Does it bother anyone that there has been a major change in the umpire structure of the USPA and there is no indication of that on the website? Does it bother anyone that there is no real news in the NEWS column on the USPA website? And most importantly, does it bother anyone that as the leadership of the USPA has deteriorated over the years as we give the nominating control (the outgoing Chairman is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee and can name whoever he wants to that committee) for our future leadership to the very people who are driving the Association into the ground?
Our membership numbers have been abysmal over the years, yet the Membership Director remains in place.
We continue to pour resources into youth and collegiate programs without tracking the success or failures of these programs. What is the return on the investment? How many members does this create? The “leadership” assumes that these programs are good for the association, that they bring new members to our ebbing ranks, but can’t explain that if these programs are deserving of over a million dollars a year in support, our membership ranks don’t seem to increase.
We are continually told that we have a membership of something in the area of 4,000 playing members, but an article written by the Executive Director in Polo Players Edition listed the membership at 3,021 (with the number of foreign registered players clocking in at an incredible 24% of the total membership!). That means that there are 2,286 US polo players-including non rated players and a great many “retired” players who still register. I don’t think the membership is growing.
In the real world, if someone doesn’t do their job effectively they are replaced. But I am afraid that the USPA is much like the federal government. As long as it can afford to continue to function (thanks to Properties and membership dues) it will continue to spend money without any consequences or responsibilities.
You decide when it’s time for a change, and then stand up and be counted. Either that or just shut up and take it!
As for the Polo Training Foundation, don’t think they’re off the hook. But that will have to wait for another day.
th000000805am08, 22008vUTC08bUTCTue, 05 Aug 2008 09:18:11 +0000 11, 2007...08:46p08
Where is the USPA?
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