thu509pm08, Nove05beFri, 09 May 2008 17:08:13 +0000 11, 2007...08:46p05
USPA “Leadership” Get off Your Asses and Do Something
I have been watching some of the online polo blogs lately and have been both encouraged that so many people are participating in discussions about the future of the game and potential projects they feel are important to the future of polo.
Aside from Polonut, however, I am disappointed that not more members of the "leadership" of the USPA take the opportunity to participate in the dialogue. Who knows, they might learn something.
It was noted on one of the message boards that the USPA/PTF officers are aware of these blogs, even read them from time to time, but don’t care to interact. I find that lack of action unconscionable. These people are supposed to be representing the membership, yet prefer not to speak to the individual members.
On polobarn the other week, a discussion arouse around the creation of a polo training center or polo academy. Some of the responses were all over the board, but that is exactly the sort of constructive brainstorming that is needed in polo. The USPA’s position is to stand back and offer some token assistance. Hell, if that’s all they’re going to do, get rid of them and replace them with some people who will lead not just watch safely from the sidelines.
Polonut (no offense intended by this) pointed out after a number of days that the USPA had been discussing sugh a plan for some time. I am sure that it was meant as a confirmation of the thought process that was being displayed on the message board, but it alarmed to to think that the USPA could have created the same thought process some time ago and decided that it was either a bad idea or an unworkable one. Most importantly might be the fact that the USPA never shared that thought process with its membership.
An earlier posting on this same message board pointed out that the proposal for a "polo academy" was trotted out in the very same forum over a year ago, but it has taken until now-a point where angry and frustrated association members are up in arms-to get the "leadership" to make mention of their academy plans.
"I invented the microwave oven, but they already had it." is a line from a movie that illustrates how easy it is to suggest that every time the membership comes up with an idea or suggestion, the leadership "already had that idea".
Well that’s just fine. If you already had the idea why in the hell haven’t you done anything with it.
I’ve been involved in polo for a good many years and am disappointed to see the erosion of the leadership dissipate to a point where the ship is sinking and all they want to do is offer you towels.
USPA, get off your collective asses and do something!
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