WSF After 1 Year

By Ron Pfenning, Acting President

On this first anniversary of the announcement of the World Skating Federation I thought it appropriate to take stock of this past year, look forward and share some of my thoughts with you, the supporters of the WSF.

The WSF is not dead. After the WSF's formation received considerable press coverage, followed with excitement and support, it is fair to say the recent past few months have been quiet. So what's been happening?

Considerable time and effort has been spent legally challenging the International Skating Union (ISU). We have yet to have our day in court, and anticipate it will happen during 2004.

Plans are underway for an inaugural WSF skating event. However, until the venue, television, sponsors and athletes are committed, with agreements signed, we obviously cannot publicly announce this event.

The year has been one of personal frustration and disappointment to all of us. This past week, Sonia Bianchetti stepped down as Acting Vice President. This news came as a surprise and was received with profound regret. Few persons have contributed as much as Sonia has to the administration of our sport. The WSF's Constitution was fostered and structured with Sonia's leadership. She sees the need for changes in our sport and is frustrated at the lack of progress. She recently wrote eloquently on the ISU proposed Code of Points judging system. We will miss having her regular input as we move forward.

We must continue to move forward, no matter how slowly, since the principles we stood for a year ago are equally as valid today. Athletes must participate in the administration of the sport; Coaches must play an integral role; Figure Skating and Speed Skating should not be under the same governing body; Openness and Accountability must be returned to the judging of the sport, with geographical balance in the governance and judging of our athletes. It's encouraging to see some ideas pioneered by the WSF have made their way into the general skating world already. The US Figure Skating proposals submitted for consideration at next June's ISU Congress include in part, athlete and coach representation, term limits, geographical balance of Technical Committee chairs, more openness of judges' identity and marks awarded, together with the use of geographical zones on judging panels. As optimistic as I am that changes can happen in the sport, I seriously doubt whether the ISU is of a mind to accept these necessary changes.

In the past year, the International Skating Union has threatened and has taken action against some of us who have stood up and supported the WSF; some ISU member federations have taken similar action.

The fear and intimidation that currently exists amongst skating officials has driven many of our supporters 'underground'. The ISU has systematically applied pressure to its member federations to toe their 'party line' and not be seen taking any actions that might be perceived as being contrary to the ISU's own interests. The actions taken by the ISU, in my opinion, are not at all fair or just. There must be the opportunity for opposing points of view to be expressed and advocated without fear of reprimand, even within the ISU.

I want to thank those brave individuals who have stood up for change and have also contributed financial support to the WSF. Without these supporters the WSF could well be dead; fortunately the internal spirit to do what is right for our sport cannot be extinguished no matter how strongly our opposition tries.

Going forward it is important that we all continue to speak out in support of changes needed in figure skating. The WSF has made a difference and has initiated change, but there is so much more to do. With your help we can, and must, succeed.