Oct 19, 2020
The 2020-2021 Intercollegiate/Interscholastic (I/I) season is going to look a bit different this year, especially for USPA intercollegiate programs. Due to COVID-19 several programs were forced to shut down at the end of the spring season. Even though many schools are back in session, some colleges and universities aren’t allowing club sports or organizations to be active, bringing some teams’ fall polo plans to a screeching halt. Although college programs are eligible to receive assistance through the USPA COVID-19 Equine Welfare Relief Program(ERP), without polo being played, some clubs are not receiving student dues to support their programs. The USPA has been very impressed by some clever fundraising ideas, so please take a peek at this week’s I/I Team Spotlight and consider supporting their fundraiser!
ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY POLO CLUB: The Oklahoma State University (OSU) Polo Club is completely student run and club members are responsible for the daily feeding and total care of all ponies. The Oklahoma State University Polo Club hosts both a men’s and women’s varsity team which travel and play in the central region. The club normally plays in two to five tournaments a year. Unfortunately, this fall semester the team will be unable to travel or host teams, making it difficult to sustain current members and recruit new members. With dedicated officers and a core group of enthusiastic members the club has been able to practice and work diligently at basic skills to improve their polo knowledge. OSU is hopeful to play in the spring semester, allowing the varsity teams to travel to tournaments. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma State University junior varsity team will continue to scrimmage and grow their skills.
OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MERCHANDISE FUNDRAISER: The Oklahoma State University Polo Club is holding a merchandise fundraiser until Wednesday, November 4, to support the club. Funds that are raised will go towards feed, hay, vet care, farrier bills, and upkeep of the facility. The Oklahoma State University Polo Club has 17 horses donated by generous club supporters from around the central region which the collegiate members are grateful to care for, ride and play. Oklahoma State University polo also hosts men’s and women’s varsity teams who play in the Intercollegiate divisions in the central region.
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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