Thursday, Friday and Saturday were intense meetings covering every subject from pony welfare to USPA finance to the US Open being on television. It was clear that polo is growing.
NBC will air the US Open at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Pacific. This is the real thing. NBC airs most equestrian sports and this is the first time on major networks television for polo. The NBC producer told me that the NBC president told him that if he likes the end product they will air more polo matches. It’s our job is to have as many people as possible watch the program and then send emails, Facebook and twitter messages saying you like it and want to see more. Viewership and positive messages helps them decide whether to show more. Check nbcuspapolo.com for more information. Attached is a photo of the production truck before the game.
Our lieutenant governor for Southern California, Scott Walker, should be commended for his work as a director of the Marketing LLC and his vision and services in bringing polo to national network television. Scot attended the USPA meeting and was onsite working with the NBC personnel.
We can expect to see increased PDI money next year. The deadline for filing will be December 31, 2013 so have you clubs file their applications early. This year we are giving out $376,000 in grants to 56 successful applicants.
The USPA approved a women’s handicapping system solely for women’s events. Currently the highest handicap held by a woman is 3 which exacerbate the compression problem. The handicap will start with a chart developed by the WCT on a zero to ten scale. Attached is a chart that shows the relationship between a women’s outdoor handicap and the new system.
Jef Graham has been appointed USPA lieutenant governor for Northern California. He will be representing those clubs in the USPA and also bringing the USPA messages to his constituency.
The influence in the USPA from the West Coast is really growing and it results from members from the West Coast attending USPA meetings and working on committees. Mike Farah from Celebrity Polo Club attended and was very helpful in various committees. Geraldine Strunsky of Temecula Polo Club also attended for the first time and was impressed by the professionalism of the committee members. Mike Uretz also attended and participated in the handicapping meeting.
Pat Nesbit is chairman of the International Committee and attended. Dr. Richard Caleel is the president of FIP which is the worldwide polo organization and attended. Russ Sheldon is a past member of the executive committee and is the father of the II program and attended. Dan Walker is not only the national handicap chairman but in line to become the president and attended. Julie Empery just volunteered for a committee. Rodney Fragodt was seen on premises. Andrew Jasco was also attending meetings and the US Open. Lyn Thompson was active in the Arena and I/I meetings.
It is because of their influence that the Pacific Coast Circuit received the most PDI money and the most Umpire money in 2012 and has the most number of Team USPA members. When we attend committee meetings they now want to know how we do it in California. California is known as the state of new ideas and innovation.
Please contact me and volunteer for a USPA committee so our influence will continue to grow. In the past when we sent our dues East we got nothing in return but it was our fault for not volunteering and demanding our share. You can participate in a committee by phone conference so it is not a big time commitment but very interesting.
There is now a reimbursement program for USPA certified arena events. If you are holding an arena event get it certified as a USPA event and get some of your expense reimbursed.
A new committee was established called “Friends and Community” which will focus on the social side of polo. Dealing with charities will be a large focus. In addition, how to get sponsors will be covered. Information on how to put on a tournament or event that will attract spectators will be another element of the committee. In my opinion a club will fail if it doesn’t have a good social program. Let me know if you would like to join this committee.
Falcon has a new helmet that is much smaller and lighter. It has been NOCSAE certified and will be in production soon. It will be in production soon. It will be the first polo helmet certified by NOCSAE with a face mask.
Newport Beach Polo Club and Beverly Hills polo club have filed for certification by the USPA. Temecula Polo Club was recently certified by the USPA. Polo is growing in California.
Remember: April 28, Sunday, NBC, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Double check time and date at NBCUSPAPolo.com or your local directory. View or record the best polo game in the USA and for polo’s future.
Denny Geiler
Circuit Governor
