Letter to USFSA Members (May 1, 2003)

May 1, 2003

Dear Fellow USFSA Member:

Misinformation plus intimidation is an assured formula to elicit fright and apprehension. Recently, such misinformation has been spread about the WSF. This has been coupled with intimidation tactics aimed at WSF supporters from both the ISU and powerful national governing bodies.

The WSF has played a productive role in prompting discussion and accelerating action. At the very least, I hope we can all agree that silencing campaigns and the spread of fabrications are not in the best interest of figure skating.

Here are a few examples of the misinformation being systematically disseminated throughout the membership. And, here is the truth.

The WSF Wants to Take Over the USFSA

False: The WSF, an international organization, views the USFSA as an important, powerful federation and is only interested in partnering with them to advance the sport of figure skating.

The WSF is Out to Obtain the Treasury of the USFSA

False: The WSF cannot and does not want to rob any federation of its assets. As an international organization, the WSF believes in and promotes financial strength among all federations. The WSF will work with worldwide federations to help them build their treasuries because independent financial strength is essential to the growth and strength of figure skating.

The WSF Will Cause Our Athletes to Become Ineligible

False: The primary concern and focus of the WSF is the athletes. Never will the WSF place the eligibility of any athlete or his or her member federation in jeopardy. The WSF will not ask the USFSA or any national governing body to join the WSF until the point that it is safe for the athletes.

The Endorsement of the WSF by the USFSA will Threaten the Contract with ABC

False: The World Skating Federation is an international governing body that has no influence or effect upon the contractual obligations between the USFSA and ABC.

The ISU will Sanction or Expel the USFSA

False: This would be considered a clear illegal action subject to an immediate court injunction and subsequent economic damages. Furthermore, without our extraordinary athletes, ABC and/or other television networks would have little motivation to cover figure skating events. United States money and television audiences are the principal basis for the television contracts that result in the ISU's abundant treasury and budget. Would the ISU want to both enter a legal battle and cut off its main source of revenue? Be realistic!

Ron Pfenning Has Formed the WSF because of Self-Interests

False: This is my very personal answer. Sometimes, integrity and moral values can play a major role in one's life journey. After Salt Lake City, I realized unpunished, dishonest officials were duping the athletes. Under Cinquanta's autocratic leadership and unable to voice, much less effect, change from within, I resigned my position on the ISU Figure Skating Technical Committee conscious of the fact that my service to the ISU would be terminated. In lock step, the USFSA has followed suit. Longtime friends no longer speak to me. Cruel rumors about me circulate. No matter, the WSF and its principles are just and honorable. I am proud of what I have accomplished and prouder still to serve as the Acting President of the World Skating Federation.

It is important for all members to understand the strategy of fear, intimidation and guilt by association alluded to in the last question. It is a technique most effectively practiced by the ISU and now adopted by the USFSA. I was removed from my ex-officio position on the USFSA Board of Directors the day of my resignation from the ISU FSTC. In addition, I was recently informed that I was to be removed from my membership on the USFSA Judges Review and Selections Committees. This removal was unilateral and therefore against the By-Laws of the USFSA; the decision to remove a member of a committee must be made in conjunction with the Chairman of that committee. Because of my objection, I remain on the Judges Review Committee, but a colleague of several decades, Lucy Brennan, subsequently removed me from the Selections Committee. Taking a page from the "ISU Book of Intimidation", the USFSA is trying to circumvent its Constitution, By-Laws and Rules.

The WSF offers a positive alternative. Imagine a figure skating world that is truly athlete-focused. Imagine a figure skating world that will ensure integrity, honesty and accountability in judging; that listens to, cares about and cooperates with all its members including elite and test competitors, synchronized teams, adult skaters, Special Olympians, coaches, parents and member federations. Imagine an organization that will govern openly and with honor to promote figure skating throughout the world. We have, and it is here. Support the ability to advocate what you believe in without retribution. Support the principles of the World Skating Federation.

The WSF will be hosting an important town hall meeting at 8:30 PM on Thursday, May 8th at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk. All are cordially invited to attend because we believe an organization can only advance when the membership is given a forum for an open dialogue. I will stay as long as it takes to answer every question in an honest, forthright manner. We need your input to make figure skating the premier sport it should be. I look forward to seeing you in Norfolk.

Sincerely,

Ron Pfenning
Member USFSA,
Governing Council Delegate, and
Acting President
World Skating Federation