Letter to ISU Members (Apr 10, 2003)

10 April 2003

To: ISU Members
cc: ISU Referees and Judges

Why the World Skating Federation Exists

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Recently I copied all ISU Members my letter of resignation from the ISU Figure Skating Technical Committee. That letter fully explained the reasons why I felt it was necessary for me to step aside. My final decision was not taken lightly, as I recognized my obligation to you as ISU Members, whether or not you voted for me at the 49th ISU Ordinary Congress in Kyoto.

My commitment to the sport of Figure Skating is complete and unquestioned. That cannot be said of my former commitment to the current administration of it. Our sport is seriously ill and we need to take the necessary actions to assure that the future of Figure Skating will be long and healthy.

Today I write to you to explain why I believe the World Skating Federation (WSF) is the only practical way for our sport to rid itself of corruption and the unfavorable situation in which it finds itself today.

The current administration has often disregarded the ISU Constitution and Regulations, and misled the Congress: for example, Urgent Proposal No. 4. The President told the Congress it is not a rule, it is a project, more than forty times, and now we find it as Rule 121 para. 3. The Council issued Communication 1197 which goes far beyond the intention of the Congress in passing Urgent Proposal 29, here again another abuse of power. In Kyoto proposals were rejected quite correctly so without discussion because they were not accompanied by a budget, as required under the provisions of Article 24 A paragraph b., yet the Council put forth a new Judging System for figure skating without the slightest mention of cost, probably millions of dollars; blatant disrespect for the Constitution and rules of procedure. And why was the new Judging System, clearly a figure skating technical matter, voted on in the entire Congress, by both speed and figure delegates? Did the Council fear they didn't have the votes in the Figure Skating Section?

The time has come for us to take control of our sport and to share all revenues generated through figure skating events solely with figure skating athletes and members. It is time to split figure skating and speed skating. It has become clear that the rampant disregard of existing provisions of the ISU Constitution and Regulations by those currently in authority will be a complete barrier to fixing the problems from within. Those in control will continue the manipulation of the sport and its ultimate demise if drastic actions are not taken. We know that many of you agree with us and share our concerns for the future of our sport.

The World Skating Federation is an athlete-focused international sport organization whose purpose is the governing and promoting of Figure Skating throughout the world. Its integrity and the friendly and loyal cooperation of its Members will benefit the athletes by promoting peace and understanding amongst nations. The WSF does not condone interference in the sport of Figure Skating based on political or any other grounds and will make every effort to avoid such interference. The WSF shall ensure that the interests of all Members are observed and respected.

It may be premature at this time for us to anticipate rapid recognition of the WSF by the IOC but we will continue to press forward on that front. Nonetheless, we have made concerted efforts to accomplish a smooth transition to the WSF if events lead in that direction. If (by the way of example) we should achieve that result, we would anticipate honoring all outstanding commitments of the ISU (at least those which are in compliance with its existing Constitution and Regulations) with respect to future Championships and similar competitive events. Moreover, all current Office Holders and Officials will be presumed to meet the ethics standards of the WSF, unless a previous official sanction by the ISU Council or applicable Technical Committee has been issued to the individual.

I would welcome any opportunity to communicate with you and address your concerns. I will make myself, or others, available to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. We would welcome your endorsement of the principles upon which the World Skating Federation is founded. While those principles may properly seem "universal" to some observers, I do not believe any objective observer would assert that those principles are being followed currently in the administration of our sport, or that they have been followed in recent memory, or that they will be followed in the future other than through the WSF. Please reject any fear and intimidation you may be feeling at this moment. The WSF will not ask you to put your athletes' careers in jeopardy. Your reply, comments, and any other suggestions would be kept confidential at this end until such time as you make them public yourself or authorize us to do so. We will also do whatever we can to neutralize the threats represented by Circular Letter No. 583 and to preserve the sovereign authority of the ISU Members (as such or ultimately as Members of the WSF) over the sport in their home country and over the athletes representing that country.

Enclosed you will find information concerning the World Skating Federation, and please visit our web site at www.worldskating.org.

Sincerely,

Ron Pfenning
Acting President

[Note: *Enclosures included WSF Constitution and General Principles.]