ASSOCIATION
The USPA
Operations Staff:
Chief Operating Officer and In-House Counsel: Chris Green
Director, Governance and Operations: Lindsey Ebersbach
Mission Statement: Services division operates as the “hub” of all USPA functions; it maintains the administrative and operational infrastructure within which all divisions, LLCs, clubs and members participate. The services not provided by the LLCs for their operation are generally provided by Services in support of the LLCs and USPA.
Executive Director: Carlucho Arellano
Services Staff: Matthew Baran (Director of Communications), Jewel Connelly (Copywriter), Lindsay Dolan (Membership and Handicap Director), Kaila Dowd (Tournament Manager), Cristina Fernandez (Communications Manager), Beatriz Ferreira (Membership Office Administrator), Gwen Rizzo (USPA Editor and Publisher)
Mission Statement: The United States Polo Association Arena Committee, as the successor of the Indoor Polo Association, is the primary advocate for arena polo in the United States. Through partners and programs, we develop and enhance national and circuit tournaments and arena leagues nationwide; expand the quantity and quality of national and international arena competition from the low goal to the high goal; and promote player and spectator awareness and engagement through promotion and special events to highlight arena polo as an exciting and competitive sport.
Committee Chair: Robin Sanchez
Staff: Kaila Dowd, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Committee Members: Edward Armstrong, James Armstrong, Nicole Bankhead, David Brooks, Daniel Coleman, James Dodge, Dennis Geiler, Mark Gillespie, Tom Goodspeed, Karl Hilberg, Megan Judge, Louis Lopez Jr., Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Lisa Nousek, Daniel Scheraga, Mark Tashjian, Phil Van der Burgt, Jorge Vasquez, Charles Walker
Mission Statement: The mission of the Arena Handicap Committee is to create the fairest competitive environment for the various arena polo formats of the Association by acting in accordance with the USPA Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of honesty and integrity in establishing an Arena Handicap in service to any Association Individual Member entitled to such Handicap.
Committee Chair: Tom Goodspeed
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Circuit Arena Handicap Chairs: Joan-Carles Brugue (C), John Gobin (E), Carlucho Arellano (FL), Raeann Magill (GP), Ka’aina DeCoite (HI), James Armstrong (MS), Patrick Marinelli (NE), Sherry Sheldon-Gibson (PC), Brandon Alcott (PNW), David Brooks (SE), Robin Sanchez (SW)
At-Large Arena Handicappers: Bradley Biddle, Ali Davidge, Rodney Fragodt, Ronnie Hayes, Dale Schwetz, Toby Wayman
Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Armed Forces Committee, in recognition of the great history and connection between the sport of polo and our Armed Forces, seeks to create opportunities to support and perpetuate the tie between the armed forces and the polo communities through the promotion of events supporting the military community and "The development of partnerships to increase military participation in the sport of polo."
Committee Chair: Mark Gillespie
Staff: Kaila Dowd, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Stephen Cobb, Dan Colhoun, Dean Daggett, Barbara Donahue, Jake Flournoy, Cody Goetz, Zach Grob, Allen Hoe, Joe Meyer, Pat Nesbitt, Marisa Tanner, Steve Walsh, Tony Yahyai, Madison Richardson, Andrea Logan, Todd Morelli, Mariah Smith, Nicholas Francoeur, Alexander Jenkins, Christopher Jones
Mission Statement: The purpose and primary function of the USPA Audit Committee shall be to assist the Board of Governors of the USPA (the “Board”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for (a) the integrity of the USPA’s financial statements, (b) the USPA’s compliance with any legal and regulatory requirements, (c) the independent auditor's qualifications and independence and (d) the performance of the USPA’s internal audit function and that of the independent auditors. (From the Audit Committee Charter)
Committee Chair: Tim Kelly
Staff: Susan Present, Chris Green
Committee Members: Robert Burk, Habib Nasrullah
Click below to submit an audit committee financial inquiry form.
Mission Statement: The USPA Board and Staff Development Committee (BASDC) provides advice and support to the Association’s Board of Governors, Executive Committee and management, including the COO. The BASDC will offer recommendations or endorsements relating to the consistent use of generally accepted best corporate practices, policies and procedures. BASDC’s primary advisory purpose includes review Board approved HR policies and procedures; ongoing Staff professional development and succession; and Organizational Charts. When requested by Board or Staff leadership, the BASDC will provide feedback and recommendations regarding Board and Staff matters, questions, concerns and opportunities.
Committee Chair: Peter Rizzo
Staff: Bev Basist, Susan Present, Chris Green
Committee Members: Liz Brayboy, Zach Grob, Leighton Jordan, Agapito Morgan, Sheryl Sick, Daniel Walker
Mission Statement: The mission of the Club and Member Administration Committee is to review and evaluate all new club applications to ensure that the applying club complies with the current standards set forth in the Constitution and the policies approved by the Board of Governors. That these clubs are strong enough, have the growth potential and longevity to support the sport of polo and strengthen the Association by its membership and deserve the rights and privileges afforded to member clubs. It is also the committee’s duty to review and evaluate all existing clubs on an annual basis, to confirm their compliance with the existing rules and policies, in order to make recommendations to the Board of Governors on the status of member clubs in the Association.
Committee Chair: Steven Armour
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Edward Armstrong, David Brooks, Avery Chapman Esq., Stephen Cobb, George Dill, Sheila Everett, Dennis Geiler, Robin Sanchez
Mission Statement: The mission of the Constitution Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman, Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Delegates and staff about all aspects of the USPA Constitution, By-Laws, Strategic Planning and Governance. The Committee shall prepare appropriate language to affect changes to the USPA Constitution and By-Laws as directed by the Board of Governors, other Committees or on its own initiative. The Committee shall prepare other resolutions, opinions and documentation as required to effect efficient and stable Governance.
Committee Chair: Paul Jornayvaz
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Chris Green
Legal Advisor: Jodi Pellettiere Patt
Committee Members: Steven Armour, Avery Chapman Esq., Bill Kirton, Charles Smith, Pamela Flanagan
Mission Statement: TBA
Committee Chair: Agapito Morgan
Staff: Justin Powers, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Committee Members: Agustin Arellano, Meghan Gracida, Zach Grob, Dale Johnson, Chip McKenney
Mission Statement: The Equine Welfare Committee recognizes the value of the polo pony to the sport and advises the Association and its Membership on all aspects of the care and well-being of polo ponies. The Committee develops policies and procedures and executes programs to ensure that polo ponies are treated in accordance with humane guidelines and the highest standards of care.
Committee Chair: Mike Manno, DVM
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Equine Awards: Mary Muldoon
Equine Welfare Publications: Aimee Waters
Distress Fund: Dawn Weber
Committee Members: Neil Agate, Avery Chapman Esq., Sue Lukashevich, Mary Muldoon, Gwen Rizzo, Robin Sanchez, Lydia Sudick, Kathleen Timmons, Aimee Waters, Dawn Weber
Committee Chairman: Stewart Armstrong, Chrys Beal
Committee Members: Anthony Coppola, Tom Gose, Paul Jornayvaz, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Steven Rudolph, Charles Smith, Daniel Walker
Mission Statement: The mission of the Finance Committee is to provide the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors direction for the fiscal responsibility of the USPA. This is achieved by a regular review of the organization’s financial statements along with the approval of the annual budget with submission to the full Board of Governors for approval, ensuring all are consistent with the strategic objectives and mission of the USPA. The Finance Committee also seeks to prudently manage organizational investments consistent with the duties outlined by the USPA’s Investor Policy and Guidelines.
Committee Chairman: Samuel Ramirez Jr.
Staff: Susan Present, Chris Green
Committee Members: Avery Chapman, Bill Kirton, Liz Brayboy, Jim DeAngelis, Jim Parr, Joe Muldoon, Jake Flournoy, Bob McMurtry, Steve Rudolph, Stewart Armstrong, Daniel Walker
Mission Statement: To advise the Chairman and BOG and committee chairs on all aspects of high-goal polo in the U.S. To be the communication channel between the USPA and high-goal community including club managers, high-goal sponsors and high-goal professionals. To grow and promote the sport of polo at its highest level around the U.S.
Committee Chair: Will Johnston
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Committee Members: Tomas Garcia del Rio, Pelon Stirling, Bill Ballhaus, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Jimmy Newman, Tom Gose, Mike Carney, Chris Stratemann, Shannon Stilson
Mission Statement: TBA
Committee Chair: Stewart Armstrong
Staff: Justin Powers, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Trey Schott, Tony Coppola, Stephen Orthwein Jr.
Mission Statement: The mission of the International Committee is to build and improve USPA membership by facilitating and promoting international polo events, including tournaments, umpire and player clinics to foster international fellowship and sportsmanship. The committee will co-operate with National Polo Associations, The Federation of International Polo, The Pan-American International Polo Foundation, The United States Olympic Committee and all other interested qualified groups or individuals in achieving its goals.
Committee Chair: Jeff Hall
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Dr. Richard Caleel, Cecelia Cochran, Luis Escobar, Zach Grob, Steve Krueger, Mason Wroe
Mission Statement: The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven Registered Players, five of who shall be members of the Board of Governors and four of who shall be Circuit Governors. This committee will meet annually to consider and nominate a slate of Officers. This slate of Officers is to be conveyed to the Secretary of the Association at least two weeks in advance of the Board of Governors meeting prior to the Annual Meeting.
Committee Chair: TBA
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Chris Green
Committee Members: Cecelia Cochran, Mike Carney, Paul Jornayvaz , Steve Orthwein, Sheryl Sick, Denny Geiler, Jim DeAngelis
Mission Statement: The mission of the Outdoor Handicap Committee is to create the fairest competitive environment for outdoor polo of the Association by acting in accordance with the USPA Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of honesty and integrity in establishing an Outdoor Handicap in service to any Association Individual Member entitled to such Handicap.
Committee Chair: Chris Stratemann
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Circuit Outdoor Handicap Chairs: Peter Alworth (C), Charles Muldoon (E), Toby Wayman (FL), Greg Summers (GP), Ka’aina DeCoite (HI), Bo Goodman (MS), James DeAngelis (NE), Graham Bray (PC), George Dill (PNW), Pelon Escapite (SE), Kelly Beal (SW)
At Large Outdoor Handicappers: Tommy Biddle, Jeff Blake, Haley Bryan, Steve Dalton, Mariano Gonzalez, Fergus Gould, Ignacio Novillo Astrada, Dale Smicklas
Mission Statement: The mission of the Rules Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors about all aspects of the USPA Rules and Rules Interpretations.
Committee Chair: TBA
Committee Vice Chair: Thomas Gose
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Carlucho Arellano, Charles Muldoon, Chris Green
Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Jesse Bray, Mike Carney, Cecilia Cochran, Melanja Jones, Anna Winslow Palacios, Billy Raab, Jeffrey Scheraga, Trey Schott, Toby Wayman
Arena Rules Sub-Committee
Subcommittee Chair: TBA
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Carlucho Arellano, Charles Muldoon, Chris Green
Subcommittee Members: Bradley Biddle, Emily Dewey, David Eldredge, Amy Fraser, Tom Goodspeed, Robin Sanchez, Daniel Scheraga, William Crisp
Ex-Officio Members: Cindy Halle
Mission Statement: The mission of the Safety Committee is to advise the USPA Chairman and Board of Governors of all safety aspects of polo through injury research, injury prevention and testing of protective gear, as well as communication of safety information and safety recommendations to polo players and polo officials.
Committee Chair: James A. Ulibarri, MD
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Dr. Thor Norregaard, Julio Arellano, Chrys Beal, Avery Chapman, Anthony Coppola, Robert Donahey, Robin Sanchez, Sherry Sheldon Gibson, Kelly Wong MD
Mission Statement: TBA
Committee Chair: Stewart Armstrong
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Chris Green
Committee Members: Julio Arellano, Britt Baker, Liz Brayboy, Maureen Brennan, Michael Carney, David Cummings, Marc Ganzi, Thomas Gose, Stephen Orthwein Jr.
Committee Chair: Stewart Armstrong
Staff: Lindsey Ebersbach, Chris Green, Carlucho Arellano, Susan Present
Committee Members: Tony Coppola, Leighton Jordan, Stevie Orthwein, Steve Rudolph, and Daniel Walker
Mission Statement: To promote the sport of polo in the United States through responsible consideration and recommendation for the approval of tournament matches and events. It is the Tournament Committee’s responsibility to preserve the history and tradition of the sport of polo; encourage interest in the sport of polo; elevate the standards of play; promote involvement and the overall vitality of the game; and stimulate the growth of tournament play at all levels by hosting USPA Sanctioned, Circuit and National tournaments at USPA member clubs. The Tournament Committee promotes an emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety, while expanding the opportunities for professionals, amateurs, umpires, clubs, sponsors and spectators.
Committee Chair: Mike Carney
Staff: Kaila Dowd, Carlucho Arellano, Chris Green
Committee Members: Steven Armour, Edward Armstrong, Stewart Armstrong, Jessica Bailey, Graham Bray, Maureen Brennan, Anthony Coppola, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Melanja Jones, Jennifer McLeavy, James Newman, Stephen Orthwein Jr., Peter Poor, Charles Smith, Daniel Walker
Mission Statement: The mission of the Women’s Handicap Committee is to create the fairest competitive environments for women’s polo of the Association by acting in accordance with the USPA Handicap Policy and with the highest standards of honesty and integrity in establishing a Women’s Outdoor and/or Women’s Arena Handicap in service to any female Association Individual Member entitled to such Handicap(s).
Committee Chair: Maureen Brennan
Staff: Lindsay Dolan, Carlucho Arellano
Circuit Women's Handicap Chairs: Megan West (C), Marisa Bianchi (E), Paige Boone (FL), Karson Bizzell (GP), Jess Cole (HI), Emmalyn Wheaton (MS), Amanda Poor (NE), Mia Bray (PC), Sheryl Sick (PNW), Sophie Grant (SE), KC Krueger (SW)
At-Large Women's Handicappers: Hope Arellano, Jessica Bailey, Cecelia Cochran, Pamela Flanagan, Posey Obrecht, Anna Palacios, Alyson Poor, Kylie Sheehan
Mission Statement: To encourage and increase the participation of women in all aspects of polo, to improve the standard of women’s polo throughout the USA and to facilitate the communication and networking of women in polo all over the world. We will encourage all polo players to never compromise their integrity or dignity on or off the field.
Committee Chair: Meghan Gracida
Staff: Kaila Dowd, Carlucho Arellano
Committee Members: Chrys Beal, Olivia Berube, Mia Bray, Cecelia Cochran, Lesley Ann Fong-Yee, Monica Ganley, Stormie Hale, Kirsten Ludwig, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Arshia Rios, Robin Sanchez, Joanne Smicklas, Gillian Young, Courtney Asdourian, Paige Beard, Dawn Jones, Pamela Flanagan
Mission Statement: To generate a voice within the USPA to provide input on opportunities, initiatives, rules and policies in an effort to help provide fresh solutions to the challenges young players face in polo today.
Committee Chair: Todd Thurston
Staff: Justin Powers
Committee Members: TBA
Mission Statement: Develop, institute and manage USPA programs that grow polo through education, development and assistance, thereby fortifying clubs and membership. This includes the development of players of all ages, coordinating youth tournaments, as well as the administration of PDI grants to clubs.
Executive Director: Justin Powers
Staff: Ali Davidge (I/I Program Coordinator), Emily Dewey (I/I Tournament Manager), Amy Fraser (Director of I/I Polo), Hayley Heatley (Player Development Program Manager), Pam Mudra (PDI Manager), Amanda Snow (Director of Player Development)
Mission Statement: The mission of the Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) Committee of the United States Polo Association (USPA) is to promote and grow the sport of polo by providing maximum exposure to the sport; recruiting collegiate and scholastic institutions; coordinating activities of member schools and players; providing for organized competition including sponsoring and administering regional and national tournaments with an emphasis on sportsmanship, fairness and safety; and by effectively utilizing funding for the benefit of I/I activities.
Committee Chair: Liz Brayboy
Staff: Amy Fraser, Emily Dewey, Ali Davidge
Leadership Group: Cindy Halle, Miranda Luna
NHTC Members: Liz Brayboy, Cindy Halle, Miranda Luna, Daniel Scheraga, Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Chris Green
Tournament & Regular Season Committee: Cindy Halle, Daniel Scheraga, Robert Lyn Kee Chow, Beth Supik, Tony Condo, Melanja Jones, Steve Armour
Program & Club Sustainability Committee: Liz Brayboy, Carolyn Stimmel, Emmalyn Wheaton, Kareem Rosser, Heather Perkins
Funding & Awards Committee: Miranda Luna, Tom Wisehart, Yaz Grotnik, Lezlie Hiner
Coaches’ Representatives: IC: Mark Tashjian, IS: Tiger Kneece
Mission Statement: To cultivate and promote junior polo throughout the United States by providing the organizational structure to support junior polo training opportunities, tournaments and international competitions. The program will utilize USPA Certified Polo Instructors, experienced Team USPA members and other qualified mentors and opportunities.
Committee Chair: Tiger Kneece
Staff: Amanda Snow, Justin Powers
Committee Members: Miguel Novillo Astrada, Chrys Beal, Ali Davidge, Carolyn Stimmel
Mission Statement: The mission of the Polo Development Initiative (PDI) Committee is to implement the PDI program; a grant-based program allowing USPA Member Clubs to thoughtfully present applications that address specific, club-based, sustainability needs.
Committee Chair: Bob McMurtry
Staff: Pam Mudra, Justin Powers
Committee Members: David Brooks, Jim DeAngelis, Mike Carney, Robin Sanchez, Julio Arellano, Sheryl Sick
Mission Statement: The mission of the Team USPA Committee is to improve the sport of polo in the United States by developing the talents/skills of young American players through mentored training and playing opportunities, ultimately leading to a pool of higher-rated American players.
Committee Chair: Mason Wroe
Staff: Amanda Snow, Justin Powers
Committee Members: Mariano Gonzalez, Steve Krueger, Stewart Armstrong, Stephen Orthwein, Jr.
Mission Statement: The mission of the USPA Umpires, LLC, is to support all aspects of the umpire services and programs within the United States Polo Association. This includes the training and certification of all umpires, the interpretation of the rules, the education of the players regarding the rules and rules updates and the support of the USPA professional umpires. The LLC aspires to create a safe, rules driven environment in every club it touches, with the goals of achieving respect and treating all participants fairly.
Executive Director: Charles Muldoon
Committee Chair: Thomas Gose
Staff: Bradley Biddle (Arena Umpire Director), Deb Ferro (Administrative Assistant), Jennifer Furlow (Umpires Financial Analyst), Fergus Gould (Western Regional Umpire Director), Maggie Mitchell (Umpires Executive Administrator)
Committee Members: Stewart Armstrong, Graham Bray, Cynthia Halle, William Raab
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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