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Delegate’s Meeting Agenda – Pacific Coast Circuit

August 20, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

Hi everyone:

Attached is the agenda for our delegate’s meeting.  It will be on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 9:00 AM.  It will be at the tennis club which is behind the condos that are behind the east goal of the main polo field.

The meeting is open to everyone not just delegates so bring anyone that is interested.

The announcement you received from the USPA was regarding the committee meetings and Governor’s meeting which occur from Thursday to Saturday.  You are invited to attend any of the meetings to see how your USPA and to add you opinion on pressing issues.

Our meeting in on Sunday, the same day as the Pacific Open finals game.

See you then,

Denny Geiler


United States Polo Association
PACIFIC COAST CIRCUIT DELEGATES MEETING
Santa Barbara Polo Club
Sunday, August 29, 2010

Call to Order

Approval of Spring Meeting Minutes

Kris Bowman Reports From USPA

  • Use Regional Polo Centers as a resource

Reports from Clubs

Team USA Applications due end of August

Polo 101 Developments

  • Services available for Club Website Development
  • Free First Lesson vs. Second Lesson Free Program

First Year Free Membership Proposal from USPA

Added benefit for anyone taking their first polo lesson

USPA Intern Program

USPA Free Umpire Program

  • 2009 – California Polo US Open
  • 2010-            Santa Barbara Polo Club

Umpire and Polo Instruction Clinics – USPA Reimbursement for instructors

USPA Code of Conduct Shield that can be posted in polo office or polo club

Report  Regarding PDI

  • San Diego Polo Club
  • Fair Hills Polo Club
  • Orange County Polo Club
  • Eldorado Polo Club
  • Wright Way – Menlo Polo Club
  • Central Coast Polo Club

USPA Banner or USPA Flag

  • Use of USPA logo on club materials
  • Display USPA Flag or Banner for credibility

Next Meeting:            Eldorado Polo Club, Sunday of the Governor’s Cup Finals


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Team USA Applications Now Being Accepted

August 15, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

Team USA applications are now being accepted for next year’s program.  This year the Pacific circuit had 5 individuals participate.  The program included a 4 day session in Florida and a 4 day session in Wyoming.  You can’t get better training and mentoring than under this program.

If there is anyone in your club that would qualify be sure to start the process early.  I would be happy to write a letter of recommendation.  Be sure to submit photos and video.  When you do be sure to indicate who in the photo or video is the applicant.

Denny Geiler,  Governor

MEMBER NOTICE:

Applications for the USPA Team USA program are now available on the USPA Website.

Team USA is a program designed and funded by the USPA to identify USPA members who meet the qualification standards to be provided additional opportunities for training and mentoring by experienced world-renowned instructors and professional players.

Team USA applicants can be male or female and must be at least 18 years old and no older than 23 years old. The applicant must be handicapped by the USPA at a minimum handicap of 0 goals for women and 1 goal for men. An applicant must provide written recommendations that he or she has the ability to be handicapped higher if provided the necessary training, mentoring and playing opportunities. Only completed applications will be accepted.

The main concept of the Team USA training and mentoring program is to identify aspiring young players based on completed applications and strong, valid recommendations. All submitted applications will be subject to an evaluation and selection process that will identify 12 applicants who will attend a 3-day training event in Wellington, Florida, February 18-21, 2011.

The training event will feature various advanced polo seminars, mounted and unmounted, conducted by high-goal pros and/or former high-goal players covering a variety of topics and skill acquisition. The instructors will also be tasked with evaluating the group and selecting potential applicants to be mentored for a period of time by a high-goal professional player (logistical and scheduling details would have to be negotiated).

All applicants, even if not selected for the Team USA training and/or the mentoring events, may be considered for future USPA training events. In addition, all applicants will be asked to provide information for the USPA database (if they have horses, transportation, are available to play or work, when, where, etc). This database of young American players will provide a networking tracking system that will be promoted by the USPA to the polo community. This will be a useful tool for team sponsors creating teams that include American amateur or professional players. (Please note: Team USA is not intended as a means to become a professional polo player. More importantly, it is to serve as an identification, training and mentoring program that will include learning and playing opportunities to increase individual handicaps. Team USA is also designed to offer a polo networking system for young American players.

In future years, Team USA plans to host and manage playing and networking opportunities such as the Junior East-West series and FIP funded competitions where a young Team USA versus teams representing other countries.

Team USA Application Criteria 2011

1. Applications for 2011 will be accepted beginning on August 15, 2010 and will not be accepted any later than October 15, 2010. Selections will be announced no later than December 1, 2010.

2. Applicant must meet all application requirements and be available to attend the Team USA clinic and try-outs February 18-21, 2011 in Wellington, Florida (Travel and accommodation expenses included).

3. Applicant must have reached their 18th birthday by January 1, 2011 and not have exceeded their 23rd birthday by January 1, 2011.

4. A hand written letter stating why applicant would like to be selected for Team USA must accompany application form.

5. Recommendation letters and DVD of the applicant playing are strongly encouraged.

6. All applications should be mailed to:

Team USA
c/o USPA Chairman Tom Biddle
P.O. Box 1102
Aiken, SC 29802

For more information, contact Kris Bowman at kbowman@uspolo.org or 800-232-USPA.

Click here to download an application.

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USPA Meetings In August @ Santa Barbara Polo Club

August 6, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

USPA MEETINGS IN SANTA BARBARA

Join us in Santa Barbara! The USPA annual meetings are just weeks away taking place Wednesday, August 25 thru Saturday, August 28 at the Fess Parker Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara, California. A special hotel rate has been offered when you reserve here.

This year’s meetings will coincide with the Bombardier USPA Pacific Coast Open at the historic and scenic Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. The Pacific Coast Open finals are Sunday, August 26, at 2:00 p.m.

Click here for the annual meetings schedule.

Our Pacific Coast Circuit Delegates Meeting will be on Sunday at 9:00 AM at the Tennis Club House which is just behind the condos.  Attend the Delegates Meeting and then enjoy the finals of the Pacific Open.

See you there,

Denny Geiler

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From the Governor’s Desk – Governor’s Conference Call July, 2010

July 15, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

Board of Governor’s Conference Call

July 12, 2010

The conference call was administered by Jim Burton:

1. Brushy Creek Ranch- Brushy Creek Ranch is located 20 miles from downtown Ft. Worth, Texas.  It is owned by the Upchurch Family who are wonderful donors and supporters of polo.  A portion of their ranch has been improved with a polo arena and two dormitories.  The ranch has been used for PTF and USPA clinics and tournaments for many years.

It was the first Regional Polo Center and is very active in the RPC activities.  It also provides support to other regional polo clubs.  Robin Sanchez is running this successful program.  The Upchurch Family has decided to offer the property for sale and the USPA is investigating the opportunity.

2. Pony Club- The USPA has developed a relationship with the US Pony Club by providing Pony Club members with an opportunity to expand the member’s equestrian experience.  This is especially true for individuals who are old enough to participate in I/I activities.

Margie Pauer is a Pony Club regional director and she is the first USPA Pony Club Committee chairman.  The committee is a sub-committee to the Club & Membership Committee. Wilbur O’Farrell is the USPA administrative liaison for the committee.

Representatives from the USPA attended the Pony Club annual meeting in Houston.  Pony Club/USPA clinics are now being held across the United States.

Russ Sheldon of the Poway Polo Club has developed a relationship with the Poway Pony Club and his club has gained three new student members.  If you have a Pony Club in your region, Russ Sheldon, Wilbur O’Farrell or Kris Bowman can assist you developing a relationship that could create more student members for your club.

3. Polo Pony Welfare Committee-The Polo Pony Welfare Committee is a sub-committee to the Equine Welfare Committee and was developed immediately after the unfortunate incident at the US Open in 2009.  This committee has developed the guidelines and implementation of the drug testing of polo horses.  As part of the USPA membership renewal process each USPA member has agreed to submit any of their horses to drug testing when requested.

There have been 3 testings of 26 horses so far this year.  None of the horses have tested positive for banned drugs.  The goal is for 12 to 15 tests to be performed annually which would cover about 315 horses.

4. Team USA Clinic in Sheridan, Wyoming-There were 8 team members that participated.  Tommy Wayman gave a seminar on bits and biting.  Owen Rinehart gave a seminar on horse conditioning.  Dr. Paul Wollenman gave a seminar on vet testing for horse purchases.  Red Armour gave a seminar on game strategy and a seminar on buying and training green horses.

All of the participants went through the umpire testing procedure with Steve Lane.  6 of the team members will be in Sheridan all summer and each will have an assigned professional for mentoring.

5. USPA Fall Meeting: Santa Barbara Polo Club-The Fall meeting will be hosted by the Santa Barbara Polo Club and will conclude with the finals of the Pacific Open.  The meetings will be Thursday, August 26 to Saturday, August 28, 2010.  The meetings will be held at the Fess Parker Double Tree Inn (633 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara).  The meetings are open to all USPA members.

6. Pacific Coast Circuit Delegates Meeting- Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 9:00 AM at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club which is on the grounds of the Santa Barbara Polo Club.  That afternoon is the final game of the Pacific Open so you can get a full day of polo watching.

7. Advertising/Marketing Intern Program: Many clubs need help on their marketing and advertising programs.  A club manager cannot be an excellent polo player, teacher, bookkeeper and manager and still have experience in marketing and advertising.  In addition, website development and social networking are new skills that are in demand.  Many clubs don’t have the money to hire an outside consultant.

On the other hand, there are college students who are majoring in marketing and advertising who are also involved in their schools polo programs.  Those students need practical experience.   The USPA has developed a program to match the college student with the polo club.  By application to the USPA a club can receive around $2,000 to help pay for the living costs of the college student so they can provide those services to the Club.  Of course the student would like a little polo as part of the deal.  Contact Kris Bowman at the USPA if your club would like to participate in the program.

See you on the field,

Denny Geiler

Pacific Circuit Governor

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From The Governor’s Desk: May Conference Call

May 12, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE CALL REPORT
By Denny Geiler – May 11, 2010


The USPA Governors had their monthly conference call on May 11, 2010 at 2 PM, Pacific Time.  The meeting is administered by Jim

1. Adren Nance, Border Circuit Governor, reported that they had established a Border Circuit Polo School which is being managed by Yvonne Golston.  It had been established as a corporation with officers and a board of directors.  The school has two locations, El Paso, Texas and El Coso, New Mexico.  Kris Bowman, the USPA Club Development director, said she will be visiting the schools this summer.  Adren reported that the program is doing a very good job of developing new polo players.  Do to the unique nature of the program, the two locations, the strong support of the circuit governor and that there are no other PDI – Club Funded projects in the Border Circuit, the program was awarded PDI Funding.

2. Kris Bowman reported from Hawaii where she has been meeting with Chris Dawson, the USPA Hawaii Circuit Governor, working on the Honolulu Polo Club’s new Wounded Warrior Program in conjunction with a US Army Base adjacent to the Club.  She was also meeting with Mike Dailey, the previous circuit governor, to discuss the affairs of the North Shore Polo Club.

Kris gave a report about the Regional Polo Centers.  She said that the USPA will be developing an e-mail blast that each governor can send to their regional members and delegates.  The message would be announcing the location and contact information for the nearest Regional Polo Center.  The personnel of that center would be available for consulting with any other club on any issues of interest.  The message would also include the names of the regional clubs that were receiving PDI Club Funding.

Kris wanted to emphasize that the personnel of the Regional Polo Centers receive training on all phases of club management, marketing, funding, advertising, website development, membership management and related issues so that they assist the other clubs in their development.

3.      Polo 101:   It was reported that Lynn Bremner is developing some generic marketing materials that a local polo club can send to newspapers, magazines and other sources of advertising.  It would contain general information about polo and the local club can modify it to their liking plus add their contact information.

In addition, Polo 101 is experimenting with some joint magazine advertising.  Lynn is developing the material which features a discount on the first polo lesson.   The cost of the advertising is being shared by a number of Southern California polo clubs.  The advertisement will be run in Riding Magazine.  If the program is successful in developing new polo students then it will be expanded.

4.      The I/I Black hole:    Statistics have shown that the USPA is very successful in developing polo players at the high school and collegiate level.  There are approximately 130 I/I teams in the United States presently.  Unfortunately, life takes over and most of the students leave polo upon graduation and don’t return until age 45.  The USPA is looking for ideas on how to fill the “black hole”.

Ahmad Pirasteh submitted some ideas for consideration which are being submitted to the Club & Membership Development Committee.  Some of the ideas being considered are letters to the I/I seniors appraising them of the polo clubs in their region and suggesting that they continue their USPA memberships either as a regular or associate member.  Letters could be created to the various clubs giving them the contact information of the graduating I/I seniors in their regions and a suggestion that the local club have an open house for graduating I/I seniors.  Also the clubs could create volunteer programs where the I/I graduate can work for chukkers plus receive discounted membership fees.

5.      USPA Badges:      Blue sport coats with USPA badges are made available to governors, lieutenant governors, officers, USPA team participants and other representatives of our organization.  The badge itself has gone through a number of metamorphoses so that presently individuals are wearing the blue blazer will a number of different USPA badges.  USPA Properties has used its connections in the clothing industry to create some new designs so that a uniform one can be approved and instituted.

See you on the field,

Denny Geiler,
Pacific Circuit Governor

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New Funding For The Polo Development Initiative (PDI)

April 22, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

At the Spring Meeting of the USPA Board of Governors, an additional $100,000 was approved for the Polo Development Initiative budget.  This will provide addition money for the Club Funding Program.  Club Funding will provide any USPA club with up to $10,000 of reimbursable funds to pay for any reasonable program that the Club would sponsor that would grow its membership and therefore the membership of the USPA.  Examples are: an expansion of a polo school by adding horses or personnel, a new concept to a marketing plan, development of a website, adding a marketing director, etc.

Any Club receiving Club Funding can give a free, first year USPA membership to any new students or members of the Club.  This can be attached to a first lesson program to make an attractive package.  The membership also includes a year subscription to the Polo magazine and liability insurance coverage.

If your Club has plans for growing, suggest that they apply for Club Funding.  If your Club has used Club Funding in the past, the rules allow up to 4 years of Club Funding so have them apply for a new growth project.  The application is on the USPA website.

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From The Governor’s Desk: USPA Spring Meeting Update

April 22, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

GOVERNOR’S REPORT FROM USPA SPRING MEETING
Holiday Inn, Lake Worth, FL
April 14 – 19, 2010

Greetings from Lake Worth, Florida, where the USPA held its annual Spring Meeting.  The following is a report of the various activities and decisions that occurred during the many committee meetings, Circuit Governor meeting and Board of Governors meeting.

Equine Welfare Committee, Polo Pony Welfare Committee and Equine Neglect Seminar:

Recognizing Horse Abuse:  The members received a seminar in the common characteristics of equine neglect from a representative of the Kentucky Horse Council.  The Henneke Body Condition Scoring System is used universally by enforcement individuals and equine welfare groups.  When a polo pony welfare committee receives a complaint the scoring system can be very helpful in evaluating the case.

Dr. Mike Manno of the San Dieguito Veterinary Clinic who practices at both the desert polo clubs and the San Diego Polo Club represented the Pacific Circuit at the meetings and his comments were very well received.

Polo Pony Welfare Committees:  Presently every USPA tournament must have an equine welfare officer assigned to that particular tournament.  It was universally suggested that every USPA polo club have a pony welfare committee for a number of reasons.  First, they would enforce USPA polo pony welfare guidelines.  Second, they would be invaluable to polo club management in investigating any complaints.  Third, they can set up club guidelines and emergency procedures.

Defended Penalty 3:            Presently the USPA rules do not allow a defended penalty 2 or 3.  The US set the standard in this category but the world has not followed suit.  It was proposed that the US adopt the world rule of allowing a penalty 3 to be defended by either 1 or 2 players.  The Equine Welfare Committee strongly opposed the adoption of the new rule and the Board of Governors voted down the proposal.  Penalty 2 and 3 shots will not be defended except penalty 3 shots in tournaments rated 20 goals or higher and with the tournament committee’s consent.

Drug Testing: 12 blood samples were taken from the 4 semi-finalist teams in the US Open which signals the start of the USPA Equine Drug and Medication Program.  The samples were taken by US Equine Federation officials and they will be tested at the USEF Laboratory in New York.  Be sure to review the list of approved drugs and medication at the USPA website and the Pacific Circuit website (pccpolo.com).

High Goal Committee: Presently the American Rule requires each team to have one American on the team besides the patron except for tournaments in excess of 22 goals.  It took a while for members to “warm” to the rule but it is now in full swing.  In a surprising move, the High Goal Committee has requested that the 22 goal limitation be removed and that the rule would apply to all tournaments including the US Open.  The matter was referred to the Constitution and By Laws Committee for drafting such a modification to be reviewed at the Fall Meeting.  The rule modification would become effect in 2012.

Club and Membership Development:

Pony Club: A USPA Pony Club committee has been formed to be the liaison with US Pony Club and to assist USPA Polo Clubs to associate with local pony clubs.  The Pony Club has found that its programs are not attractive to the older members who do not participate in hunter/jumper.  The US Pony Club has approved polo as an additional activity which they feel would be attractive to their older members.  This would be a natural fit with our I/I programs and be an excellent way to introduce polo to an individual already involved in the equestrian world.  The USPA will be sending the circuit delegates contact information about any pony club located within their circuit.

Russ Sheldon of the Poway Polo Club has already made contact with his local Pony Club and has attracted 3 new students.  Parents who are already paying for hunter/jumper lessons for their children are actually happy to pay the lesser rates of polo lessons and to have their child involved in a team sport.  The reduced cost of a polo horse compared to a hunter or jumper is also attractive.

There is a number of Pony Club/USPA polo clinics planned throughout the USA for 2010.  Wilbur O’Ferrall will be presenting them.  Contact Kris Bowman at the USPA if your club would like to host one or you would like more information.

Polo Development Initiative (PDI):  Club Funding which provides up to $10,000 to “partner” with any USPA club to fund any reasonable project which would bring new members to the participating club has been very successful in creating new members for the clubs and the USPA.  In 2010 the committee has approved 18 new projects which along with funding the Regional Polo Centers annual stipend and a few umpire projects have expended the entire $300,000 PDI budget already.

The program has many quality control aspects including the principal that the funding is not available for “start up” programs or clubs.  The club must be an existing USPA Club and seeking support for a program that the club is instituting itself with its own personnel and money.  The program is a reimbursement program so the Club spends their money first and then the USPA reimburses the club.  In addition, there is a tracking mechanism that follows the membership of the club in order to test the results of the program at each club.

After obtaining the support of the Club and Membership Committee and the unanimous support of the Circuit Governors, the Board of Governors, in an unexpected move, approved an additional $100,000 for the PDI budget.  If your club has a plan to grow its membership such as a marketing program or expansion of school horse string or hiring an additional instructor or administrator suggest that they apply for PDI Club Funding.  The application is on the USPA website.

Regional Polo Center:  6 polo clubs through out the United States were selected to be Regional Polo Centers.  These are polo clubs in regions that have multiple polo clubs and these particular clubs have excelled in training, mentoring and assisting not only its members but the other Clubs within their region.  5 of the 6 were approved for a second year.  Each RPC receives $20,000 to help support them in their outreach programs to the other clubs within their region.  Last year this program developed 152 new members for the USPA.  For the first quarter of 2010 the program has developed 83 new members.  This is impressive considering that some of the East Coast programs are closed for the winter.

Team USA:   The 24 young adults selected for Team USA included 4 women and a handicap range of 0 to 4.  17 team members have been assigned mentors and have polo jobs arranged by the USPA.  3 others have jobs of their own choosing and the remainder has responsibilities outside of polo.  Next year 10 more individuals will be added to Team USA.  Check out the USPA website for the application and begin developing your videos (be sure to designate who your are in the video) and recommendation letters.

Polo 101:    Lynn Bremner, who is the guru of web development for the polo community, has introduced a new website with a new twist.  It is designed to attract individuals who are not presently active in the polo community.  If someone wants to see a polo match, Polo 101 not only directs them to their closest polo club but tells them what to wear, what to expect and a little about the rules so they aren’t completely confused.  If the individual wants to take a polo lesson it directs them to a local polo club, tells them what to wear, the equipment needed and what to expect.  The founding sponsors of the site are Orange County Polo Club, California Polo Club, San Diego Polo Club, Poway Polo Club and Twin Palms Polo Club but the sponsor list is growing.  Every USPA Club can get a free listing.  Lynn is also available to assist clubs create or develop their website and link it with the various social networks.

USPA Today:  Kris Bowman and Ed Armstrong of the USPA administrative staff visited Eldorado Polo Club in January this year to meet and greet with representatives of 10 USPA clubs and USPA members to communicate the various USPA programs that are available to help each club in their administration and growth.  Their social event was attended by more than 50 people.

First Lesson Free:   There was a discussion of the success of marketing your club by offering the first polo lesson free.  It was unanimous that the “for free” program cheapened the services offered by the club and attracted many no-shows and people that fail to continue their polo endeavors.  A discount on the first lesson or a 2 for 1 program was much more successful and attracted individuals who would continue to take additional lessons.  After the first lesson, packaging a group of lessons with a discount was successful.

Polo Demographics:   There are about 3,600 USPA members presently which is down by about 100 from last year so programs that grow membership are very important to the USPA at this time.  It is estimated that there are about half that number that play polo on some basis but are not USPA members.

Marketing:  The USPA has hired BGR to assist it in its marketing and advertising endeavors.  It will be expending approximately $70,000 in a cross marketing effort to attract other equestrians to the sport of polo.  Advertising will be appearing in 7 different periodicals from Western Horseman to Blood Horse to Pro Rodeo Sports News to Steeple Chase News and Practical Horseman.  The concept is that they are already qualified equestrians, but they may be dissatisfied with their present endeavor and want to try something new.  There will be tracking mechanisms to judge the effectiveness of each periodical.  Coupons and specials as a “call to action” will be used to try to get individuals to act immediately.

Safety: The safety committee is working on encouraging helmet manufacturers to produce a polo helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard of safety.  The USPA will be hosing a meeting with manufacturers to encourage a company to make a polo helmet that is both serviceable and will meet the new helmet safety requirements for 2012.  Presently the helmets that meet the standards are too bid and cumbersome.

The committee reported that statistics show that in low goal, outdoor polo a player can expect an injury requiring medical care once in every 200 hours of polo.  High goal is once in every 400 hours of polo.  Arena polo is 25% of the outdoor statistics.

Interscholastic/Intercollegiate: There are 124 I/I clubs that are participating in the I/I tournaments throughout the United States.  These teams are primarily made of people who have never played polo before but many will be involved in polo for the rest of their lives.  21 of the 24 Team USA members participated in I/I programs and 30% of them participated in the Eldorado Polo Club children’s program.

The USPA is developing a program that allows an intercollegiate player to be an intern to a USPA Club.  These students have varied skills and many clubs are using the interns to help in the Club’s advertising and marketing programs along with website development and maintenance.  Contact Kris Bowman at the USPA for information on how your club can get an intern.

The USPA has developed a new mentor program for the I/I clubs.  A full time USPA employee will visit I/I Clubs throughout the United States to assist the clubs in developing alumni support and funding programs, basics on how to attract student members and how to manage the club and its assets.

This year at Intercollegiate Finals the Texas A & M men’s team won and the University of Kentucky women’s team won.

International: FIP has a new president and FIP members met at Palm Beach on Monday to re-organize and proceed into the future.  The Pan American Games will be played in Toronto in 4 years and it is anticipated that polo will be an included event.  The tournament will be played on an FIP format.  Recognizing that 75% of those playing polo throughout the world have a low handicap, the FIP and the International Committee are investigating methods to have low goal, international tournaments.

Women’s Polo: The Women’s Championship Tournament series had 10 qualifying events in 2009 and they will have 22 in 2010.  The one held at Eldorado Polo Club in conjunction with the Debbi Dollar Tournament attracted more than 70 participants from as far away as Zimbabwe. A series will also be instituted for arena polo and Megan Judge of Coast Polo Club has offered her club as a host for a Southern California qualifier.

Finance Committee: Robert Donahey, USPA Treasurer, reported that in 2009 the USPA had operating revenue of $1,498,400 and operating expenses of $2,152,453.  The difference was made up by royalties earned by licensing the use of the USPA trade name for clothing sold by various manufacturers and retailers through out the world.

Licensing revenue began developing some time ago but the funds were used to pay attorney’s fees to defend a lawsuit by Ralph Lauren Enterprises regarding use of the name “polo” and the likeness of a polo player for commercial purposes.  That lawsuit is now resolved and the licensing income is now used to fund some of the USPA expenses and to develop a fund so that the USPA services and programs can be self supporting in the future realizing that the licensing income may not last forever.

This additional revenue has enabled the USPA to support programs that grow membership and enhance the polo experience.  Programs such as PDI and Regional Polo Centers are helping to grow membership in a difficult economy.  The marketing committee is now able to fund advertising with the goal of attracting new members.  Expanded umpire training and availability is another benefit.  Certainly the growth of the I/I program could not have occurred without this additional revenue.

Committee Work: I am constantly amazed about the number of people who donate their time and resources so that polo will be enjoyed by generations to come.  These are people who have very active and successful lives and yet they still donate huge amounts of time for the benefit of all polo players.  If you would like to participate in the administration and the future of our great sport, please contact me at Denny@poloproperties.com and we can find a committee that would be a good fit.

U.S. Open: Crab Orchard defeated last year’s winner, Audi.

Future Events:

Delegates Fall Meeting: Sunday, August 29, 2010, at 9:00 AM at the Santa Barbara Polo Club – the meeting will be at the tennis club on the polo club property; finals of the Pacific Open that afternoon.  Delegates and USPA members are invited.

Governor’s Bash – Friday, March 25, 2011, at Eldorado Polo Club

Spring 2011 Delegates Meeting: Sunday, April 2, 2011, at 9 AM at the Eldorado Polo Club clubhouse.  Finals of the Governor’s Cup that afternoon.  Delegates and USPA members are invited.

See you on the field,


Denny Geiler
Pacific Circuit Governor


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Pacific Coast Circuit Delegates Meeting Minutes

April 9, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

DELEGATES MEETING
APRIL 3, 2010
Eldorado Polo Club

Attendance: Heather Schuberth, Domingo Questal, Jef Graham, Katie Graham, Tracy-Jane Dawson, Dan Deibel, Erik Wright, Jan Hart, Graham Bray, Cambria Smith, Denny Geiler, Hal Swanson

The meeting was called to order by the chairman, Denny Geiler

Primary Goal: The chairman announced that the primary goal of the Delegates Meeting is to share ideas and help grow the sport of polo.  The Delegates Meetings would be open to all USPA members but only delegates or their appointees would have voting power.  The primary goal of each meeting is that each attendee would have something positive they could incorporate at their club to help their club grow.

The meetings would generally have three parts.  The first part would be USPA news.  The second part would be a topical discussion of a particular method or technique which would help a polo club grow its membership.  At this meeting the topic would be marketing.  The third element would be reports from the various clubs.

USPA NEWS

Team USA:  Almost 30% of the individuals selected for Team USA were from the Pacific Circuit, including Jared Sheldon, Nick Morrison, Nicolai Galindo, Carlitos Galindo, Chris Collins and Collin White.  In fact the cover of the most recent Polo, Players Edition magazine is a photo of Chris Collins and Jared Sheldon.

USPA Networking Day: For the first time ever, officials from the USPA presented a Networking Day at Eldorado Polo Club that was attended by more than 50 people.  Ed Armstrong, Kris Bowman, Steve Lane and Danny Schegara made presentations of the various USPA and Polo Training Foundation programs that enhance the sport of polo and help the clubs grow.

Polo Development Initiative: The chairman stated that the USPA is using some of the funds derived from the licensing revenue to help clubs grow at the grass roots level in two ways.  Club Funding provided up to $10,000.00 to any USPA Club to support any program that would help that club increase its membership.  The types of programs that qualify are marketing, advertising, expanding a schooling program, website development, etc.

The second method is the establishment of Regional Polo Centers that would promote programs for the development of the various clubs within their region.  Examples are polo clinics of all types that are open to anyone in the polo community, lending of school horses to help another polo club improve their lesson program and development of polo professionals and managers that can move on to other polo clubs or create new polo clubs.  Erik Wright’s club is the first club to receive that designation in the Pacific Circuit.

Those attending were encouraged to have their clubs apply for Club Funding.

USPA Drug Program: A discussion of the workings of the new USPA Polo Pony Drug Program was discussed.  More information is provided on the USPA Website and the Pacific Circuit Website.

USPA – US Pony Club Joint Committee: A new USPA committee has been formed in order to liaison with the US Pony Club administration.  Katie Graham said that she was on the board of directors of the Pony Club in the San Francisco area and volunteered to be on the USPA Pony Club Committee.  It was reported that Russ Sheldon of the Poway Polo Club has been co-operating with the Pony Club in Poway and has gained three new members.

USPA Women’s Committee: The Women’s Polo Tournament Association had a qualifying tournament in conjunction with the Debbie Dollar Tournament at the Eldorado Polo Club that was attended by more than 70 participants.  Sunny Hale of the WPTA said that they were considering having an arena championship in conjunction with their grass program and that Megan Judge of the Central Coast Polo Club had volunteered to host a qualifying match.

New Polo Clubs in The Circuit: The chairman announced that there are two arena clubs under development in the Pacific Circuit.  They are:

Temecula – Mike Farah of the Celebrity Foundation 4 Children

Half Moon Bay – Square Peg Foundation

MARKETING IDEAS

Website Development:

POLO 101: The chairman handed out an information sheet about POLO 101 which has been developed by Lynn Bremner and supported by various polo clubs within the circuit.  The concept of the website is to attract individuals that are not presently involved in polo but would like information.  It will have sections about watching your first polo match and will include where to find a polo club, what to wear and some data about the rules.  In addition, it has sections on the first polo lesson.  It will cover where to take the lesson, what to wear and what to expect.

All USPA clubs are given free listings on the site.  In addition, Lynn Bremner is available to provide services in helping clubs develop their own web site.  She will assist in connecting that website to other polo websites and to the social networking systems of Face Book, Twitter, etc.  Clubs can also purchase banner advertising.  Contact Lynn Bremner (lynn@polozone.com) or 760-619-2401. Click here to read more about Polo 101 and see the info. for polo clubs.

Pacific Circuit Website (www.pccpolo.com): Each club in the circuit is listed on the Pacific Circuit Website and that website is available for posting club stories, news releases, event calendaring, etc.

“First Lesson Free” Program: There was discussion about the benefits or liabilities of offering the first polo lesson for free.  Graham Bray said that the program is successful at the San Diego Polo Club.  They have a free group lesson once a month.  It is well attended.  Heather Schuberth of the Orange County Polo Club found that many people who signed up for a free lesson didn’t show up.  Her Club offers a monthly Beginners’ Polo Clinic where they charge $90.  Their philosophy is that they want the Club’s resources to be spent on people who are serious about beginning polo.  The prospective students have not had any reluctance for paying a fee.  In addition, the monthly lesson is well attended and creates income for the club.  They have been successful in selling the attendees books of future lessons.

Other Successful Marketing Tips: Others said that offering a polo lesson to be auctioned at charity events has been successful in getting new students.  Also having a drawing for a free polo lesson at polo games and events can create a list of potential polo students.  Presentations to schools and service clubs have been successful in generating spectators, students and charity events.

CLUB REPORTS

At this point in the meeting there was not time for Club Reports.

The meeting was adjourned.  The next Delegate’s Meeting will be at Santa Barbara Polo Club at 9:00 AM on Sunday, August 29, 2010.  It is the same day as the finals of the Pacific Open.  The topic will be polo schools.

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From The Governor’s Desk: Save The Date For These Events

March 18, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

From The Governor’s Desk
By Denny Geiler

March 27, 2010

Governor’s Bash at 6:30 PM at the Eldorado Polo Club Clubhouse.  Asada will be prepared by Carlos Cremaschi and after dinner there will be a Tango demonstration.  In addition, there will be a DJ for dancing the night away.

April 3, 2010

9:00 AM USPA Pacific Circuit Club Delegates Meeting at the Eldorado Polo Club Clubhouse.


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January Governor’s Conference Call

January 12, 2010 By Posted for Denny Geiler Leave a Comment

From The Governor’s Desk
By Denny Geiler, Pacific Coast Circuit Governor
January Governor’s Conference Call
1-11-2010

The following topics were discussed on the Governor’s Conference Call for January, 2010:

Polo Training Foundation: On February 25, 2010, the PTF will host its annual auction at Eldorado Country Club.  The event is always well attended and the cocktails and h’or d’oeuvres are delicious.  In addition, this event has always raised more money for PTF than the similar events held in either Texas or Florida.

USPA Western Networking Event: On February 27, 2010 at the Eldorado Polo Club Peter Rizzo (USPA executive director), Ed Armstrong (USPA  Director of Clubs and Tournaments) and Kris Bowman  (USPA National Club Development Director) will be making presentations about the various programs and benefits the USPA is providing for its membership.  Refreshments will be served.

Local Polo Pony Welfare Committees: Currently USPA regulations require each club to have a polo pony welfare officer.  In addition, each application for a USPA tournament requires the selection of a polo pony welfare officer for the tournament.  The USPA is developing a paper that will outline the responsibilities of the welfare officer.  If an officer is not appointed it is presumed that the club manager is the welfare officer.

Larger polo clubs are encouraged to create a polo pony welfare committee. When a complaint is received by the club manager, the manager can refer it to the club’s committee for investigation.  This sets up a reasonable administrative process and can “buy some time” so that a responsible response can occur.  Polo Club Managers are busy enough and often are put in a difficult position when they are the only pony welfare officer and are demanded to give an immediate answer to a journalist or unhappy member of the club or public.

Drug Testing: Clinic Nagle of the USPA Polo Pony Welfare Committee reported that its executive committee of veterinarians has been meeting weekly to create a final list of allowed drugs.  In addition, they are developing a question and answer brochure that will be communicated to the polo community.  The US Equestrian Federation will use its existing drug testing procedures and laboratories for the sample testing.  It is hoped that the program will be in place by March, 2010.

FIP: FIP met in Buenos Aires for their annual meeting but the Big Three (Argentina, USA and England) did not attend in protest of past management practices.  Patrick Hermes has resigned as president and James Ashton was named as interim president.  Since there was not a quorum in attendance there is a question whether those activities were legally binding but it certainly seems that the ship is headed in the right direction and this short detour will strengthen FIP in the long run

Interscholastic/Intercollegiate: Russ Sheldon reported that the I/I program is in full swing.  There are 128 clubs that are signed up to participate in the I/I tournaments.  The Western Interscholastic Regional Tournament will be held at Santa Barbara Polo Club on March 5 to 7 and the Western Intercollegiate will be at the same place on the following weekend.  The finals of the Intercollegiate are scheduled to be held at Virginia Polo Center on April 5 to 10.  The finals of the Interscholastic are scheduled to be held at Cornel on April 21-24.

Helmet Testing: Another brand of helmet has been tested.  Additional helmet research is proceeding so that the U.S. polo playing public will have a helmet that meets the 2012 standards when they go into effect.

Eldorado Polo Club January League Dinner: Eldorado Polo Club held a very successful January League Dinner at its Club House.  The dinner was attended by 190 polo players and aficionados.  The theme was Rat Pack and many people dressed accordingly which added to the flavor of the evening.  Mike Ward, president of Lakeland Partners, the owners of the polo club, made an excellent presentation where he stated that the owners are committed to improving the club, its tournaments and events and that the club has a good future in store for many seasons to come.

Team USA: Denny Geiler, Pacific Circuit Governor, stated that Chris Collins, Carlitos Galindo, Nicolai Galindo, Nick Morrison, Collin White  and Jared Sheldon will be representing the Pacific Circuit at the Team USA try outs in February that will be held in Florida.  There were 73 applicants and only 24 chosen.  This will be a 3 day camp in Wellington.  Charles Smith, chairman of the USPA High Goal Committee, held a luncheon of 13 high goal players and professionals who have volunteered to be mentors for the members of Team USA.  He said he was amazed at the amount of enthusiasm from the polo community for this enterprise including the quality of horses offered and the quality of assistance volunteered.

Each year there will be try outs to add more participants to Team USA.  They intend to follow the team members for years following their initial year in order to continue to assist them in their polo endeavors.  At the start, this is a terrific opportunity for our representatives to make new and lifelong relationships with others in the polo community.  All the costs including air transportation are being paid by the USPA.

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