The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
Dec. 22nd, ’09
Fred Mannix # 2 was a big hit in Argentina this fall. He was rewarded with a climb from 6 to 7 in his handicap. Another familiar face around the U.S. also made a move up in both Countries. Gonzalo Avendano was raised as well, proving even they agree he is getting better with more polo. Both of these players deserve a boost as both have showed a determination for the game with complete vigor.
The only big handicap move down from the top was the lowering of Agustin Merlos from 10 to 9. No players were raised to 10 and the two Open finalist teams in Argentina remain at 40 goals each. Maybe we will see another 80-goal game in the near future.
These are two people very involved in American Polo, but who are not American by the rules. Gonzalo will be as a Patron, but Fred Mannix doesn’t qualify. Even though he is a North American from Canada and from one of the senior clubs of the USPA, he is not considered an American. As I understand it, this change was made due to the rule of the FIP. The goal being a chance to bring Polo back to the Olympics. This may be a bit of a dream in this day and age I believe. I think the American rule will help the U.S. players, but it is being implemented in the worst time possible. With the economy and the lack of teams the naysayers will blame the rule, but it is not the rule it is the fact that fewer people are playing Polo these days. So it will be a perfect opportunity for the other side.
It is sad that we lost the fight, all these years back in the 80’s, when Jack Oxley tried to push this issue. He was vetoed because of some “land of the free” standard. It now has us where we are today . . . building more high-goal players for the southern neighbors. England made the change and it worked well. They have more players above 6 than we do here in the U.S. They were derailed by the Euro stuff that allowed people to get passports from so many countries in the European continent and it has slowed their progress, drastically, but they are still ahead of us.
I think the American Player Rule can work if we stay at it and if polo returns from the current doldrums caused by the economy. . . we shall see. We have a new program in the USPA. I can say “we” as I have paid dues since 1975. It is designed to help young players by providing help from the Polo Training Foundation. This could work if they are serious about building a young American team. It will work if this young American team gets to play polo and not just listen to talk of playing polo. It will work if they are not playing celebrity polo, but the real game wherever and however it may be.
Hey, it is a start if it happens. Many people may ignore it as another line of politics and volunteers if it doesn’t get going. It is a simple fact. Money talks b— walks . Unfortunately polo is a way of life to many us, but maybe not a bright career if born in the USA.
See ya.
Steve Crowder