From The Governor’s Desk
By Dennis Geiler
1. Handicap Compression – At the lower handicap levels there is an inordinate number of players so that within a particular bracket, for example the A player, there is a marked difference in polo skills. The handicap committee is considering solutions to that problem.
2. Team USA – The USPA wants to identify around 6 young, up and coming polo players that can be designated Team USA and be invited to play at various clubs throughout the US. The idea is that if these players can play against strong competition their skills will increase and perhaps the international teams that represent our country will perform better. The USPA is sponsoring a 3 day camp where approximately 30 young players are invited to participate. From this group the members of Team USA will be selected. Presently each circuit is requested to present individuals that would qualify for the Team USA camp. If you have any suggestions contact Denny Geiler (denny@poloproperties.com).
3. FIP – The US, England and Argentina polo associations have withdrawn from FIP in protest over the present management and which many observers say is poor administration and fiscal management. It is hoped that this action will result in serious changes with the management of FIP so that the three super powers can rejoin.
4. Linked Red Flag Rule – There is a policy that if a player is the beneficiary of 4 red flags that player will be suspended from his or her next game. The question is over what period of time will the rule be applied. It has been determined that the host club should make its own rule. For example: Santa Barbara Polo Club could determine the measuring period to be either the full season or limited to the three or four tournaments that lead up to the Pacific Open. It is the host club’s choice.
5. Management Consulting Company – The USPA is considering hiring a management consulting firm to review the current administration and the effectiveness of the USPA in achieving the goals that its membership deems important. In addition, there is an increase in the funds that are being developed through the USPA Polo Properties licensing program. The consulting company would also make recommendations regarding the investment and application of those funds. The USPA and the sport of polo are growing which necessitates a more professional administration of our sport.
6. Improved Trophies – The USPA provides trophies for the various USPA sanctioned tournaments that are held each year around the country. The 2010 budget includes an increase in the trophy budget so the quality of the USPA trophies will be improved.
7. USPA 2010 Budget – The 2010 budget was approved at the Governor’s meeting in Aiken, South Carolina. The USPA receives money from members and clubs for annual dues and various other administration fees but that is not enough to cover the cost of the USPA administration and programs. Fortunately the USPA also receives licensing fees from USPA Polo Properties and just recently Pat Nesbitt was able to negotiate an increase in the fee percentage paid to the USPA. Approximately $800,000 of the licensing fees will be allocated to the USPA for its administration and other USPA programs in 2010. The balance of the license fees are being invested with the goal that the USPA and all its programs could be self funded some time in the future in the event the licensing fees should either diminish or disappear. The budget also incorporated an increase in the I/I program which would fund an additional full time employee. That employee’s function would be to travel to the various I/I programs and mentor them with management, marketing and growth advice. The budget also increased the amount of money available to clubs under the Polo Development Initiative program. Additional USPA funds are needed to assist in the execution of programs that the PTF previously funded. Due to the recent down turn in the economy the PTF’s income has been reduced.