From The Governor’s  Desk
Dennis Geiler, Governor of the Pacific Coast Circuit

Season Greeting from the Governor’s Desk,

At the December Board of Governor’s conference call the following were topics of discussion:

Team USA – There are approximately 40 applications to participate in the Team USA try outs to be held February 13 to 15, 2010 in Wellington, FL.  Several of the young and talented players from the Pacific Circuit have filed applications.  The committee that will select the Team USA participants includes Charles Smith, Tommy Wayman and Jimmie Newman.

Polo Pony Welfare Committee: Drug Testing –   The USPA has entered into a partnership with the United State Equestrian Federation in order to draw on the experience that the USEF has regarding the implementation of a drug testing program.  There will be drug testing at 15 different polo tournaments in 2010 and include 10 tests per event.  The selection of the tournaments will include low, medium and high goal.  There will not be an announcement of the selected events except that the US Open will be tested. When we renewed each of our USPA memberships we agreed to submit our horses to mandatory drug testing.  The PPWC with the assistance of the USEF is developing a list of allowed drugs which will be published.

I/I Program: The I/I program will have funds available to pay for umpires of more I/I events.  Clubs should apply to Kim at the USPA office.  The committee will also be hiring an individual who will mentor the approximately 115 I/I clubs and teams to assist them administering their programs.  Lastly, the I/I Committee is developing guidelines to administer a funding assistance program for I/I Clubs.

Membership Renewals – The USPA administration is working on a system of credit card, automatic renewal of your annual USPA membership.

Virtual Umpire & Rules – The USPA is developing an on-line virtual rules video so that umpire renewal certification will be on-line and will include actual videos of on field rules violations.  The committee is also developing a library of rules violations for personal study.  This is part of the committee’s effort to encourage uniform rule interpretation for umpires and players.  Examples of the walking dribble rule would be helpful to everyone.

Circuit Sportsmanship Award – Each Circuit can award a Circuit Sportsmanship Award each year.  Each Club delegate is encouraged to submit as application for a member in their club to receive the award.  The name and a short description of the individual should be submitted to the circuit governor, Denny Geiler (denny@poloproperties.com) before December 31, 2009.

Club Annual Awards – Each Club Delegate is reminded to submit their selection of the recipients of the Billy Linfoot Most Improved Player Award and the O’Hanlon Groom Award.  Your selections should be sent to Ed Armstrong at the USPA before December 31, 2009.

Have fun,

Denny Geiler
Pacific Circuit Governor