Hi Everyone,
Pat Nesbitt was just elected president of the USPA. He is the first West Coast polo player to be elected in the 120 year history of the association. The East Coast contingency tried some last minute maneuvers but to no avail.
The West Coast influence continues to grow. Dan Walker is the national handicap chairman. He is also the first West Coast representative to hold that position. Dr. Richard Caleel is chairman of the international committee. Russ Sheldon is co-chairman of the Interscholastic/Intercollegiate committee. Denny Geiler is chairman of the Club and Membership Development Committee and the Polo Development Initiative Committee that controls a $300,000 budget. Scott Walker, the Pacific Circuit Lieutenant Governor was also in attendance and working hard to increase the effect that the West Coast is having on the USPA. The US Arena Open was held at the California Polo Club. Santa Barbara Polo Club probably had the premiere polo season of any USPA polo club by hosting the royal couple and having one of the highest rated Pacific Opens in history.
The only way the West Coast influence will continue to grow is by California polo players participating in the USPA activities and serving on USPA committees. There are lots of different types of committees so find one that fits your interest and volunteer. Let me know and I will be sure that you get accepted. Most of the committee dealings are done by email and telephone conference calls so the time commitment isn’t great but the influence we can develop by having members on all the committees is great. Although we have around 600 members of the total USPA membership of 4,000, we don’t get the benefit of the USPA programs unless we participate. The reason we want West Coast influence is that the USPA is now funding many new projects and existing projects are getting larger funding. The only way the West Coast is going to get the benefit of that funding is to become active in the USPA.
Other news:
The half goal handicap system was passed. It’s not that complicated. It applies to 12 goal tournaments and below. The lower brackets are now B, B+ (-.5), A, A+ (+.5), 1 and 1+ (1.5). C bracket is now NR. The rest remain the same. In a four chucker tournament, take your rating and divide by 6 and then multiply by 4. All fractional handicaps are automatically ½ goal whether you round up or down. If one team has ½ goal rating higher than the other team it means they win if there is a tie.
The helmet issue was resolved by being a recommendation rather than mandatory. All NOCSAE standard helmets will have a sticker identifying them and at this time the Casa Blanca is the best of that group. When you renew your membership in 2012 you will sign a statement that you have been advised regarding the benefit of wearing a safe helmet.
Area coordinators were approved as a new program. The USPA will hire experienced polo managers who will make personal appearances at the clubs and spend time with them helping them to grow with improved advertising and marketing programs, assisting with management of the club, assistance with I/I programs, assistance on sponsoring clinics and a myriad of other services.
See you on the field,
Denny Geiler
Pacific Coast Circuit Governor