Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

United States Polo Association, UMPIRES LLC

DIRECTOR – RULES & OFFICIATING

Reports Directly To: Executive Director of USPA Umpires, LLC

 

Position Summary

The Director – Rules & Officiating serves as the Head of Officiating Performance for Umpires LLC. This role is responsible for the integrity, consistency, and execution of officiating standards across all USPA-sanctioned competitions.

This position combines technical expertise in polo officiating with modern performance management, integrating real-time data, video analysis, and structured evaluation systems to support umpire development and consistent application of officiating standards.

This is a fully remote position requiring extensive domestic and international travel. The position requires an on-site presence in Wellington, Florida, from February through April during the primary polo season. Regular attendance at USPA events, tournaments, and other officiating-related activities is an essential component of the position.

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

Manage Standards of Officiating & Enforcement

• Own and enforce national standards for:
  • Foul recognition
  • Advantage application
  • Carding (Yellow / Double Yellow / Red)
• Ensure consistency across all levels of play and regions.
• Issue formal interpretations and guidance aligned with the USPA Rules Committee.

Direct Umpire Program

• Oversee the evaluation system for all professional umpires (P1–P4).
• Review and validate:
  • Game reports
  • Data-driven performance metrics
• Provide feedback and guidance based on documented performance and officiating standards.

Umpire Development – Road to P4

• Lead the national umpire development pathway:
  • Club Umpire → Certified → Certified-Endorsed → P1–P4
• Define pathway standards, experience requirements, and benchmarks used to determine the appropriate officiating level for each umpire.
• Chair or oversee review panels responsible for evaluating umpire readiness and placement within the appropriate officiating pathway or level.

Discipline & Escalation

• Make initial determinations regarding:
  • Umpire performance issues
  • On-field enforcement concerns
• Escalate significant matters to the Executive Director when required.

Data Integration & Decision-Making

• Utilize video and statistical analysis to:
  • Identify trends and inconsistencies.
  • Support decisions regarding officiating concerns and disciplinary matters.
  • Identify skills, experience, and demonstrated performance to appropriately position umpires within the officiating pathway.
• Ensure officiating decisions are supported by objective and reviewable data.

 

Event Oversight

• Provide leadership presence at major USPA events.
• Support high-level officiating decisions in real time.
• Ensure IRO/replay systems are properly utilized.

 

Key Success Metrics

• Consistency of foul and carding decisions, supported by data.
• Successful umpire development and progression through the P1–P4 pathway.
• Reduction in officiating disputes.
• Alignment between data analysis and on-field decisions.

 

Skills / Requirements

• Extensive experience as a high-level polo umpire or polo officiating authority.
• Deep knowledge of:
  • USPA Outdoor & Arena Rules
  • Umpire procedures and tournament conditions
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate officiating performance.
• Experience working with video/replay systems preferred.
• Strong leadership and decision-making ability under pressure.
• Ability to travel extensively for business purposes, including domestic and international travel.
• Computer literacy and technical proficiency, with the ability to understand and effectively use proprietary umpire tools, officiating technology, video/replay systems, and related digital platforms.

 

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of this position.

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