thu427am08, Nove04beSun, 27 Apr 2008 06:00:53 +0000 11, 2007...08:46p04
FIP Keeps Polo a Secret
It has been a few days since the FIP World Championships got underway. The much-heralded international organization takes credit for pressing polo’s place in future Olympics (don’t hold your breath, it isn’t going to happen) and striving to standarize the rules of polo, internationally.
Aside from staging their “Ambassador Cups” for themselves around the globe, as an excuse for them to puff up their sense of self importance, this outfit does nothing more than put on World Championships every three years (more or less, it seems that they can’t even get that done on a regular basis).
Now, this “very important” international body who espouses their dedication to promoting the game have managed to keep the results of the matches being played in Mexico a complete mystery to the outside world.
Where are the results? Why can’t someone manage to post them on the tournament site, on the FIP site?
The FIP is going to return polo to the Olympics and expose the game to millions of people all over the world? Give me a break they can’t even manage to report the results of their “much heralded” world championship to the polo community itself.
Well done, FIP. You’ve managed to elevate your level of incompetence to a new level.
9 Comments
thu428pm08, Nove04beMon, 28 Apr 2008 20:05:51 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p04
Some results are posted on polobarn.com. The USA does not have a team so this is probably why no interest in tournament results
thu429am08, Nove04beTue, 29 Apr 2008 08:26:38 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p04
We are talking about coverage of a World Championship! Forget about whether or not the US has a team in the event. The FIP is supposed to be pressing for the inclusion of polo in the Olympics, wouldn’t you think it would be a good idea to create a larger profile for the sport’s “World Championship”? Or, at the very least, update its website. Most clubs around the world manage to do that much. Wake up and see the FIP for what it really is, and a World Championship without Argentina? Really!
thu429pm08, Nove04beTue, 29 Apr 2008 16:47:08 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p04
Here we go again the USA thinking they are the only polo players , the USPA thinking it is just the Governing body of just USA polo players .
What to heck is poor polo obsever thinking ?perhaps they have been brainwashed by the USPA .
and are a plant by them, I don’t think they are. But what I do think is far to many observers of this blog don’t write into it and offer a opinion I say good for Polo Observer please keep writing away I am not sure but I think there are still Canadians playing polo in the FIP 8th world Championships that the USA did not get to and I have been waiting eagerly to see the FIP s wonederful website and their tremendous job they should be doing reporting on the games being held.
I am so happy Polo Observer wrote in and please keep writing .
You sparked my pen this morning and this is what this blog is for. I am not going to sign my real name either at this time because I happen to be brainwashed also into thinking things are all going to work out fine .
thu429pm08, Nove04beTue, 29 Apr 2008 17:04:41 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p04
FOOT NOTE I had not even noticed Agrentina is not part of the FIP 8th World Championships.
I guess I am to busy thinking about what a state of affairs polo has going in a Country like mine Canada.
But Backhander you are on to something says a lot doesent it.
thu430am08, Nove04beWed, 30 Apr 2008 01:05:20 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p04
All the results are on Polo Barn as polo observer notes. They’re also on the polomexico.com site which is linked to the FIP, everything on the tournament there; standings, stats, teams, bios, yada yada. Polo associations from the countries involved are sending out updates on the results as the meet progresses. The USPA - as suggested is not covering - because the USA is not represented, but that’s not really the mandate of the USPA anyway. May not be much interest although Polo Barn is from California and clearly, they’re interested.
As for the Argies not entering, they used their busy season as an excuse not to, and the postponement due to the untimely passing of Polo Mexico’s main organizer, when in fact they could’ve easily with the number of players they can field. A case of over inflated egoism / arrogance? They have not won every time they’ve been in it in the past. 14 goal - how droll! Regardless, the rest of the world has shown up so, carry on rejoicing.
As for the FIP, I have no comment. What may dovetail into Argentina not participating is the La Martina marketing squabble with FIP and the Four Nations Cup they’re now promoting. Whatever the differences, it’s obvious that the tournament is happening and there’s alot going on in Mexico. You might take a second look and see that your initial view is skewed.
stu501am08, Nove05beThu, 01 May 2008 08:47:12 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p05
ball chase,
I took a second look and I guess we have different ideas of offering information. I was under the impression that there would be up-to-date coverage of the World Championships complete with chukker by chukker, player by player scoring. I understand that the FIP may not have the ability to report in real time, but I’d certainly like to think that they could report by the end of the day. Me, I want to know what the score was chukker by chukker, who scored, how many penalty shots were attempted, made, etc. I’m sure you get the idea. That information is not available.
As for the Argies lack of involvement, you’re going to have to pay closer attention. Some years ago Argentina protested the handicapping of some Brazilian players who were hidden from the rest of the polo playing world and unleashed in World Cup competition. Argentina merely asked that the FIP step in and assure that the handicapping of the players-all players-be uniform and fair. The FIP didn’t want to upset anyone so they chose not to. Will you be surprised if Brazil (3-0) wins this year?
thu504pm08, Nove05beSun, 04 May 2008 20:56:53 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p05
Ball Chase is really out to lunch in defending the indefensible FIP. I presume the FIP knew that the championships were going to happen and yet couldn’t get their web site up and running nor borrow one. Pathetic is a word that springs to mind.
Of course we all expect chukker by chukker coverage, results of all matches, photos for all of us that couldn’t make it. How hard can it be.
These guys couldn’t organise a Piss- Up in a Brewery!!
So forget Olympic polo for now, which should be totally open to avoid handicapping shennanigans in any case. After all do we handicap the soccer, hockey, basket-ball teams. I thought it was about the best winning.
thu506am08, Nove05beTue, 06 May 2008 02:07:57 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p05
For Pete’s sake & thanks it was a very nice lunch too! Steaming crow with a slice of humble pie, not one of my favorites but,…I yield. You’re both correct on the up to date reporting and the lack of detail. Of course now I read on Polo Barn that there’s complaining about the horses provided for the tourney and to top it all off not a single non-Latino country made it to the final. Just the way it worked out or something more? Additionally, in a piece on the England vs Mexico game it indicated that a slew of penalties in the final chukker on England effectively handed Mexico the win which is very disconcerting in the manner it was reported,…”that left the English players shaking their heads”.
Well, Chile won but it was Brasil they beat. No, I do not feel vindicated, much less surprised. I’m a convert now - FIP you suck!
thu506am08, Nove05beTue, 06 May 2008 04:32:46 +0000 11, 2007 at 08:46p05
BallChase you’re welcome for dinner any time, I eat crow all the time, my wife dishes it up on many occasions but the benefits of a beautifull wife far outweigh any recompense the FIP can offer - sorry not for you this time.
I’m now off to fix our Canadian association who make the FIP look competent if that’s imaginable, are you hungry?
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