U S PA B U L L E T I N
PATRICK MICHAELS
Conduct Violation The USPA received a conduct violation complaint on July 11, alleging that USPA member Darrell Gaebel used offensive language when addressing a minor USPA member during a game played at the Great Meadow polo facility under the auspices of Twilight Polo Club on July 10. On July 20, the USPA Executive Committee issued charges against Mr. Gaebel for violating the USPA Code of Conduct. A hearing was held on Aug. 6, during which Mr. Gaebel, the minor USPA member, and 15 other witnesses testified. The hearing officers rejected Mr. Gaebel’s jurisdictional objections, but concluded there was not sufficient evidence to find that Mr. Gaebel used the offensive language alleged in the complaint. Accordingly, the conduct violation complaint was dismissed in a final order dated Aug. 20.
three-month suspension, a one-year probation, completion of an anger management program, and the delivery of letters of apology to affected USPA members. PDI Grant Application The 2022 Polo Development Initiative application is now available and will close Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. The Polo Development Initiative Grant Program is a reimbursable grant-based program intended to support thoughtfully presented applications for PDI funding that address specific, club-based, sustainability needs. Grant awards will be made in support of a specific purpose that addresses those needs, including, but not limited to: • Advancing the sustainability and growth of club membership, taking into consideration club capacity and the available polo facilities. • Improving the quality of the polo-playing experience. • Promoting the development of the sport of polo. Visit the Polo Development Initiative page on uspolo.org to apply today. Alumni Networking Host an alumni networking event at your club. Relive memories from your intercollegiate/ interscholastic career and reconnect with the sport! Alumni networking events aim to introduce I/I alumni in the area to local polo clubs and players. To learn more about alumni in your area or to share information on your polo club, please check out the Alumni Polo Network on LinkedIn. The Alumni Engagement Committee invites any member club interested in hosting an I/I alumni networking event to reach out to I/I Program Coordinator Ali Davidge.
Seneca Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, hosted an I/I alumni networking event this past summer.
The USPA received a conduct violation complaint alleging violations of the USPA Code of Conduct by Salvador Sanchez Duggan during two games in the USPA Memorial Cup at the Spokane Polo Club. The USPA Executive Committee issued charges related to subparagraphs (2), (3), (8), (9) and (10) of the association’s Code of Conduct, and subparagraphs (a) and (b) of Outdoor Rule 33. Mr. Duggan voluntarily agreed to resolve the matter in a settlement that included, among other things, a
6 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
Membership Renewal It is that time of year again! Renew your USPA membership for 2022 and continue to enjoy a variety of benefits, including savings on nationally known products through NTRA advantage, discounts on clothing and more. The fastest and most efficient way to renew your membership is through the USPA website at www.uspolo.org. To ensure your membership benefits continue uninterrupted, please renew no later than Friday, Dec. 31. When renewing, please ensure your contact information, including your email and mailing address, is current. If you require a paper renewal, please send a request to membership@uspolo.org.
