A Report from Acting President Ron Pfenning

Ron's photo Dear Friends,

As of May 18, the World Skating Federation celebrated its 54th day of existence. And what a 54 days it has been! The WSF has shone a spotlight on the corruption and dishonesty lurking within the ISU; called into question judging standards and procedures; witnessed the USFSA Governing Council ratify the Board of Directors vote to support the principles of the WSF and proudly supported the athletes in their fight for voting representation on the ISU.

It is clear there is considerable grassroots support for the WSF and your support sustains us. It is quite another story with a few officials within the USFSA leadership. The order of the day has been fear, intimidation, legal and parliamentary maneuvering, punitive retaliation and shameful rumor mongering. At the USFSA Governing Council Meeting, we witnessed a presentation lasting over an hour that paid homage to the ISU and attacked the WSF. Cleverly, former President Phyllis Howard allowed no questions nor sought opposing opinions from the delegates. Happily, their strategy backfired. The delegates were unhappy with the draconian, undemocratic procedures. Executive Director John LeFevre's misleading, ISU/USFSA policy-setting letter underscored the attitude of the USFSA's leadership. The letter replete with untruths had been sent to the media, the delegates and posted on the USFSA web site prior to the meeting. This is the first time in my memory that a member of the paid staff has set policy. That is the job of the Board of Directors. At the meeting, the USFSA continually tried to block the WSF and made it nearly impossible to receive faxes and mail while shutting down a public broadcast of our pre-recorded press conference. It was a hard struggle for our voice to be heard.

Nonetheless, the highlight of the meeting occurred on Thursday, May 8 when an overflow crowd of more than 300 delegates and guests attended a presentation about the WSF. It was an opportunity for me to speak the truth and set the record straight. Briefly, I explained that many people had long tried to bring about change within the tyrannical system of the ISU. To institute meaningful reform, it was necessary to form the WSF. Again, I reiterated and reassured the delegates that the WSF was not asking for any federations' or competitive athletes' endorsement. What the WSF imagines is an organization solely devoted to Figure Skating, dedicated to the athletes, free of any official misconduct, with accountability in judging and respectful of the rights and opinions of its members. I tried to dispel the rumor that the ISU could retaliate against the USFSA or its members for supporting the WSF. That is not legal even by the rules of the ISU. The ISU must impose sanctions as a result of a "serious violation". If the French and the Russian's behavior during the Olympics did not constitute a "serious violation" then how can supporting the principles of the WSF and free and open discussion? Jon Jackson, Kathy Casey and Paul Wylie joined in a lively question and answer session following the presentation.

The WSF has reason to be proud. Much work has been done in a short period of time. We have the first steps in our marathon, and there will be bumps and detours, but being on the side of right is sometimes difficult but never wrong. The cause is just, and with your help and support, the WSF will prevail.

[Signed]
Ron Pfenning