The Polo Report
By Steve Crowder
May 17th, 2010
We have been driven by old timers for years in the USPA (United States Polo Association). The next office is moving up into the next spot, where they will eventually be running the Association. It has been fine in the old world, but never great or efficient. And there is no chance it will improve in the future the way it is now.
Here is a new deal for us (the Members) of the USPA. I say “us” because I have payed my dues every year since 1975 as have many others. I believe things have to change. It is a new world with instant communication via the Internet and other new technologies. The USPA is not part of the technology revolution because the people running most of it are old and yes even older than me. Why are then in office? Because they will do the work, they earn no wages and they love the sport, but that is not enough in the world we live in. It is 2010 and we have to move on towards a more modern organization and association.
Argentina understands this and they are far ahead of the USPA in public relations and forward progress of the sport . Why do they see the light? They put Luis Lalor, a professional Polo Player and a business man, in charge because he is up-to-date with the world today. He made the adjustments to make their association work and it is now working. We can do the same here in the U.S. and I think I have an idea how we can do it.
My solution … He was also 8 goals, runs a business and loves polo. He will not be easily pushed around by anybody and he has no agenda for anything other than improving the sport. I know this is going to mean that many people who have run the USPA for years will not be head of polo anymore. As we can see today, we have no head, just a tail making no trail to the future. The person I have in mind is Dale Smicklas. I know his work ethic and his love for the game. He does know polo and he understands marketing as he is a car dealer and they do know what tough times are. If it is not him … fine, but I think he would be a great choice. Most of the players and patrons still know him and they can relate to him. Dale knows the game and he knows the world is changing even if we are not, which we are not.
I watched a game today in Santa Barbara, a make believe 12-goal game it was, but it was still a game. It had USPA refs. and maybe they were trying to make the game good for the fans, but it was not a job not well done. See the video then argue with me!
U.S. Polo needs a leader and if my suggested candidate is not the one, then we need one someone who has the qualities needed to take us to the future. If it is a salary issue, then raise the dues. If people rebel against a raise in fees … fine. They don’t have to join. There is not a better deal as we now pay around $200 and get little for it and now we can have a reason to pay more.
DALE SMICKLAS FOR PRESIDENT ( CEO) OF USPA
See ya.
Steve Crowder