International Polo Club Westchester Oak Brook PoloPolo Club Greenwich Blackberry Polo Club Park Polo Club New Bridge Club Polo Club Giant Valley PoloClub Club Barrington Hills Polo Club Sugarbush Polo Club Kingland Farm Point Clear Polo Club Calgary Polo Club Two Wishes Polo Club OKC Polo Club Great Meadow Polo Club Big Horn Polo Club The Villages Polo Club PoloHall Association Roseland ClubPolo ChicagoCommonwealth International Polo Club Westchester PoloPolo Club Play Club Polo Club LLC Brandywine Polo Club Lexington Jackson Hole Polo Club TwinClub City Polo Club San Polo Antonio Polo Club Liberty Polo Club Willow Bend Hawaii Polo Club Polo Orange County Polo Club Bliss Polo Club Triangle Area Polo Club New Orleans Polo Club Beverly Polo Club Grand Champions Texas Military Polo Club LLC La Conner Polo Club Poway Polo Club Central Coast Polo Club Vancouver Polo Club Oak Brook Polo Club Blackberry Polo Club Greenwich Polo Club Tinicum Park Polo Club San Antonio Polo Club Commonwealth Polo Club LibertyMaryland Hall PoloPolo Club Willow Bend Polo Club Point Polo Club Calgary Kingland Two Club Farm Santa Barbara PoloClear & Racquet Club Congressional Polo Polo Club Club Wine Country Polo Wishes Club Polo Club Palm City Polo Club Houston Polo Club Boston Polo Club Polo Club Polo Club Lakeside Polo Club Prestonwood Polo Club Central NewClub York Polo Club Maryland Polo Inc. TulsaThe County Club Bliss ClubPolo Hawaii TriangleVirginia AreaClub Polo Club OKC Polo Club Great Meadow Polo Club SantaOrange BigPolo Horn Villages BarbaraPolo Poloand &Polo Racquet Club Congressional Polo Club PoloPolo ClubClub WineLLC Country Poway Polo Club Central La Conner Polo Club Seattle Equestrian Club Mashomack Polo Club Polo Club Costa Careyes PoloCoast Club Polo Club Yale Polo Polo ClubVancouver Rancho Naranjo Polo Club Cerro Pampa Polo Club Las Brisas Club Wagener Palm Polo Club LLC Polo Houston Polo Club Polo Hole Tulsa Polo Club Polo Club TwinTinicum Jackson Polo Club Seattle Play Polo ClubPolo LLC Brandywine Polo Club City PoloPark ClubPolo Club PoloCity and Club CostaBoston Careyes PoloClub Club Mashomack Polo Club Yale Polo Club Greenwich Polo Club Oak Brook Club Blackberry Polo Club Prestonwood Polo Club Lakeside Polo Club Central New York Polo Club Virginia Polo Inc. Seneca PoloEquestrian Club Dallas Polo Club Maui Polo Club Roseland Club Clear Polo Club Twin City Chicago International Polo Club Lexington Westchester Play Polo Club LLCPolo Jackson HoleKingland PoloPolo ClubAssociation Polo ClubClub Polo Club Polo Club Seneca Polo Club Club DallasBrandywine Polo Club Farm Calgary Polo Two Triangle Wishes Polo Rancho Naranjo Polo Club Polo Club LasPolo Brisas Polo Club Pampa Polo Club Maui Polo Wagener Polo Club Meadowbrook Club Simsbury Polo Club Point Denver PoloCerro Club Orange County Hawaii Polo Club Bliss Polo Club AreaClub Polo Club San Antonio Commonwealth Polo Club Hall Polo Club Willow Bend Polo Club PointPolo Clear Polo ClubPolo Club KinglandLiberty FarmClub Calgary Polo Club Two Wishes Polo Club Simsbury Club Polo Denver PoloCentral Club Poway Polo Club La Conner Polo Club CoastInternational Polo Club PoloMeadowbrook Vancouver Polo Club Lexington Polo Association Roseland Polo Club Chicago Club Westchester Polo Club Palm& City Polo ClubVancouver LLC WinePolo Houston Polo Club Boston Polo Santa Barbara Polo Racquet Club Maryland Polo Club Congressional Country Poway Polo Club La Conner Polo Club Central Coast PoloClub ClubPolo Club Club Polo Club Tulsa Polo Club Liberty HallPolo Polo Club Club San Antonio Polo Club Polo Club Commonwealth PoloClub Club Willow Bend Polo Club Polo Inc. Prestonwood Lakeside Central New York Polo Virginia Play Polo Club Brandywine Polo Club Jackson Hole Twin City Polo Club SeattlePolo PoloClub and Equestrian Club LLCVirginiaYale Mashomack ClubPolo Club Costa Careyes Polo Club Lakeside Polo Club Polo Prestonwood Central New York Polo Club PoloPolo Inc. Club Maryland Polo ClubClub Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Congressional Polo Club Wine Country Polo Club Polo Club Rancho Naranjo PoloClub Club Las Brisas Polo Cerro Pampa Polo Club Wagener Seneca Polo Club Maui Polo Club Dallas Polo Club Las Brisas Polo Club Rancho Naranjo Polo Club Cerro Pampa Polo Club Wagener Polo Club Point Clear PoloClub Club Calgary Polo Kingland Two Wishes Polo Club Seattle Polo and Equestrian Costa Club Careyes Polo Club MashomackFarm Polo Club Yale Polo Club Roseland Polo Club Westchester Polo Club Lexington Polo Chicago International Westchester Polo Club Meadowbrook Polo ClubAssociation Simsbury Polo Club Denver Polo Club Polo Association Roseland Polo Club Chicago International Polo ClubPolo Club Lexington Poway La Conner Polo Club Central Coast Polo Club Vancouver Polo Club Seneca Polo Club Polo Club Dallas Polo Club Maui Polo Club San Antonio Polo Club Commonwealth Polo ClubPolo Club Liberty Hall Polo Club Hall Polo Club Willow Bend Polo Club San Antonio Polo Club Commonwealth Liberty Willow Bend Polo Club Simsbury Prestonwood Polo Club Denver PoloPolo Club Club Meadowbrook Polo Club Lakeside Polo Club Polo Wine ClubCountry Polo Club Central New York Virginia Polo Inc. Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Congressional Polo Club Maryland Polo Club Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Maryland Polo Club Congressional Polo Club Wine Country Polo Club Rancho Naranjo Polo Brisas Polo Club Cerro Pampa Club Wagener Polo Club Seattle Polo and Equestrian Costa Careyes PoloPolo ClubPolo Mashomack Las Polo Club YaleClub PoloClub Club SeattleClub Polo and Equestrian Costa Careyes Club Mashomack Polo Club Yale Polo Club Dallas Polo Club Roseland Polo Club Lexington Polo Association Seneca Polo Club Chicago International Polo Club Maui Polo Club Westchester Polo Club Maui Polo Club Seneca Polo Club Dallas Polo Club Simsbury Polo Club San Antonio Polo Club Meadowbrook Polo Club Denver Polo Club Liberty Hall Polo Club Commonwealth Polo Club Willow Bend Polo Club

Denver Polo Club Congressional Polo Club Costa Careyes Polo Club Dallas Polo Club Denver Polo Club

Simsbury Polo Club

Meadowbrook Polo Club Maryland Polo Club Mashomack Polo Club Maui Polo Club Meadowbrook Polo Club

Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Seattle Polo and Equestrian Club Seneca Polo Club Simsbury Polo Club

Wine Country Polo Club Yale Polo Club

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

The Communications Department focused on highlighting and promoting USPA tournaments through livestreaming polo, executing a digital and print media strategy through uspolo.org, social media, email marketing and print collateral. During the course of 2020, uspolo.org had over 540,000 unique visitors from 224 countries and functioned as the center of information to members and polo enthusiasts with over 450 articles created in a year. Leadership continued to emphasize the importance of USPA 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 department produced club videos, spectator guides and club brochures, online club profiles, tournament coverage and special interest stories. The strong relationship with players and clubs led to an emphasis on competitors, horses and industry leaders via online articles, social media, short films and the livestream broadcast. These assets served to inspire and educate those interested in learning more about the lifestyle within the sport.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was abruptly

GAUNTLET OF POLO®

features as they learn more about the sport and how to

postponed in March during the USPA Gold Cup®. Prior to the tournament suspension, the Communications Team assisted with the organization and management of tournament draw parties hosted at the club for the C.V. Whitney Cup®, USPA Gold Cup® and the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship®.

USPOLO.ORG After the tournament suspension went into effect on March 18, 2020, a USPA COVID-19 page was created on us polo.org to ke ep USPA mem ber s a nd clu bs informed with the most current information. The page included USPA responses to COVID-19 frequently asked questions, guidelines, polo club updates and a link to the USPA COVID-19 Relief Package page. Regularly evaluating the website and implementing improvements, the Communications Team worked tirelessly to enhance the overall user experience on key pages throughout the year. Further expanding and building out the Learn to Play page, users can now access video testimonials from members and horse South Bay Polo Club’s Dale Johnson and his beloved polo pony Sunny. ©Andria Lo

get involved.

Anticipating the return of the highly-successful GAUNTLET OF POLO® which yielded a GAUNTLET

Significant improvements were also made to the member

Champion (Pilot) in its inaugural year, 14 teams,

club map which now feat ures an overall improved

USPA OFFICIAL EVENTS

to create new on-air graphics with statistics, a diversified

including the defending champions and two new teams,

design, layout and user functionality. Users can search

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USPA only

entered the 2020 competition with their sights set on the

by location or USPA Member Club name and autocorrect

club information, commercials and video content

livestreamed 11 tournaments and 126 games which

$1 million prize money. Building upon the momentum

capabilities are enabled when searching for a city and/

surrounding players and horses.

are now hosted exclusively on Global Polo TV’s (GPTV)

generated the first year, the USPA Communications

or state.

OTT platform. The broadcast featured the on-air talent of

Approved during the fall meetings, the branding of USPA

two booth announcers (Toby Wayman, Cody Offen) and

Events as “USPA Polo Network” was changed to “USPA

a fieldside correspondent (Dale Schwetz). Launched in

Official Event.” Moving into 2021, especially considering

January 2020, Global Polo TV enabled fans to watch live

the increased viewership due to the restrictions of the

games on globalpolo.com with a free subscription and

pandemic, creating a superior experience for viewers

on major apps including iOS, Android, Roku and Amazon

through elevated graphics and a wealth of tournament-

FireTV. Introduced to the livestream in 2019, slow motion

specific information for announcers is a focus. Continuing

replays continued to elevate the fan experience while

to gather information for semifinal and final horse lists

generating content for social media and GPTV on-

when possible, the Communications Team is committed

demand videos.

to educating viewers and helping them more easily

Department worked alongside the International Polo

The Department worked with USPA Umpires, LLC to launch

Club Palm Beach (IPC) and USPA Global Licensing

an Umpires LLC landing page under the Association tab of

(USPAGL) to cover, promote and increase awareness

the website. This landing page features a table of contents

of the GAUNTLET OF POLO®. Serving as a hub of

and gives more prominence and accessibility to umpire

information for the three prestigious tournaments on

resources and documents. Also, the video page on uspolo.

uspolo.org, the revamped 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO®

org transitioned into a Global Polo TV page where visitors

landing page saw 20,707 total visitors to the page.

can easily view live USPA tournaments with a qualifying

Featuring several key improvements in layout and

Global Polo TV subscription. The website will retain a video

functionality, the elevated landing page allowed fans to

archive of horse highlights, short films and other videos

easily view updated bracket rankings, team and player

free to all viewers.

statistics and tournament leaders in real time.

broadcast was produced complete with tournament/

recognize equine athletes throughout the livestream. Coordinating and working with livestream service provider, ChukkerTV, the Communications Team continued to oversee the livestreaming of all games while working closely with Global Polo Entertainment (GPE) and the host club. Working with a graphic designer

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

12-goals and above, are the most heavily and widely

During 2020, the Department provided marketing

the host club, the Communications Department updates

and promotional support for over 100 tournaments, a

the Tournament Detail Page throughout the duration of

significant increase from last year due to the success of

the tournament and publishes a final recap article with

the USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP). Prior

quotes and photos which is featured in the member

to the COVID-19 suspension, only 170 USPA tournaments

e-blast “This Week in Polo.” Coverage typically includes

had been awarded, but since announcing the availability

on-site reporting of top-tier tournaments, however

of T SP t he nu m ber nea rly dou bled a nd 350 USPA

COVID-19 travel restrictions prohibited all work-related

tournaments were awarded in 2020. Well exceeding a

travel after March 2020. Tournaments are also promoted

total of 49 Tournament Detail Pages created in 2019, 67

through USPA social media, which includes Facebook,

were completed in 2020 and 103 tournament recaps.

Instagram and Twitter. Press releases publicizing the

All USPA tournaments are featured on the tournament

final results of select livestreamed tournaments are also

ca lenda r on uspolo.org w it h top-t ier tou r na ments

sent to local and nationwide polo media outlets.

promoted across all USPA channels. Coordinating with

highlighted at the top by month. Capitalizing on the reach and popularity of Instagram Top-tier tournaments, defined as all USPA National

and Facebook Stories also continued in 2020. Newly-

tournaments and Circuit and Sanctioned-events

designed schedule, tournament brackets and results

USPA Spot the Difference on Instagram

score graphics were created to reinforce USPA and

to the livestreaming experience, these featured articles

GAUNTLET branding and provided followers with scores

enabled viewers to connect with the players and horses

immediately following livestreamed tournament games.

they watched on the field. Topics highlighted this year included Pilot’s newest teammate for the GAUNTLET

FEATURED ARTICLES AND POLO PONY HIGHLIGHTS

OF POLO®, umpires, breeding for polo, the Leitner twins,

Illuminating the lives and untold stories of both notable

USPA incoming Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Chair,

equine athletes and people representing different aspects

sustainability in polo and topics surrounding the COVID-19

of the polo community, 17 featured articles were written

suspension. The team is passionate about showcasing

over the course of 2020. In an effort to bring more depth

the diversity present within the sport and intentional

to key tournaments, the Communications Team made

about featuring players from underrepresented groups.

it a goal to seek out more stories directly related to

Reshared on social media by USPA Member Clubs and

livestreamed tournaments. Adding another dimension

other accounts, featured articles were also reprinted monthly in Polo Players’ Edition. Although the Florida winter season was cut short, seven new high-goal horse features were released for the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, an initiative which continues to be a fan favorite. Visiting the barns of each featured polo pony, the Communications Team captured content to create short behind-the-scenes videos which were shown on the livestream when the team played. Although unable to be on location for the Pacific Coast Open, the Department also wrote a polo pony highlight which announcers encouraged fans to read during the broadcast. 2021 will continue to bring stories from

Polito Piere’s Machitos Pangia was a featured GAUNTLET OF POLO® pony.

the polo community to life, bridging the gap between spectators and athletes with several articles already in

Five String Farm’s Jessica Schmitt during the USPA Women’s Arena Open™️ at Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia). ©David Murrell

the works. 43

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Tiburon’s Matt Coppola and Lucchese’s Sterling Giannico with a beautiful hook during the Southwestern Circuit Intra-Circuit Cup Final at Willow Bend Polo Club (Oak Point, Texas). ©Kristin Leigh Armbruster Photography

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

SOCIAL MEDIA

EMAIL MARKETING

USPA BRANDING

Presented with unique challenges due to the COVID-19

The weekly member email titled “This Week In Polo” has

The USPA Communications Department is strategic

tournament suspension, the social media strategy pivoted

become a staple in the Association’s communication

about showcasing the USPA’s official brand, U.S. Polo

in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Devising

strategy and a top member benefit. Performing

Assn., whenever possible in order to reinforce the

creative ways to engage and interact with followers on

consistently above industry averages, the email’s

authentic connection to the sport of polo. U.S. Polo Assn.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, the team introduced

average open rate in 2020 was 40% and the click-to-open

photography, which features recognizable polo players

games including the 10-Day Polo Challenge, Spot the

rate was 28%. Sent out every Tuesday afternoon to over

as Global Brand Ambassadors, is often posted on USPA

Di f ferences a nd USPA Tuesday Crossword puzz le.

5,000 people, the newsletter serves as the main form

social media platforms. Players are outfitted in U.S. Polo

Without any new tournament content, the focus shifted to

of communication and information to USPA members.

Assn. brand apparel, visually solidifying the strong

utilizing and reposting more user-generated content from

Each email contains between six and 14 articles on

relationship between the brand and the sport on the polo

players and USPA Member Clubs.

average ranging in topics from committee, LLC and

field. Plus, through the College Partnership Program,

Global Licensing brand news, tournament coverage,

U.S. Polo Assn. receives unparalleled exposure by

special interest features and USPA Member polo news

outfitting competitive college polo players on campuses

from across the world. In 2020, the Department created

across the country. Also, the team strives to highlight

over 450 news articles. Committees, clubs and members

the achievements of American players nationwide

are encouraged to submit USPA tournament results and

and internationally when opportunities to compete in

club-related material for inclusion in the weekly email.

England or Argentina arise.

Facebook , I ns t a g ra m a nd Tw it ter ’s soc ia l med ia following increased by 16% overall in 2020 with an emphasis on engagement. Ending the year with 32,810 followers, Instagram saw a 3.9% engagement rate in 2020, up 20% from 2019. An engagement rate is the number of likes, comments, saves, and story replies as

The popularity of the articles included each week was

a percentage of profile impressions. This indicates how

evident, as many articles were republished and shared

engaged people are with a brand and an average brand

in various media outlets and on social media.

engagement rate on Instagram is 1.9%.

Working with the same graphic designer, the USPA and Global Polo Entertainment™ have a unified digital presence with stronger branding. Custom USPA branded graphics are created for the livestream, Annual Report,

The United States Polo Association Facebook Page

Team USPA Member Lucas Escobar gearing up to play for Pilot in the Ylvisaker Cup at International Polo Club Palm Beach (Wellington, Florida) ©David Lominska

Rulebook, “This Week In Polo,” and other uses which

remained steady despite livestreamed games no

serve to enhance the Association’s professional image.

longer being broadcast on the platform. Post link clicks increased by 20%, highlighting follower interest in published material. The USPA Twitter account showed a 5% increase in post replies in 2020, again demonstrating a continued rise in follower engagement. Leveraging all platforms to spread the message about the livestreaming transition, the Department continued to push all 86,500+ USPA followers over to Global Polo TV to subscribe and watch games live. An important tenet is the commitment to showcasing diversity of membership (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.) and the varying types of polo in a variety of regions. Representation of players from a variety of demographics is key to promoting inclusivity within polo which is already multigenerational. Also, in a continued effort to familiarize followers with top horses, the strategy includes posting photos and videos of horses that won Best Playing Pony in USPA tournaments and other top horses from the livestream.

Sarah Siegel-Magness, the only woman competitor in the 2020 Silver Cup® at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California), was highlighted in a USPA featured article.

Ferrari Car Show at Oak Brook Polo Club’s main field (Oak Brook, Illinois). Spectators were required to wear masks. ©Andrew Meier

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC Championship®. Kneece will work alongside former

In 2020, the USPA Polo Development team pivoted to assist clubs and players navigating a challenging year while maintaining flagship programs within the division.

chair, Chrys Beal, and Carolyn Stimmel to continue

©Andrew Meier

growing the NYTS and YPO programs. The enthusiasm expressed for NYTS by clubs, parents and players throughout the country was encouraging

As part of Club Development, the Polo Development

during an unusual summer. 17 clubs hosted a total of 20

Initiative (PDI) completed another successful year. Once aga i n, g ra nt f u nd i ng req uests for c apita l i mprovements stood out as one of t he ma rked improvements within the new guidelines released in 2019. Additions and improvements to infrastructure at USPA Member Clubs furthered the mission of PDI to promote the growth and sustainability of polo clubs. The Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Committee completed a rest ruct uring wh ich now includes three subcommittees addressing I/I Tournaments & Regular Season, I/I Program & Club Sustainability and I/I Funding & Awards. The newly restructured I/I Committee is led by Chair Liz Brayboy who works closely with staff and an I/I leadership team, a focal point of the restructuring. In 2020, 22 of 24 preliminary and regional tournaments were completed. The 2020 National Interscholastic Championship (NIS) and National Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) events were ultimately canceled due to the pandemic. The I/I Middle School program continued to grow throughout the year and has become a popular event amongst a number of clubs. 11 middle school tournaments were hosted, providing playing opportunities for the USPA’s youngest members. The Player Development program includes the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS), Team USPA program

NYTS qualifier events in 2020. The 2020 National Youth

and Young Player Opportunity (YPO) Grant.

Tournament Series Championship® set to be held at the historic Oak Brook Polo Club (Oak Brook, Illinois) was

The Junior Polo Committee welcomed Tiger Kneece

postponed to 2021. The YPO program was suspended for

as the incoming chairman during the 2020 USPA Fall

the majority of 2020, however, the YPO Subcommittee

Board of Governors Meeting. Kneece is a former 7-goal

has been active in identifying opportunities for young

American polo player who now resides in Aiken, South

players in the upcoming year.

Carolina. During his 25-year tenure as a professional polo player, Kneece won the coveted U.S. Open Polo

The Team USPA Committee continued their efforts

Championship®, USPA Gold Cup®, Monty Waterbury,

transitioning the Team USPA program to align with its

Silver Cup® and National Copper Cup®. He hosts a polo

new goal of producing American high-goal players. The

school aptly named “Polo Adventures” where introducing

Argentine season was delayed, but ultimately the season

people to the sport of polo is the main focus. Managing

began in November 2020. Team USPA supported six

the Aiken Polo Club (Aiken, South Carolina), Kneece

American players participating in tournaments ranging Junior Polo Committee Chair Tiger Kneece.

has hosted one of the largest qualifier tournaments

from 14- to 24-goals and up.

each year and has also worked as a coach at the NYTS 48

CLUB DEVELOPMENT

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC were the overwhelming focus of this infrastructure

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

investment. Additional projects that were awarded included polo field upgrades and polo field maintenance equipment. Aside from the PDI program, the Club Development Department continued to provide guidance to USPA Member Clubs, regional associations and circuits, to aid in development of the sport. In 2020, many clubs

In 2020, the Polo Development Initiative continued

expressed interest in starting regional arena leagues,

its support of polo clubs across North America with

building off the successful models showcased in Texas

reimbursable grants aimed predominantly at capital

(Texas Arena League) and California (Pacific Coast

improvements/infrastructure and regional club

Arena League). The Club Development department has

cooperation.

been working to promote and guide these initiatives,

In 2020, 67 applicants were supported which allowed

presenting the opportunity for clubs to capitalize on PDI-

the average award amount of approximately $13,800.00.

supported projects. This was an initial goal established

Over 51 infrastructure projects along with 50% matching

during the Strategic Planning process for PDI conducted

funds injected a total project value of $1,263,000.00

in 2018.

into the polo community. Arena developments and improvements (footing, lights, roof/covering, etc.)

In 2020, the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Committee went through a strategic planning process conducted by a committee comprised of various stakeholders from a cross section of programs in the United States and Canada. Feedback was solicited from members of the I/I community through a survey which focused on strengths and weaknesses and areas for future focus. The strategic planning process included an in-depth view of the committee structure, its programs and priorities raised through the I/I community survey. As a result, a new committee structure was formed that included dividing the I/I program into three categories. Those categories became subgroups each with its own chair: I/I Tournaments & Regular Season chaired by Cindy Halle, I/I Program & Club Sustainability chaired by Liz Brayboy and I/I Funding & Awards chaired by Miranda Luna. The three chairs plus the two coaches’ representatives, Lou Lopez (intercollegiate) and Tiger Kneece (interscholastic), serve as the I/I leadership group. The chairman of the I/I Committee is selected from one of the three sub-group chairs, and that appointment was awarded to Liz Brayboy.

Danielle Travis turns the ball on a dime during the Feldman Cup at Central Coast Polo Club in Los Osos, California. ©Janelle Ross

New I/I Committee Structure I/I Chairman L IZ BR AYB OY

I/I LEADERSHIP GROUP

The Polo Development Initiative supported Seneca Polo Club’s (Poolesville, Maryland) arena lighting project.

I/I Tournaments & Regular Season

I/I Program & Club Sustainability

I/I Funding & Awards

TIGER KNEECE (IS),

CINDY HALLE, CHAIR

L I Z B R AY B O Y, C H A I R

MIRANDA LUNA, CHAIR

LOU LOPEZ (IC)

DANNY SCHERAGA

C A R OLYN STIMMEL

YA Z GR OTNIK

R OBER T LYNK EECHOW

EMM A LYN W HE ATON

TOM WISEHART

TONY CONDO (NE)

SCOTT WEIR

LEZLIE HINER

BETH SUPIK (SE)

HE ATHER PERK INS

TRISTA NOL A ND

STEVE ARMOUR (C)

KAREEM ROSSER

MELANJA JONES (W)

Coaches’ Reps

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 I/I

a wider audience. This proposal is planned to be put into

2020 saw the fifth edition of the Intercollegiate Club

tournament season saw a decline in the number of teams

use for the 2021-2022 I/I season and projected to bring

Catalog – a resource available in print and online that

that competed because the season was forced to end

in more teams to the intercollegiate division.

showcases each of the 40 USPA intercollegiate college

prematurely. All tournaments except the Northeastern

programs. Addit ionally, t he Interscholast ic Parent

The USPA’s Middle School Program, now in its seventh

Intercollegiate Men’s and Women’s Regional were played

Handbook was updated, which serves as a resource and

year, took to the scene in the fall, offering 11 tournaments

and after an attempt to reschedule both the National

introduction for families new to polo. The latest version

across the country for players from fifth to eighth grade.

I nterscholast ic Cha mpionsh ip ( NIS) a nd Nat iona l Intercollegiate Championship (NIC) to the fall, both were

The USPA I/I program traveled to the Rugby Polo Club,

ultimately canceled. Volunteers and staff utilized this

at Onley Grounds Farm in the United Kingdom, for the

time to address key topics including COVID-19 protocols

annual USA vs. Britain Intercollegiate Challenge Cup.

for I/I matches and outreach to each of the intercollegiate

This year marked the eighth annual event, with the USA

teams to ensure the health and welfare of the horses and

team pulling together a comeback win. Representing

programs. Despite having to cancel nationals, the 2020 I/I

t he USA i n 2020 were Fr it z Fel ha ber ( Texas A& M

tournament season saw the addition of the Horsemanship

University), Elly Schwingel (Michigan State University),

Award presented at each of its tournaments. The NIC

Molly Agee (Point Loma University) and Shariah Harris

Horsemanship Award has been named in the late David

(Cornell University). This victory brings the series 6-2 in

Wenning’s honor.

favor of the USA.

will offer customized pages for clubs who play a key role as the first impression to new players.

a proof of negative Coggins, current health paper, and 75 interscholastic students earned their varsity letter in

documentation of any host site health requirements

polo through the USPA’s Interscholastic Varsity Letter

such as spec i f ic req u i red vacc i nes. Horses were

Program. Student athletes work towards earning their

also required to partake in a Pre-Tournament Horse

varsity letter in polo by putting in 100 hours of riding

Inspection that was performed by the on-site licensed

and stick and balling, regular season game play and

veterinarian. The horses were checked for soundness and for appropriate Body Condition Score.

The seventh annual National I/I Alumni Tournament –

tournament participation. Students earn a varsity patch,

also been working on a proposal for a Division 1/Division

the Feldman Cup, was hosted by the Central Coast Polo

pin, and bars for each eligible year, and are recognized

2 program that will offer a national level tournament to

Club in Los Osos, California. Three teams of alumni

on USPA media platforms as well as within their schools.

The I/I Program & Club Sustainability sub-group has several work ing groups w it hin it including A lum ni

In its fifth year, the USPA Intercollegiate Polo Scholarship

Engagement, Horse Donat ion and Rehom ing, I/I

was awarded to six new student athletes, bringing the total

Value Metrics and I/I Club Sustainability. The Alumni

number of recipients to 19 for the 2020-2021 academic

Engagement group is working on an event outline for

year. Scholarship criteria is based on academics,

clubs to host networking events to connect I/I alumni

participation and excellence in I/I polo. 2020 recipients

to a local club. The Horse Donation and Rehoming

included Hannah Reynolds (Texas A&M University),

group has created a Donation Toolkit that is a resource

Elizabeth Owens (University of Virginia), Grace Mudra

available to teams to assist in the best practices and

Due to travel concerns with COVID-19, the College Polo

(Texas A&M University), Grace Grotnik (Southern

processes for donating, receiving and rehoming horses

101 – On the Road series, was put on hold. In lieu of

Methodist University), Samantha Leach (Oklahoma

into I/I programs.

the in-person event, the I/I program offered an I/I Ask

State University) and Kaylin Bender (Texas Christian

the Expert series that hosted weekly Zoom meetings

University). The award is auto renewable for four years

on various topics from horse care to sponsorships.

provided the students meet the eligibility requirements.

with Santa Barbara taking home the honors. Also on the alumni front, circuit level I/I events are gaining momentum. Both an alumni level tournament and a JV/ Club level tournament have been added to the list of circuit level events available to all USPA Member Clubs and circuits.

Additionally, staff provided teams with a number of virtual online learning tools for both players and coaches to engage them during the year, including skills and drills, lessons, and strength and conditioning webinars. The Intercollegiate Player Clinic program, continued in 2020 as a reimbursement program and was open to both intercollegiate and interscholastic teams. Additionally, the I/I program supported a horsemanship clinic that ran in conjunction with the Central Coast Fall Invitational.

Western Intercollegiate Women’s Regional Champions: Point Loma Nazarene University - Pricilla Villa, Addy Fuller, Molly Agee, Sydney Falk and Samantha Whitley.

program. All horses playing in I/I sanctioned events must provide the USPA, prior to the start of the tournament,

The I/I Tournament & Regular Season sub-group has

from various collegiate programs were represented

Equine Welfare continues to be at the forefront of the I/I

Going to goal at Marlan Farm Polo Club Middle School Tournament (Freeland, Maryland). ©Kelly Wells

U.S. Polo Assn. continues to support intercollegiate teams through the Collegiate Partnership Program, this year supporting the teams with a sponsorship, U.S. Polo Assn. branded hats and masks.

The I/I Start Up & Enhancement Program which offers funding and fundraising assistance, continues to be a very popular program. In response to COVID-19, and several of the college programs unable to be active with their horses, approval was granted to award funds for foot-mallets to teams who requested them. New fundraising guidelines will be released in 2021 which include an increase in the funds available per team, and the addition of a two-tier model for the fundraising program that focuses on a more in-depth proposal and a greater return on investment.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT After restructuring the program in 2019, the Team USPA

The USPA Polo Development, LLC’s player development programs include Team USPA and Junior Polo Committee initiatives such as the National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) and the Young Player Opportunity (YPO) Grant program. In 2020, the Junior Polo Committee underwent a restructuring process to define three targeted subcommittees: Junior Polo, National Youth Tournament Series and the Young Player Opportunity Grant. The Committees’ leadership provides years of expertise in coaching, junior polo and player development. The three focused subcommittees encompassed a wide range of touch points to provide training opportunities, competitive play and international events to the USPA’s youth membership.

Committee worked throughout the year to transition

Team USPA

the program to a more focused approach of developing

The Team USPA Committee continued to work diligently

higher-rated American players. With a benchmark of

to make significant changes to the existing program.

a 5-goal handicap by age 22 and a smaller number of

Narrowing the focus of the program to support young

players in the program, the evaluation and goal-setting

American players with high-goal potential allowed the

process was at the forefront of the Committee’s work.

program to support players during their critical early years of development. The program is working towards

Unfortunately, the 2020 NYTS Championship® slated to

a t welve-player cap which w ill be achieved through

be held at the historic Oak Brook Polo Club in Chicago,

annual evaluations and review of each player’s progress

Illinois, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

towards their stated goals. In 2021, the Team USPA

and was fortunately able to be rescheduled to January

Committee plans to pinpoint specific ways to assist

2021 at the Port Mayaca Polo Club and the International

high-achieving female American players.

Polo Club Palm Beach. Oak Brook Polo Club will have the opportunity to host the 2021 NYTS Championship®

With the new goal of Team USPA in mind, identifying

in early September. The Polo Development team looks

training opportunities and providing support during

forward to working closely with the polo community and

Argentina’s high-goal season became increasingly

various departments of the USPA to promote sustainable

important. Players were encouraged to seek out individual

development of the sport.

opportunities through personal connections. In 2020, six

Graduating Team USPA Members Jesse Bray and Costi Caset won the Provincia Cup in Argentina with La Cañada.

Team USPA members played in Argentina during the fall season in tournaments ranging from 14-goals to 24-goal and up, including the prestigious Copa Cámara de Diputados.

Young Player Opportunity Grant (YPO)

National Youth Tournament Series Program

The Young Player Opportunity (YPO) Grant was

The National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) Program

established as a reimbursement program to provide

proved its resilience in 2020. Players aged 19 and under

funding support for youth players seeking a unique

competed at local tournaments hosted by USPA Member

training or playing experience. The purpose of the

Clubs throughout the summer and into early fall. To

program is to enhance the level of polo that is regularly

overcome travel restrictions, the NYTS team provided

available to the individual and encourage a thoughtful

virtual training to local NYTS tournament managers and

and creative plan toward helping a player improve their

recruited many new managers throughout the country.

playing and horsemanship abilities. The YPO Committee is poised to accept applications once again beginning in

184 players competed with 87 unique All-Stars named

early 2021.

from 20 qualifier tournaments. Host clubs remained flexible, providing opportunities for young players to compete against their peers. The level of play continues to increase each year, and the number of teams competing at each qualifier is trending upwards. The Polo Development team will work with clubs throughout 2021 to host successful NYTS qualifier tournaments at USPA Member Clubs.

Summer Kneece on an explosive horse at the Aiken Polo Club (Aiken, South Carolina) NYTS Tournament. ©Pam Gleason

Best Playing Pony Speedy ridden by Nick Fernandez at the Eldorado Polo Club (Indio, California) NYTS Tournament. ©Kerri Kerley

UMPIRES LLC

The goal 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 for professional umpiring from clubs and players continues to grow. The Umpires LLC understands the intricacies of providing umpire services and constantly upgrades procedures and principles in order to strengthen the LLC’s ideals. Recruitment, training and retainment of top umpires remains the key focus moving into 2021. By enhancing the training program, Umpires LLC is able to offer the most knowledgeable and experienced umpires to officiate USPA tournaments.

suspension, the USPA replaced the PUMP/8 Program

explanation, as well as the video rule violation. The

with the Tournament St imulus Package ( TSP). Under

Video Rulebook has been updated with all 21 new rule

TSP gu idel i nes, USPA Mem ber C lu bs received

changes for 2021. Players can now ask a question online

one professiona l u mpi re at no cost, $2,500.00

and the Umpires LLC will answer the questions directly.

i n pr i ze money a nd t roph ies for t hei r f i rst t wo

The Arena/Outdoor Differences Guide is also available

USPA tou r na ments i n 2020 p os t COV I D -19 p olo

and a section titled “Meet the Umpires,” has been added

suspension. To be el ig i ble, clu bs needed to have

which features each professional umpire’s profile.

a least fou r tea ms compet i ng i n t he tou r na ment.

Umpire Program The Umpires LLC maintained an ongoing umpire recruitment program to keep pace w ith increasing requests from clubs for professional umpires. With the help of advanced technology, Umpires LLC train and continuously educate umpires, keeping them up to date on all rule changes and rule interpretations. In 2020, 28 professional umpires were on contract, servicing over 100 USPA Member Clubs. Cumulatively, these umpires officiated over 2,170 games.

Tournament Stimulus Package (TSP) As the country continued to emerge out of the COVID-19

T he prog ra m was extremely successful with 170

Technology

tournaments played and 90 clubs participating. The

The Umpires LLC used the tools of technology to

USPA recognized the need to continue to support clubs

improve officiating on the field as well as off the field in

during these times and approved the extension of the

2020. Ongoing training and education of professional

USPA Polo Tournament Stimulus Package through 2021.

umpires was aided with drone footage, GoPro cameras,

Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Program

and Dartfish, who provided video breakdown of calls,

The Umpires LLC provided umpire support for 22

collect data and translate it to a call rate for each umpire,

Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) tournaments

in order to track their standing on a “call” percentage

(83 games) before the COVID-19 suspension in early

basis. At all games, officials communicated with each

March. Umpire support consisted of three umpires

other via radios and Instant Replay was typically used at

for each game in the tournament (two mounted and

all high-goal games. Cameras were strategically placed

one referee). Unfortunately, all National interscholastic

around the field to record the game. The Umpires LLC

and intercollegiate tournaments were canceled due to

tested and intend to roll out a pilot program of a fieldside

the COVID-19 pandemic. During the fall, the Umpires

replay system for the referee in 2021. This will consist of

LLC sent umpires to several regular I/I season games

a single camera angle from a 25’ to 40’ tower and a local

when applicable. The Umpires LLC continued to expand

network that streams the video to an iPad with the ability

the I/I program and currently employs 18 umpires who

to pause and replay in slow motion any specific piece of

specialize in arena polo. These umpires will be available

video the referee wishes to review.

to officiate I/I games as well as USPA arena events.

pandemic, it was important for USPA Member Clubs to and events. These events helped support the club’s activit y as well as provided opportunities to support the polo community. When polo resumed following the

Umpires greet fans at Oak Brook Polo Club in Oak Brook, Illinois. ©Andrew Meier

Cessna’s Nico Saenz thanks USPA Professional Umpire Julian Appleby after a GAUNTLET OF POLO® match. ©David Lominska

Leadership & Personal Growth USPA Umpires, LLC has successfully partnered with the head of the Gonzaga School of Leadership Studies, Rachelle Strawther. She conducted two workshops in California in 2020 and has been retained for the 2021 winter season to provide a workshop in Florida and California. All professional umpires will attend a workshop where they will focus on emotional

PoloSK

intelligence, conflict resolution and player/umpire

The PoloSK app is the new umpire platform that the

understand, use, and manage your own emotions in

There were t wo umpire training camps and several

Umpires LLC uses for umpire scheduling, testing and

positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively,

Rules Reviews before the COVID-19 suspension. Initially,

to manage umpire certifications. The app is available

empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse

the Umpires LLC offered Rules Reviews twice a week via

on laptops, cell phones and tablets. The Umpires LLC

conflict.

Zoom to all USPA members. Scaling back, it was decided

is in the process of strengthening and expanding the

to offer Rules Reviews to any clubs that requested one.

partnership with PoloSK with scheduling and reporting

Upon consideration the Umpires LLC felt members

functionality. Additionally, expanding the integration

would be more comfortable asking questions and

across other divisions of the USPA is being explored

participating in discussions in a smaller environment.

to better track and organize data and cross-referencing

Zoom Rules Reviews

continue playing polo and hosting USPA tournaments

non-calls and plays. The Umpires LLC created a form to

USPA Video Rulebook

interactions. Emotional intelligence is the ability to

abilities.

Launched in 2019, the online USPA Video Rulebook is accessible to all USPA members and is an excellent avenue for players to have direct communication with the Umpires LLC in regards to rule updates and interpretations. All rules are presented in a video format so players can read the rule and watch the video rule 56

GLOBAL POLO ENTERTAINMENT™

GAUNTLET OF POLO® of strong partnerships and the creation of engaging

Global Polo Entertainment™ (GPE) is a media and event-oriented company created in 2018 to market and promote the United States Polo Association’s (USPA) most prestigious tournaments. The mission of GPE is to advance the trajectory of high-goal polo through the GAUNTLET OF POLO® and create a premier online destination for fans to watch live polo games anytime and anywhere.

content, GPTV became the only source for live global polo, which enabled the platform to increase the amount of subscribers. GPT V has also become the of f icial broadcaster for USPA Official Events and will exclusively deliver all the USPA’s live and on-demand content. Beginning January 2021, GPTV offered three subscription packages to non-USPA Members: t he Premium Polo Pass, t he GAUNTLET OF POLO® Pass and t he Polo

In January 2020, GPE partnered with the USPA and

Pass. The Premium Polo Pass gives subscribers access

USPA Global Licensing (USPAGL) to launch Global Polo

to all livestreamed USPA tournaments including the

TV (GPTV) with a strategy to accomplish the following

GAUNTLET OF POLO®. This package is free to all Playing

goals: create an over-the-top (OTT) platform with the

and Lifetime Members with a paid USPA membership.

highest-resolution polo-viewing experience; develop a

The GAUNTLET OF POLO® Pass includes access to all

platform that can be monetized through subscriptions

games of the C.V. Whitney Cup®, USPA Gold Cup® and the

and corporate sponsors; bring polo to a wider audience

U.S. Open Polo Championship®. The Polo Pass includes all

by delivering USPA/GPTV media rights to a national

livestreamed USPA tournaments with the exception of the

broadcaster; decrease redundancies and allow new polo

GAUNTLET OF POLO®. This package is free to all USPA

fans the ability to find and watch polo; and further market

Social Members. Promotional pricing was made available

U.S. Polo Assn.’s authentic connection to the sport of

prior to January 1, 2021.

polo by providing a new vehicle to promote the brand’s products worldwide.

After a successful inaugural year in which a GAUNTLET champion was crowned, 14 teams entered to compete in the 2020 GAUNTLET OF POLO® tournament, the sport’s ultimate test. Held at the USPA Global Licensing headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida, the GAUNTLET OF POLO® Media Day kicked off the start of the tournament. The event attracted more than 75 people including the official GAUNTLET sponsors, U.S. Polo Assn., the Palm Beach County Film and Sports Commission, Discover the Palm Beaches and Fifth Third Bank. In addition to providing the latest updates on the highly-anticipated event, the community and media heard from two players during a fireside chat where each discussed how important it was for them to win the three most prestigious tournaments in the United States. On February 23, 2020, Las Monjitas defeated La Indiana in a close game to become the winner of the 2020 C.V. Whitney Cup®, the first tournament of the GAUNTLET. Las Monjitas then went on to qualify for the USPA Gold Cup® Semifinals, however the conclusion of the USPA

La Indiana’s Polito Pieres carries the ball forward during the C.V. Whitney Cup® Final.

Gold Cup® was postponed. Also, the entirety of the U.S.

Through the creation of an in-house production department,

Open Polo Championship® was canceled. The mid-

GPTV houses hundreds of hours of weekly programming

season cancellation was a collective decision made for

which includes live games, USPA archived games, horse

the safety of the players, their families, grooms and the

features, player interviews and news stories, all accessible

spectators. The remainder of the 2020 USPA Gold Cup®

at globalpolo.com and on multiple applications through iOS,

was played in February 2021 to officially conclude the

Android, Amazon Fire and Roku. Since its launch in late 2019,

2020 high-goal season.

the GPTV platform has had strong engagement and growth with 8,500 subscribers and more than 180,000 unique page views to the site. The metrics show that subscribers are most interested in live games and USPA archived polo matches. With the metrics driving strategy, GPTV is focused on

Pilot’s Facundo Pieres surges forward with the ball as Tonkawa’s Cubi Toccalino reaches for the hook during USPA Gold Cup® competition.

delivering content that fans want to watch. Although the polo season in the U.S. ended prematurely in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GPTV was able to offer content created by the in-house production department that continued to build the platform’s subscription base. When polo resumed in England, GPTV built strategic partnerships to air the live games. Tournaments that aired live included the Prince of Wales Trophy, the Queen’s Cup, Cowdray’s Gold Cup, the French Open and in the United States the Silver Cup® and Pacific Coast Open from the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, California. As a result 58

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

GLOBAL MOMENTUM AMID CHALLENGING TIMES

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Despite the challenges facing the entire retail industry

Closing out a record year of double-digit growth in 2019,

amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, USPA Global

USPAGL had a strong start to 2020 with many exciting

Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) continued to grow the U.S. Polo

initiatives underway. By March 2020 however, nearly 90

Assn. brand and drive awareness of the sport of polo

percent of the U.S. Polo Assn. brick and mortar business

around the world through global broadcast, events,

was temporarily closed due to the pandemic.

digital, marketing and public relations initiatives.

The USPAGL leadership team immediately kicked into

In 2020, U.S. Polo Assn. maintained its presence in 180

action. USPAGL became nimble and adaptive, shifted

countries worldwide with approximately 1,100 stores, as

strategy and resources where needed, and maintained

many others in the competitive retail space struggled

tight communications with partners around the world

to stay afloat, ultimately closing stores or declaring

to ensure they had the support they needed. By June,

bankruptcy.

many of the brand’s global partners were reopening stores. USPAGL provided them with “Store Reopening

U.S. Polo Assn. was again ranked in License Global

Best Practices” as standardized guidance. The extensive

Magazine’s list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” as the fifth

President & CEO, J. Michael Prince poses with competitors in The Future 10s match during the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal Polo Challenge event. ©Emma Miller-Phelps Media Group

operational material featured graphics, store signage

largest sports licensor and thirty-eighth overall. USPAGL

and instructions on how to function safely.

is proud to be ranked alongside such iconic sports brands as the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly at such an unprecedented time.

GLOBAL RETAIL AND E-COMMERCE EXPANSION

closed stores. Fast tracking digital resulted in more than

Considering the retail market was already in flux prior to

site now accessible in 10 different languages across 26

the pandemic, USPAGL found new ways to both combat

different countries. Traffic continues to increase, with

and embrace online shopping to support and grow the

more than three million views since the website went live.

business while stores were closed.

USPAGL has also seen more than a 100 percent increase

At t he end of 2019, U.S. Polo Assn. opened its f irst

in global online shopping in 2020.

international “high goal” energy store in Hangzhou Cit y,

EVENTS

30 brand and e-commerce sites to date, with the global

China, recognized as one of the world ’s innovation hubs. The store hit record sales in the early part

USPAGL again partnered with the United States Polo

of 2020, prior to the pandemic and has once again

Association (USPA) and International Polo Club Palm

regained its footing since China’s reopening. With

Beach (IPC) for the GAUNTLET OF POLO®. While the

its smaller footprint of 1,000 square feet and high-

2020 season was unfortunately cut short, it was on track

engagement components including a sport-inspired

to be another successful year with 14 competitive teams.

selfie wall and interactive mirror, the successful store

In early 2020, USPAGL supported select domestic and

is a prototype for future stores worldwide.

Morehouse College was welcomed into the Collegiate Partnership Program as the first historically black college and university Intercollegiate/Interscholastic polo team.

international events like the U.S. Polo Assn. 40-Goal

In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. was honored with two highly

Polo Challenge and the Federation of International

commended honors for Global Retailer and Emerging

Polo ( FIP) 106t h A m bassador Cup. Despite t he

Market Retailer in the prestigious 15th Annual Global

pandemic, club and event support remained at the

Retail & Leisure International (RLI) Awards. The RLI

forefront of USPAGL’s mission throughout 2020. As

Awards honor the most visionary and innovative retail

t he sport resumed m id-year, USPAGL supported

and leisure concepts from across the globe.

over 20 domestic and international events including the Silver Cup®, America Cup™ and the German Polo

While USPAGL’s digital strategy was well underway

Championship.

in 2020 with the momentum of the global digital site, uspoloassnglobal.com, the team significantly ramped up efforts to accelerate digital as the pandemic temporarily 60

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

COLLEGIATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (CPP)

For the very first time, U.S. Polo Assn. was featured in the official programs for the Super Bowl LIV, with one

U.S. Polo Assn. partnered again with collegiate polo teams

million pre-sold copies, and the Grammy Awards, with

across North America, with 30 schools representing

distribution of the brochure to 15,000 people and an

50 women’s and men’s teams for the 2019-2020 season.

additional 500,000 digital downloads. Being part of

Assistance through the Collegiate Partnership Program

these two iconic events provided great opportunities for

(C PP) i ncluded a f i na nc ia l cont r i but ion, c us tom

U.S. Polo Assn. to reach new consumers.

performance jerseys, whites, polo shirts and gear bags for the teams. Although the pandemic ended the collegiate

By mid-year, USPAGL had partnered with Yellowstone,

season early, the teams remained active on social media

cable TV’s most watched series of 2020, running a

and USPAGL recognized and awarded the top five teams.

U.S. Polo Assn. commercial during the show’s season f inale. The commercial also ran for t wo additional

Although the 2020-2021 intercollegiate season will be

weeks and was v iewed by an audience of over 20

different than years past, USPAGL is looking forward

million including 7.5 million viewers during the season

to continuing the program. While many of the schools

finale alone, reaching millions of potential consumers.

a re una ble to compete t h is season, some a re st ill practicing, and USPAGL was able to generate strong

USPAGL also leveraged their Eurosport partnership

interest among student athletes, even adding two

to run commercial spots on the channel during high

new schools: the University of Kentucky (Lexington,

profile events such as the Tour de France, generating

Kentucky) and Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia).

more than six million impressions across Europe and reaching more than 4.5 million unique viewers.

MARKETING

In late 2020, USPAGL learned that the 30-minute show,

Marketing continues to drive the business and brand

Women in Polo: The Palm Beaches was nominated for

awareness as global photo shoots provide sport-

a Regional Emmy® Award by The Suncoast Chapter of

inspired and fashion content worldwide. The photo

Global Polo Player Photoshoot

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

shoots included sport-inspired scenes with polo players

(NATAS). The show itself was released in conjunction

at beautiful polo clubs such as Port Mayaca Polo Club

with U.S. Polo Assn.’s Women’s Initiative. The show has

(PMPC), Villa del Lago and the International Polo

reached more than 60 million households across an

Club Palm Beach (IPC). Other inspirational locations

international audience including FOX Sports Florida, TVG

included Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida,

Network, ThePalmBeaches.TV as well as global social

as well as the picturesque Florida Keys. These amazing

media platforms targeting some 100 countries.

shots are being showcased throughout social media, retail stores, print ads and billboards around the world.

EARNED MEDIA

to seasonal collections, multiple awards and new

Despite the media’s shift in focus to the effects

Coastal Lifestyle, Polo Lifestyle, Polo & Lifestyle,

of the pandemic, USPAGL continued to establish

Forbes.com, Retail & Leisure International, WWD,

meaningful relationships with fashion, lifestyle and

Wellington Magazine and A-List Nation, among others.

partnerships. The brand was extensively featured in

Finally, U.S. Polo Assn. continues to build global

sport editors who helped tell the brand story and its

momentum on social media exceeding five million

authentic connection to the sport. This year, monthly

In addition, USPAGL Public Relations supported

followers worldwide. On Instagram and Facebook alone

press releases were distributed with topics ranging

President & CEO, J. Michael Prince as an outspoken

the brand generated more than 70 million impressions,

from the early GAUNTLET OF POLO® announcements

thought leader for the retail industry regarding the

and audiences engaged with content more than 1.2

pandemic. Both the brand and Prince were featured in a

million times. In addition, U.S. Polo Assn. continued to

multitude of local, national and international industry

partner with top influencers in key countries around

publications and podcasts, including Retail & Leisure

the world to engage global consumers with fashion and

International, The Retail Summit and WWD.

sport. The combination of increased elevated content and new partnerships will continue to play a major role

NANTUCKET WHALER

in driving awareness and consumer advocacy.

Nantucket Whaler’s in-store “season” was cut short by the pandemic, opening in late June rather than April as planned. However, the store was very busy from its opening until the end of the season, with the brand

USPA GLOBAL LICENSING INC.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

experiencing steady growth. This year’s highlights for the brand include features in Forbes.com, N Magazine, Coastal Lifestyle, Wellington Magazine and a partner campaign

Stewart Armstrong

Anthony Coppola

Charles Smith

Steven Rudolph

CHAIRMAN

PRESIDENT

SECRE TA RY

TREASURER

with American Express during the holiday season. At the close of 2020, the brand announced the opening of its new “Holiday Pop-up Shop” in West Palm Beach, Florida, situated in Rosemary Square, one of Florida’s premier international shopping destinations. The trendy shopping area that attracts locals and tourists alike features high-profile retailers including Lululemon and Yeti.

U.S. Polo Assn. Lifestyle Shoot

THE FUTURE USPAGL remains on the offense and continues to be

remains optimistic that through strong leadership,

flexible during these challenging times. The brand will

continued partner/licensee support and consumer-

also continue to push forward on efforts to build U.S. Polo

focused initiatives online and in-store, the U.S. Polo

Assn. globally through diverse and forward-thinking

Assn. brand will continue to prevail for the long-term.

Tony Yahyai

Robert McMurtry

Joseph Muldoon

Stephen Orthwein Jr.

David Ragland

Bill Kirton

Trey Schott

BORDER

CENTRAL

EASTERN

FLORIDA

GRE AT PL A INS

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

MID STATES

initiatives. In the most unprecedented time in the company’s history, USAPGL was able to meet the year’s difficulties and overcome them with strategic thinking

Leighton Jordan

Daniel Walker

Sheryl Sick

Erica Gandomcar-Sachs

Billy Raab

Paul Jornayvaz

NORTHEASTERN

PACIFIC COAST

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

R OCK Y MOUNTA IN

SOUTHEASTERN

SOUTHWESTERN

GAL

Julio Arellano

Steven Armour

Chrys Beal

Liz Brayboy

Michael Carney

Cecelia Cochran

GAL

Thomas Gose

Chris Green

Vicky Owens

Peter Rizzo

Robin Sanchez

and aggressive action. With the realistic expectation that 2021 will continue to bring all retailers immense challenges amid the ongoing pandemic, USPAGL

GAL Pamela Flanagan Nantucket Whaler Lifestyle Shoot

OFFICER

GAL CG

CIRCUIT GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR AT LARGE

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

©Andrew Meier

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

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

Mission Statement: Ser v ices div ision operates as

Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Armed

the “ hub” of all USPA f unctions; it maintains the

Forces Committee, in recognition of the great history

administrative and operational inf rastruct ure

and connection between the sport of polo and our

within which all divisions, LLCs, clubs and members

Armed Forces, seeks to create opportunities to support

participate. The services not provided by the LLCs for

and perpetuate the tie between the armed forces

their operation are generally provided by Services in

and the polo communities through the promotion

support of the LLCs and USPA.

of events supporting the military community and, “the development of partnerships to increase military

Executive Director: Carlucho Arellano

participation in the sport of polo.”

Services Staff: Matthew Baran, Jewel Connelly, Lindsay Dolan, Kaila Dowd, Lindsey Ebersbach, Cristina Fernandez

Chairman: Mark Gillespie Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

ARENA COMMITTEE

TD Bank’s Rory Torrey gestures for a two-point goal during the National Sherman Memorial at Westchester Polo Club in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. ©John Lincourt Photography

Mission Statement: The Arena Committee is the successor of the Indoor Polo Association. Its mission is to manage arena polo within the USPA as well as organize, promote and develop arena polo with

ARENA HANDICAP COMMITTEE

member clubs and players. The committee seeks to

Staff: Kaila Dowd Committee Members: Stephen Cobb, Dan Colhoun, Dean Daggett, Barbara Donahue, Jake Flournoy, Cody Goetz, Zach Grob, Allen Hoe, Joe Meyer, Pat Nesbitt, Marisa Tanner, Steve Walsh, Tony Yahyai, Madison Richardson, Andrea Logan, Todd Morelli, Mariah Smith, Nicholas Francoeur, Alexander Jenkins, Christopher Jones

Army Black’s Joe England, Warrant Officer 2, U.S. Army, charges forward with the ball during the National Arena Commander-In-Chief Cup at Twilight Polo Club (The Plains, Virginia). ©Joanne Maisano

differentiate arena polo as an exciting, competitive

Mission Statement: The mission of the Arena Handicap

and alternative version of the sport of polo, as

Committee is to create the fairest competitive

well as an invaluable teaching polo format. The

environment for the various arena polo formats of the

committee’s initiatives and responsibilities include

Association by acting in accordance with the USPA

AUDIT COMMITTEE

arena rules, arena handicaps, high-goal arena polo,

Handicap Policy and with the highest standards

Mission Statement: The purpose and primary

arena tournaments, international arena polo, I/I and

of honesty and integrity in establishing an Arena

function of the USPA Audit Committee shall be

women’s arena polo.

Handicap in service to any Association Individual

to assist the Board of Governors of the USPA (the

Member entitled to such Handicap.

“Board”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for

Chairman: Tom Goodspeed

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

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

regulatory requirements, (c) the independent

Staff: Lindsay Dolan

auditor’s qualifications and independence and (d) the

Circuit Arena Handicap Chairs: Brandon Alcott (PNW), Carlucho Arellano (FL), Mark Becker (HI), Tommy Biddle (NE), Michael Carney (GP), Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (RM), John Gobin (E), Willie Hartnett (SE), Megan Judge (PC), Justin Powers (MS), Diego Florez (B), John Ryan (C), Robin Sanchez (SW)

and that of the independent auditors. (From the Audit

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

Committee Members: Tim Kelly, Charles Stanislawski, MBT, CPA, CTC

Chairman: Robin Sanchez Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano Staff: Kaila Dowd Committee Members: Edward Armstrong, James Armstrong, Nicole Bankhead, David Brooks, Daniel Coleman, James Dodge, Dennis Geiler, Mark Gillespie, Tom Goodspeed, Chris Green, Karl Hilberg, Megan Judge, Louis Lopez Jr., Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Lisa Nousek, Daniel Scheraga, Mark Tashjian, Phil Van der Burgt, Jorge Vasquez, Charles Walker

(b) the USPA’s compliance with any legal and

performance of the USPA’s internal audit function Committee Charter)

Committee Chair: Habib Nasrullah Executive Staff: Susan Present, CPA, CGMA, CFE

Antelope Jr.’s Pipe Vercellino and Beagle Pipa pose with the Pacific Coast Circuit Intra-Circuit Trophy at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (Carpinteria, California). ©David Lominska

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

BOARD AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Board and Staff Development Committee is to, on an

EQUINE WELFARE COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The Equine Welfare Committee recognizes the value of the polo pony to the sport

ongoing basis, study and offer recommendations on

and advises the Association and its Membership on

the establishment and continuous improvement of

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

an efficient, staff-driven organizational structure.

The Committee develops policies and procedures

The Committee shall provide advice and support to

and executes programs to ensure that polo ponies are

the Association’s Chief Executive Officer in USPA

treated in accordance with humane guidelines and the

personnel matters and offer advice and support to the

highest standards of care.

Association’s Chairman in all matters relating to the

Chairman: Mike Manno, DVM

USPA Board of Governors and USPA Limited Liability Companies development. The Committee shall study USPA mission statement objectives and make

Chairman: Steven Armour

recommendations to achieve stated goals, correct

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

deficiencies and ensure consistency, continuity and clarity in all areas of the Association.

Staff: Lindsay Dolan

The Committee’s responsibility (concerning the USPA

Committee Members: James A’Court, Edward Armstrong, David Brooks, Avery Chapman Esq., Stephen Cobb, George Dill, Sheila Everett, Dennis Geiler, Robin Sanchez

and subsidiary Limited Liability Companies) includes, but is not limited to: human resources, information technology, staff oversight, staff compensation, staff

Executive Staff: Robert Puetz, Carlucho Arellano Staff: Lindsay Dolan

Equine Awards: Mary Muldoon Equine Welfare Publications: Aimee Waters

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Distress Fund: Dawn Weber

Chairman: Stewart Armstrong

Committee Members: Neil Agate, Avery Chapman Esq., Kirsten Ludwig, Sue Lukashevich, Mary Muldoon, Gwen Rizzo, Robin Sanchez, Cissie Snow, Lydia Sudick, Kathleen Timmons, Aimee Waters, Dawn Weber

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

development and succession, strategic planning,

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE

Board development and succession planning and

Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution

Board and staff evaluation and interaction.

Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman, Executive

Chairman: Peter Rizzo

Committee, Board of Governors, Delegates and staff about all aspects of the USPA Constitution, By-Laws,

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Executive Staff: Susan Present

Strategic Planning and Governance. The Committee

Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance

shall prepare appropriate language to affect changes

Committee is to provide the USPA Chairman

to the USPA Constitution and By-Laws as directed

and Board of Governors direction for the fiscal

by the Board of Governors, other Committees or on

responsibility of the USPA. This is achieved by

its own initiative. The Committee shall prepare other

a regular review of the organization’s financial

resolutions, opinions and documentation as required

statements along with the approval of the annual

to effect efficient and stable Governance.

budget with submission to the full Board of Governors

Chairman: Paul Jornayvaz

for approval, ensuring all are consistent with the

Com m it te e r ev iew s a nd ev a lu ates a l l new clu b

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

Finance Committee also seeks to prudently manage

applications and the status of all current clubs to ensure

Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach

Staff: Beverly Basist Committee Members: Liz Brayboy, Leighton Jordan, Sheryl Sick, Daniel Walker, Zach Grob

CLUB AND MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Mission Statement: The Club and Member Administration

compliance and maintenance with the Association’s Constitution, By-Laws and Board-approved policies then in effect. The Committee undertakes such review in connection with each new club application and no less than annually for each existing club and makes recommendations based upon its reviews to the Board

Committee Members: Chrys Beal, Michael Carney, Anthony Coppola, Paul Jornayvaz, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Steven Rudolph, Charles Smith, Daniel Walker

strategic objectives and mission of the USPA. The organizational investments consistent with the duties outlined by the USPA’s Investor Policy and Guidelines.

Legal Advisor: Jodi Pellettiere Patt

Chairman: Samuel Ramirez Jr.

Committee Members: Steven Armour, Avery Chapman Esq., Bill Kirton, Joe Muldoon, Charles Smith, Pamela Flanagan

Staff: Susan Present Committee Members: Avery Chapman Esq., Bill Kirton, Liz Brayboy, Jim DeAngelis, Jim Parr, Joe Muldoon, Jake Flournoy, Bob McMurtry, Steven Rudolph, Stewart Armstrong

of Governors regarding the status of the Association’s member clubs.

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

Mission Statement: The mission of the International

Mission Statement: The mission of the Rules

Committee is to build and improve USPA membership

Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board

by facilitating and promoting international polo events,

of Governors about all aspects of the USPA Rules and

including tournaments, umpire and player clinics to

Rules Interpretations.

foster international fellowship and sportsmanship.

Chairman: Chris Green

The Committee will co-operate with National Polo

Vice Chairman: Thomas Gose

Associations, The Federation of International Polo, The Pan-American International Polo Foundation, The

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano, Charles Muldoon

United States Olympic Committee and all other interested qualified groups or individuals in achieving its goals.

2020 Delegate’s Cup Champions: Roxstars/Vintage Polo 1 Shane Rice, Jimmy Seward, Lily Lequerica, Roxy Mounter at at the Houston Polo Club (Houston, Texas). ©Kaylee Wroe

Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach

Chairman: Jeff Hall

Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Jesse Bray, Michael Carney, Cecilia Cochran, Melanja Jones, Anna Winslow-Palacios, Billy Raab, Jeffrey Scheraga, Trey Schott, Toby Wayman

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

HIGH-GOAL COMMITTEE

Committee Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach

Mission Statement: The mission of the High-Goal

Committee Members: Dr. Richard Caleel, Cecelia Cochran, Luis Escobar, Zach Grob, Steve Krueger, Mason Wroe

Committee is to advise the Chairman and BOG and

Arena Rules Subcommittee Chairman: Chris Green

committee chairs on all aspects of high-goal polo

Executive Staff: Charles Muldoon

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

Staff: Carlucho Arellano, Lindsey Ebersbach

club managers, high-goal sponsors and high-goal professionals. Finally, to grow and promote the sport of

Committee Members: Bradley Biddle, Emily Dewey, David Eldredge, Amy Fraser, Tom Goodspeed, Robin Sanchez, Daniel Scheraga, William Crisp

OUTDOOR HANDICAP COMMITTEE

polo at its highest level around the U.S.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Outdoor

Chairman: Maureen Brennan

Handicap Committee is to create the fairest

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

competitive environment for outdoor polo of the

Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach

Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of

Ex-Officio Member: Cindy Halle

Association by acting in accordance with the USPA

Committee Members: Julio Arellano, Thomas Gose, Chris Green, Annabelle Gundlach, Jeff Hall, Justin Klentner, James Newman, Marc Ganzi, Shannon Stilson, Nic Roldan

SAFETY COMMITTEE

honesty and integrity in establishing an Outdoor

Mission Statement: The mission of the Safety Committee

Handicap in service to any Association Individual

is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors

Member entitled to such handicap.

of all safety aspects of polo through injury research, injury prevention and testing of protective gear, as well

Chairman: Chris Stratemann

HORSE REGISTRY COMMITTEE Mission Statement: TBA Chairman: Stewart Armstrong Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano Staff: Justin Powers Committee Members: Trey Schott, Tony Coppola, Stephen Orthwein Jr. White Birch’s Peke Gonzalez during the East Coast Open at Greenwich Polo Club (Greenwich, Connecticut). ©Peter T Michaelis

as communication of safety information and safety

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

recommendations to polo players and polo officials.

Staff: Lindsay Dolan

Chairman: James A. Ulibarri, MD

Circuit Outdoor Handicap Chairs: Peter Alworth (C), Nicholas Barry (NE), Kelly Beal (SW), Mark Becker (HI), Graham Bray (PC), Michael Carney (GP), George Dill (PNW), Chad Middendorf (MS), Charles Muldoon (E), Horacio Onetto (SE), Diego Florez (B), Mark Wates (RM), Toby Wayman (FL)

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano Staff: Lindsay Dolan Committee Members: Dr. Thor Norregaard, Julio Arellano, Chrys Beal, Avery Chapman Esq., Anthony Coppola, Robert Donahey, Peter Rizzo, Robin Sanchez, Sherry Sheldon Gibson

At Large Outdoor Handicappers: Tommy Biddle, Jeff Blake, Haley Bryan, Joey Casey, Mariano Gonzalez, Fergus Gould, Ignacio Novillo Astrada, Dale Smicklas 73

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

WOMEN’S POLO COMMITTEE

Mission Statement: TBD

Mission Statement: To encourage and increase the

INTERSCHOLASTIC & INTERCOLLEGIATE COMMITTEE

participation of women in all aspects of polo, to improve

Mission Statement: The mission of the Intercollegiate/

the standard of women’s polo throughout the USA and to

Interscholastic (I/I) Committee of the United States

facilitate the communication and networking of women

Polo Association (USPA) is to promote and grow the

in polo all over the world. We will encourage all polo

sport of polo by providing maximum exposure to the

players to never compromise their integrity or dignity on

sport; recruiting collegiate and scholastic institutions;

or off the field.

coordinating activities of member schools and players;

Chairman: Stewart Armstrong Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach

Casablanca’s Nic Roldan carries the ball on his mallet during the National Twenty Goal® Final at Grand Champions Polo Club (Wellington, Florida). ©Grand Champions Polo Club

Committee Members: Julio Arellano, Britt Baker, Liz Brayboy, Maureen Brennan, Michael Carney, David Cummings, Marc Ganzi, Thomas Gose, Stephen Orthwein Jr.

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

providing for organized competition including sponsoring

Chairman: Meghan Gracida

and administering regional and national tournaments with

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

Mission Statement: To promote the sport of polo in

an emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety; and by effectively utilizing funding for the benefit of I/I activities.

Staff: Kaila Dowd

the United States through responsible consideration and recommendation for the approval of tournament

WOMEN’S HANDICAP COMMITTEE

matches and events. It is the Tournament Committee’s

Mission Statement: The mission of the Women’s

responsibility to preserve the history and tradition of

Handicap Committee is to create the fairest

the sport of polo; encourage interest in the sport of polo;

competitive environments for women’s polo of the

elevate the standards of play; promote involvement

Association by acting in accordance with the USPA

and the overall vitality of the game; and stimulate the

Handicap Policy and with the highest standards

growth of tournament play at all levels by hosting USPA

of honesty and integrity in establishing a Women’s

Sanctioned, Circuit and National tournaments at USPA

Outdoor and/or Women’s Arena Handicap in service to

member clubs. The Tournament Committee promotes an

any female Association Individual Member entitled to

emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety, while

such handicap(s).

expanding the opportunities for professionals, amateurs,

Leadership Group: Cindy Halle, Miranda Luna, Liz Brayboy, Tiger Kneece, Lou Lopez National Host Tournament Committee Members: Liz Brayboy, Cindy Halle, Miranda Luna, Danny Scheraga, Robert Lyn Kee Chow

Mission Statement: To generate a voice within the USPA to provide input on opportunities, initiatives,

Tournament & Regular Season Committee: Cindy Halle, Danny Scheraga, Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Beth Supik, Tony Condo, Melanja Jones, Steve Armour

rules and policies in an effort to help provide fresh solutions to the challenges young players face in polo

Chairman: Maureen Brennan

today.

Chairman: Michael Carney

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

Chairman: Todd Thurston

Executive Staff: Carlucho Arellano

Staff: Lindsay Dolan

Staff: Kaila Dowd

Circuit Women’s Handicap Chairs: Paige Boone (FL), Marisa Bianchi (E), Liz Brayboy (NE), Natalie Camacho (B), Jesse Cole (HI), Robbin Figge (C), Erica Gandomcar-Sachs (RM), Mia Bray (PC), Sarah Knapp (MS), Susie Koehler (GP), KC Krueger (SW), Jolie Liston (SE), Sheryl Sick (PNW)

Committee Members: Hope Arellano, Costi Caset, Grant Ganzi, Zach Grob, Kylie Sheehan, Jim Wright, Mason Wroe, Jared Zenni

At-Large Women’s Handicappers: Cecelia Cochran, Dayelle Fargey, Pamela Flanagan, Posey Obrecht, Alyson Poor, Robin Sanchez, Kylie Sheehan, Jennifer Williams

Staff: Amy Fraser, Emily Dewey, Ali Davidge

YOUNG PLAYER’S COMMITTEE

umpires, clubs, sponsors and spectators.

Committee Members: Steven Armour, Edward Armstrong, Stewart Armstrong, Jessica Bailey, Graham Bray, Maureen Brennan, Anthony Coppola, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Melanja Jones, Jennifer McLeavy, James Newman, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Peter Poor, Charles Smith, Daniel Walker

Committee Chair: Liz Brayboy

Committee Members: Chrys Beal, Olivia Berube, Mia Bray, Cecelia Cochran, Lesley Ann Fong-Yee, Monica Ganley, Stormie Hale, Kirsten Ludwig, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Arshia Rios, Robin Sanchez, Joanne Smicklas, Lynn Thompson, Gillian Young

Program & Club Sustainability Committee: Liz Brayboy, Carolyn Stimmel, Emmalyn Wheaton, Kareem Rosser, Scott Weir, Heather Perkins Funding & Awards Committee: Miranda Luna, Tom Wisehart, Yaz Grotnik, Lezlie Hiner, Trista Noland

USPA POLO DEVELOPMENT, LLC

Coaches’ Representatives: Lou Lopez (Intercollegiate), Tiger Kneece (Interscholastic)

Mission Statement: Develop, institute and manage USPA programs that grow polo through education, development and assistance, thereby fortifying clubs and membership. This includes the development of players of all ages, coordinating youth tournaments, as well as the administration of Polo Development Initiative grants to clubs.

Executive Staff: Justin Powers

Kaela Prescott received an interscholastic Horsemanship Award and a $50.00 gift certificate to The Tackeria!

Matias Magrini and Toro Ruiz share a moment after losing the East Coast Open Final at Greenwich Polo Club (Greenwich, Connecticut). ©Peter T Michaelis

DIVISIONS, COMMITTEES & LLCS

USPA AND USPAGL STAFF

JUNIOR POLO COMMITTEE

TEAM USPA COMMITTEE

SERVICES

Mission Statement: To cultivate and promote junior

Mission Statement: The mission of the Team USPA

Carlucho Arellano – Executive Director

polo throughout the United States by providing

Committee is to improve the sport of polo in the

Lindsey Ebersbach – Senior Executive Administrator

the organizational structure to support junior polo

United States by developing the talents/skills of young

Matthew Baran – Director of Communications

training opportunities, tournaments and international

American players through mentored training and

Lindsay Dolan – Membership and Handicap Director

competitions. The program will utilize USPA Certified

playing opportunities, ultimately leading to a pool of

Cristina Fernandez – Communications Manager

Polo Instructors, experienced Team USPA members

higher-rated American players.

Jewel Connelly – Communications Coordinator

Committee Chair: Mason Wroe

Kaila Dowd – Tournament Coordinator

and other qualified mentors and opportunities.

Committee Chair: Tiger Kneece

Executive Staff: Justin Powers

CORPORATE-FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Susan Present, CPA, CGMA, CFE – Chief Financial Officer

Committee Staff: Amanda Snow

Kelly Vanderwerff, CPA – Controller

Committee Members: Mariano Gonzalez, Steve Krueger, Stewart Armstrong, Stephen Orthwein Jr.

Deanna Sullivan – Accounting Coordinator

USPA UMPIRES, LLC

Barb Dostal – Administrative Assistant

Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA

POLO DEVELOPMENT LLC

Mission Statement: The mission of the Polo

Umpires, LLC, is to support all aspects of the umpire

Justin Powers – Executive Director of Polo Development

Development Initiative (PDI) Committee is to

services and programs within the United States Polo

Amanda Snow – Director of Player Development

implement the PDI program; a grant-based program

Association. This includes the training and certification

Hayley Heatley – Player Development Program Manager

allowing USPA Member Clubs to thoughtfully present

of all umpires, the interpretation of the rules, the

Pam Mudra – PDI Manager

applications that address specific, club-based,

education of the players regarding the rules and rules

sustainability needs.

updates and the support of the USPA professional

INTERCOLLEGIATE/INTERSCHOLASTIC

Committee Chair: Bob McMurtry

umpires. The LLC aspires to create a safe, rules driven environment in every club it touches, with the goals of

Ali Davidge – I/I Program Coordinator

Executive Staff: Justin Powers

achieving respect and treating all participants fairly.

Emily Dewey – I/I Tournament Manager

Committee Staff: Pam Mudra

Committee Chair: Thomas Gose

Committee Members: David Brooks, Jim DeAngelis, Michael Carney, Robin Sanchez, Julio Arellano, Sheryl Sick

Executive Director: Charles Muldoon

Committee Staff: Amanda Snow Committee Members: Chrys Beal, Bill Kirton, Carolyn Stimmel, Brandon Alcott, Haley Bryan, Nick Snow, Alan Meeker, Margie Paur

POLO DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE COMMITTEE

Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Graham Bray, Cindy Halle, William Raab

Beverly Basist, SHRM-CP – HR Director/IT Liliana Gopalakrishna – Assistant Controller

Amy Fraser – Director of I/I Polo

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

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 USPA Professional Umpire Horton Schwartz signals for a Penalty 2. ©David Lominska

THE NUMBERS | 2020

Social Media

Tournaments Awarded

T O TA L FOL L OW E R S P E R P L AT FOR M



42,174



11,601 [ +3.5 ]



32,810

4,750 3.9%

450+

[ +13.5 ] %

[ +21% ]

Broadcast

[ Average Instagram Brand Engagement 1.9% ]



28%

LIVESTREAMED GAMES

SU BSCR I BERS

180,000

CL ICK R AT E

 78

5,000+

U N IQU E SITE VISITS

HOU RS OF CON T EN T

283

38 28

M I L I TA RY TOU R NA MEN TS

170

OU T DOOR

[ 216 played ]

WOM E N ’S TOU R NA MEN TS

QUA L I F I E R S A T 17 U N I Q U E CLUBS

237

[ 154 played ]

TOU R NA M EN TS**

76,000

2 02 0/ 2 021 I N T E R C O L L E G I AT E SCHOL A RSH IPS

AWA R D E D I N I N T E R C O L L E G I AT E POLO SCHOL A RSH IPS

Umpires LLC U N IQU E FEMALE P L AY E R S

U N IQU E A L L-S TA R S

T O T A L PA R T I C I PA N T S

Polo Development Initiative $767K 67 AWA R D S

TEAMS

I N T ERSCHOL AST IC VA R S I T Y L E T T E R S

NYTS Highlights 180

[ 20 played ]

410,100*

U N IQU E N Y T S P L AY E R S

[ 28 played ]

PR IZE MON EY TOU R NA MEN TS

TOTA L I NG: $

LIVESTREAMED TOU R NA MEN TS

8,500

W E E K LY E M A I L B L A S T T O M E M B E R S

OPEN R AT E

U S PA OF F ICI A L E V EN TS

Global Polo TV

A RT IC L ES C R E AT E D ON USPOLO.ORG

TOU R NA MEN T D E T A I L PA G E S

126

TOU R NA MEN T COV E R AGE A R T IC L ES

[ +37 ] 67 This Week In Polo

40%

A RENA

[ 55 played ]

uspolo.org 103

350

Intercollegiate/ Interscholastic

# OF CERT IF IED O U T D O O R U M P I R E S

# OF CERT IF IED I N D O O R U M P I R E S

# OF PROF ESSIONA L U M P I R E S

2170+ 90+

TOTA L F U N DS F R O M U S PA

C LU BS OF F IC I AT E D BY PROF ESSIONA L U M PI R ES

*Combined amount for tournament stimulus prize money and USPA tournament prize money matching program. **Due to COVID-19, the 2020 I/I Season was cut short.

# OF P R O F E S S I O N A L LY UMPIRED GAMES

THE NUMBERS | 2020

Membership Population By Age

Members Population By Circuit

245

71+

555

61-70

NORTHEASTERN

694

41-50

31 CLUBS

31-40

26 CLUBS

Male vs. Female Membership

2000 *Numbers Specify USPA Members per Circuit

1936

3 CLUBS

1829

2500

2862

3000

1733

NO AFFILIATION

1847

4 CLUBS

23 CLUBS

538

1605

1 12

3500

1502

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

FLORIDA

3071

19 CLUBS

319

1940

22 CLUBS

491

3240

9 CLUBS

12 2

2092

SOUTHEASTERN

3323

SOUTHWESTERN

2077

BORDER

2622

22 CLUBS

1759

7 26

18 CLUBS

0-10

3401

5 CLUBS

7 CLUBS

1 18

PACIFIC COAST

510

2050

GREAT PLAINS

282

3331

ROCKY MTN.

EASTERN

3159

19 CLUBS

753

11-20 MIDSTATES

3020

19 CLUBS

TOTA L M EM BERS

775

2765

26 8

288

706

21-30

CENTRAL

4,595

685

2752

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

857

51-60

1500 1000

4595

227

TOTA L U S PA M E M B E R S

TOTA L U S PA C L U B S

500 0

TOTAL

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

4124

4511

4370

4867

4988

5267

5451

5400

5332

5011

4595

WOMEN MEN

THE NUMBERS | 2020

Handicap Rating Breakdown

US MALE OUT

ARENA 0

AFF MALE OUT

W. ARENA

10T

0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0

OUT

ARENA

W. OUT

0 0

0 4 0 0 0

0 0

0 2 0 0 0

0 0

13 15

13 34

W. ARENA 1

W. OUT

ARENA

OUT

AFF FEMALE

ARENA

US FEMALE

2020 USPA Spending: Operations/Investments

54 111

133

52 130

164

339

131 281

107 213

600,000

$1,000,000 I N T E R N AT I O N A L F U N D A D D I T I O N S

$11,200,000 O P E R AT I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S

$12,800,000

2020 Operating Requirements Per Entity $3,000,000

1.5

34 n/a

n/a

SERV ICES

n/a

28 231 316

178

7 23

$3,100,000

n/a

220 327

0.5

112 n/a

n/a

0.5T 7 n/a 0 n/a 0 n/a n/a n/a 0 n/a n/a n/a 0

553 375

119

-0.5

-1

n/a

110

n/a

592 257

868 428 n/a

n/a

90 41

145 410

314

172

289

129

201

SNP

277 395 662

363

31 28

87%

T O TA L

20%

UMPIRES LLC

$2,800,000 POLO DEV ELOPMEN T L LC

n/a

C O R P O R AT E

n/a

$11,200,000

27%

$2,300,000

25%

T O TA L

*AFF (Affiliate) = Non-U.S. citizen

IN V EST MEN T A DDI T IONS

1.5T

White Birch Groom Pedro Force during the East Coast Open Final at Greenwich Polo Club (Greenwich, Connecticut). ©Peter T Michaelis

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